A resource flow analysis aims to quantify the flow of resources in terms of mass within a defined geographical area or industry sector over a set period of time. Data generated from a resource flow analysis allows the identification of the inefficient use of resources and therefore allows more focussed management of resources and the development of policies to maximise resource efficiency.

There are many ways to account resources. BFF works to the guidelines developed as part of the Biffaward Mass Balance Programme - a standardised set of accounting rules which ensure consistency and comparability of results.

Resources are described within a resource flow analysis as ‘materials' or ‘products'. The flow of resources from extraction as ‘materials' through to manufacture into ‘products' to consumption and final disposal, are associated with the transformation and movement of these resources resulting in waste production and emissions to air and water. Therefore, to complete a resource flow analysis for a geographical area the following should be quantified:

• Material import, production and export
• Product import, production and export
• Waste production
• Water consumption
• Waste water production
• Emissions to air

The general approach taken when analysing resource flows is to identify and break down material and product resource flows in Scotland by industrial economic sector. The industry sectors are defined according to Standard Industrial Classifications (SIC) (ONS, 2002).

Resource flows are complementary to ecological footprint studies - in that the former focuses on overall material movements through the economy and the latter focuses on the end uses of these materials.

Interested in conducting a resource flow analysis of your region or organisation? Then please contact Best Foot Forward