Guidelines for Practical Application of the EUROPE Model to Improve Production Units’ Resource Efficiency

Abstract

Introduction & Objective: This paper describes the practical usage of the EUROPE (Efficient Use of Resources for Optimal Production Economy) model based on the equality principle to improve the resource efficiency of production units. Methodology: The EUROPE model is a tool to monitor, manage and evaluate how the economic, technological and environmental performance of a firm or other production unit changes over time. Results & Discussion: A manual for daily use was provided to industrial managers and practical operators in a municipal solid waste firm. The company was able to improve its economic, environmental and technological standards by employing the EUROPE model, which combines relevant aspects of all three standards in a single key performance indicator. The method involves allocating shadow costs to residuals and the technique is demonstrated in the case of a medium-sized Swedish municipal solid waste management firm. Conclusion: The case study indicates that the manual accompanying the model is useful for companies applying the model to industrial activities and solid waste management schemes.