Household-level transition methodology towards sustainable material footprints. (20th September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laakso, Senja; Lettenmeier, Michael
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 132(2016:Sep.)
• Page Start: 184
• Page End: 191
• Publication Date: 2016-09-20
• Subjects: Material footprint -- Sustainability transition -- Dematerialization -- Household consumption; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.03.009
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: This paper presents a new household-level methodology for transition towards sustainability. The methodology includes measuring the resource use of households on a micro level, testing relevant measures towards a one-planet resource use, and developing mainstreaming options in co-operation with households and providers of services, products, and infrastructures. We use the MIPS ( Material Input Per unit of Service ) method to calculate the use of natural resources and concentrate on the material footprint as an aggregated indicator for the overall use of material resources. With HST ( Household-level Sustainability Transition ) methodology, we extend the material footprint methodology from just measuring household resource use to developing visions, conducting experiments, as well as learning and upscaling, all of which contribute to the whole Transition-Enabling Cycle . Results from the first application of the HST methodology on five households in Jyväskylä, Finland, show that it is possible to achieve a significantly more sustainable level of consumption by a relatively few changes in everyday living. Achieving a one-planet use of material resources, however, also requires systemic changes. Highlights: A new methodology for studying sustainability transition at household level. The methodology covers assessment, vision development, experiments and upscaling. Measuring and reducing material footprints according to the MIPS concept. Households developed their own roadmaps towards sustainable resource use. Relevant experiments were tested and future services simulated.