Sustainability Network Theory and Industrial Systems

Sustainability Network Theory and Industrial Systems
Junbeum Kim, Braden Allenby, and Ming Xu May 15, 2007 A Center for Sustainable Engineering Education Module

SUMMARY
The integrated human/natural/built systems that characterize the anthropogenic earth are highly complex, interconnected, and overlapping. One way to understand and visualize these complex systems is through conceptualizing them as networks. The theory of networks, and network analysis, have been applied widely, providing a unifying language to describe disparate systems ranging from social interactions to power-grids. Thus, the science of networks is a promising vehicle by which to study, and advance our understanding of, the complicated systems that are at the heart of sustainability and sustainable engineering. A major challenge of sustainability is to visualize all the relevant information on various issues and demonstrate the connections between seemingly disparate factors. Network theory and analysis can support identification of causal loops, help with prioritization of conflicting factors, and facilitate intervention at the right levels. This module is about a set of models and tools collectively based on, and illustrating, a new competency we call “sustainability network theory” or “SNT”. The first part of the module introduces network concepts and examples of their application. The second part develops SNT as a means to reflect and model complex aspects of industrial networks, including interconnections between environmental, economic and social aspects. As this is a cutting edge integration of theory and practice in sustainable engineering, students and practitioners should be encouraged to develop their own applications. The target audiences of this module are advanced undergraduate engineering classes, and graduate classes in sustainable engineering and industrial ecology. This module is part of a series designed for the Center for Sustainable Engineering (CSE). Instructor’s guides

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