Industrial Ecology is a relatively new field of work that has rapidly developed over the last decade.

Industrial Ecology involves the study of the “flows” of materials and energy through socio-economic systems with a view to optimizing their use. This is in contrast with conventional monetary economics, which involves the study of “flow” of money through socio economic systems.

Hence we could say that Industrial Ecology is:

• The study of the flows of materials and energy in industrial and consumer activities.
• The study of the effects of these flows on the environment.
• The study of the influences of economic, political, regulatory, and social factors on the flow, use, and transformation of resources.

Plans could be developed (for societies as well as companies) that are based on an understanding of such flows of material and energy resources and hence it could be a new, exciting and more sustainable planning platform.