Industrial Ecology and Industry Symbiosis for Environmental Sustainability : Definitions, Frameworks and Applications

This book opens up a critical dimension to the interdisciplinary field of Industrial Ecology (IE) and one of its four areas - Industrial Symbiosis (IS). Presenting the concept of closed-loop thinking, this timely book explains how industries and societies can achieve environmental sustainability, a necessity for today’s businesses. Providing a critical review of the definitions and developments of both IE and IS, this study establishes their fundamental role in improving environmental sustainability. The author identifies valuable lessons to be learned and presents conceptual frameworks to guide future IE and IS applications. Transforming industrial systems into closed-loop industrial ecosystems dramatically reduces the negative impact of industrial activities on the environment. Therefore, this book is an important read not only for operations management scholars, but also those who are interested in ensuring an environmentally sustainable future. Front Matter ....Pages i-xviii An Introduction to Closed-Loop Concept in Industrial Ecology (Xiaohong Li)....Pages 1-8 Industrial Ecology and Industrial Symbiosis - Definitions and Development Histories (Xiaohong Li)....Pages 9-38 Industrial Ecology Applications in the Four Areas (Xiaohong Li)....Pages 39-60 Applications of Industrial Symbiosis (Xiaohong Li)....Pages 61-89 Life Cycle Thinking and Analysis, Design for Environment, and Industrial Ecology Frameworks (Xiaohong Li)....Pages 91-109 Challenges for Applying Industrial Ecology and Future Development of Industrial Ecology (Xiaohong Li)....Pages 111-126 Back Matter ....Pages 127-130 Presenting the concept of closed-loop thinking, this timely book explains how industries and societies can achieve environmental sustainability, a necessity for today's businesses. Providing a critical review of the definitions and developments of both industrial ecology (IE) and industrial symbiosis (IS), this study establishes their fundamental role in improving environmental sustainability. The author identifies valuable lessons to be learned and presents conceptual frameworks to guide future IE and IS applications