Research trends in material flow analysis

Stefan Pauliuk is an expert for method development to assess sustainable development strategies. He works with supply chain analysis and scenario modelling for sustainable material futures. In this talk, he provides an overview of current research in material flow analysis (MFA). Materials are the building blocks of a modern lifestyle and of many technology-related sustainable development strategies. Material cycles, including the mining, refining, manufacturing, use, waste management, and recycling stages of materials, are important linkages in socioeconomic metabolism. Studying material cycles gives insight into future material and natural resource demand, the potential for recycling, the potential for material efficiency at the different stages of the cycle, and the impact of material use on the climate, water, and ecosystems. Stefan Pauliuk will present an account of the ongoing research and practical outcomes, focussing mostly on scenario-based dynamic MFA, as well as a report on the current status of theory, model, and database development in the field is given, embedding MFA into the wider field of industrial ecology research.

Stefan Pauliuk is an assistant professor for sustainable material and energy flow management at the Faculty for Environment and Natural Resources, University of Freiburg, Germany.

Sandwiches and drinks are provided.