Specifying technology and rebound in the IPAT identity

Abstract This paper develops a quantitative model for dematerialization and generalizes it to other types of environmental impacts similar to the well-known IPAT framework. The essential difference of this model from IPAT, STIRPAT and other models for incorporating technological change in socio-economic phenomenon is that we utilize a specific model for technological change beyond the residual definition generally employed. This model of technological change is theoretically realistic, includes rebound and generalizes Moore’s Law- a generalization that is empirically supported. This paper, distinct from an earlier paper of ours, puts the overall model in a wider environmental context than dematerialization and suggests that the model developed here applies to all environmental impacts that are extensive (for example energy consumption and waste generation in addition to materials consumption). For intensive environmental impacts (such as specific pollutants), rebound is not necessary to consider but modified technological substitution models may become useful.