Material flows

Material flow accounts record the total mass of natural resources and products that are used by the economy, either directly in the production and distribution of products and services, or indirectly through the movement of materials which are displaced in order for production to take place.

A material flow account balances the inputs (extraction of natural resources from the UK environment, and imports of goods) with the outputs (wastes, emissions to air and water, exports) and accumulation (in terms of new buildings etc) within the economy.

Further information 

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