×E2. Modelling and measuring the circular economy

The capacity of the global ecosystem to absorb a growing amount of waste is limited, and the global market for exporting waste has tightened. In addition, foreseeable action on climate change will necessitate a dramatic decrease in waste, direct and indirect emissions. Although challenging, these issues can also present new opportunities for business and government to innovate, and this has driven a burgeoning interest in ‘circular economy’ research. Technical approaches include life cycle assessment, input-output analysis, material flow accounting, systems and supply chain analysis. This session will present the latest thinking, measurements and modelling of material, energy and value flows that highlight circular economy challenges and options in an Australian and international context.

Key topics: Resource management, Industrial ecology, Ethological economics