This study was explorative in that it developed a methodological framework for the application of Industrial Ecology (IE) principles such as by-product synergy to enhance sustainability of human settlements. The framework was developed using Redland Shire, a local government area (LGA) in Southeast Queensland, Australia as a case study. By extending the IE framework beyond industrial systems to human settlements the study not only fills a critical gap in IE research, but is also a pioneering application of the IE framework to non-industrial sector in Australia. The study adopted the view that reduction in the flows of energy and materials through a region will enhance the region’s or human settlement’s sustainability. Redland Shire presents an ideal research context as it encompasses residential, commercial, industrial and service activity. It also has two relatively undisturbed regions of significant tourism potential, North Stradbroke Island and the Mt Cotton hinterland. There is growing economic pressure for development in these two regions. This presents the opportunity to undertake economic development in a responsible way that promotes and enhances the Shire’s clear existing commitment to sustainability principles, while continuing to emphasise the liveability of the region and hence its attraction for inward investment and sound economic growth. Further, due to its proximity to both Brisbane and the Gold Coast, there is significant movement in and out of the Shire of both the residential (e.g. commuter) and transient (e.g. tourism) population. The resource and waste fluxes this causes, while difficult to map, are likely to be significant. For the purpose of the study only the mainland of Redland Shire was used.
The study is unique in that it combined IE and urban metabolism. IE principle of by-products synergy was used to reduce the energy and material flows within Redland Shire. To reduce the flow of energy and materials through a human settlement, it is important to identify and track the flow of energy and materials through the human settlement. The study used Resource Flow Analysis (RFA) to track and quantify significant materials and energy flows-the urban metabolism of Redland Shire. The metabolism data was then used in developing by-product synergies (BPS) within an IE framework.
To keep the study manageable, only the commercial and industrial (C&I) sector of Redland Shire was used for collecting data on energy, materials and wastes. A unique aspect of this study was the development of a three-level metabolism model for comprehensively collecting data on energy and material flows. In this model, the metabolism at three levels of a human settlement-macro–metabolism at the regional level, meso–metabolism at suburb level, and micro–metabolism at the individual company level was developed. Data on energy, materials and waste flows were collected from the C&I sector during 2001-02. using a combination of self-answered questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. It is important to highlight that the study focused on developing a methodological framework of which data collection was only a part. In addition to data collection, the methodological framework also included a feedback mechanism whereby government could develop and implement policies to minimise resource use and improve resource efficiency. The metabolism data was used to identify potential by-product synergies. As part of the study, certain key performance indicators (KPIs) for sustainability were also identified. The study also identified the opportunities and constraints in the application of IE to human settlements. It was evident from the study that collection of primary data on energy and materials from the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on a voluntary basis was problematic. A three-level metabolism model can be successfully used to collect comprehensive energy and materials flow data from the SMEs. To implement by-products synergies between SMEs, the study suggests clustering of similar businesses or businesses within a given geographical location. Clustering can provide economy of scales for wastes to be economically exploited through by-product synergies. The study also recommends a proactive role to be played by local governments in promoting IE and suggests initiatives that can be undertaken by the local governments.
The IE framework developed as part of this study includes – a three-level metabolism model for comprehensive data collection, a hybrid front-end eco-efficiency program to collect energy and materials flow data from the SMEs, by-products synergies or waste exchange network to support and promote beneficial waste reuse and a ‘negative feedback’ mechanism to facilitate implementation of appropriate policies to promote IE principles such as by-products synergies.