Peer review visit Kalundborg, Denmark

On October 1-2, 2024, Kalundborg Symbiosis had the pleasure of hosting a transnational working group from the GreenIndustrialAreas project for a dynamic two-day peer review. Delegates from Finland and Sweden explored Kalundborg's innovative approach to sustainable industry, focusing on cross-sector collaboration that drives resource efficiency, energy transition, and environmental stewardship.

Insights into Kalundborg Symbiosis

The program provided an in-depth look at Kalundborg Symbiosis' pioneering infrastructure, spotlighting practices in renewable energy, water management, and resource reuse. Through site visits, participants observed sustainable solutions in action.

One program highlight was a tour of Lerchenborg, Scandinavia's largest solar park, led by Amalie and Christian Lerche-Lerchenborg. Participants explored solar panel and windmill installations, gaining insights into the facility's contributions to Denmark's renewable energy goals. This visit underscored the benefits of integrating solar and wind energy to create a resilient energy supply—central to the project's goals for advancing energy transition.

Another significant visit took place at Kalundborg Bioenergy, where the group learned about advanced techniques to mitigate odor pollution. This visit demonstrated how bioenergy initiatives can both reduce emissions and promote sustainability within industrial processes.

At Kalundborg Utility, participants delved into wastewater treatment, water management, and a district cooling project. This visit illustrated the powerful impact of local industrial partnerships in optimizing water use and recycling. Kalundborg's circular water management model highlights how industrial symbiosis reduces environmental impact while advancing sustainable practices.

A visit to Aliscon allowed the group to examine the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting practices. As industries worldwide prioritize ESG considerations, Aliscon’s reporting methods showcase best practices in documenting and sharing sustainability progress.

Advancing the GreenIndustrialAreas Project

This peer review contributed valuable insights to the project’s ongoing work on the Guideline for the Certification of Green Industrial Areas and the Compendium of Good Practices in Energy Transition. These tools, currently in pilot testing across six industrial areas, aim to establish shared sustainability standards for the Baltic Sea Region. Feedback gathered from these sessions will refine the final versions.

We extend our sincere thanks to our visitors for their enthusiasm, contributions, and open dialogue, and special gratitude to the companies who generously opened their doors to showcase their sustainable practices. This peer review would not have been a success without their engagement and support.