by Grace Belmont, Graduate Student in Urban Planning and Community Development, School
for Environment, UMass Boston
“There are about 250 self-styled eco-industrial parks operating or under development
worldwide today, while just as recently as 2000, there were fewer than 50.” – The World Bank
Eco-industrial Parks (EIP) present a comprehensive approach to building environmentally
sustainable circular economies where waste is reintroduced as raw material and
human/environmental impacts are considered throughout the entire supply chain and lifecycle of
goods and services. In this model of economic development, management practices extend
beyond individual businesses to build bridges between different businesses and business
sectors in responsive coordinated feedback loops that promote resource efficiency and mutual
benefit: A circular regenerative economy.
On November 9, 2021, the Director and Land Use Administrator for the Devens Enterprise
Commission, Peter Lowitt, spoke with graduate students in Professor Veleva’s Introduction to
Environmental Management course (MBA MGT 671L/UPCD671L) about Massachusetts’ first
and only internationally-recognized Eco-Industrial Park, the Devens Eco-Industrial Park. Mr.
Lowitt, a planner by trade, has written extensively about Eco-Industrial Parks and has been
instrumental in the development of both the Devens EIP and the Londonderry Ecological
Industrial Park in New Hampshire.
Land from the decommissioned Fort Devens Army Base was redeveloped into Massachusetts’
first Eco-Industrial Park in the year 2000 as a result of a sustainable reuse plan developed after
the land reverted to civilian use. Since that time, approximately 100 businesses have been built
or relocated at the Devens EIP, providing employment for over 6,000 workers. The businesses
represent a diverse cross-section of green economy leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Mr.
Lowitt described the work being done by several: Little Leaf Farms, an efficient high-volume
indoor grow space providing fresh greens to major market chains in the Greater Boston area;
Republic Construction Demolition and Debris Recycling Center, a 90,000 sq. ft. facility that
provides construction and demolition recycling, Commonwealth Fusion Systems is on the
cutting edge of clean energy exploration and development using fusion technology. Net-zero
housing, education and community facilities, and green space have been developed on the site
to support a livable, sustainable community.
Mr. Lowitt discussed the Devens EIP work to implement the United Nations Sustainable
Development Goals, an adaptable framework which promotes a site-specific integrated
approach that incorporates jobs, clean energy, land and water conservation, sustainable
transportation, housing, and infrastructure, and social equity. Each business that seeks to
locate at the Devens EIP is examined for its appropriateness to the Eco-Industrial Park, its
impact on resources, and its potential interface with the other businesses and the surrounding
community. The Devens EIP is also committed to ongoing self-evaluation and transparency
about its progress. Education, support, and incentives are built into the EIP community. Data is
gathered about existing practices, what works, and where improvements can be made. Input
from stakeholders is sought. Outside researchers are invited to examine the ongoing work at the
Devens Eco-Industrial Park.
Mr. Lowitt is part of the international movement to address climate change through a
comprehensive reworking of how we do business. The Devens Eco-Industrial Park is a
laboratory for this critical work in tandem with other Eco-Industrial Parks being developed
around the world, refining our understanding of business ecology and establishing a framework
to guide this important work for our local and global economies and our planet going forward.