The multidisciplinary field of Industrial Ecology, with its roots in the idea that biological systems can provide models for the design and functioning of industrial systems by using the wastes from one process as useful inputs to another, evolves along with a deepened understanding of environmental challenges and how they can be addressed. This 6th Gordon Conference in Industrial Ecology explores the prospects for transforming the use of resources. The main goal of this conference is to present and discuss cutting-edge analysis of: the use in both production and consumption of different forms of energy, critical issues surrounding strategic and new materials, the management of diverse wastes, and the growing criticality of access to fresh water.

The conference brings together leading established scientists, working in diverse settings, with future leaders in our field. Gordon Research Conferences (GRCs) are unique among scientific meetings for their prestige, quality of content, small size, the diversity of participants, research at the frontiers of science often still unpublished, and a schedule allowing for extended discussion and informal interactions.