Sustainable and circular development of business parks

A cross-case analysis on the current practices and developments in sustainable and circular business parks in Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands in their contribution to the national, regional and local circular and energy transitions

Master thesis (2023)

Authors

E.I.A. Vogelaar Technology, Policy and Management

Contributors

J.N. Quist Energy and Industry (supervisor 1)
K.B.J. Van den Berghe Urban Development Management - Architecture and the Built Environment (supervisor 1)
Faculty
Technology, Policy and Management
Copyright: © 2023 Esmee Vogelaar
Energy transition Circular economy Industrial Symbiosis Business parks Eco-industrial park Circular Transition Climate policy
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Published Date

22-12-2023

Language

English

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Faculty

Technology, Policy and Management

Abstract

Business parks are marked as key areas in sustainable transitions, including the energy transition and transition to a circular economy. This thesis analysis what the current practices and developments in sustainable and circular business parks in Zuid-Holland, the Netherlands are in their contribution to local, regional and national circular and energy transitions

The thesis starts with an evaluation of literature to determine what options for sustainable and circular development business parks can implement. A variety of collective or individual initiatives aimed at either streams and production processes, or site arrangement, park organization and architecture/construction were found.

Next, case studies were performed to evaluate current policies and strategies on sustainable and circular development of business parks by the national, provincial and municipal governments. And to investigate the current practices, initiatives and developments at sustainable and circular business parks in Zuid-Holland. This resulted in a detailed overview of policies and strategies, and in depth documentation of four business parks using ten variables: (1) Initiation, vision and ambition; (2) Organization and actors’ roles; (3) Sustainable and circular initiatives at the park; (4) Physical location specific and business specific features; (5) Social location specific and business specific features; (6) Regional and local characteristics; (7); Regional spatial-economic strategies and environment policy; (8) Policy instruments; (9) Economic context; and (10) External context.

Lastly, based on a cross case analysis, eight key lessons were formulated for future development of sustainable and circular business parks.