Monetizing Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA): A Case Study in SMEs Tapioca Industry in Lampung, Indonesia

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Published: Mar 27, 2024
DOI: https://doi.org/10.35762/AER.2024013
Keywords:
Social Life Cycle Assessment SMEs Industry Tapioca

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yosep
Department of Environment Science, Faculty of Postgraduate, University of Lampung, Indonesia
Unang Mulkhan
ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue College of Management, Mahidol University in Thailand
Udin Hasanudin
Department of Agricultural Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung, Indonesia
Dewi Agustina Iryani
Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lampung, Indonesia

Abstract

To verify the responsible and sustainable functioning of circular economy (CE), assessing the sustainability of CE methods is essential. The consistent absence of a social aspect within the CE has been a recurring topic in research. This paper aims to pinpoint social-benefit aspects that are quantifiable in monetary values and investigate how attributing monetary significance to these elements can enhance the evaluation of social sustainability, leading to more informed decision-making processes. The methodology involves both quantitative and qualitative research methods. A quantitative research study was initiated in February 2023. Two approaches were used for sample selection. First, a case study approach was applied to select a specific SME within the tapioca industry. Survey interviews with workers follow the second step. This study also incorporates qualitative methods like literature review and interviews with key informants (cassava and social experts, government officials, and business owners) in April 2023. This research utilized descriptive analysis as a diagnostic tool, offering valuable insights. Challenges in monetizing social factors are discussed, highlighting the need for standardized frameworks, transparency, and stakeholder engagement.  The paper also provides a practical example of monetizing social aspects within a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) tapioca industry to address issues such as gender wage gaps, worker safety, and community engagement. The findings suggest that the costs of monetizing social aspects may outweigh the benefits in certain cases, calling for a reassessment of practices to ensure a more equitable and sustainable approach to social responsibility. Integrating social factors into assessments improves decision-making processes and stakeholder engagement, ultimately leading to more socially responsible decisions.

Article Details

How to Cite
yosep, Mulkhan, U., Hasanudin, U. ., & Agustina Iryani, D. . (2024). Monetizing Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA): A Case Study in SMEs Tapioca Industry in Lampung, Indonesia. Applied Environmental Research, 46(1). https://doi.org/10.35762/AER.2024013
Issue
Vol. 46 No. 1 (2024): Jan.-Mar.
Section
Original Article
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Author Biographies

Unang Mulkhan, ASEAN Centre for Sustainable Development Studies and Dialogue College of Management, Mahidol University in Thailand

Unang Mulkhan. he work in Social and Political Science Faculty of University of Lampung, Indonesia. Experienced researcher with a demonstrated history of working in research and consultation projects. Skilled researcher and consultant in business ethics, business and human rights, sustainable development, gender equality, environmental ethics and climate change.. Strong research professional with a postgraduate diploma focused in Sustainable Local Dr Unang Mulkhan received his PhD in Management, Work, and Organisation from the University of Stirling, Scotland in the UK and Master in Economic Development from Erasmus University Rotterdam.

Udin Hasanudin, Department of Agricultural Product Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung, Indonesia

received his PhD from Toyohashi University of Technology, Environmental and Life Engineering (Dr. Eng.) His expertise is in the area of Agro-Industrial Waste Management. Currently, he has several positions such as a member of supervisor board of Indonesian Biogas Association, the head of Agro-Industrial Waste Management Laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture, at the University of Lampung, Member of Indonesian Scientific Committee Council of Palm Oil Producing Countries (CPOPC), and Member of Expert Board of Indonesian Biomass Energy Society. Some of his notable research focuses on improving the net energy balance of biodiesel derived from palm oil, with a particular case study from Indonesian practice. He has also conducted research on palm oil mill effluent treatment and utilization to ensure the sustainability of palm oil industries.

Dewi Agustina Iryani, Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Lampung, Indonesia

 a researcher whose work primarily focuses on biomass utilization and waste management. Her research includes topics such as the production of biofuels, hydrothermal carbonization, torrefaction, and valorization of biomass through pyrolysis. She has also explored the use of agricultural waste for heavy metal removal and the synthesis and characterization of zeolite materials. She has published their work in various scientific journals and has contributed to conferences and workshops related to their research areas. She took her Doctor Engineering from (Kyushu University. Japan). She work as a Lecture in The University Of Lampung, Chemical Engineering Department, Faculty

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