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Comparability of Industrial Symbioses
Author(s) -
van Berkel René
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of industrial ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.377
H-Index - 102
eISSN - 1530-9290
pISSN - 1088-1980
DOI - 10.1111/j.1530-9290.2009.00140.x
Subject(s) - comparability , library science , citation , sociology , political science , computer science , mathematics , combinatorics
A recurring theme in industrial symbiosis research is characterization and quantification of connectedness or symbiotic intensity, typically by means of a number of physical transfers and a number of businesses and other entities involved. A count on the basis of symbiotic resource flows would, in principle, enable the use of indicators that are commonly used to quantify ecosystem integration in nature. The way to do so remains somewhat unresolved, as industrial systems are different from natural systems. Industrial symbiosis is principally concerned with the recovery and reuse of wastes (materials, water, or energy) from one industry as alternative input in a neighboring facility. This reuse is an iconic application of industrial ecology and is regularly combined with other collective environmental management initiatives into eco-industrial parks. Industrial symbiosis is more common than initially assumed, which has sparked an interest in comparing industrial symbioses in different regions.