Uploaded on 2016-08-09 by Samantha Suppiah

Three of the most important stocks and flows in relation to Edinburgh are energy, food and tourists. These are viewed from the point of view of the city and its boundaries. Energy Stocks: Mains electricity and gas are the main energy sources for the city, with stocks located at generation points outside the city. A negligible proportion of the annual energy consumed is generated within the city itself through small-scale solar or wind power. Flows: Electricity flows through underground (invisible) and over-ground (visible) electrical infrastructure throughout the city, while gas flows through underground pipes (invisible). In general, there are only in-flows (mostly from the south and the east) and through-flows, and no out-flows. The energy is generally converted into useful activity or heat. Variations: Seasonal and daily fluctuations are generally predictable, especially with regard to population influx during the tourist season, and increased gas consumption in relation to seasonal temperature patterns. Food Stocks: Most food consumed within Edinburgh originates from outside the city itself, however a significant percentage (perhaps 5%) is farmed or fished within the city. Flows: The influx of food is visible via delivery vehicles supplying retail units. There are no through-flows. The city processes the food and converts it into food waste or sewage, both of which then flow out of the city. Variations: Highly dependent on population fluctuations. Tourists Stocks: A large proportion of tourists can be considered to originate within the city from the airport. The main train station can also be seen as a source of tourists. Summer tourism typically sees the population of the city double, so this has an effect on energy and food stocks and flows. Flows: The city centre is a main focus, with tourists flowing into the city centre, staying a number of days before leaving the city. This can be seen in the overloaded pedestrian infrastructure (picture). Variations: Generally unpredictable as tourism depends largely on the weather forecasts and number of popular events occurring within the city. Tourism numbers however tend to peak in the August festival season.