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Project title

Green Circularity and Industrial Symbiosis: Pathways to Sustainable Industry Practices in Ireland

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

University of Dublin, Trinity College (TCD)

Lead Applicant

Mohammad Reza Ghaani

Project Abstract

The ECOBRIDGE project addresses the urgent need for enhanced circular economy practices in Ireland, aligned with the European Union's Circular Economy Action Plan and the Green Deal, which emphasise transitioning to a circular economy to achieve climate neutrality and sustainable growth. Ireland's high levels of material consumption and waste generation necessitate the adoption of circular economy principles to reduce resource dependency, minimise waste, and lower greenhouse gas emissions. Central to this transition is the concept of industry symbiosis, where waste or by-products of one industry serve as resources for another, significantly enhancing resource efficiency and sustainability. Focusing on key product value chains such as electronics, construction, textiles, and packaging, ECOBRIDGE aims to optimise these industries through a comprehensive approach. This involves assessing the circularity and sustainability impacts of these value chains, which is crucial for identifying opportunities to improve resource efficiency and reduce waste. However, optimising these value chains is complex due to the challenges in developing sustainability metrics that effectively balance circularity, environmental, and economic goals. Traditional metrics often fall short in capturing the intricate interdependencies within value chains. ECOBRIDGE addresses this by defining new sustainability and circularity metrics tailored to the specific needs of the Irish industrial ecosystem. These metrics will integrate life cycle assessment (LCA) principles with circularity indicators and economic parameters, such as cost of carbon savings, waste reduction, lifecycle cost analysis (LCCA), and resource efficiency. A key innovation of the ECOBRIDGE project is the use of advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the accuracy and relevance of these assessments. This will enable continuous improvement and adaptation to changing conditions. Additionally, the project will develop a multi-objective optimisation algorithm that balances circularity, sustainability, and economic viability. This algorithm will be integrated into an advanced decision-support tool designed for policymakers and industry stakeholders. The tool will provide real-time, data-driven insights and recommendations, allowing users to dynamically evaluate and optimise supply chain configurations. Features will include scenario analysis, improvement opportunities such as material substitution, energy recovery, process optimisation, and a feedback loop to continuously refine the industry symbiosis map based on LCA results. By combining comprehensive industry mapping, detailed circularity assessments, OLCA, and the development of innovative metrics and optimisation techniques, the ECOBRIDGE project aims to create a resilient and sustainable industrial ecosystem in Ireland. The outcomes will drive innovation, improve resource efficiency, and promote sustainable practices across key value chains, supporting Ireland's transition towards a circular economy and alignment with EU environmental goals. The interactive decision-support tool will empower policymakers to make informed decisions that enhance circularity and sustainability, ensuring long-term economic and environmental benefits for Ireland.

Grant Approved

€517,400.00

Research Hub

Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Enhancing the assessment of materials, products and value chains in the Circular Economy in Ireland

Start Date

03/03/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

02/03/2029