Activating Circular Economy through Industrial Symbiosis: A Case Study of a Novel Modular Living Wall System

Abstract

This research investigates the potentials of designing for sustainability, specifically “design for reuse” using a systematic by-product of industrial production processes, in a mutual exchange known as industrial symbiosis (IS) for a more circular economy (CE). CE seeks to change traditional methods of take, make, waste to eliminate the concept of waste after consumers use goods. This study focuses on fostering CE through IS between the automotive and the building and construction industries through creative architectural reuse. Previous attempts at IS between both industries have involved reusing materials such as end-of-life metal, tires and plastics but none have explored the reuse of prompt sheet metal cutouts (Offal) from automotive assembly processes. A workflow of three parts is presented in this manuscript-style dissertation. The first manuscript presents “design for reuse” modules made from Offal. Experimental studies were conducted for four unique geometries to determine their cooling effect in two seasons and resource efficiency. The second manuscript presents a novel modular living wall system (MLWS) made with a module from Manuscript 1. Experimental data from measurement campaigns during four seasons (winter, spring, summer and fall) was used to calibrate 24-hour simulations of thermal performance in ENVI-met. Life cycle analyses (LCA) were also used to determine economic and environmental impacts. The third manuscript presented a techno-economic analysis comparing the novel MLWS to traditional living wall systems (LWS). Analysis of the novel MLWS was carried out through LCA and available data for parameters such as fuel consumption, electricity, net primary energy, and product costs. This dissertation investigates the potentials of creatively reusing industrial byproducts as feedstock in building and construction products through a case study. The case study was approached by studying module units, then a system which provided data for simulation at a bigger scale. Findings include a new method to test the performance of LWS; a new methodology to initiate reuse for solid non-hazardous industrial waste streams and opportunities to investigate frameworks for other industrial waste streams. Activating CE through IS could provide economic, environmental and technical benefits. Findings contribute to operational data required by decision and policy makers to promote circularity