Sustainable development: Case study in the implementation of renewable energy in Brazil

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2017-01, Vol.142, p.461-475
• Main Authors: González, Mario Orestes Aguirre, Gonçalves, Joeberson S., Vasconcelos, Rafael M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Communities; Good practices; Sustainability dimensions; Sustainable development; Wind farm; Wind power
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.10.052

In response to demands by new clean renewable energy sources, emerged in Brazil in the last 10 years many investors interested in implementing wind farms. Thus arises the question of how the surrounding communities may be affected positively and/or negatively by installing wind farms projects and other energy renewable sources. The aim of this study is to propose a set of guidelines and best practices for public managers, public authorities and owners of wind farms and other energy renewable sources about the perspective of the sustainable development of the surrounding communities. The research was conducted in three phases: Literature review on sustainable development; case study in major community (A) and minor communities (B, C and D) where were implemented wind farms; Development of the best practice and guidelines, through the Brainstorming, Focus Group, Current Reality Tree and Creating Shared Value. The results show the political dimension of sustainability as a root cause of underdevelopment of communities. Were proposed a set of 22 guidelines and best practices that contribute to the sustainable development of communities. •Wind farms represent an opportunity for sustainable development of their surrounding communities.•Sustainable development beyond the economic, social and environmental depends of policy and culture.•The wind farm stakeholders should be involved since the start of construction project.•The paper introduces good practices to the sustainable development of wind farm nearby communities.