Introduction to Industrial Ecology

This textbook presents a technical, yet accessible, introduction to the interdisciplinary field of industrial ecology. The textbook begins with the history of industrial ecology, and progresses through common industrial ecology tools to explore and understand sustainability across the three paradigms of environment, economy, and society.

Tools and Concepts

Tools include material flow analysis, life cycle assessment, and economics. Interwoven into this is the role of human behavior, and its influence on technical industrial ecology solutions, in particular why it is critical to consider from an engineering and science context.

Learning Approaches

Project-based and community-based learning are also included as an opportunity to provide experiential learning applying industrial ecology concepts and tools.

Special Topics

The book also includes a dedicated chapter on Emerging and Developing Economies, which introduces readers to the idea of different trajectories of development, and the role of industrial ecology in shaping these developments.

Case Studies and Student Engagement

Using the tools covered earlier in the textbook, the book includes five case study chapters which focus on food, energy, water, climate change, and carbon capture and utilization. The book contains chapter questions and discussion points to aid student learning.

Target Audience

This textbook is essential reading for introducing those studying environmental and sustainable engineering to industrial ecology.