Entropy and Energy: Toward a Definition of Physical Sustainability (Paper)

Posted by: Karl Ramjohn

A different perspective towards developing an “environmental” approach to defining sustainability…

> Entropy and Energy: Toward a Definition of Physical Sustainability

 

ABSTRACT

Sustainable development is a growing concern expressed by many businesses, organizations and individuals. Yet, no workable quantifiable definition of sustainability is available for evaluation of specific projects or operations. 

This paper attempts to set a framework for such a definition in terms of the first and second law of thermodynamics. Specifically, the proposed description of sustainability relates the fundamental processes of chemical, physical or biological transformation, and mass transport to energy and entropy changes. 

Unlike previous applications of these concepts, the proposed definition is focused on the smallest unit operations and processes while allowing for aggregation into larger systems. The proposed description also explicitly considers the time horizon for sustainability. An example of sustainability analysis for a water treatment process is included.

CITATION:

Slawomir W. Hermanowicz, “Entropy and Energy: Toward a Definition of Physical Sustainability” (December 1, 2005). Water Resources Center Archives. Working Papers. Paper swr_v2. 
http://repositories.cdlib.org/wrca/wp/swr_v2

Link to full paper (pdf) –> http://repositories.cdlib.org/cgi/vi…8&context=wrca

Wider Views on the “Definition of Sustainability”

Posted by: Karl Ramjohn

An interesting discussion has recently been developing on the SustainabilityForum.Com related to the “definition of sustainability”, with emphasis on the linkages between the concept of sustainability and the natural environment:

> Looking for a Definition of Sustainability

This discussion, initiated just two months ago, has had the input of views and perspectives from about 10 different members of that forum, from a variety of nationalities and professional backgrounds, and as such, adds diversity to, and addresses some gaps in, the material covered in the earlier posts on this site.