Evolution of industrial symbiosis in an eco-industrial park in China. (15th January 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Fei; Han, Feng; Cui, Zhaojie
• Is Part Of: Journal of cleaner production. Volume 87(2015:Jan. 15)
• Page Start: 339
• Page End: 347
• Publication Date: 2015-01-15
• Subjects: Industrial symbiosis -- Eco-industrial park -- Policy -- Driving force -- Industrial ecology; Factory and trade waste -- Management -- Periodicals; Manufactures -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Déchets industriels -- Gestion -- Périodiques; Usines -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; 628.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2014.10.058
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0959-6526

Abstract

Abstract: Industrial symbiosis and eco-industrial park have been developed for decades and have significant economic and environmental effects in China. To research the evolution of industrial symbiosis and eco-industrial park construction, and summary the drivers and characteristics of industrial symbiosis development in China, this study uses the National Demonstration Eco-Industrial Park, namely, the Rizhao Economic and Technology Development Area (REDA), as a case study to introduce the industrial symbiosis development process and to research the evolution of industrial symbiosis and eco-industrial park construction, and summarizes the drivers and characteristics of industrial symbiosis development in China. Based on in-depth investigation of enterprises and the government in REDA, three stages (1991–2002, 2003–2006, 2007–2011) of industrial symbiosis development are identified, 31 inter-firms symbiosis performances involving cereal oil and food, machinery, pulp and paper, textile and garment, wine refining, and biochemical industries were formed since REDA was founded in 1991. Results show the environmental benefits of industrial symbiosis performances in 2011, and argue that economic benefits, mainly resulted from stricter environmental standards, tax preference, benefits from material substitution, and financial subsidies, is the critical driver for the stakeholders to participate in industrial symbiosis. The action of governments in industrial symbiosis development is to constituting strict environmental standards, resource comprehensive utilization schemes, financial support and circular economy and eco-industrial park planning guidance. This article provides some unique characteristics of industrial symbiosis growth in a developing country from enterprises and government aspects. Highlights: A network with 31 industrial symbiosis performances formed since 1991 to 2011 in China is introduced. The development process of industrial symbiosis could be identified into three stages (1991–2002, 2003–2006, 2007–2011). The main driver for stakeholders to be involved in industrial symbiosis is economic benefit. The role of government in industrial symbiosis development is to formulate policies and give financial support.