Availability and consumption of ecological resources are the prerequisite to run every industry that contributes to daily human life: from building the houses in which we live to growing the food we eat; from the transportation we use to the services and activities we enjoy.

Global Footprint Network can assess an industry’s Ecological Footprint^© at local, regional, or national levels. This analysis can be performed using either a “top-down” or a “bottom-up” approach. The “top-down” approach starts at the highest level of data (the National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts) and is scaled down using statistics and consumption data for a specific industry. Conversely, the “bottom-up” approach uses data collected by the industry on the flows of physical materials, energy, and money. Detailed descriptions of the two methodologies can be found in our peer-reviewed literature.

Currently, Global Footprint Network is piloting industry-level assessments on tourism in the Mediterranean region.