Industrial sustainability refers to the development and implementation of practices within industries that aim to minimise environmental harm, conserve natural resources, and promote economic and social well-being over the long term. It encompasses designing processes that reduce waste, optimise energy use, and leverage renewable resources, all while maintaining profitability and competitiveness. This concept goes beyond environmental protection, integrating social responsibility by ensuring safe working conditions, fostering community development, and considering the broader societal impact of industrial activities. By embracing innovation, circular economy principles, and green technologies, industries can transition from linear production models to systems where resources are reused, recycled, and regenerated. Industrial sustainability represents a balance between growth and stewardship, addressing current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own.

Several Sustainable Development Goals are directly linked to sustainable industry as they emphasise economic growth, innovation, environmental stewardship, and social equity. These include:

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Aims to ensure access to sustainable energy, vital for industrial sustainability by driving the transition to renewable energy sources. Example: Industrial facilities transitioning to solar, wind, or geothermal energy, as demonstrated by companies like Google, which operates on 100% renewable energy globally for its operations.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Highlights the importance of sustainable economic growth, productive employment, and labor rights, all of which intersect with ethical and inclusive industry practices. Example: Establishing fair labor practices and ensuring safe working environments. Patagonia, for example, emphasises ethical labor practices across its supply chain and invests in the well-being of its workers while fostering sustainable growth.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – This goal explicitly focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive and sustainable industrialisation, and fostering innovation. Example: Implementing green manufacturing technologies, like renewable energy-powered factories, or fostering innovation through industrial research centres to develop cleaner production methods. A company like Tesla promotes innovation by advancing electric vehicle technology and sustainable energy solutions.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Encourages industries to adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste, and manage resources efficiently, fostering circular economy principles. Example: Corporations adopting zero-waste policies, such as IKEA committing to sourcing 100% renewable or recyclable materials for their products and packaging. Other industries might focus on creating closed-loop supply chains where products and resources are continually reused and recycled.

SDG 13: Climate Action – Calls for urgent action to combat climate change, which includes reducing carbon footprints through cleaner technologies and sustainable industrial processes. Example: Industries reducing carbon emissions by adopting energy-efficient technologies or supporting carbon offset programs. For instance, Unilever has committed to net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2039.

Industrial symbiosis is a strategy within sustainable industrial development that focuses on collaboration among industries to utilise each other's by-products, waste materials, or shared resources for mutual benefit. It is grounded in the principles of the circular economy, aiming to reduce waste, conserve resources, and improve environmental and economic performance.

Globally, the practice of industrial symbiosis varies according to regional priorities, economic structures, and environmental challenges. In some parts of the world, it is implemented through formalised networks and eco-industrial parks where industries cooperate to share resources and streamline production processes. In other regions, it may emerge organically as businesses recognise opportunities for resource exchange and cost reduction. Governments and organisations in various countries promote industrial symbiosis through policies, incentives, and frameworks that encourage collaboration and innovation. The practice often adapts to local conditions, utilising available resources, technological capabilities, and infrastructure to support sustainable industrial operations. By fostering such collaboration, industrial symbiosis helps to create more efficient and resilient systems worldwide. An excellent detailed description of industrial symbiosis can be found here:
https://www.sfridoo.com/en/industrial-symbiosis

Below are some notable examples of successful industrial symbiosis projects that demonstrate how industrial symbiosis can drive sustainability, reduce waste, and foster economic benefits:

Kalundborg Symbiosis, Denmark: This is one of the most well-known examples of industrial symbiosis. It involves a network of companies sharing resources such as steam, water, and by-products. For instance, excess heat from a power plant is used by nearby industries and households, while gypsum from a refinery is utilised in cement production.

National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP), UK: This initiative connects businesses across sectors to identify opportunities for resource sharing. It has facilitated numerous exchanges, such as using waste from food processing as biofuel or converting industrial by-products into construction materials.

CleanTech Park, Singapore: This eco-industrial park integrates industrial symbiosis principles by encouraging companies to share resources like energy and water. It also promotes the use of renewable energy and sustainable waste management practices.

Kwinana Industrial Area, Australia: This industrial hub features multiple symbiotic exchanges. For example, waste gases from one company are used as raw materials by another, and treated wastewater is shared among industries for cooling and processing.

Burnside Industrial Park, Canada: This park has implemented symbiotic practices such as sharing heat and water resources among businesses, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Looking ahead, the future implications of industrial symbiosis are promising. It could play a pivotal role in achieving sustainability goals by minimising waste, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and conserving natural resources. As industries adopt digital technologies like IoT and AI, the efficiency and scalability of symbiotic networks are expected to improve. Additionally, governments and organisations are likely to implement supportive policies and incentives to encourage collaboration among industries. This practice could also foster innovation, create new business opportunities, and strengthen local economies. However, its success will depend on overcoming challenges such as regulatory hurdles, logistical complexities, and the need for cultural shifts toward collaboration and sustainability. Overall, industrial symbiosis holds the potential to transform industrial operations into more sustainable and resilient systems.