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Sustainability assessment provides essential information to facilitate informed decision-making, enabling the selecting of the best option among various projects. This research paper considers the decision-making problem in the context of marginalised and isolated communities, introducing a groupal model for evaluating the sustainability of small-scale power supply projects. The proposed model incorporates a comprehensive set of five indicators and 25 criteria. The analysis presented in this study prioritises these indicators and criteria, introducing new criteria based on several stakeholders' participation and offering guidance on measuring the identified criteria. Furthermore, the proposal provides fundamental thresholds for evaluating the projects' sustainability and proposes a model based on aggregated indicators to assess the available alternatives. It encompasses all stages of the decision-making process, employing multiple indicators to evaluate the sustainability of power supply projects. The effectiveness of the proposed model was validated in a real case study conducted in a marginalised community facing isolation challenges in La Guajira, Colombia. The evaluation showcased the model's contribution to decision-making processes regarding power supply projects in isolated communities. Finally, the results demonstrated the suitability of this strategy for immediate application, highlighting its potential impact on decision-making for sustainable development within marginalised areas. • The multi-criteria-based decision-making model maximises projects' sustainability. • The model evaluates the projects' sustainability, incorporating innovative criteria. • The model implementation in a study case confirms its efficacy for decision-making. • The study case findings suggest adopting cooperative or community-based governance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the impact of COVID-19 on marginalised communities and its effects on the provision of public services. Focusing on two coal mining regions in Colombia during the pandemic crisis, and examining Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, we analyze the provision of public services at a local level, identifying both shortcomings and resilience. Findings show that the lack of resilient public services amplified the effects of COVID-19 and its containment measures, exacerbating existing structural inequalities within local marginalised communities. It also reinforced the control exercised by coal mining companies within local economies. However, the substantial lack of public service provision also provided space for the development and strengthening of several resilience strategies among local communities, such as solidarity networks and schemes and the revitalization of local environmental knowledge. The study identifies multiple shortcomings in how the national and local administrations handled the COVID-19 outbreak and highlights the potential of enhancing resilience in public services to support marginalised communities in times of crisis. • COVID-19 affected the delivery of public services at a national and local level in Colombia. • COVID-19 further aggravated living conditions of mining communities in the country. • Multinational companies replaced the government in delivering services to mining communities. • But the crisis gave an incentive to these communities to adopt resilient strategies themselves. • More resilient public services in Colombia are needed to help marginalised communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following developments responding to the need for transition from a fossil fuel to a bio-based economy, the concept of bioeconomy has become increasingly present in the global economic agenda. Alongside ongoing debates about the understanding and implications of this concept, the definition of national approaches in regards to bioeconomy is a work in progress for many countries around the world. This paper explores this process for the case of Colombia, as a promising national context on the cusp of formulating its national strategy, and examines the variety of actors participating in this transition and the sources of assigned authority governing it. By taking a network perspective of agency theory, this research intends to answer: Who (actors) governs bioeconomy transitions and how (agency) these transitions are governed? By applying social network analysis and directed content analysis to interviews with actors from various sectors in Colombia, our results show that central actors are not necessarily also the relevant agents with the capacity to change the course of events or the outcome of transition processes. At the same time, our results illustrate that agents in bioeconomy transitions can play key roles from a variety of structural positions, as their relevance depends on the assigned authority and not primarily on their relative position in the actor network. Expert and capacity-based authority are the most relevant ones in determining agency for the Colombian context; even so, most of the agents identified mix different sources of assigned authority to legitimize their power regarding the direction of this transition. Image 1 • 55 central actors and 56 agents were identified in the actor networks governing the Colombian bioeconomy transition. • Agents depend on the assigned authority and not primarily on their relative position in the actor network. • Most relevant agents for Colombia belong to government and international research. Private actors also play a key role. • Expert and capacity-based authority are the most important types in determining agency for the Colombian context. • With its approach to bioeconomy Colombia has continued to be a trend-following country of the global economic agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Global offshore wind technology shows increasing progress evidenced in the recent reports of wind power capacity, expectations of market expansion and international research projects. Colombia is privileged with several types of natural resources (e.g. wind, sun, water) but there is not a clear legal context to regulate sustainable and safe exploitation of the offshore wind energy considered non-conventional. The development of offshore wind technology in Colombia could attend the energy demand when the hydroelectric system presents low electricity generation during dry hydrological conditions and El Niño – South Oscillations events. This paper analyses international actions that have motivated different countries to establish strategies to reduce CO 2 , and their advances and challenges in implementing offshore wind technology. The review of the administrative framework of renewable energy in Colombia proved the lack of information for implementing offshore wind technology. Furthermore, the analysis of several studies of marine energies showed the need to increase the knowledge of offshore wind energy. The local applying projects to generate electricity from non-conventional renewable energies are not considering offshore wind energy projects. Hence, this research analysed wind speed and calculated wind power density at different height levels, what evidenced magnitudes and positive trends what justify to increase the research in offshore wind energy in Colombia. As a result, the present document compiles technical, economic, administrative and legal information of the renewable energies in Colombia that may be used for taking decisions of different stakeholders and evidences the potential implementing offshore wind farms in areas near to the Colombian Caribbean coast. Colombia has great resources to implement offshore wind energy technologies, reducing the dependence on fossil fuels and substituting other systems when they cannot guarantee the energy offer. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Advances and challenges of the offshore wind energy around the world. • Legal and administrative framework of the renewable energy of Colombia. • Wind speed trends and power density results justify offshore wind energy research. • El Niño (2015–2016) put at risk to the Colombian electric system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature on micro and small sized enterprises in developing countries shows their existential difficulties. This is particularly true for those in marginal areas with multiple challenges including pollution prevention. Environmental agencies tend to require capital intensive end-of-pipe solutions or regulatory measures that close down polluting enterprises. Both knowledge of and interest in how to make poor micro enterprises more sustainable are needed. This paper addresses this by (a) developing a problem-driven and context-oriented Systematic Approach to Social Inclusion (SASI) method, and (b) applying it successfully in the context of micro tanneries in Villapinzón Colombia over a period of eight years. The concept of cleaner production was systematically integrated into this method that was inspired by Lewin's theory of change and insights from negotiation and conflict resolution. The results show that cleaner production implementation needs comprehensive, systemic policy mechanisms based on participatory approaches taking into account the socio-economic constraints of the micro-industries that combine supportive capacity building and command-and-control policies. Moreover, rules encouraging cleaner production need to be sensitive to the regulatory context in which it is applied, which in this case concerned land use planning and zoning regulations. The SASI approach effectively encouraged micro tanners to make their industries more viable and clean, while it simultaneously convinced the environmental agency to recognise and value these industries. This paper argues that integrating cleaner production in SASI is a learning and socio-technical change process, urgently needed for micro-industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we develop a decisional framework and a mathematical model for the sustainable design of biodiesel supply chain networks (BSCND). We consider a broad group of sustainable aims, i.e. standard economic goals (revenue and logistics costs of BSCND), environmental issues based on a biodiesel production life cycle assessment (LCA), and the social incidental aspects (e.g. crime control, political stability, and community attitude, among others). The framework begins with a simulation of the biodiesel production system, feeding later, with suitable input parameters and suitable solutions, and a macro-location model designed to establish the regional positioning of biofuel conversion plants. Optimal regions are used as initial feasible solution space for the proposed micro-location model. In this part of the framework, we introduce an adaptation of Extended Goal Programming to rank the best municipalities (definitive locations) emphasizing the social aspects under consideration. The framework application is set up in the following Colombian context: first generation biodiesel production from palm oil feedstock. Our computational results indicate that the Colombian city of Rionegro (in the Santader region) is the most sustainable location for a new biodiesel plant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combustion of fossil fuels in the transport sector represents the second largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. For this reason, governments are fostering diversification of energy sources by creating a set of governmental environmental policies and initiatives. In this context, biofuels are expected to represent a substantial part of source diversification, but it is necessary to assess the sustainability of their market to explore its effect on economical, technological, social, political and environmental dimensions. This research presents a dynamic simulation modelling of the Colombian biodiesel market and analyzes the policy support instruments for creating and managing it. A system dynamics based model is proposed to enable decision-makers to understand the influences between the different variables that describe the system and the impact of the biodiesel government policy in Colombia. The primary focus of this paper is to establish the characteristics of each sustainability dimension for the case of study and apply the system dynamics methodology with different types of validation. Finally, the Colombian market status and a sensitivity analysis are developed. The results show that in order to support the development of this sector, it is necessary to diversify the raw materials for the production of biodiesel in the medium term, which means raw materials without competence for the primary rainforest or competition with food productive lands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New business models have been attracting attention for their capacity to respond to the current society's challenges, maintaining a balance between social, environmental, and economic logics. This paper focuses on the so-called sustainability-driven hybrid business models, which operate in the interception of hybrid organizing and sustainable business models. Considering the dearth of research on the contextual factors that influence organizations implementing this model, this study investigates the attributes that alleviate the tensions of operating in an emerging economy, building on a multiple case study of eighteen Certified B Corporations from diverse sectors in Colombia. The main contribution was to provide a sustainability-driven hybrid business model archetype for Certified B Corporations based on the core business model elements: value proposition, value creation and delivery, and value capture. Drawing on the institutional pillars — regulative, normative, and cognitive-cultural, it is suggested that Certified B Corporations respond to tensions by adapting specific attributes of their business model to the particularities of the operating environment. The paper links the findings to the extant literature and offers recommendations for research and practice. [Display omitted] • A Sustainability-driven Hybrid Business Model archetype of Certified B Corporations is examined. • Certified B Corporations adapt business model elements when operating in emerging economies. • Specific business model attributes mitigate external tensions. • Certified B Corporations present a standardized business model globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the results of the first energetic and carbon footprint analysis in the manufacturing process of bamboo boards in Colombia. The energetic analysis was performed using energetic management tools, with the objective of estimating the energy consumption and the Consumption Index that characterizes the process. Life Cycle Assessment was used for carbon footprint analysis, taking into account the impact category of global warming following IPCC 2007, 100 years and having defined one bamboo board as the functional unit. The energetic analysis indicates an electricity value of 3456.6 kWh non-associated to the boards manufacturing, and a Consumption Index that recommends a minimum monthly production of 400 boards. The environmental analysis considered the avoided emissions due to prevention of remaining waste decomposition on the farming fields. The sum of generated and avoided emissions yields a negative value of – 117 kg of CO 2-eq . This result is due to the use of bamboo waste as a fuel for the boilers. We evaluated an alternative scenario of using natural gas as fuel. This alternative scenario also showed a high sensibility to the variation of critical supplies such as the fuel for the boilers. Which validates the environmental model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global contribution of all kinds of organizations to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is noteworthy. Calculating, reporting, reducing, and compensating for carbon footprints are the appropriate steps to take to guide companies toward a path that is compatible with their country's objectives for the fulfillment of the Paris Agreement. In Latin American countries, carbon footprint reporting is limited and incipient. This paper aims to start closing this gap by assessing the carbon footprint of a university operating in the city of Bogotá, Colombia. Based on a city input-output table (IOT) nested in a multiregional input-output (MRIO) table framework, we estimate the three categories of the carbon footprint (scopes 1, 2, and 3) identified by the Greenhouse Gas Protocol using an improved multiregional tiered hybrid analysis of the university's energy and other input expenditures. Our results show that 94% of the entire institution's footprint is attributed to scope 3, which represents indirect emissions linked to the upstream value chain. The results allow us to identify emission hotspots and their impact on the supply chain, which can be helpful for reducing costs and encouraging organizations, users, and suppliers to make more sustainable decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Colombia's electricity mix is dominated by hydropower, which constitutes over 65 percent of the installed capacity. The country has important potential for introducing solar photovoltaic sources into its electricity generation mix given its high average annual insolation. However, there is a lack of incentives and support schemes for alternative renewable energy technologies. This paper analyzes the diffusion of a photovoltaic system in Colombia with a focus on Medellín, Colombia's second largest city. A diffusion model is constructed, based on the classic Bass diffusion theory, where the adoption rate is a function of awareness-raising campaigning and social interaction. The model incorporates both subsidy and feed-in-tariff policies. Policy implementation scenarios and the effects of policy mixes are analyzed. Results show that a 50 percent subsidy for investment, together with a USD 0.30/kWh feed-in-tariff rate, jointly provide the highest marginal increase in diffusion rate. However, given the cheapness of the country's current hydroelectric resources, photovoltaic-system diffusion might remain a challenge for both the government and private sectors for the foreseeable future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buildings contribute to about 40% of direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions and more than a third of energy consumption globally. Sustainable building standards and efficiency standards are two measures to reduce such emissions and energy consumption in buildings. While better standards improve the sustainability of new buildings, the impact of these actions depends on the ability to improve the existing building stock. Understanding the dynamics of adopting efficiency and sustainable building measures is essential for setting policy targets and mechanisms. This paper proposes a system dynamics model for assessing the energy savings potential from adopting sustainable building and energy efficiency measurements in buildings in systems with incomplete and uncertain information, using prospective scenarios. The model combines a dynamic diffusion model with an aggregate model for the building stock. The model is calibrated for estimating energy savings in the residential and commercial building stock of the four main metropolitan areas of Colombia: Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Barranquilla. Simulation results show that the maximum energy savings potential is approximately 12% but could be below 8% if rebound effects are considered. Results show that energy savings are limited if there are no policies for existing old buildings. [Display omitted] • We developed a system dynamics model for adoption of sustainable buildings standards. • The model estimates the potential energy savings at the city level. • We used the model for testing different scenarios in four Colombian cities. • Current Colombian standards should be extended to consider an old-buildings policy. • Colombian policies require city-specific incentives and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) represents one of the main environmental challenges on a global scale, due to the rapid growth of this type of waste and the risk it poses to both human health and the environment. Decision makers depend on reliable estimates of the generation of WEEE and the quantification of its environmental impact. However, limited data regarding the amount of equipment in use, annual sales, and the lifespan of electrical and electronic equipment pose important limitations to this assessment. In response to this challenge, this paper develops a combined dynamic material flow analysis and life cycle assessment approach to estimate the volume of end-of-life refrigerators in Colombia and measure their environmental impact. First, the dynamic MFA model is developed to calculate the number of end-of-life refrigerators between 1935 and 2050. Then, the environmental impact is estimated using the CO 2 emissions generated in each of the pathways of final disposal at the end of the refrigerators' useful life. The results highlight the importance of the formal refrigerator recycling system in Colombia, since this achieves a saving of approximately three million tonnes of CO 2 emissions during the period of evaluation. They also show that delivering refrigerators to informal recyclers or throwing them into open-air dumps or bodies of water generates a considerable environmental impact in comparison. Additionally, these alternative scenarios imply the loss of more than two hundred thousand tonnes of recyclable material. • A combined MFA and LCA approach is developed to evaluate the environmental impact. • GHG emissions for each EoL strategy are estimated over the period 2015–2050. • A formal recycling program produces environmental benefits. • Informal recyclers generate considerable environmental impact. • A large amount of recyclable material is wasted due to discarded refrigerators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Education for sustainable development in universities provides the university's community (i.e. students, administrative and academic staff) with the skills and capabilities needed to contribute to the achievement of sustainable development. Education for sustainable development has been introduced into curricula, research, outreach activities and campus operations. Several tools exist nowadays to assess this incorporation. Most of them are focused on the environmental aspect of campus operations and within academic issues but do not consider the entire system. This research aimed to propose an integration of sustainability throughout the university as a system, considering existing tools and frameworks, and proving the theoretical proposal in an empirical context. Thus, this paper focuses on sustainability from a whole-institution perspective, analysing the university as a system conformed of two subsystems, the academic and the administrative. The research used a sequential, mixed-method. The quantitative phase undertook a literature review using bibliometric and content analysis, followed by a qualitative phase using the thematic analysis method to develop the University Sustainability concept. The University Sustainability analysis integrated education for sustainable development aspects for the academic subsystem and the corporate sustainability paradigm for the administrative subsystem. Consequently, a sustainability measurement scale for the University Sustainability concept was developed and proved using the exploratory factor analysis. The survey was applied to directors, academic and administrative staff, and under and post-graduate students of two private universities located in Medellin, Colombia. A total of 1799 useable responses were collected and analysed with SPSS software. The analysis' outcome exposed all factors loaded above 0.40, and overall, the alpha coefficient was 0.930. Results revealed the reliability and validity of the instrument. Hence, the University Sustainability concept was validated, and its measurement scale is suitable to be used in assessing the sustainability of universities holistically. The evidence from the studied universities shows the relevance of corporate sustainability and social issues in the developed University Sustainability concept. • University sustainability considered the academic and administrative subsystems. • Administrative subsystem was highly related with corporate sustainability. • Academic subsystem embraced education for sustainable development in higher education. • High reliability measurement scale assesses holistically sustainability in universities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The building sector is a significant source of GHG emissions and has great potential for emission reductions. The effectiveness of building energy codes on energy savings and emission mitigation is of a primary concern to policy makers, but uncertainty in cost and benefit in different regions complicates code selection and implementation. The impacts of a specific building energy standard vary depending on the heating system's thermal efficiency and the heating fuel's carbon intensity. This paper examines the GHG emissions due to space heating for new construction single-detached households in Canada under different building energy codes and enforcement scenarios. The two codes considered are the BC step code and Passive House criteria. Three scenarios are examined reflecting different levels of stringency of standards between 2020 and 2032. The results show both BC step code and passive house criteria can help mitigate the space heating GHG emissions. There is no significant difference between the BC step code and the passive house criteria from the perspective of GHG emission reduction in the province of British Columbia; however, when implemented nationwide, the passive house criteria is 12% more effective in abating space heating GHG emissions than the most stringent level (i.e. Step 5) of BC step code. • Passive House criteria are more effective in reducing the space heating GHG emissions than BC Step Code does in Canada. • BC Step Code and Passive House criteria can save space heating GHG emissions of new single-houses by 77% and 89%, respectively. • Building performance standards are less impactful in regions where fuel carbon intensity is low. • No notable difference is found between BC Step Code and Passive House criteria in GHG emission reduction per unit area in BC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agreed upon by the United Nations (UN) in 2015 encompass a set of 17 Goals, aimed at integrating matters of humanity's most pressing problems. Although the SDGs were initially suggested to be carried out by governments, enterprises are key players for the achievement of these goals through their business activities. Among for-profit firms, Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are a legal form of hybrid organizations (HOs) that has received scarce attention in the literature. Building on business model and corporate social innovation (CSI) literature, this paper aims to identify to what extent and how B Corps contribute to the SDGs when focusing on the solution of renowned social problems highlighted by the UN. A multiple-case study based on in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 18 enterprises in an emerging economy in Latin America (Colombia), shows that B Corps are great contributors to the solution of social problems, such as agriculture-related challenges, corruption, climate change, labor, poverty, and unsustainable habits. Results elucidate that Colombian B Corps show great potential in the empowerment of communities, the introduction of novel organizational practices, the creation of alternatives that shape new lifestyles and consumption patterns, and the introduction of novel environmental solutions. Overall, Colombian B Corps show relevant contributions to Goals 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 16. Finally, this research provides a model for analyzing CSI in HOs and gives avenues for future research. • Hybrid Organizations can contribute to the SDGs by giving solution to domestic social problems. • The role of B Cops in an emerging economy in Latin America is highlighted. • Colombian B Corps are great contributors to the SDGs, specifically on Goals 9 and 16. • B Corps are involved in the SDGs as a business strategy for attracting new customers. • B Corps have the potential to drive Corporate Social Innovations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Appropriate waste management in emerging economies like Colombia should be an asset for the overall sustainability. In the Orange Peel Waste case, incineration and Anaerobic Digestion are challenging solutions for the orange juice agro-industrial sector for avoiding the landfill, which is the conventional practice. However, these alternatives should be assessed in order to determine their feasibility. This paper aims to understand if incineration and Anaerobic Digestion are potential alternatives to landfill form a techno-economic and environmentally perspective. To this aim, a comparative Life Cycle Assessment was carried out in four scenarios. In the first scenario coal and landfill are used as source of energy and landfill disposal in the actual orange juice process. In the second scenario, the peels are incinerated to avoid landfill and reduce the need for coal. The third scenario includes the valorization of the peels by means of Anaerobic Digestion which produces biogas for the plant energy requirements. In the fourth scenario, apart from the energy from biogas, the digestate becomes a fertilizer for use in the orange crops. The results revealed that scenario III and IV are environmentally friendly options compared to Scenario I, but they incur higher costs than Scenario II. Carbon footprint found that 1.55 kg of CO 2 are saving when coal substitution is reduced from 0.493 kg in SI to 0.279 kg in SII. Therefore, Scenario II is more suitable for the Colombian socioeconomic reality since Scenario II is not only techno-environmentally achievable, but also economically feasible. The methodology used in this case study could be applied to other countries or small and medium scale technologies and could also be useful for the scientific community, enterprises and policy-makers. Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]