KALUNDBORG: an example of industrial ecology to be replicable!
"Kalundborg Symbiosis has developed gradually over time. From the earliest cooperation between Kalundborg Municipality and Statoil (then Esso) for the supply of water to the extension of Statoil’s production in 1961, to a real symbiotic relationship that was established in 1972. Since then, companies have continuously implemented symbiotic practicies, and today there are more than 30 exchanges of water, energy and other by-products between Kalundborg Municipality and eight other companies: Novo Nordisk, Novozymes, DONG Energy, RGS90, Statoil, Gyproc, Kalundborg Supply and KaraNoveren. In addition, a number of agricultural companies have an interest in this type of industrial symbiosis, as purchasers of fertilizer products and waste heat.
3 million m3 of water saved through recycling and reuse
Cooperation between companies in Kalundborg Symbiosis has occurred from the bottom-up, initiated by the companies themselves with continuous support from the Kalundborg Municipality. The close physical proximity of the companies and exchange of resources has resulted in a collaborative mindset among the partners, as they have actively chosen communication, openness and cooperation. This extends beyond the economic benefits involved with the transfer of waste products, surplus heat and water, and these very different companies see the potential of joint-problem solving and development for the area, for example with a recent project to move towards renewable energy sources for Kalundborg".
Source: Ellen MacArthur Foundation
http://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/case_studies/kalundborg-symbiosis
Managing Director at Waste to Energy Research Technology Germany GmbH (WtERT)
7yIt makes me feel good to hear from this symbiosis! I just came back from a Business trip to Croatia, where we argued that recycling and waste to energy plants belong together. Like incineration and cheap energy for the industry in the neighborhood. But tell me how you treat someone who really did a good recycling job whereat the nearby landfill is covered with birds?
PhD - Environmental - Environmental Management Subject Matter Expert
8yIdea is good but how to implement at real life situation
Director of Ketelbey Associates
8yWe could do with a lot more case studies like this one. Congratulations to the Ellen Macarthur foundation.
Analista de impacto en SUYDESA
8yThanks for the article of the symbiosis into municipality and industrie
Sustainability Strategy Adviser at CER - Sustainable Business Network Slovenia
8yThank you for bringing Kalundborg symbiosis up for discussion. Industrial symbiosis is definitely the next frontier of waste reduction, with the potential to bringing our society a significant step closer to circular economy. There are other examples of operational, but planned industrial symbioses (M. Chertow): China – Tianjin Economic-Technological Development Area (TEDA) India – Nanjangud Industrial Area, Mysore Korea – Korean Industrial Complex Corporation (KICOX)