Industrial symbiosis (IS) is increasingly recognised as a key strategy for enhancing resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact. A newly published study, “Environmental and Economic Benefits of Waste Heat Recovery as a Symbiotic Scenario in Sweden”, explores the potential of waste heat recovery in driving sustainable industrial and agricultural practices.
Conducted by researchers from CIRCE—Technology Center for Energy Resources and Consumption, WA3RM AB, and Linköping University, the study presents a combined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) evaluation of an IS case involving waste heat recovery from a pulp and paper mill to a tomato greenhouse in Sweden. Unlike previous research that examines environmental or economic aspects separately, this study provides a holistic assessment, quantifying both environmental benefits and financial feasibility.
The findings highlight significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, and operational costs, while improving energy efficiency compared to conventional greenhouse tomato production in the Netherlands. By bridging environmental and economic considerations, the research offers a replicable framework for sustainable practices in the agri-food sector and demonstrates the role of IS in advancing circular economy strategies.
Read the full paper here.
