23 January 2018: The creation of industrial parks is a recognized strategy to support industrial and commercial activity through focused infrastructure development. The resulting concentration of activity can, however, lead to negative environmental and social impacts. The concept of Eco-Industrial Parks (EIP) aims to overcome those challenges and align industrial development with efforts to achieve the SDGs. The UN Industrial Organization (UNIDO), the World Bank and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) released a Framework to support EIP development.

Published as a report titled, ‘An International Framework for Eco-Industrial Parks,’ the Framework outlines critical elements for establishing EIPs that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. It is intended as a guide to policymakers, practitioners and the private sector to provide a common understanding of sustainable and inclusive economic development through EIPs. The Framework aims to support developing and emerging economies in decoupling economic growth from resource use and emissions and provide a sustainable environment for companies to compete and create jobs.

The publication defines EIPs and lays out their drivers and benefits as well as common barriers to their implementation. The subsequent section outlines the the methodology to developing performance requirements for EIPs followed by section discussing such requirements in the areas of compliance, park management, environment, and social and economic performance. [UNIDO Press Release] [Abstact] [Publication: An International Framework for Eco-Industrial Parks]