Summary: The purpose of this study was to select themes and criteria to be used in agro-environmental diagnoses of the sugar cane (Sacharum spp.) chain for ethanol production. The selection of the themes and criteria was done after a literature research; interview with specialist, participation in meetings for ethanol production and the final union of all information. As a result the following themes and criteria were selected: 1) Land use (listed as theme) ? soil and climate, land use planning, competition for food production (listed as criteria); 2) Biodiversity - disturbance of flora and fauna, planning and management of biodiversity; 3) Quality of natural resources ? residue emissions for surface and ground waters, residue emissions to the atmosphere, recycling of residues, management and conservation of soil/plant system, yield planning and traceability of the product 4) Waste generation and recycling ? water, vinasse, bagasse, straw or cover residue, oil and filter cakes and toxic waste and 5) Energy ? energetic balance, integrated ethanol and biodiesel production, energetic planning and carbon market insertion.

Publication year: 2007

Types of publication: Paper in annals and proceedings

Unit: Embrapa Environment

Keywords: Agroenergia, Biocombustível, Etanol