A Geographically and Socio-economically Disaggregated Local Household Consumption Model for the Uk

A key challenge for local environmental and economic planning is to predict resource flows and material waste arisings at a high level of geographical localisation. This paper presents an approach to household consumption modelling in which the material demands of small socio-economically homogeneous neighbourhoods are estimated on the basis of consumer expenditure data in conjunction with Census data. Household waste arisings are estimated through incorporation of a household metabolism model. Selected material flows of consumer commodities, such as household appliances, carpets and clothing, are examined in case study areas representing extremes of relative deprivation, and neighbourhoods representing typical examples of the UK National Classification of Census Output Areas. The model will be of use in sustainable consumption policy-making and local waste strategy planning. * Corresponding author: Angela Druckman Centre for Environmental Strategy University of Surrey Guildford GU2 7XH, UK Email: [email protected] Tel: +44 (0)1483 686679 Fax: +44 (0)1483 686671 Druckman, Sinclair and Jackson 2