Material flow accounts map the physical exchange process between society and nature. In this process, the material flows are represented in four key flows - biomass, metallic ores, non-metallic minerals and fossil energy sources - and by means of specific indicators, such as domestic material extraction.
Material flow accounts secondary statistics and are therefore based on numerous data sources including other primary statistics: for example, the air emissions accounts, energy statistics, foreign trade statistics, but also administrative data sources.
Preliminary results for Austria are published annually in December for the previous year, final results in the following April.