Project
Stock-flow modelling in the circular economy
The objective of the research is to build models of material flows in (parts of the) society in order to assess the possible effects of different future scenarios of the evolution in regulation, economic and technological changes, etc. As a first step, relevant data to monitor the progress towards a circular economy in Flanders will be gathered. Modeling of stocks and flows is crucial to gain insights in raw material use and in the potential to gain materials back. Such flows are determined by the amount of required materials and their lifetimes. With dynamic modeling the material flows from the past and from the future will be assessed to determine amounts, qualities and locations of materials in products and in society. Scenarios will be elaborated, both with respect to variations in inflow and in stock management, and the associated environmental impacts will be calculated. Selection of scenarios, case studies and product group will happen in close interaction with other researchers active in CE Center and with Flemish policy makers. These scenarios will also enable regions and sectors to finetune their targets for the progress towards circular economy.