Ecological Input−Output Analysis-Based Sustainability Analysis of Industrial Systems

Abstract

Industrial sustainability is a vital issue in pursuing the long-term development of industrial systems. This paper utilizes the existing Ecological Input−Output Analysis (EIOA) method, in combination with known and established environmental (mass intensity) and economic (gross profit) sustainability metrics, to (i) create a systematic analysis methodology capable of evaluating various decisions, which are made by individual plant management for the benefit of their own company, and (ii) determine which option results in the best route for improving sustainable development, at the plant, industry, and regional levels. Such information will be valuable for the synergistic sustainability improvements of both individual entities as well as industrial regions. To demonstrate the efficacy of this methodology, a case study involving a network of different industries is presented. Sustainability of the base case and two modified cases is assessed. The one with the highest positive environmental and economic sustainability impact is recommended.

Sustainability enhancement under uncertainty: a Monte Carlo-based simulation and system optimization method

“…Bailey et al (2004) provided a comprehensive review on sector-based IOA approaches that are integrated with materials, energy, and/or environmental impacts, and introduced an ecological input-output analysis (EIOA) method. Piluso et al (2008) extended the EIOA method (named e-EIOA method here) by separating the output streams into two sets, the product stream set and the waste stream set, which facilitates a system performance analysis. An e-EIOA-based system model can provide the necessary information for decision makers to develop alternative scenarios, each of which may adopt one or more technical approaches, or simply called technologies here, that can be further studied for system performance improvement.…”

“…The most effective scenario will then be selected for implementation. Detailed information of the e-EIOA method can be obtained in Piluso et al (2008). In this work, the e-EIOA-based system modeling method is adopted due to its capability of providing comprehensive system information.…”

“…System description According to Piluso et al (2008), a complex industrial system, named R (for example, an industrial region), is assumed to have n sub-systems (e.g., plants), each of which is named H i , and it is a basic element in input-output flow analysis. As shown in Fig.…”

“…Given the system matrix, R, and throughflows, an inflow analysis can be performed, which allows one to trace the system outputs back to their origins by determining the amount of direct and indirect flows within the system needed to generate that outflow. The detailed mathematical description can be found in Piluso et al (2008).…”

“…System and alternative scenarios Piluso et al (2008) studied an interesting sustainability enhancement problem for a large-scale industrial system. As shown in Fig.…”