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Title Measuring the symbiotic performance of single entities within networks using an LCA approach
ID_Doc 19192
Authors Bastias, FA; Rodríguez, PD; Arena, AP; Peiró, LT
Title Measuring the symbiotic performance of single entities within networks using an LCA approach
Year 2023
Published Journal Of Environmental Chemical Engineering, 11.0, 5
DOI 10.1016/j.jece.2023.111023
Abstract This paper introduces the Symbiotic Performance Indicator, a novel indicator aiming to quantify the environ-mental benefits generated by by-product exchanges in an industrial symbiosis network. Despite the significant advancements in assessing industrial symbiosis, the lack of indicators for individual entities involved in by-product exchanges hinders a comprehensive understanding of its environmental benefits. This indicator ac-counts for resource use and greenhouse gas emissions using a life cycle perspective. The resource use is measured using the Cumulative Exergy Extraction from the Natural Environment method, while greenhouse gas emissions are evaluated using the IPCC 2013 Global Warming Potential (100a) method. The use of this indicator is illustrated in a real case study where plastic waste is exchanged among three entities in Mendoza (Argentina). The overall results show that resource use and greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by 19% and 15%, respectively. Full and partial allocation methods are proposed within the formulation of the Symbiotic Performance Indicator. The indicator results show that the exchange of materials may seem less attractive when using full allocation methods, as one entity gets 100% of the benefits from the by-product exchange compared to the other. Partial allocations make the by-product exchange convenient for both entities which may encourage collabo-ration. In conclusion, the proposed indicator helps account more precisely for individual environmental benefits behind by-product exchanges, and thus enables better decision-making to set up an industrial symbiosis network.
Author Keywords Environmental performance; By-product exchange; Entity level; Life cycle assessment; Indicator
Index Keywords Index Keywords
Document Type Other
Open Access Open Access
Source Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED)
EID WOS:001081470000001
WoS Category Engineering, Environmental; Engineering, Chemical
Research Area Engineering
PDF https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jece.2023.111023
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