Author(s)

S. Bastianoni, M. Porcelli & E. Tiezzi

Abstract

It is becoming fundamental that public policy is based on a system of values, which are in agreement with the dynamics and equilibria of the biosphere. We present an holistic approach, emergy analysis, essentially devoted to the assessment of sustainable development. With this methodology it is possible to compare the value of human and natural systems on a common basis: the quantity of solar energy directly and indirectly required for the production of an item. This quantity is called emergy and represents the memory of all the energy, matter and time that the biosphere used to make a product available. The emergy concept is the basis of a system of indicators able to evaluate the efficiency, the

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