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A systematic literature review on indicators to assess local sustainability of forest energy production

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  • Lähtinen, Katja
  • Myllyviita, Tanja
  • Leskinen, Pekka
  • Pitkänen, Sari K.

Abstract

Bioenergy production is considered the single most significant contributor to the climate change mitigation within the forest sector. In addition, the production of forest-based bioenergy may also positively affect social welfare, local development and forest economy. In environmental markets the role of forests and the challenge of combining international, national and local needs related to their sustainable use for bioenergy and social livelihood is increasing. These global ecological and socio-economic changes pose new challenges for ecologically, economically, socially and culturally sustainable utilization of forest resources. The purpose of this literature review is to map the existing indicator sets introduced in scientific literature suitable for evaluating the sustainability of forest-based bioenergy production systems from a local perspective. In addition, also the challenges in assessing ecological, economic, social and cultural sustainability by using different types of indicators are discussed. According to the results of this study, there are plenty of indicators suitable for assessing either the ecological, economic, social and cultural sustainability of forest-based bioenergy production at a local level. In contrast, information on appropriate procedures for taking into account local development goals abreast with the objectives of sustainable development at general global level are lacking. Additionally, in order to analyze trade-offs in different sustainability dimensions caused by optional decisions regarding forest-based energy production, methodological development would be required. The comprehensive indicators lists presented in this study can employed as background information to define the measures that are especially relevant in enhancing the local sustainability goals from the perspective of different stakeholders in specific localities.

Suggested Citation

  • Lähtinen, Katja & Myllyviita, Tanja & Leskinen, Pekka & Pitkänen, Sari K., 2014. "A systematic literature review on indicators to assess local sustainability of forest energy production," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 40(C), pages 1202-1216.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:rensus:v:40:y:2014:i:c:p:1202-1216
    DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2014.07.060
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    1. Ranacher, L. & Lähtinen, K. & Järvinen, E. & Toppinen, A., 2017. "Perceptions of the general public on forest sector responsibility: A survey related to ecosystem services and forest sector business impacts in four European countries," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 180-189.
    2. Hamunen, Katri & Kurttila, Mikko & Miina, Jari & Peltola, Rainer & Tikkanen, Jukka, 2019. "Sustainability of Nordic non-timber forest product-related businesses – A case study on bilberry," Forest Policy and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 109(C).
    3. Lähtinen, Katja & Guan, Yucong & Li, Ning & Toppinen, Anne, 2016. "Biodiversity and ecosystem services in supply chain management in the global forest industry," Ecosystem Services, Elsevier, vol. 21(PA), pages 130-140.
    4. Baglivi, Antonella & Fiorese, Giulia & Guariso, Giorgio & Uggè, Clara, 2015. "Valuing crop diversity in biodiesel production plans," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 93(P2), pages 2351-2362.
    5. Mari Jönsson & Jörgen Sjögren & Björn Hannrup & Anders Larsolle & Ulla Mörtberg & Maria Nordström & Bengt A. Olsson & Monika Strömgren, 2020. "A Spatially Explicit Decision Support System for Assessment of Tree Stump Harvest Using Biodiversity and Economic Criteria," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(21), pages 1-21, October.

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