The need for sustainable operation has propelled the batch process industries to consider waste minimization starting from the early stages of process development. However, the time-dependent characteristics of batch operation present challenges in minimizing, recovering and recycling of waste. We present an intelligent system that addresses these by integrating different process systems engineering methodologies - process graph (Pgraph), hierarchical design strategy, water reuse method, and multi-objective stochastic optimization. We illustrate the system on a well-known literature case study. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.