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The Sustainability Concept: A Review Focusing on Energy

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  • Rafael Ninno Muniz

    (Electrical Engineering Graduate Program, Department of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Brazil)

  • Carlos Tavares da Costa Júnior

    (Electrical Engineering Graduate Program, Department of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém 66075-110, Brazil)

  • William Gouvêa Buratto

    (Electrical Engineering Graduate Program, Department of Electrical Engineering, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Joinville 89219-710, Brazil)

  • Ademir Nied

    (Electrical Engineering Graduate Program, Department of Electrical Engineering, Santa Catarina State University (UDESC), Joinville 89219-710, Brazil)

  • Gabriel Villarrubia González

    (Expert Systems and Applications Lab, Faculty of Science, University of Salamanca, Plaza de los Caídos s/n, 37008 Salamanca, Spain)

Abstract

The concept of sustainability, with a focus on energy, has emerged as a central tenet in addressing the mounting global challenges of environmental degradation and resource depletion. Indicators of sustainability focusing on energy are crucial tools used to assess and monitor progress toward achieving a more sustainable energy system. These indicators provide valuable insights into the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of energy practices and their long-term impacts. By analyzing and understanding these indicators, policymakers, businesses, and communities can make informed decisions, formulate effective policies, and steer their efforts toward a more sustainable energy future. These indicators serve as navigational guides, steering the world toward energy practices that support both present needs and the well-being of future generations. In this paper, the concept of sustainability and measurement indexes used are reviewed, focusing on energy factors. The focus of the discussion presented here is related to an assessment of the possibilities for improving energy efficiency and evaluating the indicators that are used to measure whether the desired levels of sustainability are being achieved.

Suggested Citation

  • Rafael Ninno Muniz & Carlos Tavares da Costa Júnior & William Gouvêa Buratto & Ademir Nied & Gabriel Villarrubia González, 2023. "The Sustainability Concept: A Review Focusing on Energy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(19), pages 1-22, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:19:p:14049-:d:1245249
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