Industrial Symbiosis

The process by which waste or by‐products of an industry or industrial process become the raw materials for another

The linear economy “take-make-consume-dispose” model reflects a time when resources and energy were believed to be unlimited and easy o obtain and there was no awareness of its serious environmental consequences. In the last decade, the Circular Economy (CE) has been frequently suggested as the logical and viable alternative to the linear economy’s shortcomings. CE refers to a production and consumption system that makes a little economic loss as possible, and where the most of the products and resources used in production processes can be minimised by applying the 9R hierarchy.

Industrial Symbiosis could contribute to overcome the development and environmental challenges identified in the Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs)

SDG6

Clean Water and sanitation

IS plays a significant role since there is a promotion of the efficient use of water resources.

SDG7

Affordable and clean energy

IS has a specific contribution to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency due to the reduction of traditional fuels.

SDG8

Decent work and economic growth

IS contributes to economic growth, in addition to per-capita material footprint.

SDG9

Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

IS has a contribution by promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialization and enhancing scientific research.

SDG12

Responsible consumption and production

has highest representation in the context of IS as it has direct contribution to production patterns, but also promoting indirectly other targets as the promotion of public procurement practices.

SDG13

Climate Action

IS plays an important role by integrating climate changes measures into national policies, as well as raising the environmental awareness of businesses.

A number of requirements must be met for this tool to be used properly, the most crucial of which are as follows:

IS involves a network of historically distinct industrial stakeholders working together to achieve synergistic benefits. To enhance the overall environmental and economic performance of the interested parties, it entails trading byproducts and energy cascades, or the cooperative supply of utilities and services.

O1

The innovative partnership between producers and users to turn a profit.

O2

Close connection between the government, innovative community, and corporations, among other actors). Between them, information must be exchanged openly.

O3

Innovation and paradigm-shifting are essential, from the development of novel technology to the formulation of plans to get over regulatory roadblocks.

O4

It is essential that every employee in a firm participates, from the operators to the president.

O5

For IS efforts to guarantee that social, environmental, and economic goals are met, they should be assessed at every stage of their existence—before, during, and after implementation.

Industrial Symbiosis