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Industrial ecology: concepts and approaches
L W Jelinski1, T E Graedel, R A Laudise
1AT&T Bell Laboratories, Murray Hill, NJ 07974, USA.
Summary
Industrial ecology offers a new framework for sustainable manufacturing by viewing industrial systems holistically. This approach optimizes the entire materials cycle from creation to disposal.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Industrial Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Industrial ecology is an emerging field focused on sustainable industrial systems.
- Traditional industrial design often overlooks the interconnectedness of systems.
- Optimizing the materials lifecycle is crucial for environmental sustainability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the concept and framework of industrial ecology.
- To contextualize the contributions of a National Academy of Sciences colloquium on the topic.
- To outline how various studies fit within the broader scope of industrial ecology.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual framework development.
- Literature review and synthesis.
- Colloquium organization and contribution compilation.
Main Results:
- Industrial ecology integrates industrial systems with their surrounding environments.
- It aims to optimize the complete materials cycle, from raw materials to waste.
- The paper serves as an introduction to subsequent detailed contributions.
Conclusions:
- Industrial ecology provides a holistic approach to industrial design and manufacturing.
- Understanding the total materials cycle is key to sustainable practices.
- This framework facilitates the integration of diverse research within industrial ecology.