Industrial Symbiosis in the Greek Islands The case of Lesvos

Abstract: Greek islands face a series of problems that can put their sustainability at risk. Overexploitation of natural resources, limited waste and wastewater management practices, and energy shortage are such problems. Lack of cyclic behaviour in resource flows is a factor tightly linked to these problems. Here, the concept of industrial symbiosis appears to offer an important potential in addressing some of the sustainability challenges in these areas, by minimizing the resource flows and generated waste through more efficient systems. In this thesis, the potential of IS in contributing to sustainability in the Greek islands is investigated, by attempting to apply the concept to Lesvos Island within an action research framework. The study revealed the potential for considerable benefits, however significant barriers exist in regards to the development of such IS networks.