Industrial Ecology: A New Cleaner Production Strategy

The application of industrial ecology to the planning of Cleaner Production systems is evaluated using concepts, strategies, and tools. Key objectives for industrial sustainability include the systematic valorization of waste and by-products, minimization of losts from dispersion, dematerialization of economies, and the use of renewable resources for energy production. The industrial metabolism methodology was tested in case studies in India. Within this regional resource flow analysis, priorities are established, resource utilization is assessed, strategy options are identified, the material cycle is closed, economic activity within a closed cycle is planned, critical resource use is reduced or eliminated, materials are recycling, and industries are strategically relocated.