The Biophysical Economics Institute believes that integrating natural sciences into economics is key to addressing the primary challenges of the 21st century. Transforming the global energy infrastructure in order to reduce our carbon footprint will require a new analytical framework, based on deep understanding of energy systems and ecological thinking. Conducting these types of analysis across the myriad projects involved in the energy transition will require a large number of professionals who are comfortable applying systems concepts to solve real world problems.
We are excited to announce a curriculum and accreditation program to train corporate executives, policy makers, and investors in these innovative tools. Our program of study will introduce concepts such as Energy Return on Investment (EROI), Energy Saved on Investment (ESOI), the Maximum power Principle (MPP) and other important natural science relationships.
The program we are developing comprises three levels. The first is an introduction to the concepts of BioPhysical economics. Level II probes these concepts in greater depth, as candidates apply new analytical tools and systems analysis to a variety of case studies. The third and final level requires candidates to develop an original energy study based on these concepts, which will be reviewed by BPEI’s curriculum committee.
Once completed and approved, BPEI will award an accreditation that demonstrates the candidate’s ability to conduct a BioPhysical Economics study that correctly utilizes, and illustrates, the efficacy of these analytical tools.
BPEI is looking to partner with firms in developing this curriculum and will soon be taking indications of interest from candidates for Level I.
