Mapping Energy and Material Flows for Industrial Symbiosis: RFD-IS

A comprehensive graphical representation of existing material and energy flows within a production system is particularly useful for the implementation of practices aimed at a more sustainable industry by reusing waste. Graphical modeling offers the possibility to convey information about resource flows in production systems with different actors in a convenient and comprehensive way. This is particularly important for industrial symbiosis in which large and diverse production systems involving different companies are investigated. However, methodical guidance and a uniform modeling language to support the mapping of these flows and systems are lacking. Hence, this paper provides a modeling method (RFD-IS) for practitioners and researchers to map and analyze material and energy flows suitable for different industrial systems in order to identify underutilized resources and potentials for intra- and interfirm resource reuse. A uniform modeling method is indispensable for a common understanding and as a working document.