Current Status, Emerging Challenges, and Future Prospects of Industrial Symbiosis in Portugal

Angela Neves,João C O Matias,Susana G Azevedo,Radu Godina

doi:10.3390/su11195497

Abstract

Industrial symbiosis has proven to be an important tool for improving business sustainability with numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. The literature on this subject has been provided with countless case studies of the application of this practice in different geographical locations. However, studies concerning Portugal in this area are still scarce. Thus, this article aims to map and analyze the existing cases of industrial symbiosis in Portugal, as well as the current state and the legislative context regarding this practice. It also aims to analyze the main barriers to the growth of synergy relations and outline new paths for the development of industrial symbiosis in Portugal. From the analysis to the case studies, it was possible to conclude that most industrial symbiosis networks have few actors, and networks with two and three are common. However, owing to strategic plans, the type of existing economic activities, and the waste generated, there is much potential for industrial symbiosis networks to be established and to contribute to emission reductions, more efficient use of resources, and reduced external dependence. However, in order to increase industrial symbiosis, concerted action must be taken at various levels to encourage companies to develop synergy relations. Changing the legislative framework, making funds available, the role of local governments, the existence of a facilitator, and the use of some industries as anchor tenants are some of the aspects that can contribute to the increase of industrial symbiosis in Portugal.

Highlights

Population growth, consumption, and production patterns have led to growth in resource and energy consumption, as well as consequent environmental impacts, which are expected to increase in the coming years [1,2]
The discussion focuses on the factors that may be decisive in the proliferation of industrial symbiosis cases in Portugal and how some good practices in other countries leading to successful symbiosis cases can be carried over to the national context
Portugal has, in recent years, undertaken a set of measures aimed at promoting sustainability, such as the approval of plans and legislation, launching a portal to disseminate the knowledge produced about the circular economy, and the operationalization of European program funds through Portugal 2020

Summary

Introduction

Population growth, consumption, and production patterns have led to growth in resource and energy consumption, as well as consequent environmental impacts, which are expected to increase in the coming years [1,2]. Industrial symbiosis allows companies that traditionally operate separately to come together to achieve greater environmental and economic benefits than they would be able to achieve individually, through physical exchanges of materials, by-products, energy, and water [15]. In addition to this exchange of resources, industrial symbiosis can encompass utility and infrastructure sharing and the joint provision of services [16]

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