An information system for sustainable materials management with material flow accounting and waste input–output analysis
Journal
Sustainable Environment Research
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
3
Pages
135-145
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Chen, P.-C.
Liu, K.-H.
Reu, R.
Yang, B.-C.
Cheng, K.-L.
Wu, S.-C.
Lee, Y.-H.
Ho, C.-L.
Houng, H.J.
Ma, H.-W.
Abstract
Sustainable materials management focuses on the dynamics of materials in economic and environmental activities to optimize material use efficiency and reduce environmental impact. A preliminary web-based information system is thus developed to analyze the issues of resource consumption and waste generation, enabling countries to manage resources and wastes from a life cycle perspective. This pioneering system features a four-layer framework that integrates information on physical flows and economic activities with material flow accounting and waste input–output table analysis. Within this framework, several applications were developed for different waste and resource management stakeholders. The hierarchical and interactive dashboards allow convenient overview of economy-wide material accounts, waste streams, and secondary resource circulation. Furthermore, the system can trace material flows through associated production supply chain and consumption activities. Integrated with economic models; this system can predict the possible overloading on the current waste management facility capacities and provide decision support for designing strategies to approach resource sustainability. The limitations of current system are specified for directing further enhancement of functionalities. © 2017
Subjects
Environmental information system; Material flow indicators; Supply chain management; Sustainable materials management
Other Subjects
Artificial life; Decision support systems; Economics; Environmental impact; Environmental management; Information systems; Information use; Inventory control; Life cycle; Materials handling; Supply chain management; Sustainable development; Waste management; Environmental activities; Environmental information systems; Material flow accountings; Material flow indicators; Resource sustainability; Sustainable materials; Waste management facility; Web based information systems; Information management
Type
journal article