IT-supported Evaluation of Eco-efficiency Potentials in Chemical Processes Discussion of Experiences in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Abstract

This paper deals with experiences in the evaluation of eco-efficiency potentials of chemical processes based on the eco-efficiency concept of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the method of flow cost accounting. A material flow network approach was used to enable the calculation of economical and ecological performance indicators. The concept of the WBCSD was utilised to specify appropriate ecological performance indicators. The economical indicators were focussed on the method of flow cost accounting. The modelling of the material flows was supported by the Environmental Management Information System (EMIS) Umberto 4.0. After the description of the developed approach the paper describes experiences derived from a practical example within the pharmaceutical industry.