Frequently Asked Questions
This page contains questions frequently asked about ECCO modelling, and brief answers. It's a continual work in progress- if you have a question that isn't answered here, contact us and we'll add it to the list.
Theory
Why use energy as the main measure in the model?
We wanted to develop a model that reflected physical reality rather than the perceptions of the market (although there are places in the model where we deal with that too). Energy fitted the bill well. A good literature of Energy Analysis was available, with well-developed common practices, on which we could draw. And, because the model is also concerned heavily with change and transformation over time, energy provided a better way of capturing the physical limits on change processes than, say, mass.
What does holistic modelling mean? In what sense is ECCO holistic?
Holistic means comprehensive, taking account of many aspects of something. ECCO is a holistic model in that it looks at many different parts of the nation state (or region, economic bloc, the world, etc.). We model many different economic activities - manufacturing, services, transport, agriculture, energy, electricity generation, finances, taxation, etc. - from a number of perspectives - energy use, demand, materials use, etc. Furthermore, these many facets are interconnected - if we change the patterns of energy use in manufacturing, say, we see changes in the growth rate of other sectors, in pollutant emission profiles, in international finance profiles, etc.
In our opinion, true holism comes from focussing on the interconnections rather than the isolated parts. As with any model developers, we faced a trade-off between detail in one area and 'broad-brush' in another, and chose to direct our efforts towards mapping the interconnections.
Practice
Who is using ECCO?
ECCO models have been developed for the UK, for the Netherlands, the European Union, the world as a whole, New Zealand and Australia. Most of these models have been developed as parts of policy-driven studies, with funding from governmental bodies and private companies. Currently, the most active ECCO model is the Australian one, being actively developed in collaboration with the CSIRO Division of Wildlife Ecology.
Does ECCO provide a way of determining the optimal path to sustainability.
No.
Sustainability is a complex issue. Economics is a complex issue. We strongly believe that these issues cannot be 'optimised' in a neutral way. Calculations cannot replace debate. The best way to use ECCO, in our opinion, is to encourage informed debate. The simulation runs are open-ended explorations of possibilities, allowing quick assessment of the likely pitfalls of many alternative futures.
Web Site & Simulation Tools
What do I need to run ECCO?
The simulation model attached to this web site can be run by any java-enabled web browser supporting java 1.1 or higher. There are many browsers out there these days, to run quickly through the main ones:
Microsoft Internet Explorer versions 4.x and 5.x for Windows support java applets. Version 5 will not install the Java capabilities by default under the 'laptop' install settings, but these can be added manually to an existing installation from a CD or over the internet. Explorer for the Macintosh can support java applets, but hasn't yet been tested with the ECCO applet. Pocket Internet Explorer does not support java.
Netscape Navigator versions 4 and 6 on Windows, Mac and UNIX systems will run the ECCO applet.
The Opera browser (version 5 is current) supports java on Windows and Mac, but not under Linux (yet).
Sun Microsystem's Hotjava browser ought to be OK, but hasn't been tested yet.
Please contact us if you have any issues with browser support that you cannot resolve for yourselves, or find any issues contradicting or clarifying the above statements. Note that some browsers allow java support to be switched on or off in their options/preferences controls.
Do I need to connect to the internet every time I want to play with the model?
No. The entire model and parts of the supporting website can be downloaded as a single zipped file for use off-line. Do check back at the site periodically for updates and news, though, as we are still actively developing the simulation software!
Do I have to run the model via a web browser?
No. The downloadable zip file contains everything needed to run from a java-enabled web browser. The model may also be run as a standalone application using a compliant Java Development Kit or Runtime Environment. We have mainly developed and tested using Sun's JDK on Windows and Linux, but other virtual machines, such as Microsoft's Jview and Transvirtual's Kaffe may work. Again, contact us if you have any experiences that may assist other users.