Kalunborg Symbiosis

Summary

Kallenberg, Denmark is a leader in sustainability, home to the world's largest producer of insulin and enzymes, all part of the Kallenberg Symbiosis eco-industrial park. This park thrives through collaboration, using innovative solutions like a 12-kilometer pipeline for water cooling, wastewater treatment, and biogas production. The park reduces CO2 emissions by 635,000 tonnes annually while promoting circular economy practices. Though the park's success is notable, improvements in public transportation and community engagement are needed to boost its social impact and further enhance sustainable growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 Kallenberg, Denmark is a leader in sustainability with an eco-industrial park running entirely on renewable energy by 2050.
• 😀 The Kallenberg Symbiosis park includes the world's largest producer of insulin (Novo Nordisk) and the world's largest producer of enzymes (Novozymes).
• 😀 A public-private partnership created a 12-kilometer pipeline from Lake T to support the park’s cooling and water needs, which is a key to the park's success.
• 😀 Surface water from Lake T is used for cooling and production, and wastewater is processed by Kallenberg Utility, which also handles household water.
• 😀 The park produces energy through Oersted’s steam electricity and heat production, using residual heat for district heating to the city of Kallenberg.
• 😀 Residual fly ash from Oersted’s coal burning is used in local cement production, demonstrating the park’s approach to waste management and resource sharing.
• 😀 Argo, a waste management partner, processes thousands of tons of waste such as newspaper, cardboard, and garden ash, with byproducts benefiting local industries.
• 😀 Novozymes reduces waste by using treated water from Lake T and converts production waste into fertilizer, biogas, and electricity.
• 😀 Kallenberg Symbiosis has reduced CO2 emissions by 635,000 tons annually, showcasing its success in combining economic and environmental goals.
• 😀 Collaboration between governments and businesses is key in Kallenberg, highlighting the effectiveness of open communication and partnerships for sustainable success.
• 😀 Public transportation improvements, including a high-speed rail to Copenhagen, could further promote growth and accessibility to Kallenberg Symbiosis, enhancing its social and economic impact.

Q & A

What makes Denmark a leader in sustainability?

Denmark is a global leader in sustainability, with significant achievements like having the capital city, Copenhagen, boasting over 10,000 kilometers of bike paths, and the entire country aiming for renewable energy usage by 2050.

What is Kallenberg Symbiosis, and why is it significant?

Kallenberg Symbiosis is one of the world’s most notable eco-industrial parks, incorporating the world's largest producer of insulin (Novo Nordisk) and the largest producer of enzymes (Novozymes), demonstrating that large-scale companies can thrive sustainably.

How does Kallenberg Symbiosis utilize water resources for sustainability?

The park uses a 12-kilometer-long pipeline from Lake T, established in 1961, for cooling and production at several companies. Kallenberg Utility processes and distributes surface water, and wastewater is treated and reused within the park.

What role does Oersted play in Kallenberg Symbiosis?

Oersted, a company within the park, produces steam, electricity, and heat using turbines. The residual heat from these processes is then used for district heating in the city of Kallenberg, demonstrating an effective energy-sharing model between the park and the city.

How does the park contribute to the local cement industry?

The residual fly ash from coal burning at Oersted is provided to the local cement industry, where it is used as an ingredient in cement production, contributing to waste reduction and circular economy principles.

What waste management initiatives are in place at Kallenberg Symbiosis?

Kallenberg Symbiosis emphasizes resource conservation through waste management, including recycling 13,000 tons of paper products and reusing 15,000 tons of garden ash to improve soil quality in the city of Kallenberg.

How does Novozymes contribute to sustainability at the park?

Novozymes, the world’s largest producer of enzymes, uses treated surface water from Lake T for their processes, generates biogas and electricity from production leftovers, and produces high-value fertilizer from residuals, contributing to a circular economy.

What environmental impact does Kallenberg Symbiosis have in terms of CO2 emissions?

Kallenberg Symbiosis reduces CO2 emissions by 635,000 tons annually, showcasing that large-scale industrial parks can significantly contribute to environmental sustainability while maintaining economic success.

What areas of improvement does Kallenberg Symbiosis need to focus on?

The park needs to improve public transportation access, particularly with a high-speed rail link to Copenhagen, to foster greater connectivity and attract investors. Social engagement also requires more focus to build a stronger community connection.

How can Kallenberg Symbiosis build better social connections with the community?

By creating platforms such as a Facebook page or hosting events, Kallenberg Symbiosis can engage local citizens, promote sustainability, and encourage a more active workforce, leading to better social integration and long-term economic benefits for the region.