The Project
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 improving 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.
The project’s partners believe that the impact of climate change has pushed countries and organisations worldwide to look for greener energy, processes and reuse of waste. Therefore, in reaction to linear behaviour (extract-use-waste), companies and public organisations should learn from the closed loops of natural ecosystems.
Throughout the next 4 years, SYMSITES will test novel technologies, methodologies, and stakeholders engagement applied in four European EcoSites, different in their social-economic, and environmental aspects, from the north, (Denmark), through the mid- (Austria), and southward to (Spain and Greece).
SYMSITES is a 48-month-project (June 2022 – May 2026), funded by the European Union through Horizon Europe Programme (budget: €12.404.455).
Expected impact
Near-zero greenhouse gas emissions, near-zero water discharge, and 70% valorization of the energy
Reduce by 50% (in weight or volume) industrial waste generation
After the project, is estimated to have an increasing number of employees: 100 direct employees and 400 indirect employees
Defined actions to overcome non-technological barriers for exploitation of cross-company symbiosis
Developed facilitation services for supporting the implementation of symbiotic processes directed to local authorities, relevant businesses, private/industry actors, especially SMEs
