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Scientific Article details

Title LCAart: Communicating industrial ecology at a human scale
ID_Doc 26570
Authors Eckelman, MJ; Laboy, MM
Title LCAart: Communicating industrial ecology at a human scale
Year 2020
Published Journal Of Industrial Ecology, 24, 4
DOI 10.1111/jiec.12978
Abstract This Forum piece describes a collaborative project between engineering and architecture to visualize some of the most influential results from industrial ecology using human-scale, photorealistic images that are quantitatively accurate. Our goal was to apply visualization theories and practices from art and architecture to address a major communication problem in our field: though inspirational in concept, in practice much industrial ecology research is difficult to comprehend for the average person. Models are large and complex, metrics are esoteric, and results are often reported on a scale that is devoid of personal meaning. Our strategy was to place hidden flows and embodied emissions in plain sight, creating images that show the environmental implications of consumption as absurd insertions into scenes of daily life, at a scale that is relatable and personally meaningful. We also compare with and discuss other artistic efforts around the world in the oeuvre of "Consumption Art," providing historical context. Industrial ecology envisions a world where production systems can incorporate social and environmental implications in real-time, where policy is informed by our best understanding of trade-offs and inequities, and where the public has an appreciation for what actions are meaningful, all with the goals of improving quality of life for all while safeguarding the environment and human health. Effective communication of our research is vital to build consensus for policy and action toward this vision, and one under-appreciated aspect of communication in our field is the sympathetic power of Art.
Author Keywords circular economy; consumption; emissions; environmental education; environmental impact; total material requirement (TMR)
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:000509515600001
WoS Category Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences
Research Area Science & Technology - Other Topics; Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology
PDF https://rss.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/am-pdf/10.1111/jiec.12978
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