Evaluation approach to assess actions and scenarios for improving climate and resource efficiency of municipalities and companies in industrial parks

Abstract

To stay within planetary boundaries, it is essential to reduce environmental emissions from industrial activities commonly found in industrial parks. This study addresses the issue by developing an integrated approach that comprehensively evaluates industry-related environmental impacts. The approach encompasses the planning, building, and operating phases of an industrial park to support decision-making for municipalities and companies across the nano, micro, and meso levels of the circular economy. The aim is to suggest a methodological approach as a basis to assist municipalities to efficiently evaluate industrial park site selection and identify effective actions for companies seeking to establish climate- and resource efficient eco-industrial parks. Our climate and resource protection in commercial and industrial areas (KREGI) approach includes criteria for reducing environmental impacts, operational indicators for compliance with these criteria, and actions to achieve them. The potential for reducing environmental impacts is quantified by three key indicators: global warming potential, cumulative energy demand, and raw material input. This Quantification follows a three-step system comprising literature review, self-conducted life cycle assessments, and stakeholder involvement. The results illustrate potential benefits from proposed actions by providing three scenarios in the form of status quo, best-case and worst-case. This approach is demonstrated through a case study quantifying the establishment of a car sharing station as one possible action. The example achieves environmental benefits under specific conditions, though not all environmental indicators show universal improvements. By comparing these results with other actions, the most beneficial ones can be identified for effective execution considering each environmental indicator