Quantification of spatially differentiated resource footprints for products and services through a macro-economic and thermodynamic approach

Abstract

Although natural resources form the basis of our economy, they are not always used in a sustainable way. To achieve a more sustainable economic growth, resource consumption needs to measured. Therefore, resource footprint frameworks (RFF) are being developed. To easily provide results, these RFF integrate inventory methodologies, at macro-scale mostly input-output (IO)-models, with resource accounting methodologies (RAM), of which the Ecological Footprint is probably the best known one. The objective of this paper is the development of a new RFF called IO-CEENE, in which a world IO-model (Exiobase), providing a global perspective, is integrated with the CEENE methodology (Cumulative Exergy Extraction from the Natural Environment), offering a more complete resource range: fossil fuels, metals, minerals, nuclear resources, water resources, land resources, abiotic renewable resources and atmospheric resources. This RFF allows one to calculate resource footprints for products or services consumed in different countries as the exergy extracted from nature. The way the framework is constructed makes it possible to show which resources and countries contribute to the total footprint. This was illustrated by two case studies, presenting the benefits of the framework’s worldwide perspective. Additionally, a software file is provided to easily calculate results.