A regional resource flow model for promoting a circular economy at the regional level

A regional resource flow model is applicable for examining the resource efficiency at a regional level and at different scales varying from regions to urban areas and also smaller local development project areas. The Jyväskylä region has been the first in Finland to study the availability of regional resource information, to examine the use of natural resources and to develop a model to illustrate the actual material flows. A regional resource flow model was beneficial to the Jyväskylä region and now it has been expanded to also cover other regions in Finland. It also has clear potential uses globally. The model gives a reliable representation about the interaction between industries in the region, the use of natural resources, the efficiency of regional economy, the employment impacts, the added value and the environmental impacts. The model provides new perspectives and application possibilities for promoting the bio- and circular economies as well as to the impact assessments of national, regional and local level plans, programs and projects. The model can be used to recognize the importance of companies to the regional economy, employment and the environment as well as the role of companies in promoting the circular economy. Resource flows are built into the model based on a regional materials flow analysis and an environmentally expanded input-output method. Economic and other social benefits can be simulated and made measurable with the model. The life cycle-based environmental impact assessment included in the model provides a general view on regional and global impacts, direct point-source emissions and indirect impacts that actualize outside the region (life cycle emissions).