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IN PROFILE: INDUSTRIAL SYMBIOSIS 6 SUSTAINABLE IRELAND VOL 9 ISSUE 3 2014 A resource efficiency approach where unused or residual resources of one company is used by another, industrial symbiosis produces mutual economic, social and environmental benefits. International Synergies NI has been contracted to manage and implement such a service here, and is already working with over 1,000 industry members to help them explore new opportunities, implement innovative technologies and unlock the potential of under- utilised resources. Through the unique network created, mutually profitable transactions between companies are identified so that underused or undervalued resources (including energy, waste, water and logistics) are brought into productive use. Industrial symbiosis finds and fills the gaps that members could experience due to lack of time or the dedicated expertise required to identify resource, waste and energy-efficient practices. With both financial and environmental benefits, it’s a win-win situation. It’s wide-ranging too, and members comprise micro and small and medium businesses to multinational/corporates from every industry sector. Their collective aim is transition from a linear system, where resources are wasted, to a circular economy. Over the past seven years the process has helped Northern Ireland businesses save £9.5 million in operating costs, achieve £14.6 million in additional sales, divert 229,000 tonnes from landfill and eradicate 300,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. And now, as a newly- established business, International Synergies Northern Ireland Ltd will build on this foundation to help businesses and public bodies embrace resource efficiency. LAUNCH Their recent launch at Portadown Town Hall was a huge success and marked a major milestone in the provision of industrial ecology services for businesses and public bodies. Through the guest speakers, including Adrian Murphy, Director of International Synergies Ltd, and the Mayor of Craigavon, advocating that there has never been a better time to address the subject of resource efficiency, the mantra that there is no such thing as waste was fully realised. Among the guests were members of the Environment and Enterprise Committees, The Mayor of Portadown and business leaders. International Synergies Northern Ireland Director Trevor Knipe, who has over 20 years experience in industrial waste elimination, reduction and treatment, said: “We were delighted with the great turn-out at this event, and are privileged to be assured of the support of Government and business organisations.” And he added: “Our actions have a lasting consequence on our environment, causing a domino effect for generations to come. “Industrial symbiosis changes the perception of industries, enhances business opportunities, reduces costs, and ultimately increases environmental benefits. “Contrary to the linear ‘take, make, dispose’ attitude of most organisations, relying on large quantities of easily accessible resources and energy, the circular economy advocates an efficient service model in which ‘waste’ and energy is converted into an alternative, re-usable resource. “ International Synergies Ltd pioneered the development of Industrial Symbiosis networks in 2005 and in 2007 established the first country-wide IS network, the National Industrial Symbiosis Programme (NISP), across the UK. Other supported IS networks have followed in China, Mexico, Europe the US and Canada. “Despite the fact that many companies have implemented the reduction of resources and fossil energy, this will ultimately not change the limited nature of their stocks, but merely postpones the inevitable – that these resources will eventually run out,” explained Trevor. “Therefore, a change in the entire operating system is essential. “In short, circular economy thinking ensures that fewer resources are disposed of and we produce a more efficient and sustainable economy by making sure valuable resources, previously viewed as waste, are recycled and re-used.” WASTE SMART Apart from delivering the Industrial Symbiosis service, what else does International Synergies NI Ltd have to offer? Well, over 70 individuals from local businesses have been provided with Waste Smart Training at either foundation or advanced level, with a 100% pass rate. The purpose of this training is to introduce and safeguard the proficient and cost effective management of ‘waste’ within businesses. Foundation level covers areas such as viewing waste as a valuable resource that requires sustainable handling. Furthermore the delegate will be made aware of how to comply with legislation whilst managing these materials. Similarly, the advanced course covers all these aspects of generating a sustainable environment within the terms of legislation, but also covers the practicalities of auditing, setting targets, monitoring waste, and managing change within a business setting. At the end of the training day each delegate is required to complete an assessment so that they can achieve a Waste Smart Certificate from the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management. Other training courses in data capture, water efficiency and waste minimisation are also offered. NORTHERN IRELAND INDUSTRY HAS A WIN-WIN FUTURE WITH INTERNATIONAL SYNERGIES NI Industrial symbiosis... it might not roll off the tongue at the moment, but it will soon be the phrase on everyone’s lips if International Synergies Northern Ireland has anything to do with it. International Synergies NI Team with the Mayor of Craigavon: from Left: Patrick MacCormack, Elaine Kerr, Mayor of Craigavon, Trevor Knipe and Liam McNally
