Market-based instruments at the local level to support eco-industrial activity

This thesis examines the potential for market-based instruments available primarily at the local-level to support eco-industrial activity, with a focus on the situation and characteristics of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Regional Municipality.; First, the environmental issues associated with industrial parks are examined with an introduction to industrial ecology, or, eco-industrial activity as a means to reduce macro industrial environmental impact. The characteristics and activities of the ideal or 'ultimate' eco-industrial park are outlined under five categories: general production processes; equipment and machinery; energy; products; and buildings and transportation. Incentives to encourage the characteristics and promote the activities under the five categories include market-based instruments, and these are examined for their potential. Current applications of market-based instruments specifically related to Nova Scotia's Solid Waste-Resource Management Strategy are examined to demonstrate what is already being done to encourage eco-industrial activity. The Halifax Regional Municipality, a major implementing body of the strategy can, based on these initial successes, make further progress. An examination of local-level powers over taxation and fees reveals there are potential areas of influence. Examples of market-based instruments from cities world-wide are examined for their applicability in the Halifax Regional Municipality to encourage the specific activities and characteristics outlined under the five categories of the 'ultimate' eco-industrial park.; The thesis concludes that even though there are already market-based instruments in place supporting eco-industrial activity, much potential exists to further implement market-based instruments to promote the integration of eco-industrial activity.