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The present research study examines the environmental impact of an artisanal mine dedicated to the exploitation of clay in Manaure (La Guajira, Colombia). In Colombia's La Guajira region, there is no procedure to assess the sustainability of the clay mining industry. An indicator system is implemented to measure the degree of environmental sustainability in this mining sector. The methodology applied included a survey, interviews, and checklists. The clay mine is assessed with three indicators: 1) ecological footprint, 2) carbon footprint, and 3) water footprint. The results provide annual estimate values for the ecological (1.0812 kgCO2/person), carbon (282946 KgCO2), and water (3.4 L water/brick) footprints. It is concluded that the clay mine assessed has negative effects on both the environment and natural resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy potential of high-organic loaded agro-industrial effluents receiving biological treatment is often neglected, particularly in emergent regions, because of different technical and regulatory drawbacks. In addition, small alternative bioenergy sources are forced to compete disadvantageously with conventional energy supply, hindering their more extended exploitation. Thus, smart strategies to prove the environmental/economic potential of biogas and sludge produced in biological wastewater treatment systems (Bio-WWTs) are required to promote them as truly sustainable energy sources. In this view, the present study depicts a refined methodological framework for a more appropriate appraisal of Bio-WWTs promoting bioenergy recovery. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and emergy analysis (EmA) methods were merged around the statement of some identified and stated Principle–Criteria of Sustainability (PCS) for this kind of "water-energy nexus." As a result, a novel set of four single sustainability development indicators (SDIs) and one aggregated SDI were obtained to address sustainable conditions for valorization of bio-energy from agro-industrial Bio-WWTs. These indicators were made up of an environmental term coming from an LCA based on a system expansion approach as well as a second or "eco-economic" term obtained by means of EmA. This work introduces and shapes the "additionality" notion as an expression of overall sustainability and uses novel sustainability charts to interpret the obtained SDIs and their shifting or changes for different Bio-WWTs' life cycle scenarios. The "proof of concept" of this methodology is discussed along the obtained results for two case studies in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This document presents the results of an analysis of the key sustainability certification systems applicable to biomass and bioenergy. A review was made of the state-of-the-art sustainability frameworks at the international level. The improvements that have been made in these standards in recent years to reduce social, environmental and economic impacts were identified. In addition, it was determined how some of the initiatives analyzed were implemented in a country such as Colombia, where the establishment of a bio-based economy is being carried out. It was noted that most of the certification systems analyzed have been updated in the last two years. The main adjustments made to the standards are based on criteria developed by the European Commission through the Renewable Energy Directive (EU2015/1513). For environmental issues, it was found that the key update was the inclusion of the indirect land-use change (ILUC). Another key issue addressed is the obligation to calculate and publish the GHG emissions generated annually. Social issues have increased the focus on food security of the population regarding local areas of influence such as the price of the family food basket and food supply. Regarding economic issues, the requirement for a business plan is highlighted to contribute to the economic viability of a certified company. Colombia is one of the countries in the world where the basic conditions support a future sustainable bio-based products sector. Not only does the country have a large amount of land suitable for cultivation, but the land does not require the forests deforestation. However, it must be borne in mind that in a megadiverse country like Colombia, a joint effort (integration) is required between the application of strict laws for the protection of natural resources and the use of certification systems for sustainable products. Highlights • ILUC is the most important update in the sustainability standards for bioenergy. • Social and economic issues have achieved greater importance within the requirements. • All the standards analyzed require maintaining or improving HCV areas (biodiversity). • It is urgent to have a method for quantification of social welfare. • Colombia has great possibilities to improve the sustainable bio-based sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The primary objective of this research was to thoroughly assess the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of 10 peasant farming production systems linked to Peasant Markets by means of economic, monetary and energy balances, and social analysis. Semistructured interview techniques were employed for data collection during the year 2011. Only three farming production systems—El Colegio, Villarrica, andTuta—were comprehensively sustainable. In sum, peasant valuation of social and environmental benefits, agroecology, family labor, food self-sufficiency, short food supply chains, market linkage, collective cooperation, peasant pluriactivity, and food processing were all related to the strong sustainability of the peasant economy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]