Integrated Environmental and Economic Assessment of Production Systems using a Material Flow Simulation Model

Abstract

Manufacturing companies are under pressure to optimize both the environmental and economic sustainability of their production. However, the interdependencies between environmental and economic performance indicators are widely unexplored. Companies need a decision support tool that helps them understand these interdependencies, evaluate alternative improvement measures and make the right decision to increase overall performance. This paper presents a new approach that combines Discrete Event Simulation, Material Flow Analysis and Life Cycle Assessment in one simulation model. It unifies the economic and environmental perspective on a production system and is thus deemed to have a high potential for a more effective decision support for companies.