An examination of concept of industrial ecology with special reference to Thelawala industrial are

Abstract

Industrial Ecology is an industrial environmental management concept with an analogy in the natural ecosystem. In an ecosystem, materials are recycled between organisms, and energy is embedded in the matter of the food chain, while the only external input to the system as a whole is the solar energy. Ecosystem is a system where the industrial actors use this natural recycling model and co-operate by using each other's waste material and waste energy flows to minimize the system An Industrial virgin material and energy input as well as the waste and emission output from the system as a whole. In theory, concept of Ecology system has been defined as raw material, emission control and waste management costs are reduced through using waste as a resource of production. The Development of Industrial Ecology is an attempt to provide a new conceptual framework for understanding the impacts of industrial systems on the environment. This new framework helps to identify and then implement strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of products and processes associated with industrial systems, with an ultimate goal of achieving sustainable development. Industrial ecology is the study of the physical, chemical, and biological interactions and interrelationships both within and between industrial and ecological systems. Additionally, some researchers argue that Industrial Ecology involves identifying and implementing strategies for industrial systems to more closely emulate harmonious, sustainable, Ecological Ecosystems. In this context, the present study attempts to analyze the application of Industrial Ecology concept in Sri Lanka with special reference to the Thelawala Industrial Area located in Moratuwa town in the District of Colombo, Sri Lanka.