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Eco-Industrial Parks: A Case Study and Analysis of Economic, Environmental, Technical, and Regulatory Issues
Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies Publications
  • Sheila A. Martin, Research Triangle Institute
  • Keith A. Weitz, Research Triangle Institute
  • Robert A. Cushman, Research Triangle Institute
  • Aarti Sharma, Research Triangle Institute
  • Richard C. Lindrooth, Research Triangle Institute
  • Stephen R. Moran, Indigo Development
Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
10-1-1996
Subjects
  • Industrial ecology -- United States,
  • Industrial ecology -- Economic aspects,
  • Industrial ecology -- Environmental aspects,
  • Source reduction (Waste management)
Abstract

Despite a growing interest in and awareness of applications of industrial ecology (IE), such as eco-industrial parks (EIPs), little information is available about the potential economic and environmental benefits of EIPs, the process for successful EIP development, the important regulatory issues surrounding EIPs, or the technologies needed to support them. This report contains the results of a body of research intended to investigate and support the development of EIPs—communities of companies modeled after industrial ecosystems. EIPs can exist within defined boundaries and broader industrial ecosystems in a region. These communities consciously collaborate to enhance their economic performance through improved environmental performance. Their design is based, in part, on an understanding of the dynamics of natural systems and includes features such as conversion of wastes into valuable inputs, cogeneration of energy, shared environmental infrastructure, and the minimization of material throughput.

Description

Prepared for Brendan Doyle Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. RTI Project Number 6050 FR.

Persistent Identifier
http://archives.pdx.edu/ds/psu/13029
Citation Information
Doyle, B., Martin, S. A., Weitz, K. A., Cushman, R. A., Sharma, A., Lindrooth, R. C., & Moran, S. R. (1996). Eco-industrial parks: A case study and analysis of economic, environmental, technical, and regulatory Issues. Office of Policy, Planning and Evaluation, USEPA, Washington, DC, USA.