D1.1. State-of-the-art report on Industrial Symbiosis topic and its different sub-areas (settling the basis for further improvements and their introduction in the industry)

Abstract

In the context of addressing climate change, industrial sectors play a significant role as major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, energy consumption, and waste generation. To combat these challenges, adopting a Circular Economy strategy is imperative. The Circular Economy model diverges from the traditional linear approach by promoting sustainable production and consumption practices while considering societal, environmental, and economic factors in a balanced manner. Industrial Symbiosis (IS) emerges as a practical solution within this framework. In IS, waste or by-products generated by one industry are repurposed as resources for another, presenting opportunities for environmental sustainability and economic efficiency. Despite its potential, many companies and industrial actors lack awareness of IS, and its development is hindered by various barriers, including environmental, economic, technical, regulatory, organizational, social, and cultural challenges. To address these issues, the LIAISE COST Action seeks to foster an inclusive and holistic IS approach. By fostering synergies among stakeholders from diverse sectors and laying the groundwork for knowledge enhancement, LIAISE COST Action aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This initiative will involve developing a participatory approach to support cross-sector collaborations and establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for assessing the effectiveness of IS business models in industry. The LIAISE COST Action represents a collective effort to make the Industrial Symbiosis a reality across Europe, fostering collaboration among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers. To achieve these objectives, LIAISE COST Action will leverage the expertise of four interdisciplinary Working Groups (WGs) and integrate their findings through a reference framework. This holistic approach aims to drive meaningful progress towards sustainable industrial practices and contribute to a more Circular Economy.