Ecoindustrial parks continue momentum

In Business, May/Jun 2000

Projects are taking off to develop ecoindustrial parks, clusters of businesses that function in a highly sustainable manner, often to use each others' wastes as resources (see "Ecoindustrial Parks Are Ready To Take Off," September/October, 1998). The vitality in this arena is evidenced by the most recent newsletter of the Eco-Industrial Development Program spearheaded by Cornell University's Work and Environment Initiative (WEI). The projects profiled include:

The Cowpens Eco-Industrial Park in South Carolina has completed the first phase of an industry survey to determine inputs and outputs. Landscape architects provided a preliminary layout for the site, a feasibility study was completed, and the city received a $500,000 Brownfields Cleanup Revolving Loan Fund grant from the EPA.

Long Island City Business Development Corporation, in partnership with WEI, has received a grant from the New York Community Trust to research and develop ecoindustrial projects in Long Island City. The corporation already has made profitable recycling and materials exchange connections for thousands of New York City companies.

Plans are underway to attract industries and small businesses to an ecoindustrial park at the site of the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant, 22 miles east of Shreveport. A plant manager and marketer has been hired, and water and sewage treatment facilities are already in place along with 700 structures.

For the full project report, visit www.cfe.comell.edu/ wei/EIDPUpdates_files/EIDPUpdates.htm.