Building a framework for strategic architecture to foster the development of industrial ecology

Abstract

Industrial ecology offers many opportunities to convert so-called waste into useful by-products and energy to save the use of virgin materials and nonrenewable resources. Most applications of industrial ecology are found on eco-industrial estates, but the concept has wide application at network and single or multiple building complex levels. Industrial ecology also has the potential to realise much greater economic, social and environmental benefits than it does at present. The application of the concept has been frustrated by the lack of industry and public agency knowledge about it, the conservativeness of planning systems and community attitudes related to industry development. The paper examines planning issues which affect the application and acceptance of industrial ecology. A planning framework comprising six elements of strategic architecture to support the development and application of industrial ecology is presented. The key elements of such a framework focus on: knowledge development and management; the building of enabling environments to foster industrial ecology; effective policy and planning systems and practices; the development of waste markets; risk management; research to develop new tools, strategies and technologies. The framework draws upon lessons gained from successful and unsuccessful applications of industrial ecology.