Contents
The Need History Industrial Ecology Tools of Industrial Ecology Benefits
The Need
It is widely accepted that mankind's current interaction with nature cannot be sustained. Nature's productive ability is declining; - Farmland, oceans, forests Pollution is constantly increasing and - Pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals Population is growing by 90 million people per year. - 3B in 1960, 6B in 2000, 9-10B in 2050 The potential for our grandchildren to live good lives is diminishing. We must begin to move to an economically and environmentally efficient economy Our current approach where environmental issues are seen as overhead has been helpful, but inadequate Environmental issues must become part of our strategic goals, central in our decision processes
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Natural Cycles
Energy Input No Waste Heat Loss
Energy Input
The Funnel:
Coming Constraints
Availability
Environmental Degradation Natural Resource Shortages Declining Fisheries Falling Water Tables Increasing Pollution
Business Choices
? Sustainable
Energy Demand Economic Growth Technology Affluence Rising Energy Costs, Population Growth Raw Material Costs,
Restoration
Demand = P x A x T
TIME
Industrial Ecology
The means to rationally approach and maintain a desirable carrying capacity with continuing economic evolution Industrial systems are viewed in concert with natural systems, not as separate from them A systems view to optimize the total materials cycle, from raw materials through manufacturing and use to final disposal The focus is on optimizing use of resources, energy and capital throughout the system
Today
Waste
Waste
Waste
Waste
Waste
Waste Transportation
Transportation
Manufacturing
Transportation
Consumer Use
Waste Extraction
Waste
Waste
Waste
Waste
Transportation
Manufacturing
Transportation
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The Ideal
Transportation
Transportation
Manufacturing
Transportation
Minimum Extraction
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Compliance
Environment
N
(ISO 14001)
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FromWhite Paper on Sustainable Development and Industrial Ecology issued by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
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References
Allenby, B. R., Industrial Ecology - Policy Framework and Implementation, Prentice Hall, New Jersey. Graedel, T. E. and Allenby, B. R., Industrial Ecology Yale University, Journal of Industrial Ecology
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Contact:
Larry Chalfan Executive Director One World Trade Center 121 S.W. Salmon St., Ste 210 Portland, OR 97204 Tel: 503-279-9383 Fax: 503-279-9381 lchalfan@zerowaste.org www.zerowaste.org
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