(778g) Ecological Input-Output Analysis-Based Sustainability Analysis of Industrial Systems

Awarded the Outstanding Sustainable Engineering Forum Student Paper Competition 2008. This work utilizes the existing Ecological Input-Output Analysis method, combined with known and established environmental and economic sustainability metrics, to create a systematic analysis methodology capable of evaluating various decisions, which are made by individual plant management for the benefit of their own company. Additionally the analysis aids in determining the option that results in the best route for improving sustainable development, at the plant, industry, and industrial zone levels. Such information will be valuable for the synergistic sustainability improvements of both individual entities as well as industrial zones.