DESCRIPTION
This system consists of elements and flows related to our energy supply, food supply, and waste disposal.


METABOLIC FUNCTIONS

Energy production and consumption: an optimally functioning metabolic system should produce energy. But that energy should also be consumed in an efficient way that minimizes energy loss.

Food production: the calories we create to sustain ourselves is a more basic type of energy. Localized food production is an important part of reconnecting with the natural world and creating a sustainable food delivery system.

Recycling , upcycling and reuse: we need to look at our energy and materials system functions as a closed-loop system, where recycling and reuse are just as important and encouraged as production and consumption. This is an approach that Bill McDonough and Michael Braungart call cradle to cradle. In contrast with our current cradle to grave system of manufacturing and resource consumption, they advocate a production system that continuously “upcycles” materials, so that extraction occurs once and then the raw materials are used again and again.


Material production


PERFORMANCE METRICS

Greenhouse gases (GHG) production: in 2008, the IPCC said that climate change was anthropogenic—that is, climate change is caused by human beings. Almost all of the energy we consume results in emissions of green house gases. If both our planet and our culture are to survive, we should be looking at new ways to either reduce our energy consumption or change our means of powering our societies. Either of these changes will result in a reduction in GHG production.

Improvement of air quality: particulate matter is responsible for respiratory diseases around the developing world and here at home and a significant portion of the air pollution in the country is caused by the creation and consumption of energy. This pollution has immediate impacts. In a national study that examined the exposure to particulate matter to life expectancy, researchers found a direct correlation between a reduction in exposure to particulates in the air and longer life spans.

Recycling rates: it is the ways in which we reuse materials already within the stream of production and consumption. One of the easiest measures for this is the rate of recycling. A number of European countries hover at around the 50% mark for recycling of waste materials.

VMT (Vehicle Miles Traveled): VMT was a measure for the circulatory system, we should also be looking at it as a measure of the metabolic system. One thing to note is that VMT in the US has increased at 5 times the rate of population since the 1970's, largely due to lifestyles, sprawl and cheap fuel. So while fuel efficiency is a laudable and achievable goal, even achieving the controversial C.A.F.E. standards of 35 MPG by 2020 will not make up for the increased driving.

Energy Consumption per Capita: the overall energy consumption of the average American far outstrips most of the other countries on earth. This is the model that we have known for so long: that as GDP rises, so too does consumption. And it is the great challenge of our time. Because if we can decouple wealth from consumption then we will have cracked the code on how to make a sustainable metabolic system that is equitable, ecological and while preserving our innate desire to promote a better standard of living for the next generation.

Local food avalaibility: the USDA has defined local food as food within a 400 mile radius of a given municipality (or approximately a day’s travel). This will not only connect us to place, but will also ensure that we reduce our energy consumption overall.

Others:
Renewable energy sources
Climate impact
Carbon footprint
Sequestration of carbon
Amount of energy produced

CASE STUDIES: PLANNING AND POLICY