Reflections on implementing industrial ecology through eco-industrial park development

This paper investigates whether eco-industrial parks (EIPs) offer possibilities to implement sustainable development policies. EIPs are based upon industrial ecology principles that suggest industrial systems can operate in a similar fashion to natural ecological systems. Drawing upon a survey of all identifiable EIPs in the USA and Europe and in-depth interview surveys of 16 EIPs, the research discovered few examples of networking between firms or processes using wastes and materials recycling. Most EIPs are at a very early stage of development, where linkages are potential rather than real. The problems encountered in developing EIPs from scratch suggests that a more fruitful approach is to build upon existing and potential linkages within a locality, assisted by a pro-active policy to encourage interchanges.     

生态化改造高新技术产业区与传统产业区的方法比较

为了发展循环经济,我国积极推进生态工业园的建设。已建的高新技术产业区和传统产业区都面临生态化改造的需求。由于这两类产业区的特点不同,应根据各自的特点确定生态化改造的侧重点。本文比较分析了我国高新技术产业区与传统产业区生态化改造方法的差异。     

Industrial symbiosis and the policy instruments of sustainable consumption and production

Industrial symbioses (ISs) and eco-industrial parks (EIPs) are key concepts of industrial ecology (IE). The aim of ISs and EIPs is to minimise inefficient material and energy use by utilising local by-product and energy flows. Industrial symbioses tend to develop through spontaneous action of economic actors, for gaining of economic benefit, but these systems can be designed and promoted via policy instruments as well. A literature review showed that national programmes for eco-industrial parks can be found in different parts of the world. In the action programmes and other sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policy documents of the EU, on the other hand, industrial symbioses gain less recognition as a path to enhanced sustainable production. In this article, we consider this and also analyse how the evolution and environmental performance of an industrial symbiosis system centred on a Finnish pulp and paper mill have been affected by SCP policy instruments. With regard to the system forming the subject of the case study, and Finnish industrial systems in general, policy instruments have succeeded in reducing emissions but not in systematically encouraging operators toward symbiosis-like activities. All in all, few studies exist on the overall impact of policy instruments promoting design of eco-industrial parks. It is not self-evident that symbiosis-like production systems would be sustainable in every case, as the background assumptions for political promotion of EIPs suggest. We concluded that industrial symbioses should be analysed and developed on a life cycle basis, with documentation of the real environmental benefits due to efficient resource use and decreased emissions in comparison to standalone production. ISs can then bring eco-competitiveness to companies in relation to SCP tools, such as environmental permits, ecolabels, and future product regulation based on the Ecodesign Directive in Europe. Indirect encouragement of symbiosis through land-use regulation and planning, in such a way that material fluxes between companies are possible both in operations and in financial terms, may prove effective. The same holds for waste policies that encourage increased reuse of a company’s waste by other enterprises.     

Decisive factors in the creation and execution of municipal action plans in the field of sustainable development in the European Union

The process of raising public awareness around the world concerning the need to apply criteria of sustainable development was basically set in motion at the Rio de Janeiro Summit in 1992. There it was decided that the most suitable context for fostering the process is the local level, and the Local Action Plan forms a basic element in this process.Some preliminary studies have shown the evidence of great advancement in the creation of Local Action Plans in municipalities. However, their execution is frequently paralyzed by a lack of necessary resources and suitable State policies.The aim of this paper is to verify the effect that different factors might have on the degree of progress made by the Local Action Plan in the municipalities of the European Union.The results show that the public works policies of the EU and the governments of the member states fail to impact the level of commitment of municipal governments; however, when the supporting policy originates from administrations closer to the municipality and are made concrete in the form of economic support and technical advice, they prove to be relevant. Strictly political factors, such as stability, have a more limited yet significant effect on the execution of Local Action Plans.     

Characterization of soil fauna under the influence of mercury atmospheric deposition in Atlantic Forest,Rio de Janeiro,Brazil

The increasing levels of mercury (Hg) found in the atmosphere arising from anthropogenic sources, have been the object of great concern in the past two decades in industrialized countries. Brazil is the seventh country with the highest rate of mercury in the atmosphere. The major input of Hg to ecosystems is through atmospheric deposition (wet and dry), being transported in the atmosphere over large distances. The forest biomes are of strong importance in the atmosphere/soil cycling of elemental Hg through foliar uptake and subsequent transference to the soil through litter, playing an important role as sink of this element. Soil microarthropods are keys to understanding the soil ecosystem, and for such purpose were characterized by the soil fauna of two Units of Forest Conservation of the state of the Rio de Janeiro, inwhich one of the areas suffer quite interference from petrochemicals and industrial anthropogenic activities and other area almost exempts of these perturbations. The results showed that soil and litter of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil tend to stock high mercury concentrations, which could affect the abundance and richness of soil fauna, endangering its biodiversity and thereby the functioning of ecosystems.     

Characterization of soil fauna under the influence of mercury atmospheric deposition in Atlantic Forest, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The increasing levels of mercury (Hg) found in the atmosphere arising from anthropogenic sources, have been the object of great concern in the past two decades in industrialized countries. Brazil is the seventh country with the highest rate of mercury in the atmosphere. The major input of Hg to ecosystems is through atmospheric deposition (wet and dry), being transported in the atmosphere over large distances. The forest biomes are of strong importance in the atmosphere/soil cycling of elemental Hg through foliar uptake and subsequent transference to the soil through litter, playing an important role as sink of this element. Soil microarthropods are keys to understanding the soil ecosystem, and for such purpose were characterized by the soil fauna of two Units of Forest Conservation of the state of the Rio de Janeiro, inwhich one of the areas suffer quite interference from petrochemicals and industrial anthropogenic activities and other area almost exempts of these perturbations. The results showed that soil and litter of the Atlantic Forest in Brazil tend to stock high mercury concentrations, which could affect the abundance and richness of soil fauna, endangering its biodiversity and thereby the functioning of ecosystems.     

Two-step accelerated mineral carbonation and decomposition analysis for the reduction of CO2 emission in the eco-industrial parks

Carbon dioxide（CO2） emissions are a leading contributor to the negative effects of global warming. Globally, research has focused on effective means of reducing and mitigating CO2 emissions. In this study, we examined the efficacy of eco-industrial parks（EIPs） and accelerated mineral carbonation techniques in reducing CO2 emissions in South Korea.First, we used Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index（LMDI） analysis to determine the trends in carbon production and mitigation at the existing EIPs. We found that, although CO2 was generated as byproducts and wastes of production at these EIPs, improved energy intensity effects occurred at all EIPs, and we strongly believe that EIPs are a strong alternative to traditional industrial complexes for reducing net carbon emissions. We also examined the optimal conditions for using accelerated mineral carbonation to dispose of hazardous fly ash produced through the incineration of municipal solid wastes at these EIPs. We determined that this technique most efficiently sequestered CO2 when micro-bubbling, low flow rate inlet gas, and ammonia additives were employed.     

Eco-industrial parks: national pilot practices in China

China has rapidly developed a number of Eco-industrial parks (EIPs) in recent years. In order to promote and regulate their development, two government agencies, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and the National Development and Reform Commission are currently engaged in promoting national pilot EIP programs. Both agencies have developed their own management systems, and 60 industrial parks have been approved for construction of national pilot EIPs, among which six parks appear in both lists of the two agencies. This article introduces the practice of the national pilot EIPs. It first describes the management systems and achievements within the two programs, and then summarizes the problems encountered thus far in program implementation. Finally it proposes brief suggestions for future development of EIPs.     

Detection and Molecular Characterization of Gemycircularvirus from Environmental Samples in Brazil

Gemycircularvirus (GemyCV) is a group of viruses which has been recently proposed as a new viral genus detected in fecal and environmental samples around the world. GemyCVs have been detected in human blood, brain tissue, cerebrospinal fluid, and stool sample. In the present study, we demonstrate for the first time, through molecular detection and characterization, the presence of GemyCVs in environmental samples from Brazil. Our results show a percentage of positivity ranging from 69 (25/36) to 97 % (35/36) in river water samples collected in Manaus, Amazon region, and wastewater from a wastewater treatment plant located in Rio de Janeiro, respectively, revealing GemyCVs as an important environmental contaminant.     

生态文明视角下江苏省生态工业园区建设及区域差异分析研究

建设生态文明是关系人民福祉、关乎民族未来的长远大计,坚持节约资源和保护环境的基本国策。着力推进绿色发展、循环发展、低碳发展,形成节约资源和保护环境的空间格局、产业结构、生产方式、生活方式。生态工业园区是解决经济社会发展与资源、环境之间矛盾,建设生态文明的重要实践形式。分析了江苏省生态工业园区建设现状、区域分布及差异特征,并从生态文明建设视角分析了生态工业园区建设过程中存在的问题,提出了相应的措施和建议。     

Critical success and limiting factors for eco-industrial parks: global trends and Egyptian context

The trend of clustering industries into regional estates or cities was adopted in the mid 1900’s. At present, the number of industrial estates in the world is estimated to be between 12,000 and 20,000 (UNEP, 1997) and this trend is continuing to rise in both developed and developing countries. The implementation of the EIP concept continues to evolve especially with the environmental threats and impact on climate change that industries pose. However, there is not yet a fully developed EIP that is operating; although some successful examples of regional by-product exchanges are functioning ( [Lowe, 2001], [Peck, 2002], [Lowe et?al., 1995] and [Chertow, 2000]). Actually, a significant number of projects have failed or have abandoned the goal of becoming an EIP. Furthermore the current body of knowledge on industrial ecology is not sufficient to provide practical solutions to the obstacles facing EIPs.This paper is based upon the Ph.D. Doctoral thesis research of D. Sakr. It was prepared to examine means to improve the uptake of cleaner production & industrial symbiosis in industrial areas in Middle East & North Africa Region focusing on Egypt as a case study. An extensive literature review was performed on eco-industrial development projects’ experiences around the world, in order to identify the critical driving and limiting factors for EIPs. This paper summarizes the lessons learned from worldwide EIP experiences as a basis for the planning and implementation of future EIPs. The paper reflects as well upon the Egyptian context for the identified EIP success and limiting factors. The identified key success and limiting factors are: the creation of symbiotic relationship, information sharing and awareness, financial benefits, organizational structure, and legal and regulatory framework.     

对内蒙古发展低碳经济的思考

内蒙古经济发展具有典型的高消耗、高污染、高排放特征,节能减排空间很大,同时内蒙古新能源储量丰富、森林碳汇能力较强。发展低碳经济应是内蒙古实现经济可持续发展的战略选择,具体可以通过推进产业机构优化升级,提高资源、能源利用效率;通过发展煤炭清洁利用技术和新能源等清洁和可再生能源,着力改善能源结构;通过增加森林草原碳汇、尽快启动实施碳交易来实现经济的可持续发展。     

Incorporating principles of sustainable development in research and education in western Mexico

The integration of university and society for social development and environmental management is founded in adequate interrelations of local stakeholders' problems with natural resource conservation problems. The university's main mission is actively integrating teaching, research and extension activities in order to provide professionals with knowledge and skills that contribute to social development of their community. The most effective means to achieve sustainable development is the integration of local knowledge and problems with scientific knowledge generated through research and development. This paper focuses on a case study of conservation of the Ayuquila River watershed as an example of successfully integrating universities in the regional society and presents the experience of researchers from the Manantlan Institute of Ecology and Conservation of Biodiversity of the University of Guadalajara, Mexico, and their interrelation with the Biosphere Reserve Sierra de Manantlan, an undergraduate education environmental-related program and the development of basic and applied research for strengthening social development and natural resource conservation of the Sierra de Manantlán region. The Ayuquila watershed case study is specifically presented, but we also discuss the associated problems. Relevant, long-term research, local involvement and social participation had been some of the key issues for the Manantlan Institute to contribute to the sustainable development of the Sierra de Manantlan region.     

综合型工业园生态化模式探讨

依照产业生态学原理,循着生态工业园发展的道路,是我国工业园发展的目标。但如何将已有的综合型工业园建成生态工业园,是一个新课题。本文界定了综合型工业园的概念,分析了综合型工业园的特征,就产业链构建和管理,探讨了综合型工业园生态化的模式。     

静脉产业类生态工业园区标准的研究

以静脉产业和静脉产业类生态工业园区的基本概念为基础,深入分析了我国建立静脉产业类生态工业园区标准的重要意义. 选取经济发展、资源循环与利用、污染控制和园区管理4个方面共20个指标,构成静脉产业类生态工业园区评价指标体系,旨在全面、准确地反映静脉产业类生态工业园区的建设水平. 经过综合分析,确定采用层次分析(AHP)法对评价指标体系进行权重计算. 根据权重分析结果可得出如下结论:静脉产业类生态工业园区的建设重点应为提高资源循环利用率和保障环境安全,污染控制以固体废物的安全处置为主. 最后,对该评价指标体系进行了可行性分析,该方法所设定的各项指标在经济上、技术上、可操作性上都是可行的. 依据该评价方法,制定了国家《静脉产业类生态工业园区标准》.      

Guidelines for the strategic management of flood risks in industrial plant oil in the Brazilian coast: adaptive measures to the impacts by relative sea level rise

This study provides guidelines for strategic management in industrial oil plants linked to uncertainties of climate change through the development of integrated planning methodology with focus on coastal flooding events caused by relative sea level rise (RSLR). The research site is in Redonda Island, located in Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro City, Brazil, and since 1960, it constitutes an industrial oil plant facility. The region suffers interaction with storms and meteorological tides from extratropical cyclones over the South Atlantic Ocean, being vulnerable to risks of disasters, floods, and coastal erosion. A Program on Vulnerability and Adaptation Assessments to Relative Sea Level Rise (“Programa de Avaliação e Adaptação às Vulnerabilidades de Elevação do Nível Relativo do Mar—PAAVENRM”) was developed to avoid compromising the regional and local development in the industrial system of the island, which is an ad hoc instrument designed to anticipate and reduce risks, damages, and losses by occurrence of extreme climatic events in coastal areas prone to flooding caused by RSLR. Results from computer simulation modeling indicate 37 prospective qualitative scenarios that consolidate the conditions of future climate vulnerability of the plant, starting from United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) information for RSLR up to 2100. Three quantitative forecasting scenarios were simulated, under boundary conditions preset for different altimetric ranges subject to submersion, based upon ordinary and extraordinary tides measured in the area in relation to RSLR, which allowed the evaluation of the industrial infrastructure at risk. Furthermore, three thematic maps were elaborated for the planning of specific coastal protection interventions. Percentages of physical damage and property losses were estimated. The importance of applying guidelines for medium and long-term corporate strategy management, integrating the risk of flooding, the rigging of civil defense systems, meteorology, and of the plans, programs, and existing systems and others to be developed is highlighted. From this perspective, the proposed scenarios help to identify the most relevant alternatives for mitigation and adaptation under technical criteria for decision making in the study area.     

对内蒙古发展低碳经济的思考

内蒙古经济发展具有典型的高消耗、高污染、高排放特征,节能减排空间很大,同时内蒙古新能源储量丰富、森林碳汇能力较强。发展低碳经济应是内蒙古实现经济可持续发展的战略选择,具体可以通过推进产业机构优化升级,提高资源、能源利用效率;通过发展煤炭清洁利用技术和新能源等清洁和可再生能源,着力改善能源结构;通过增加森林草原碳汇、尽快启动实施碳交易来实现经济的可持续发展。     

我国公众参与再生资源产业发展的现状分析与推进措施

公众参与是可持续发展三原则之一的“共同性原则”的具体体现。作为可持续发展战略措施之一的再生资源产业如若没有公众层面的广泛参与，要想实现健康有序的发展是很困难的。从我国公众参与再生资源产业发展的现状及问题入手，提出了一些针对性的对策措施，以期对提高公众参与再生资源产业发展，促进经济社会的可持续发展提供参考。     

Cleaner production and UNIDO

Even though there were many similar-sounding themes and works at the Stockholm (1972) and Rio (1992) conferences, there are two fundamental differences for industrial development between the plans of action elaborated by the two conferences. One difference is the message, i.e. the nature of the industrial environmental problem. The new message assigns priority to pollution prevention over pollution control because it is a more efficient and effective response to emerging environmental concerns. The other difference is the media, i.e. the major forces of development as well as environmental management agencies must be actively involved in meeting emerging environmental concerns. As the lead organization in the UN system for industrial development, UNIDO is cooperating with many developing countries to implement Agenda 21 of the Rio Conference. UNIDO is promoting the new message of cleaner production as the means by which industry can be environmentally responsible while remaining competitive and profitable.