Regenerative design is a process-oriented
systems theory based approach to design. The term "regenerative" describes processes that restore, renew or revitalize their own sources of energy and materials, creating sustainable systems that integrate the needs of society with the integrity of nature. The basis is derived from
systems ecology with a closed loop input–output model or a model in which the output is greater than or equal to the input with all outputs viable and all inputs accounted for. Regenerative design is the
biomimicry of
ecosystems that provide for all human systems to function as a closed viable
ecological economics system for all industry. It parallels ecosystems in that organic (
biotic) and synthetic (
abiotic) material is not just metabolized but metamorphosed into new viable materials.
Ecosystems and regeneratively designed systems are holistic frameworks that seek to create systems that are absolutely waste free. The model is meant to be applied to many different aspects of human habitation such as urban environments, buildings, economics, industry and social systems. Simply put, it is the design of
ecosystems and human behavior, or
culture that function as human habitats.