Industrial-urban symbiosis initiatives often focus on improving resource efficiency between companies. However, their impacts extend far beyond industrial processes.
The Hubs4Circularity Guide to the Impacts of Industrial-Urban Symbiosis on Local Communities explores how these initiatives can generate environmental, economic and social benefits for the regions in which they operate.
A community perspective
Industrial-urban symbiosis projects can reduce environmental pressures while also creating local economic opportunities. By reusing waste streams and by-products between industries and urban systems, regions can reduce landfill, lower greenhouse gas emissions and create new circular value chains.
At the same time, these initiatives can strengthen regional resilience by shortening supply chains and generating new business opportunities.
Case study: engaging communities in Skive, Denmark
In Skive, Denmark, citizens were actively involved in the design of an industrial park as part of a circular development strategy. Community input led to the creation of green spaces and walking paths around the industrial site.
Residents were also invited to experience how a planned biogas facility would smell through simulation exercises, helping address concerns and improve public acceptance of the project.
Demonstrator projects advancing industrial symbiosis
The guide also highlights several H4C demonstrator initiatives, including:
- SYMSITES, which explores how municipal food waste and industrial wastewater can be converted into energy and valuable by-products
- Waterproof, which converts CO₂ emissions from industrial processes into sustainable consumer products
- ASHCYCLE, which develops solutions for reusing incineration residues in construction materials
These examples illustrate how industrial symbiosis initiatives can simultaneously address environmental challenges, support innovation and create benefits for local communities.
The full guide is available via the H4C Knowledge Platform.
