What is Mass Balance?
The mass balance concept is based on the fundamental physical principle that matter can neither be created nor destroyed. Therefore, the mass of inputs to a process, industry or region balances the mass of outputs as products, emissions and wastes, plus any change in stocks, hence the term ‘mass balance' is used to describe this type of analysis. When applied in a systematic manner this simple and straightforward concept of balancing resource use with outputs can provide a robust methodology for analysing resource flows.
