A Hybrid Simulation Model to Analyse and Assess Industrial Sustainability Business Models: The Use of Industrial Symbiosis

摘要

System thinking is the approach required to understand and analyse complex systems. When systems are complex, their essential properties emerge from the interaction and relationships between parts that cannot be isolated. In such a context, the sustainability challenge requires a mutual synergy between markets and governments to lead the world toward long term prosperity. In order to approach sustainability with a chance of success, it must be seen as multidisciplinary challenge involving different systems interconnected through mutual feedbacks. Therefore, the scope of this paper is to adopt a hybrid approach composed of Agent Based and System Dynamics that: i) analyses the redesign of companies based on industrial symbiosis strategies, and ii) the impact of specific policies on the transition to industrial symbiosis. Results show that industrial symbiosis lies at the core of the positive feedback loop which can support transitioning towards a zero-waste economy. The larger the number of firms adopting symbiosis, the greater the reduction in waste disposal costs and profits and the greater the number of firms engaging in the transition. Policy making can both amplify or reduce the feedback effect by means of public investments and/or tax incentives. The model allows for testing different assumptions in the industrial system while generating a top-down perspective to take effective policies towards a zero-waste economy.