L8 Flashcards
(15 cards)
System
A group of interacting, independent parts linked by exchanges of matter, energy and/or information.
Simple System
Relationship between input and output of the system can be explained by mathematical models, it is predictable.
Complex Adaptive System
Relationship between input and output of the system is not causal and is unpredictable. The system is constantly evolving and in response to changing conditions.
Similarities and Differences between economic selection and natural selection.
Fast vs Slow, Conscious actions vs Subconscious actions, both involve many mechanisms, both occur at many levels (scales).
Holarchy and Emergance.
A related set of systems that are not ranked. Often a series larger systems linked to smaller. Theory of emergence is that there is information in larger levels that cannot be understood by multiple smaller levels.
Small systems are fast and fragile, large are slow and durable.
Self-organisation
A term that characterises the development of complex adaptive systems.
Holling’s adaptive cycles
Exploitation - conservation - release - reorganisation. Systems have memory after release, are likely to return to the same exploitation phase.
A panarchy
Linked cycles of adaptive complex systems
Waste Hierarchy
Prevention, reuse, recycle, recovery, disposal.
Circular Economy
The idea that the waste of any process can be used as the feed for another.
Flawed - Modelled assuming nature has no waste but it does (chalk, oil).
- Energy can’t be 100% recycled (entropy).
Is the circular economy industrial symbiosis?
No because it focuses on waste recycle only and not the impacts of this. Recycling waste may be more detrimental to the environment than keeping it as waste, therefore it does not have sustaining the environment as its main goal.
Beneficial Re-use
The idea that the benefit of reusing materials can be different depending on what it is reused for.
Difficulties of Industrial Symbiosis
Communication, insuring self motivation/interest, trust between companies.
Benefits of industrial symbiosis
Risk reduction, environmental impact reduction, public image improved, economic benefits.
Industrial Symbiosis
Industrial symbiosis is the collaboration of a network of organisations to foster eco innovation and long term culture change. Through the mutually profitable sharing of materials technical and business processes are improved.
