Energy Cities proposition 13 - Make the best use of energy and material flows by encouraging synergies between players
Knowing our territories’ resources and flows
2014
Energy Cities is a network of more than 1,000 cities in 30 different countries. Convinced that energy transition is more than a question of renewable energy or advanced technologies, Energy Cities proposes to use resources in a reasoned way, to strengthen local participation and to improve the quality of life in a democratic Europe. In 2014, the network presents 30 proposals for the Energy Transition of Territories.
They are a source of inspiration to think and act differently. To finally turn the page on unsustainable practices that lead us into energy, climate and perhaps economic and social dead ends.
To download : cahier_short_jan2014_en.pdf (6.8 MiB)
Energy Cities proposition 13 - Make the best use of energy and material flows by encouraging synergies between players
The problem at hand
One company’s waste can be another company’s raw material, leading to financial savings, and optimised resource and waste management on both sides.This concept is called “industrial ecology” or “circular economy”.
The huge material flows entering, leaving and crossing cities include building materials, raw materials, food products, manufactured goods, solid, liquid and organic waste, fuels, etc. But we have very little knowledge of these flows and many opportunities are lost. Territories do not optimise these flows of materials and waste as they should, and they continue to squander considerable amounts of resources. Energy is produced from waste, and building materials are recycled here and there, but we are far from our potential optima!
Applied to a city, industrial ecology is called territorial ecology. It involves co-ordination and dialogue between players from the same sector or from sectors of activity likely to create synergies.
Proposal
Making the best use of a territory’s material and energy flows is a good management principle.
Gaining as much knowledge as possible about these flows, including waste flows of all sorts, is essential but not sufficient. The information must be made available, for example via an Internet-based exchange, which means involving the relevant players in order to optimise synergies.
Conditions for success
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Applying circular economy principles to the local authority’s areas of responsibility and publicising the fact.
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Initiating the process by associating professional and consular organisations which will have to progressively take the lead.
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Providing a place for dialogue, giving as much leeway as possible to self-organisation between the supply and demand sides that, in turn, will have to come up with practical implementation methods.
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Assess the expected economic, social and environmental benefits generated by potential synergies.