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The present investigation is oriented to determine the potential of solar energy as a renewable source for a swine center established in the "El Guayabal" University Farm, belonging to the Agrarian University of Havana, Cuba. For this, the number of animals is considered, as well as the movement of the herd, which would make it possible to determine the energy demand, based on the diagnosis of the energy carriers existing in the scenario. Among the main results obtained, it was evidenced that for the existing conditions, it is pertinent to introduce photovoltaic solar energy technology as a renewable source for driving the electric motor of the mill, the water pump and lighting, which implies an initial investment of 645 500 peso (25 820 USD). On the other hand, the introduction of a solar heater is viable, for the sanitation actions of the workers of the pig center, with the budget required for the acquisition of this technology being 9 650 peso (386 USD). The introduction of both technologies contributes directly to caring for the environment by stopping the emission of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and its corresponding negative impact on the environment. Finally, it is evident that, with only the commercialization of the pigs to the carcass of the first group, the total amount required for the acquisition of the photovoltaic system and the solar heater is recovered and it is possible to obtain a benefit that amounts to 478 850 pesos (19 154 USD), this element demonstrates the economic feasibility of this investment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Sustainability in Debate / Sustentabilidade em Debate is the property of University of Brasilia, Center for Sustainable Development and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Agricultura Sociedad y Desarrollo is the property of Colegio de Postgraduados and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To determine the level of environmental impact caused by an intensive aquaculture season of rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss) in floating cage systems in water nutrients and benthic macroinvertebrates in Lake Guamuez. Materials and methods. The study was developed in three areas of Lake Guamuez (two floating cage facilities and one control point). Three sampling stations with depths of 0, 10 and 20 meters were taken in each area, in order to perform measurements of total phosphorus, nitrites, nitrates and phosphates. Also, dives were carried out to a depth of approximately 20 meters, collecting sediment samples for the identification of macroinvertebrates. The environmental impact was evaluated by the relationship of the mentioned variables, using discriminant analysis and analysis of variance, previous verification of the statistical assumptions. Results. The nitrite, nitrate, phosphate and total phosphorus nutrients present significant differences (p<0.05) among all areas and only at some sampling depths. In addition, seven families of macroinvertebrates (Chironomidae, Thiaridae, Ampullariidae, Planaridae and Tubificidae indicative of contaminated and moderately contaminated waters and Hydrobiosidae and Hydrachnidae indicating good water quality) were collected. Conclusions. In the culture cages unlike the control point, higher nutrient content values were evidenced; the families of macroinvertebrates indicating contaminated or moderately contaminated water were also found. However, the results found are not found in risk limits for the lacustrine system or for the animals of culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this paper is to present the environmental economic appraisal methods and their application in the Cuban animal husbandry sector. For such purpose the Total Economic Value theory is taken as reference, and the most widely used methods and techniques are identified according to the adopted concept of value. A group of studies about the application of the environmental economic in Cuba is reviewed, and four cases of interest in the animal husbandry sector are analyzed. The topic of the application of the environmental economic appraisal in the animal husbandry sector is not very frequent in scientific literature. This is only limited to determining the main environmental functions and the magnitude of their impact, but their economic value is not taken into consideration. It is concluded that the Total Economic Value theory is one of the most widely used for the economic appraisal of the environment. In addition, there are diverse highly useful techniques for economically appraising the environmental impact of animal husbandry in Cuba. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to compare the evidence level of environmental indicators that follow the GRI guidelines, related to the three leading companies in 2012, within the Brazilian pulp and paper industry, Suzano, Klabin and Fibria. To achieve this goal, an analysis of annual sustainability reports and websites of the companies was conducted. The companies primarily reported those aspects related to materials, water, biodiversity and others, while products and services, compliance, and energy were less emphasized. The results show that the three companies presented a low evidence level, with missing or incomplete indicators. Finally, despite the reports presented and classified as A+ and B+, it is possible to conclude that the companies did not include key indicators and presented unorganized information and a lack of standardization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]