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The concept of zero emissions is based on improving technologies and processes to the point of maximum resource productivity and virtually no waste. This goal can be approached in a number of ways, including technological innovation, pollution prevention, cleaner production, by-product synergy, or industrial ecology. All of these are ways of eliminating wastes or turning wastes into profitable resources, while preventing harm to environmental and human health.
Zero emissions may appear an unrealistic objective, yet it is a proven and profitable goal.
The 'Zero Emissions Research Initiative' (ZERI), developed at the United Nations University in Tokyo, has as its goal 'zero global emissions, zero water waste, zero solid waste, and zero waste in the air'. This can be done by using nature as a model for process and product design, and by increasing resource productivity through industrial 'clustering'.
The concept of zero emissions has been developed into a methodology that can be applied to any industry sector.
The ZERI methodology, as proposed by United Nations University, is as follows:
1. 'Total throughput'
A review of the industry identifies opportunities to minimize inputs and maximize outputs. The aim is to make full use of all the inputs; i.e. total throughput. If this cannot be achieved, the next step of the methodology is applied.
2. Output-input models
An inventory is created of all 'wastes' - i.e. outputs not consumed in the final product or in its process of manufacture. An active search is then initiated to identify industries which could use these outputs, or modified versions of them, as inputs.
3. Industrial clusters
The output-input models are used to determine potential candidates for industry 'clustering'. The next step is to identify optimal clusters in terms of size and number of participants.
4. Breakthrough technologies
In cases where current engineering expertise and process technologies are not able to secure effective and economical coupling of outputs and inputs, research into 'breakthrough technologies' or system designs is initiated.
5. Industrial policy
The identification of suitable industry clusters, and of the breakthroughs required, must be accompanied by appropriate government policies. Where sectors with no previous history of working together are combined, collaborative efforts involving policy makers, industry representatives and academics are needed.
This methodology has been applied to over 50 sectors of the economy, ranging from beer to coconuts, textiles, steel scrap, vegetable oils, pulp and electronics. The first commercial application of the ZERI methodology was in a brewery in Namibia.
Source: United Nations University
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