Substansflödesanalys

Substansflödesanalys, often translated as substance flow analysis (SFA) or material flow analysis (MFA), is a systematic method for quantifying the flows and stocks of materials or substances within a defined system over a specific period. This system can range from a single factory or household to a city, region, or even the entire globe. The primary goal of SFA is to understand how much of a particular substance enters the system, how it moves through different processes or compartments, and how much is released or accumulates as stock.

The analysis typically involves identifying all sources of input for the substance, tracking its transformation and use within the system, and accounting for all outputs, including emissions to air, water, and soil, as well as waste generation and recycling. By creating a balance of these flows, SFA provides a comprehensive picture of the material economy. It helps to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas where resource consumption is high or environmental impact is significant.

Applications of SFA are diverse. It is widely used in environmental management, resource planning, industrial ecology, and policy development. For instance, SFA can be employed to assess the environmental burden of a product lifecycle, evaluate the effectiveness of waste management strategies, or track the potential for nutrient pollution in agricultural systems. The data generated by SFA is crucial for informed decision-making aimed at promoting sustainability, circular economy principles, and more efficient resource utilization.