ECS2606
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 12 MARCH 2026
,ECS2606 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 12 MARCH 2026
1. Describe and diagrammatically illustrate the impact of introducing a new
plant/equipment on materials balance principle.
(a) The Materials Balance Principle
The materials balance principle states that
What goes into the economic system as raw materials must come out either as useful
products or as waste (residuals).
Nothing disappears. Matter is conserved. When firms introduce new plant or equipment,
it changes how materials flow through the production process.
, (b) Basic Materials Flow (Before New Equipment) ↓
Raw Materials - Production Process - Output (Goods)
Residuals (Waste, Emissions)
Inputs: energy, water, minerals, fuel
Outputs: goods + pollution (air, water, solid waste)
(c) Impact of Introducing New Plant/Equipment
When new technology or equipment is introduced, it affects
Efficiency of raw material use
Amount of residuals (waste)
Energy consumption
ASSIGNMENT 1
DUE DATE: 12 MARCH 2026
,ECS2606 ASSIGNMENT 1 2026
DUE 12 MARCH 2026
1. Describe and diagrammatically illustrate the impact of introducing a new
plant/equipment on materials balance principle.
(a) The Materials Balance Principle
The materials balance principle states that
What goes into the economic system as raw materials must come out either as useful
products or as waste (residuals).
Nothing disappears. Matter is conserved. When firms introduce new plant or equipment,
it changes how materials flow through the production process.
, (b) Basic Materials Flow (Before New Equipment) ↓
Raw Materials - Production Process - Output (Goods)
Residuals (Waste, Emissions)
Inputs: energy, water, minerals, fuel
Outputs: goods + pollution (air, water, solid waste)
(c) Impact of Introducing New Plant/Equipment
When new technology or equipment is introduced, it affects
Efficiency of raw material use
Amount of residuals (waste)
Energy consumption
