A perspective on industrial ecology and its application to a metals-industry ecosystem

摘要: Abstract An industrial ecosystem is a synthetic analog of natural where connections through the flux materials and energy between various firms/production units define system. In ecology, observation analysis need to be carried out at different levels aggregation understand predict system behavior. Similarly, systems perspective applied complex ecosystems may help better interactions entities, their overall with environment. Such an can also assist in efforts effectively mitigate environmental impacts production. addition, insights from ecological studies might hold valuable lessons applicable guide production towards sustainable future. Our study firms metal sector (mainly copper its alloys some precious metals) New England area has led understanding involving surrounding these firms, nature material flows this ecosystem. Overall, for system, recirculation seems extremely high, finding that supported by use release data reported Massachusetts firms. The roles entities have been clarified, including those are essential metals. Furthermore, other issues such as economic regulatory factors, relationship regulators, industry networks, etc. studied highlight key promoters barriers recycling. Based on this, preliminary policy conclusions drawn along suggestions further research deepen our ecologies industries.