1999 Volume 27 Pages 347-354
The material input per unit service (MIPS) is a concept presented by Schmidt-Bleek, as a useful index for discussing the design of new socioeconomic systems in which higher welfare level should be achieved with less input of energy and materials. In this paper, the concept of MIPS is examined by applying it to the material stocks embodied in urban civil infrastructures. Kitakyushu City is taken up for case study and the concept is applied to a small residential area and the entire municipal area. Firstly, the total weight amount of material stock in urban civil infrastructure and facilities such as sewerage system, road, buildings and houses are estimated. Then, the services provided by the input of material to each type of these facilities are quantified. In this estimation, GIS (geographical information system) is used to assist the analysis of the location and size of facilities.
