Emergy-based indices and ratios to evaluate sustainability: monitoring economies and technology toward environmentally sound innovation

摘要: Abstract This paper provides a reference set of indices based on emergy, for the evaluation ecotechnological processes and whole economies. Indices emergy yield ratio (EYR), environmental loading (ELR), investment (EIR), among others, are stressed, new index sustainability (ESI) is defined. The given system shown to be functions renewable, nonrenewable purchased inflows. several ecological engineering activities including oil spill restoration, land reclamation wastewater recycle through wetlands, production systems, national economies demonstrate their usefulness. Ecological involves both natural engineered systems flows renewable energy, appropriate amounts which important determine if they result in sustainable use resources. can used evaluate investments eco-technology maximize performance. Sustainability function net economy its `load' environment. trends these monitored over time provide useful information about dynamics economic within carrying capacity environment develop. When particular sector or process focused on, instead economy, insights into thermodynamic efficiency process, quality output, interaction between surrounding