Romain Billy, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Norway

Maps of the physical economy to inform sustainability strategies – May 6th (Day 1), 9:20 am

Effective strategies to address pressing sustainability challenges such as climate change and resource conservation depend on a robust understanding of the physical economy or socioeconomic metabolism (SEM). However, approaches to map the SEM using material flow analysis (MFA) are highly fragmented. They are often hampered by a poor understanding of the physical system, poor data, large uncertainties, unsuitable model approaches, or a lack of effective communication, all of which can severely limit the usefulness for informing business and government strategies. To address these shortcomings, we differentiate key components of MFA, analyse their structure and function, and propose a common framework and roadmap for monitoring the physical economy. We illustrate the use of this framework with a case study on aluminium at global and industrial plant levels.

Romain Billy is a researcher at the Industrial Ecology Program of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) in Trondheim, Norway. He specializes in Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Stock Dynamics models to monitor and simulate metal cycles and their emissions at different scales, particularly focusing on aluminium and battery materials. His recent work also explores the physical bioeconomy, aiming to better balance nutrient cycles and quantify the potential of bio-based materials for decarbonisation.