Atlas of sustainability applied to ethanol context in Brazil: innovation in information systems to support decision

• Grant number: 13/00141-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2013
• End date: August 20, 2017
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Tadeu Fabricio Malheiros
• Grantee: Alejandra Daniela Mendizábal Cortés
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 15/12981-1 - Modeling and map algebra to develop a sustainability atlas, focused on Brazilian ethanol context, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

With the new millennium started a new expansion cycle of sugarcane ethanol production. Between 2003 and 2004, Brazil increased ethanol exports by 259%. The trend won't change next years, considering that both internal and external market are opting to alternatives biofuels. Mainly because the environmental pro conditions, São Paulo state has been primarily affected, expanding sugarcane fields in areas previously used by other activities. This growing on sugarcane production could slow down because environmental and social impacts lead to international market to place noneconomic barriers to Brazilian ethanol and decreases plantation workers life quality and local environmental quality. And it also enables conversion of new areas to agricultural system, increasing the agricultural frontier. There are several efforts to measure ethanol sugarcane production sustainability pointing to international certification, but these efforts are voluntary and unitary, which means that no consider accumulative or synergic impacts of the whole industry. At international level there are initiatives like SENSOR project seeking to establish ex ante tools for evaluating sustainability of new policies. In this project, we intend to draw up an atlas in the context of the sugar cane industry as a support tool for sustainability assessment. This kind of analysis allows incorporate territorial indicators and / or qualitative indicators, with a multidimensional (and sometimes multi- temporary) presentation as basis for decision-making. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

CORTÉS, Alejandra Daniela Mendizábal. Sustainability assessment atlas: innovation on decision-making support systems for sugarcane sector in São Paulo State. 2017. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD) São Carlos.