Quantifying the Environmental Performance of Industrial Symbiosis Networks: A Case Study of Industrial Symbiosis North in Aalborg
Authors
Bundgaard, Asbjørn Uldbjerg ; Lassen, Jesper Kokborg ; Dalsgaard, Nichlas Lange
Term
4. Term
Publication year
2022
Submitted on
2022-06-02
Pages
135
Abstract
Background: With increasing pressure on companies to minimize environmental impacts, this study develops an applicable approach to quantify environmental impacts for industrial symbiosis (IS) networks, with the purpose of supporting decision-making for symbiotic flows, in addition to assisting in the maturing of the network. Methods: A case study of Industrial Symbiosis North is carried out to develop a life cycle assessment (LCA) model based on the case context and a literature review of preexisting literature. Results: Results showed it possible to represent the environmental impacts for three taxonomic levels (i) Networks (ii) Entities (iii) Flows. The LCA results are bound by limited data quality and a narrow system boundary. Therefore, further improving adjustments to the model were identified along with implementation steps. Conclusion: Quantifying environmental impacts at taxonomic levels proves beneficial for creating value propositions for companies within the IS network. By doing so, the facilitating organization expands its role for the network in regards to supporting sustainable development in a broader sense. Applying LCA in IS networks is therefore seen as a vital step for maturing both the facilitating organizations and the IS networks.
Keywords
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