SUSTAINABILITY PLANNING USING AN ENERGY-BASED MODEL

摘要

Small cities, with <10,000 residents, comprise about 45% of Texas' population. These cities were formed during the era of unlimited resources. Then and now, planning is based on a paradigm of growth.producing economic health. Recently growth slowed or reversed, but needs increase as the population and infrastructure ages. This paper describes a small city planning model, using Franklin, Texas, as a case study, that uses input-output methods and thermo-dynamic principles. The model assesses current condition, compares findings with performance standards, and provides an evaluation tool for analyzing future actions. Readily available, local inputs and existing reports are used as an aid to use and acceptance of the model; this feature also satisfies a second study objective. Results are expressed in both energy and dollar terms. Model development is preliminary; the research supporting it is designed to establish feasibility and direction for future work that will include objective and goal seeking.