A Review on Green Technology Practices at BRICS Countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa

Abstract

The objective of this study is to identify the main Green Technology practices carried out in the countries Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS), through a systematic review without temporal delimitation. BRICS countries were chosen due to the high potential for impact on the environment, as well as the possibility of increasing the theoretical subsidy in discussions related to sustainable practices in these countries. The Methodi Ordinatio methodology was used to select and map the portfolio of relevant articles in the area, which allowed the identification of the main Green Technology practices used in the BRICS countries. The final portfolio was composed of 170 studies. The main Green Technology practices used in the BRICS are related to products, processes, and raw materials; a sustainable agriculture; water treatment and retention; waste management; green energy and energy reduction; carbon and biogas reduction; green buildings; and sustainability and ecocities policies. A greater number of researches on Green Technology and its practices took place in the countries of China and India, which can be explained due to its more sustainable development, greater number of sustainable actions, and growing interest by the country’s local academy. Brazil, Russia, and South Africa did not excel in Green Technology practices. The study provided an overview of the practices used in these countries and that can contribute to guidance for companies that are concerned with sustainability. It is worth mentioning that the political interest in this topic was identified, because there are political actions that encourage Green Technology practices.