A new approach to industrial sustainability: a case study of the Veneto industrial sector

Industrial areas are important for economic and social development, but they also generate significant environmental impacts, including air, water, and soil pollution, as well as land consumption linked to soil sealing. Promoting the sustainable development of these areas is essential for improving territorial environmental, social, and economic quality. This thesis builds on UNIDO knowledge and industrial urbanism approaches to industrial area sustainability and proposes a model for planning and assessing sustainability in industrial zones. The model integrates three core components: the Triple Helix concept, aimed at strengthening collaboration among industry, government, and academia; the Park Management Entity, designed to enhance management and coordination among firms; and an Evaluation Protocol for assessing implemented actions. Application of the model to the Roncoduro industrial area demonstrates its potential to improve sustainability in small industrial zones through Resource Efficient and Cleaner Production (RECP) and industrial symbiosis measures, and service enhancement. Nevertheless, broader data collection and application across multiple industrial areas are required to validate the model’s wider effectiveness within the industrial sector.