Environmental and Social Return on Investment of Community Biomass Briquettes System

Abstract

Investment of community biomass briquettes production system of Baan Phaisriaroon Farmer Group, Tha Luang Subdistrict, Muang District, Phichit Province, is not only to maximize profits, but also to take into account the "benefits" and "costs" of environmental and social impacts from system investment. This paper presents the environmental and social outcomes, or the triple benefits, of investment in system by using SROI as a strategic planning and project improvement tool as well as discussing the results with those who are interested in investing. In the assessment, there is an analysis of revenues and expenses relative to stakeholder groups and a participatory outcome chain. The input of the system is the biomass technology and the output is the annual fuel produced. The fuel has a heating value between 5,813.74 to 6,521.36 kcal/kg. The community development association is responsible for operating and maintaining the activity. The outcome concerning the increased revenue of community members from the sale of fuel rods and improving community quality of life as well as reducing waste pollution over a period of one year. The environmental and social assessment of the community biomass briquettes production system investment showed a Social Return on Investment (SROI) at 3.71, Return on Investment (ROI) at 3.70, Net Present Value (NPV) at 1,471,353.39 Baht with Payback Period of 3.24 months.