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A Circular Land Use Model for Reconciling Industrial Expansion with Agricultural Heritage in Italian Industrial Parks

Author

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  • Carlotta D’Alessandro

    (Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy)

  • Antonio Licastro

    (Department of Human and Social Sciences (DiSUS), University of Naples “L’Orientale”, 80134 Naples, Italy)

  • Roberta Arbolino

    (Department of Human and Social Sciences (DiSUS), University of Naples “L’Orientale”, 80134 Naples, Italy)

  • Grazia Calabrò

    (Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy)

  • Giuseppe Ioppolo

    (Department of Economics, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy)

Abstract

Industrial park (IP) expansions in Mediterranean peri-urban areas can generate conflicts between economic development and agricultural heritage preservation. This paper develops a theoretically derived circular land use symbiosis model based on Hubs for Circularity (H4C) principles, using Fosso Imperatore IP in southern Italy as an illustrative case. This model proposes a transferable three-zone gradient design that enables the transformation of industrial–agricultural boundaries when combined with appropriate governance mechanisms and stakeholder engagement. Zone A concentrates vertical industrial development with rooftop agriculture; Zone B creates mixed agro-industrial interfaces; and Zone C enhances agricultural productivity through industrial resources. The model’s components (gradient zonation, temperature–cascade matching, and bidirectional resource flows) constitute generalizable design principles. When applied to Fosso Imperatore, where farmers oppose expansion that threatens culturally significant San Marzano tomato production, the model shows how 547 tons of organic waste could generate 87,520 m 3 of methane, while industrial waste heat cascades from 150–200 °C to 25–40 °C of greenhouse heating across distances of 3 km. Implementation constraints include regulatory gaps and limited empirical data. This study operationalizes H4C through spatial design, showing how benefit-sharing mechanisms can transform stakeholder conflicts into collaboration. The model provides a replicable framework for Mediterranean contexts where industrial expansion encounters agricultural heritage.

Suggested Citation

  • Carlotta D’Alessandro & Antonio Licastro & Roberta Arbolino & Grazia Calabrò & Giuseppe Ioppolo, 2025. "A Circular Land Use Model for Reconciling Industrial Expansion with Agricultural Heritage in Italian Industrial Parks," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-16, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:19:p:8830-:d:1763642
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sanja Arsova & Andrea Genovese & Panayiotis H. Ketikidis & Josep Pinyol Alberich & Adrian Solomon, 2021. "Implementing Regional Circular Economy Policies: A Proposed Living Constellation of Stakeholders," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Francisco Mendez Alva & Rob De Boever & Greet Van Eetvelde, 2021. "Hubs for Circularity: Geo-Based Industrial Clustering towards Urban Symbiosis in Europe," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-25, December.
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    4. Libera Amenta & Arjan Van Timmeren, 2018. "Beyond Wastescapes: Towards Circular Landscapes. Addressing the Spatial Dimension of Circularity through the Regeneration of Wastescapes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-25, December.
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