Our History
For over 20 years, International Synergies has promoted the circular economy, showcasing industrial symbiosis as key to sustainability. Recognised globally, we have driven innovation, opened markets, and reduced costs in waste management and materials sourcing.
Our Company Timeline
2003
Launch of NISP® in 3 pilot regions of England and Scotland, Support from DTI, Onyx Environmental Trust, RDAs
2005
Incorporation of International Synergies Limited
2005
NISP® England launch
2007
First international work, China
2007
Launch of NISP® in Northern Ireland
2009
Launch of SYNERGie®
2009
Publication of NISP Pathway to a Low Carbon Sustainable Economy
2012
Attended Rio+20 event invited by Korean government
2012
First application of place-based analysis, Birmingham
2013
ISL form PPP at the Global Green Growth Forum
2015
ISL design and deliver the G7 Resource Efficiency Alliance workshop on industrial symbiosis, Birmingham
2017
Winner edie.net Sustainable Product Innovation award for SYNERGie® resource reuse platform
2018
Publication of the first European Pre-standard on industrial symbiosis, chaired by ISL
2021
ISL starts work in 40th country
2022
First SAAS contract for SYNERGie® white label to HS2 supplier
2023
Innovation award winner
2023 (TBC)
ISL starts work in 50th country
PLATFORM
SYNERGie® is the most successful platform of its type. Users enter resources they have and want to identify cross-sector reuse opportunities.
In operation since 2009, SYNERGie® has hosted data on over 100,000 resources from companies in all sectors and all sizes to advance resource efficiency, reduce costs and supply risks, and improve sustainability.
ISL has incorporated its global experience in SYNERGie® through its ADVISOR function, a reference library to guide the user to reuse opportunities that have been successful elsewhere.
Our landmark publications
International Synergies regularly contribute to professional and academic publications. A selection is highlighted here.
NISP Pathways (2009)
Five years on from the launch of NISP® England, this publication reviews its achievements, including a substantial contribution to the UK’s CO2 reduction target and boosting the UK economy.
DownloadCooperation Fostering Industrial Symbiosis (2018)
This report commissioned by DG GROW quantified the economic opportunity of industrial symbiosis across Europe as €73 billion based on cost savings alone. Facilitation is key to its uptake. Learn MoreRedefining Industrial Symbiosis (2012)
Lombardi and Laybourn propose a practitioner-led definition of industrial symbiosis intended to communicate its essence as a tool for innovative green growth. Learn MoreIndustrial Symbiosis In Action (2006)
Report on the third International Industrial Symbiosis Research Symposium hosted by International Synergies in Birmingham UK 2006, edited by Lombardi and Laybourn with contributions from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas on the status of industrial symbiosis. Learn Morewhat we do
International Synergies helps clients rethink resource management to cut costs and carbon. With projects in 50 countries, our SYNERGie® platform has enabled over 50 million tonnes of CO2e savings, including 42 million in England. Leveraging expertise in industrial symbiosis, we support both private and public sectors in driving a circular economy.
