The SYMSITES project aims at developing new technologies and solutions based on the Industrial and Urban symbiosis (I-US) concept, for local and regional collaborations among diverse actors (Citizens, Municipalities and Entreprises) and sectors, to improve the sustainability of the use of industrial and societal resources starting from wastewater and waste materials.
SYMSITES main asset lies in the valorisation of underused materials and energy resources (industrial side streams, industrial waste, by-products and end of life urban waste) and their transformation into feedstock for industrial processes. In other words, the project develops high-technology solutions to achieve a real circular economy for the involved sectors.
During a 4 year period, SYMSITES will apply and test novel technologies, methodologies, and stakeholders engagement in four European EcoSites, varied in their social-economic and environmental aspects, from the North (Denmark), through central Europe (Austria) and southward (Spain and Greece).
Aims of the project include to reduce by 50% (in weight or volume) industrial waste generation and reduce near to zero the associated greenhouse gas emissions. The project will additionally develop defined actions to overcome non-technological barriers for exploitation of trialed symbiotic processes as well as facilitation services directed to local authorities for supporting the implementation of symbiotic processes.