INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
Frosch and Gallopoulas observe that it should be possible to develop industrial production methods that would. have considerably less impact on the environment. This observation led them to introduce the notion of industrial ecosystem. Projections regarding resources and population trends "lead to the recognition that the traditional
model of industrial activity in which individual manufacturing processes take in raw materials and generate products to be sold and waste to be disposed of should be transformed into a more integrated model: an industrial ecosystem. The industrial ecosystem would function analogous to biological ecosystems. Plants synthesize nutrients that feed herbivores, which in turn feed a chain of carnivores whose wastes and bodies eventually feed plants. An ideal industrial ecosystem may never be attained in practice, but both manufacturers and consumers must change their practice to approach it more Closely to biological ecosystem if the industrialized world is to maintain its standard of living and the developing nations are to raise theirs to adequate level without adversely affecting the environment".
The industrial system can be seen as a certain kind of ecosystem concerned with distribution of materials and energy in a cyclical rather than linear manner. Industrial Ecology relates to understanding how industrial system works and is regulated on the basis of what we know about ecosystem; it could be designed to conform as far as possible with the natural system. There are three elements of the industrial ecology, according to Erkman.
(a) It is comprehensive and integrated view of all the components of the industrial
. economy 'and their relations with the biosphere.
(b) It emphasizes the complex patterns of material flows within and outside the
industrial system, in contrast with current ·approaches which mostly consider
the industrial economy in terms of monetary units.
(c) It considers long term evolution of key technologies as a crucial element for
the transition from the actual unsustainable industrial system to a viable industrial
ecosystem.
Industrial ecology represents one of the paths that could provide real solutions to sustainable development.
In simple terms industrial ecology means application of ecosystem concept to industry
which means linking the activities of on-e enterprise to that-of another. Industrial ecosystem as mentioned above, is based on minimization of raw material use, waste production and optimization of energy. It would still produce some wastes and need energy but at a lower rates and at sustainable level if the principles of natural ecosystem are applied deeply. The concepts of closed loop manufacturing system which is the operational aspect of industrial ecology must be adopted for sustainable results. This system involves decreasing supplies of raw materials as mentioned above. Here every output of manufacturing should either be remanufactured i.e. recycled for further production or sent back to ecosystem. This means redesigning production according to biological models. Du Pont gets most of its polyester films back from the customers after use and recycles it into new films. In Germany, under law manufacturers have to use their products forever. The case of Interface, that is world's largest American company in manufacturing carpets and other flooring materials is a typical example of industrial ecology. This company has found a new floor covering material called Selenium which can be completely remanufactured into identical new product. In this way the company has been able to prevent the resource depletion. Selenium lasts longer than ordinary carpets. According to reports most important aspect of Interface's innovation is that-Selenium is chlorine free.
We know that in many industries, chlorine is one of the toxic and damaging elements for the environment. One of the great challenges facing both the industry and the environment is making the production process free of chlorine element. Interface claims that Selenium can be maintained and cleaned up much easier than ordinary carpets. Fungus which grows on ordinary carpets does not grow on Selenium. Interface considers all inputs to be waste if not proved otherwise. This is a strong message. The company has kept the input constant and in this process not only made savings and increased shareholder’s value but also reduced landfill wastes. Interface has recently started a factory where they don’t use fossil fuels for energy. It is solar-powered. Industrial ecology, thus not only conserves the resources, prevents damage to the environment but also is a successful business strategy.
Conservation, recycling and preventing environmental damage are the lessons we learn from any ecosystem. An ecosystem like the rain forests operate in a manner in which nutrients are recycled and rich growth is maintained. It is possible to imitate the working of ecosystems like rain forests in our industrial system that is sustainable.
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