Introduction to industrial symbiosis

Summary

By 2050, resource consumption and waste generation are expected to triple and double, respectively, exacerbating climate change and ecosystem overload. Industrial symbiosis offers a circular business model to decarbonize industry by reusing surplus resources as new feedstock, reducing raw material consumption and CO2 emissions, and creating economic and social benefits. Examples include EDP's waste slag redirection and British Sugar's recovery of excess heat and CO2 for sustainable production.

Takeaways

• ⏱️ By 2050, global resource consumption is projected to triple, leading to increased waste and exacerbating climate change.
• 🌍 The EU could face vulnerability if it fails to make resource and energy consumption more sustainable.
• 🔄 Implementing strategies to 'close the loop' on resource use is crucial, especially in high-energy sectors.
• 🌿 Industrial Symbiosis is proposed as a circular business model to decarbonize industry.
• 🔄 The concept involves capturing surplus resources from industrial processes to use as feedstock for other production processes.
• 💰 Industrial symbiosis can reduce raw material consumption and save money by maximizing the value of waste.
• 🌳 Environmental benefits include reduced CO2 emissions and natural resource depletion.
• 💼 Economic benefits include new revenue streams and decreased operational costs.
• 👥 Social benefits include job creation.
• 🇵🇹 An example is the Portuguese energy company EDP, which redirects waste slag to the cement sector, avoiding 35,000 tonnes of landfill annually.
• 🏰 British Sugar uses residual heat and CO2 in agricultural greenhouses, recovering 46,000 MWh/year of excess heat and 250,000 tonnes of CO2/year.
• 🤝 Key actions for successful industrial symbiosis include promoting collaboration, strengthening leadership, establishing long-term commitments, and building an internal structure to drive new opportunities.

Q & A

What is the projected increase in resource consumption by 2050 compared to today?

By 2050, the world is projected to consume three times more resources than it does today.

What are the potential consequences of increased resource consumption and waste generation?

The potential consequences include intensified climate change effects, ecosystems overload, and an increased landfill.

Why is it crucial for the EU to make resources and energy consumption more sustainable?

If the EU fails to make resources and energy consumption more sustainable, it could end up in a vulnerable position.

What is Industrial Symbiosis and how does it relate to sustainability?

Industrial Symbiosis is a circular business model that plays an important role in decarbonising industry by capturing and redirecting surplus resources from industrial processes to be used as new feedstock for other production processes.

What are the benefits of Industrial Symbiosis for companies?

The benefits include environmental benefits such as reduction of CO2 emissions and natural resources depletion, economic benefits like new revenues and decreased operational costs, and social benefits such as job creation.

How does Industrial Symbiosis help to reduce raw material consumption?

Industrial symbiosis helps to reduce raw material consumption by maximizing the value of waste generated from industrial production through companies working together.

Can you provide an example of Industrial Symbiosis in action?

The Portuguese energy company EDP has implemented Industrial Symbiosis by partnering with companies in the cement sector to valorize their waste slag and redirect it to the production of clinker and pavements, diverting 35,000 tonnes of slag from landfill every year.

What innovative approach has British Sugar implemented to shift towards sustainable production practices?

British Sugar has implemented several internal and external synergies, including the use of residual low temperature heat and CO2 in their agricultural greenhouses, recovering 46,000 MWh/year of excess heat and 250,000 tonnes of CO2/year.

What are the key actions suggested by managers, engineers, and executives for achieving reliable and permanent synergies?

Key actions include promoting a collaborative approach, trusted environment, and institutional commitment; strengthening leadership and engagement in industrial symbiosis practices; establishing long-term commitments to the initiatives; and building an internal organizational structure motivated to explore and drive new opportunities.

Where can one find more information and download key tools related to Industrial Symbiosis?

More information and key tools can be found at scalerproject.eu.

What is the role of leadership and engagement in the success of industrial symbiotic exchanges?

Leadership and engagement play a crucial role in the success of industrial symbiotic exchanges by driving initiatives and ensuring commitment to long-term goals.