Intellectual Framework for Transforming Conventional Industrial Zones into Eco- Industrial Parks

Industrial practice is vital to achieving economic growth and prosperity in both developed and developing countries - of which Egypt is one. However, it harms the environment by high rates of consumption, depletion of natural resources and disposal of waste. Therefore, transformation of the conventional industrial system to be compatible with the ecosystem and its capabilities to renew itself is necessary. This approach requires minimization of waste, extraction of raw materials and use of nonrenewable resources. This can be accomplished through Industrial Ecology (IE) and Industrial Symbiosis (IS), which maximize utilization of resources in the production process by using waste as a valuable “by-product” rather than disposing it in landfills. Hence, based on normative and experimental literature in IE, IS and previous eco-industrial parks (EIP) experiences, this research attempts to provide an intellectual framework for the planning process for the transformation of conventional industrial zones (CIZs) into EIPs. It is composed of five stages: selection of industrial zones, local context analysis, planning eco-industrial park (EIP), community participation & raising awareness and organizational structure. we hope that this research will represent a reference starting point in the field of industrial ecology planning for urban planners, practitioners and academics and to be a contribution to the scientific debate related to transforming CIZs to EIPs.