One of UNIDO’s contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals is through its facilitation of eco-industrial parks.

An eco-industrial park is a community of businesses located on a common property in which businesses seek to achieve enhanced environmental, economic and social performance through collaboration in managing environmental and resource issues. This is known as industrial symbiosis, which is a means by which companies can gain a competitive advantage through the physical exchange of materials, energy, water and by-products, thereby fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Eco-industrial park development aims to embed industries in society through the creation of shared economic opportunities, improved ecosystems and innovative avenues for responsible business practices.

Among their many benefits, eco-industrial parks promote resource efficiency and circular economy practices, also helping to bridge the gap between cities and industries by making a significant contribution to sustainable cities.

UNIDO collaborates with the World Bank and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to promote the global development of standardized approaches for the implementation of eco-industrial parks.

Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals