Changing Stocks, Flows and Behaviors in Industrial Ecosystems
Changing Stocks, Flows and Behaviors in Industrial Ecosystems

Author: Matthias Ruth

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2009-01-01

Total Pages: 171

ISBN-13: 184844513X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This book marks an important contribution by Matthias Ruth and Brynhildur Davidsdottir to the developing literature that seeks to integrate our understanding of physical and environmental systems, the built human environment, economics, and complexity. It is a valuable resource for anyone interested in industrial ecology, material flow assessment, and the state of the world generally. Braden R. Allenby, Arizona State University, US This volume offers the state-of-the-art in dynamic modeling of the functioning of firms in industrial ecosystems. The systematic connection between insights from engineering, ecological, behavioral and organization theories makes the insights policy-relevant. The authors combine an impressive knowledge of innovative concepts and modeling techniques with data on real-world industrial ecosystems. Jeroen van den Bergh, Free University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands Industrial ecology provides a consistent material and energetic description of human production and consumption processes in the larger context of environmental and socioeconomic change. The contributors to this book offer methodologies for such descriptions, focusing on the dynamics associated with stocks of materials and capital, flows of raw materials, intermediate products, desired outputs and wastes, as well as the associated changes in behaviors of producers, consumers and institutions. The book begins by presenting analogies and analytical concepts pertinent to understanding the dynamics of industrial ecosystems, and offers a reflection on the use of those analogies and concepts, their limitations and potential extensions. Part II focuses on stocks and flows dynamics at the firm and industry level. Part III turns to the use of agent-based modeling and organization behavior theory to better understand and represent the dynamics within firms and the larger institutional environment within which they choose to use materials, energy and technology. Connections are made throughout between those dynamics and the associated changes in environmental quality. The concluding chapter addresses how to change a firm s environmental performance from within. Researchers and students in the fields of industrial ecology; resource and environmental economics; ecological economics; environmental, energy, and climate change policy; environmental engineering; and energy economics will find this comprehensive volume highly informative.

Taking Stock of Industrial Ecology
Taking Stock of Industrial Ecology

Author: Roland Clift

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2015-12-11

Total Pages: 373

ISBN-13: 3319205714

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

How can we design more sustainable industrial and urban systems that reduce environmental impacts while supporting a high quality of life for everyone? What progress has been made towards reducing resource use and waste, and what are the prospects for more resilient, material-efficient economies? What are the environmental and social impacts of global supply chains and how can they be measured and improved? Such questions are at the heart of the emerging discipline of industrial ecology, covered in Taking Stock of Industrial Ecology. Leading authors, researchers and practitioners review how far industrial ecology has developed and current issues and concerns, with illustrations of what the industrial ecology paradigm has achieved in public policy, corporate strategy and industrial practice. It provides an introduction for students coming to industrial ecology and for professionals who wish to understand what industrial ecology can offer, a reference for researchers and practitioners and a source of case studies for teachers.

The Dynamics of Regions and Networks in Industrial Ecosystems
The Dynamics of Regions and Networks in Industrial Ecosystems

Author: Matthias Ruth

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2009-01-01

Total Pages: 263

ISBN-13: 1848449372

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Industrial ecology provides a rigorous and comprehensive description of human production and consumption processes in the larger context of environmental and socioeconomic change. This volume offers methodologies for such descriptions, with contributions covering both basic and advanced analytical concepts and tools to explore the dynamics of industrial ecosystems, concentrating specifically on regions and networks. Each of the book s three parts contains an introduction by a leader in the field, as well as chapters ranging from conceptual models to case study applications. The first part offers an introduction to the main themes and issues surrounding regional and networked industrial ecosystems. The subsequent two parts broaden and deepen the discussion with emphasis on the regional and network characters relevant for analysis and management. The scale of issues ranges from buildings to regions to entire nations, with methods that range from input output analysis to computer-assisted simulation games. Researchers in the fields of industrial ecology, ecological economics, environmental and energy policy, environmental engineering, and resource and environmental economics will find this comprehensive book of great interest.

A Research Agenda for Environmental Economics
A Research Agenda for Environmental Economics

Author: Matthias Ruth

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2020-06-26

Total Pages: 281

ISBN-13: 1789900050

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Presenting critical insights on how economic activity is constrained by the environment’s ability to provide material and energy resources, this timely Research Agenda explores how humanity shapes, and is shaped by, environmental change and sustainability challenges. Chapters highlight how, under these constraints, people may seek to improve their lives and standards of living without undermining the abilities of others to do so now or in the future.

Handbook of Research methods and Applications in Environmental Studies
Handbook of Research methods and Applications in Environmental Studies

Author: Matthias Ruth,

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Published: 2015-08-28

Total Pages: 544

ISBN-13: 1783474645

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This Handbook presents methods to advance the understanding of interdependencies between the well-being of human societies and the performance of their biophysical environment. It showcases applications to material and energy use; urbanization and tech

Handbook of Sustainability and Social Science Research
Handbook of Sustainability and Social Science Research

Author: Walter Leal Filho

Publisher: Springer

Published: 2017-10-26

Total Pages: 477

ISBN-13: 3319671227

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In this handbook social science researchers who focus on sustainability present and discuss their findings, including empirical work, case studies, teaching and learning innovations, and applied projects. As such, the book offers a basis for the dissemination of information, ideas and experiences acquired in the execution of research projects, especially initiatives which have influenced behavior, decision-making, or policy. Furthermore, it introduces methodological approaches and projects which aim to offer a better understanding of sustainability across society and economic sectors. This multidisciplinary overview presents the work of researchers from across the spectrum of the social sciences. It stimulates innovative thinking on how social sciences influence sustainable development and vice-versa.

Encyclopedia of Ecology
Encyclopedia of Ecology

Author: Brian D. Fath

Publisher: Newnes

Published: 2014-11-03

Total Pages: 4292

ISBN-13: 008091456X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The groundbreaking Encyclopedia of Ecology provides an authoritative and comprehensive coverage of the complete field of ecology, from general to applied. It includes over 500 detailed entries, structured to provide the user with complete coverage of the core knowledge, accessed as intuitively as possible, and heavily cross-referenced. Written by an international team of leading experts, this revolutionary encyclopedia will serve as a one-stop-shop to concise, stand-alone articles to be used as a point of entry for undergraduate students, or as a tool for active researchers looking for the latest information in the field. Entries cover a range of topics, including: Behavioral Ecology Ecological Processes Ecological Modeling Ecological Engineering Ecological Indicators Ecological Informatics Ecosystems Ecotoxicology Evolutionary Ecology General Ecology Global Ecology Human Ecology System Ecology The first reference work to cover all aspects of ecology, from basic to applied Over 500 concise, stand-alone articles are written by prominent leaders in the field Article text is supported by full-color photos, drawings, tables, and other visual material Fully indexed and cross referenced with detailed references for further study Writing level is suited to both the expert and non-expert Available electronically on ScienceDirect shortly upon publication

The Greening of Industrial Ecosystems
The Greening of Industrial Ecosystems

Author: National Academy of Engineering

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 1994-02-01

Total Pages: 270

ISBN-13: 0309374030

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

In the 1970s, the first wave of environmental regulation targeted specific sources of pollutants. In the 1990s, concern is focused not on the ends of pipes or the tops of smokestacks but on sweeping regional and global issues. This landmark volume explores the new industrial ecology, an emerging framework for making environmental factors an integral part of economic and business decision making. Experts on this new frontier explore concepts and applications, including: Bringing international law up to par with many national laws to encourage industrial ecology principles. Integrating environmental costs into accounting systems. Understanding design for environment, industrial "metabolism," and sustainable development and how these concepts will affect the behavior of industrial and service firms. The volume looks at negative and positive aspects of technology and addresses treatment of waste as a raw material. This volume will be important to domestic and international policymakers, leaders in business and industry, environmental specialists, and engineers and designers.

Understanding Systems Theory
Understanding Systems Theory

Author: Andrew D. Chapman

Publisher: The Autodidact’s Toolkit

Published: 2024-02-28

Total Pages: 218

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

At its core, systems theory is an interdisciplinary framework for understanding the complex and interconnected nature of various elements within a system. It transcends traditional approaches that focus on individual components, advocating for a holistic perspective. Systems theory examines how parts of a system interact, influence each other, and contribute to the system’s overall behavior and outcomes. This approach is crucial in today’s world, where challenges are increasingly complex and interlinked, requiring solutions that consider the entirety of the system. Understanding Systems Theory is tailored for a broad audience. It serves as an essential resource for students across disciplines such as business, engineering, social sciences, and environmental studies, providing a foundational understanding of systems thinking. For academics and researchers, it offers in-depth analyses and the latest developments in systems theory. Professionals and practitioners will find practical applications and strategies to address systemic challenges in their respective fields, from organizational management to environmental sustainability. This book demystifies systems theory, breaking it down into digestible concepts, illustrated with real-world examples and case studies. It systematically guides the reader through the key principles, methodologies, and applications of systems thinking. Each chapter is crafted to build upon the previous one, gradually deepening the reader’s understanding while maintaining clarity and accessibility. Understanding Systems Theory is organized into ten distinct but interconnected parts, each focusing on a different aspect of systems theory: Introduction to Systems Theory: Laying the foundational concepts and significance of systems thinking Foundations of Systems Theory: Delving into the core principles and elements that constitute systems System Modeling and Analysis: Exploring methodologies and tools for modeling and analyzing systems Systems in Various Domains: Applying systems theory across different sectors and disciplines Advanced Systems Theory Concepts: Discussing more complex and emerging ideas in systems theory Systems Thinking Tools and Techniques: Providing practical tools and techniques for implementing systems thinking Organizational Systems and Change: Focusing on the application of systems theory in organizational contexts Contemporary Issues in Systems Theory: Addressing modern challenges and the role of systems thinking in resolving them Systems Theory in Research and Education: Exploring the role of systems theory in academic research and educational curricula Applied Systems Theory: Demonstrating the practical applications of systems theory in various real-world scenarios Each part consists of carefully structured chapters that progress from fundamental concepts to more advanced topics, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of systems theory and its vast applicability. We invite you on this journey through Understanding Systems Theory, confident that it will enrich your perspective and equip you with the tools to think and act systemically in an increasingly interconnected world.

Handbook of Input-Output Economics in Industrial Ecology
Handbook of Input-Output Economics in Industrial Ecology

Author: Sangwon Suh

Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media

Published: 2009-05-13

Total Pages: 885

ISBN-13: 1402057377

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Industrial Ecology (IE) is an emerging multidisciplinary field. University departments and higher education programs are being formed on the subject following the lead of Yale University, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Leiden University, University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California at Berkeley, Institute for Superior Technology in Lisbon, Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich, and The University of Tokyo. IE deals with stocks and flows in interconnected networks of industry and the environment, which relies on a basic framework for analysis. Among others, Input-Output Analysis (IOA) is recognized as a key conceptual and analytical framework for IE. A major challenge is that the field of IOA manifests a long history since the 1930s with two Nobel Prize Laureates in the field and requires considerable analytical rigor. This led many instructors and researchers to call for a high-quality publication on the subject which embraces both state-of-the-art theory and principles as well as practical applications.