EURO 2025 Leeds
Abstract Submission

1971. A Decision-making Framework for the Valorisation of the Water Cycle through Industrial Symbioses

Invited abstract in session TA-4: Journal of Simulation. Computer Modelling and Simulation, stream OR Journals.

Tuesday, 8:30-10:00
Room: Rupert Beckett LT

Authors (first author is the speaker)

1. Navonil Mustafee
Business School, University of Exeter
2. Otto Chen
University of Exeter
3. Lydia Vamvakeridou-Lyroudia
KWR
4. Albert Chen
University of Exeter
5. Slobodan Djordjevic
University of Exeter
6. Dragan Savic
d.savic@exeter.ac.uk

Abstract

The reuse of recycled water can help address water scarcity and promote sustainability. Industrial symbiosis (InSym) can further this goal by leveraging geographic proximity and developing solutions that allow, for example, the exchange of recycled water among businesses. However, InSym decision-making is complex as it involves multiple agents representing different stakeholder groups and displaying non-linear interacting behaviours. OR techniques can capture such dynamic and emergent behaviour and help assess the feasibility of InSym formation. For example, MCDA can evaluate conflicting criteria in decision-making problems, and simulation can model the operational processes, emergence and non-linear system feedback using approaches such as DES, ABS and SD.
We present an OR framework that combines MCDA with a hybrid simulation model (DES, ABS and SD) to support InSym decision-making; we apply the framework to a greenhouse case study based in the De Volt region of The Netherlands, where a cooperative comprising greenhouse businesses is proposed, intending to invest in a central wastewater treatment plant and confront challenges on stricter national regulations on wastewater discharge and water deficit during dry seasons. The challenges reveal the urgent need for better water reuse and the deployment of OR tools to assess InSym formation and its long-term sustainability. This research was funded by the EU Horizon 2020 ULTIMATE project.

Keywords

Status: accepted

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