What is Industry Ecology

This chapter discusses the concept of ecological performance. Sustainable development has become a focus of governments, companies, communities, and even individuals. Manufacturing companies need a performance measurement that can balance between profit and environment. The concept of reduction of resource use and waste generation is not limited to the manufacturing processes of a focal company, but it can be embraced into product design that benefits the end users as well as stakeholders. Companies can build competitive advantages by integrating ecological performance into business value stream mapping. Reduction of resources and energy use can help companies to be cost effective and thus able to survive a market price war. Companies can enhance product quality through eco-design and sustainable manufacturing to preempt competitors. Companies can build green images to gain customer loyalty. Waste reduction can help companies to save capacity and be more flexible in shipment delivery and support customer dynamic needs.