Sustainable development of bio-diesel production for cleaner environment

Abstract

Environmental impacts of fossil fuels and their limited supply are driving the development and use of bio-diesel. Globally, bio-diesel is gaining importance because of its environmental advantages. Jatropha curcas has been widely considered as a potential feedstock for the production of bio-diesel in several tropical countries. This study employs a method of data collection that is a face-to-face interview, along with a questionnaire. The questionnaire is designed, taking into consideration, different aspects of sustainable development. The survey is conducted in Kolkata, based on bio-diesel producing companies. Statistical analysis using SPSS version 17 is used for analysing the data collected from different bio-diesel producing companies from respondents of sample size 100 based on the questionnaire. Analysis of primary data collected is evaluated by chi-square and correlation tests. The results indicate that the relationship of design, maintenance, process capability, facility management, transportation, quality, technology, material, and human resource with sustainable development, is statistically significant and positively correlated. The major barriers that industries are facing relate to inadequate quality management, missing engine approvals and high raw material cost. Removal of tax hurdles and supportive legislative measures are the most efficient measures for overcoming these barriers.