Benefits Of Reduction Research Articles

Has Reducing Ship Emissions Brought Forward Global Warming?

AbstractShips brighten low marine clouds from emissions of sulfur and aerosols, resulting in visible “ship tracks”. In 2020, new shipping regulations mandated an ∼80% reduction in the allowed fuel sulfur content. Recent observations indicate that visible ship tracks have decreased. Model simulations indicate that since 2020 shipping regulations have induced a net radiative forcing of +0.12 Wm−2. Analysis of recent temperature anomalies indicates Northern Hemisphere surface temperature anomalies in 2022–2023 are correlated with observed cloud radiative forcing and the cloud radiative forcing is spatially correlated with the simulated radiative forcing from the 2020 shipping emission changes. Shipping emissions changes could be accelerating global warming. To better constrain these estimates, better access to ship position data and understanding of ship aerosol emissions are needed. Understanding the risks and benefits of emissions reductions and the difficultly in robust attribution highlights the large uncertainty in attributing proposed deliberate climate intervention.

EasyPISA: Automatic Integrated PISA Measurements of Mitral Regurgitation From 2-D Color-Doppler Using Deep Learning

ObjectiveThe proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) method is a well-established approach for mitral regurgitation (MR) quantification. However, it exhibits high inter-observer variability and inaccuracies in cases of non-hemispherical flow convergence and non-holosystolic MR. To address this, we present EasyPISA, a framework for automated integrated PISA measurements taken directly from 2-D color-Doppler sequences. MethodsWe trained convolutional neural networks (UNet/Attention UNet) on 1171 images from 196 recordings (54 patients) to detect and segment flow convergence zones in 2-D color-Doppler images. Different preprocessing schemes and model architectures were compared. Flow convergence surface areas were estimated, accounting for non-hemispherical convergence, and regurgitant volume (RVol) was computed by integrating the flow rate over time. EasyPISA was retrospectively applied to 26 MR patient examinations, comparing results with reference PISA RVol measurements, severity grades, and cMRI RVol measurements for 13 patients. ResultsThe UNet trained on duplex images achieved the best results (precision: 0.63, recall: 0.95, dice: 0.58, flow rate error: 10.4 ml/s). Mitigation of false-positive segmentation on the atrial side of the mitral valve was achieved through integration with a mitral valve segmentation network. The intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.83 between EasyPISA and PISA, and 0.66 between EasyPISA and cMRI. Relative standard deviations were 46% and 53%, respectively. Receiver operator characteristics demonstrated a mean area under the curve between 0.90 and 0.97 for EasyPISA RVol estimates and reference severity grades. ConclusionEasyPISA demonstrates promising results for fully automated integrated PISA measurements in MR, offering potential benefits in workload reduction and mitigating inter-observer variability in MR assessment.

Quality evaluation of selected expired fluoroquinolones medicines obtained from the public hospitals in Jimma zone, Oromia regional state, Ethiopia.

The problem of medicine expiration presents a notable obstacle, resulting in considerable financial losses. Nevertheless, there is currently limited data indicating that certain medications do not experience a significant decrease in effectiveness after their expiration date. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess the physico-chemical quality of expired fluoroquinolone antibiotics. The expired samples of fluoroquinolone antibiotics were purposively collected from public hospitals in the Jimma zone of the Oromia regional state, Ethiopia. A World Health Organization quality evaluation sampling strategy was employed. Then, simple random sampling techniques were utilized for the selection of tablets for the laboratory quality control test. The assay, identification, and dissolution were performed in accordance with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines, as well as failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) techniques. The finding revealed that about 100% (7/7) expired samples passed pharmacopeia quality specifications for identity and assay tests. However, of the seven expired brands, about 14.3% (1/7) of the sample (Code-002) was unable to release its API content within the USP criteria of 30 min. The risk-based quality evaluation revealed that assay was the most critical quality attributed to ciprofloxacin tablets (RPN = 189), followed by identity (RPN = 100). Assay was also the most critical quality attribute (RPN = 378), followed by identity (RPN = 100) for Norfloxacin tablets. The risk-based desirability function approach showed that 75% (3/4) of ciprofloxacin products were of good quality, and 25% (1) were found to be of acceptable quality, while the desirability function of norfloxacin tablets was found to be excellent 1 (33.3%), good 1 (33.3%), and acceptable 1 (33.3%). The study revealed that medications can maintain their quality beyond their labeled expiration date. By combining pharmacopeial standards with risk-based approaches like failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA), the study provides a comprehensive evaluation framework. This approach not only confirms the continued effectiveness of expired fluoroquinolone antibiotics but also underscores the potential waste reduction and cost-saving benefits. This could significantly contribute to addressing healthcare challenges in low-resource settings, promoting more efficient pharmaceutical resource utilization.

Public Acceptance Regarding Photovoltaic Solar in Myanmar Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

This study investigates public acceptance of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy in Myanmar using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), focusing on various demographic groups in 2023. The 337 respondents across different regions provided a comprehensive overview of public attitudes. The survey examined subjective norms, attitudes, perceived behavioral control, willingness to pay, and intention to adopt (PV) solar technology. Results indicated a high level of awareness, with 98% familiar with (PV) solar and 95% knowledgeable about its panels. However, adoption rates were low at 20%. Subjective norms positively influenced attitudes, as 81% observed their social circles using (PV) solar and 80% found it convenient. Environmental concerns were minimal, with 75% not worried about (PV) Solar’s impact and 85% recognizing its carbon reduction benefits. The initial cost was a significant barrier, with 80% finding it too expensive, despite 96% believing in future cost savings. Perceptions of self-efficacy showed strong support for (PV) solar as a solution for electricity demand (90%) and interest in rooftop solar panels (87%). From an aesthetic perspective, only 14% described solar panels as unattractive. The study recommends financial incentives, education campaigns, and improved (PV) solar access, with government and stakeholder support to boost acceptance and adoption in Myanmar.

Natural Capping Enhancing the Resilience of Earthen Heritage Under Rainfall Impacts

ABSTRACT Soft capping has proven effective in enhancing masonry ruins in humid regions. To-date, there are limited studies on the use of soft capping for earthen heritage in arid and semi-arid regions. Considering the diverse climatic conditions and the presence of vegetation on the Northern China earthen sites, there is an urgent need to study the effect of these vegetations on earthen heritage sites. As the plant species used in the previous studies are mainly based on artificial selection, we propose to use native plant species that are typically found in the study site and define the application of native plant species as ‘natural capping’. Taking the Ming dynasty Shanxi Great Wall sections as case study, four scale-down rammed earth test walls were subjected to rainfall tests under four patterns of rainfall once. Results showed that native plants excel in Northern climates. Under moderate rainfall, the moisture at the wall head of natural capping walls is nearly constant. However, when subjected to heavy and extreme rainfall, natural capping walls reduced inner wall moisture infiltration by 5.56%–7.52% and material loss by 58.24%–75.04%. Post-rainfall monitoring demonstrated that natural capping has sustainable benefits for temperature and moisture reduction in summer.

Heroes and Villains: Message Frames, Gender, and Meat Attachment as Predictors of Meat Reduction Intentions

ABSTRACT This exploratory study assessed the role of message framing for predicting future intentions to reduce meat consumption. Participants (n = 376) completed a questionnaire assessing eating habits and personal attachment to meat. Individuals were then randomly exposed to four separate framing conditions. Operationalized as Public Service Announcement-style advertisements, participants were informed of the inhumane conditions of the meat and dairy industry. These advertisements were tailored to examine the role of perceived gains (benefits of meat reduction) or losses (consequences of meat consumption) in one’s moral character. In addition to framing effects, variables such as gender and meat attachment were included to predict future meat reduction intentions. An analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) indicated that meat attachment reduced intentions to curb meat consumption. Controlling for meat attachment, main effects were present for framing condition. Gender and gain frames interacted to positively predict dietary intentions following message exposure. Women exposed to gain frames were more likely than men to report intentions to reduce meat intake in favor of plant-based options. However, no gender difference was present for participants exposed to loss frames, which had no effect on eating intentions regardless of gender. The discussion highlights the role of both gender and meat-eating identity coupled with situational factors (i.e., message frames) for reducing meat intake. Such insights offer opportunities for key stakeholders, such as policymakers and animal welfare advocates, to leverage these effects for dietary change.

Experimental investigation and CFD study of direct reduction of iron ore in the conical fluidized bed

The reduction behavior of iron ore is the fundamental process in ferrous metallurgy. Considering the gas–solid interface-structure relationship, heterogeneous transfer-reaction behavior, and multiple reaction kinetics, this work provides an effective analytical tool to investigate the fluidized reduction of iron ore. The conical fluidized bed is numerically examined to be capable of preventing de-fluidization induced by the sticking behavior, due to the steady circulation of flow pattern and full fluidization of coarse agglomerates. Compared with the hydrogen concentration, the gas velocity shows a stronger influence on the agglomerate reduction rate for the more efficient gas–solid contact. For the simulated transitions of Fe2O3 → Fe3O4 → Fe(1-x)O → Fe are assumed to overlap each other, there exist discrepancies between computed and theoretical reduction degrees. The experimental and numerical findings can be used to develop a methodology for optimizing the operational complexity and economic benefits of the fluidized reduction of iron ore.

Effect of intraoperative cold solution irrigation to reduce postoperative pain in knee osteoarthritis patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty: a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

PurposeTo compare the postoperative pain score, opioid consumption, and blood loss in knee osteoarthritis patients who underwent unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty with and without intraoperative cold solution irrigation.MethodIn total, 70 knee osteoarthritis patients were randomly included in the study and allocated into 2 groups. The first group was irrigated intraoperatively with a cold solution and the second group was irrigated intraoperatively with a room-temperature solution.ResultsThe cold solution group showed significantly lower pain scores (numerical rating scale, NRS) at 28 h postoperatively (p = 0.047). There were no significant differences in opioid consumption or blood loss between the groups.ConclusionsIntraoperative cold solution irrigation in unilateral primary total knee arthroplasty patients may provide the benefit of early postoperative pain reduction for up to 28 h but has no effect in terms of reducing opioid consumption or blood loss.Trial registrationThe trial was registered in the Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR) Trial registration number ID: TCTR20200706001 on 06/07/2020.

Comprehensive benefit evaluation of Carbon reduction in power transmission and transformation projects by TOPSIS method based on combination weighting

Abstract With the continuous promotion of carbon peak carbon neutrality, the investment and construction of new power systems have accelerated, and the construction of a low-carbon economy has become an inevitable trend of the transformation and development of power transmission and transformation projects. In this paper, the FAHP and entropy methods are used to evaluate the economic, social, and social benefits of carbon reduction in power transmission and transformation projects and finally establish a set of comprehensive benefit evaluation systems for carbon reduction in power transmission and transformation projects. Under this evaluation system, the comprehensive benefit of 220 kV power transmission and transformation project in A province is sorted by entropy weight-TOPSIS method. The comprehensive benefit of power transmission and transformation project B >C >A project is finally obtained. At the same time, in the sub-criteria of economic benefits, the index of “enterprise asset-liability ratio” has the largest comprehensive weight. The “using distributed energy generation” index has the largest comprehensive weight in the sub-criteria layer of carbon reduction benefit. In the subsequent construction of power transmission and transformation projects, enterprises can prioritize improving the above indicators to improve carbon reduction efficiency and economy.

A Systematic Literature Review on the Composition, Health Impacts, and Regulatory Dynamics of Vaping.

This comprehensive review deals with the multifaceted aspects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), examining their composition, health implications, regulatory challenges, and market dynamics. E-cigarettes, also known as vaping devices, function by warming a solution of liquid containing flavors, nicotine, and various other compounds to produce an aerosol for users to inhale. This review underscores the evolution and widespread adoption of e-cigarettes since their introduction in 2003, highlighting their appeal as alternatives to traditional tobacco smoking. The essential parts of e-cigarettes are the battery, heating element, e-liquid (or e-juice), and mouthpiece. Propylene glycoland vegetable glycerinare common ingredients in e-liquids, along with nicotine and other flavors. Concerns over the health impacts of e-cigarettes have grown, particularly in light of incidents like the e-cigarette or vaping-associated lung injuryoutbreak in 2019 linked to vaping-associated lung injuries. Evidence suggests that while e-cigarettes may pose fewer risks than conventional cigarettes, they are not without health consequences, including potential respiratory and cardiovascular effects. Regulatory efforts worldwide have struggled to keep pace with the rapid evolution of e-cigarettes, exacerbated by their diverse flavors and marketing strategies that appeal to youth. The review discusses global regulatory responses, including bans and restrictions, to curb youth uptake and address public health concerns. Furthermore, the rise of a black market for e-cigarettes poses additional challenges to effective regulation and tobacco control efforts. In conclusion, while e-cigarettes offer potential harm reduction benefits for adult smokers seeking alternatives to traditional tobacco products, their widespread availability and evolving landscape necessitate vigilant regulatory oversight to protect public health, especially among youth. Future research should continue to explore the long-term health impacts and efficacy of e-cigarettes as smoking elimination aids, informing evidence-based policies and interventions.

Research on optimization strategy of grid carbon emission factor for promoting electricity-carbon market coupling

Abstract The grid emission factor is an essential parameter for accounting for carbon emissions caused by electricity consumption, and its update frequency and spatial accuracy affect the quality of the emission factor. Based on the existing regional grid emission factors, this study proposes an improved calculation method to get the revised emission factors. The revised emission factors can address barriers such as delayed updating, inequitable accounting between regions, and double measurement of green power emission reduction benefits. Therefore, the study can support the construction of the carbon market and the realization of carbon neutrality goals.

Clinical efficacy and safety of irreversible electroporation combined with chemotherapy in stage IV pancreatic cancer treatment.

This study evaluates the clinical efficacy and safety of irreversible electroporation (IRE) therapy combined with chemotherapy in patients with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Between September 2021 and November 2023, we enrolled 38 patients with stage IV pancreatic cancer, with 20 receiving IRE plus chemotherapy and 18 receiving only chemotherapy. We recorded the general information of the patients and regularly followed up postoperative IRE-related adverse reactions. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated during follow-up. Median OS was longer in the IRE group than in the chemotherapy group. Median PFS was slightly extended with IRE compared to chemotherapy alone. The mean hospital stay for the IRE group was 5.90 ± 0.75 days. Four serious adverse events occurred after IRE. Postoperative pain scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores. IRE combined with chemotherapy showed clinical effectiveness in stage IV pancreatic cancer treatment, offering potential pain reduction benefits with fewer adverse effects and shorter hospital stays.

Characterizing the packaging waste generation patterns and carbon emissions of university delivery service

As the main consumer group for online shopping and ordering fast food, young people—particularly university students—have contributed to a substantial amount of packaging waste. In the present study, the material flow method was employed to quantify the generation and end-of-life flows of packaging waste from both the express delivery and food delivery sectors at universities in China. Moreover, this study takes reusable packaging materials for food delivery services as a case study to evaluate their environmental benefits through a simplified life cycle assessment approach. The results show that approximately 1.7 (±0.3) million metric tons and 123 (±1.0) kilo metric tons of packaging waste were generated from express delivery and food delivery services, respectively, for university students in 2021. Although reusable food packaging is more complex and costly than regular disposable food packaging is, our modeling results show that reusable food packaging has significant emission reduction benefits under the current practice of 63 cycles per year of actual operation at a specific university. The reusable packaging mode in universities is feasible from an environmental perspective; however, it faces significant challenges due to a few concerns among stakeholders, such as high costs and inadequate recycling supply systems.

Material metabolism and associated environmental impacts in Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration

AbstractRapid urbanization has resulted in significant bulk materials use, raising concerns over associated environmental impacts and sustainability challenges. However, a significant gap remains in the city‐level analysis of bulk materials production, use, and associated environmental impacts in China. This study calculated the stocks and flows of 13 bulk materials and their associated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across nine cities in the Pearl River Delta urban agglomeration (PRDUA) of China during 2000–2020. Results showed that total and per‐capita material stocks within the PRDUA experienced a continuous increase, with an average annual growth rate of 0.5 Gt/year and 4.4 t/cap/year, respectively. Both material stocks and flows exhibited similar spatial distribution patterns that gradually decreased from the center to the perimeter. As stocks continuously increase, GHG emissions from material production were rising annually, reaching 187.2 Mt CO2e in 2020. While recycling end‐of‐life materials contributes to reducing GHG emissions, the current limited mass of recycling curtails its broader impacts. This situation highlights a significant untapped potential within the city to meet decarbonization goals. To maximize the carbon reduction benefits, it is essential to enhance recycling efforts. Moreover, it is crucial that recycling strategies are specifically tailored to suit the timing, location, and types of materials involved.

Utilization of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors at the Veterans Health Administration.

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) are incretin-based therapies commonly used in the management of type 2 diabetes. Public interest in GLP-1RA soared after discovering their ability to lower body weight in patients without diabetes. Objective: To examine recent trends in usage of GLP-1RA and DPP-4i in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods: We extracted GLP-1RA and DPP-4i use from the national VHA Corporate Data Workhouse (CDW) between fiscal years (FYs) 2011 to 2021, which encompass medication class, name, dosage, date of filled prescription, and patients' characteristics. Results: A total of 3 037 006 prescriptions for DPP-4i and 2 183 294 prescriptions for GLP-1RA were filled during FY 2011 to 2021. More patients were prescribed DPP-4i (273 002 subjects) compared with GLP-1RA (157 209 subjects) from FY 2011 to 2021. Overall, 10.7% used DPP-4i for 90 days or less in comparison to 9.1% in GLP-1RA (P < 0.001). The proportion of patients prescribed DPP-4i who were 75 years of age or older was relatively stable over the years 2011 to 2021 (mean proportion = 19%). However, the proportion of patients who were 75 years of age or older prescribed GLP-1RA increased from 4.2% in 2011 to 16.9% in 2021. Conclusions: Incretin-based therapies have become a well-established class of drugs within the VHA. Even though DPP-4i usage in older adults has remained stable over the past 10 years, prescriptions for GLP-1RA in older adults have increased multifold over the last few years, which might be attributed to recent trial evidence showing benefit in cardiovascular outcomes and weight reduction.

Advances and Techniques in Subcuticular Suturing for Abdominal Wall Closure: A Comprehensive Review.

Subcuticular suturing has emerged as a prominent technique for abdominal wall closure, offering notable benefits in cosmetic outcomes, infection reduction, and patient satisfaction. This comprehensive review delves into the evolution and current state of subcuticular suturing, examining its principles, techniques, and advancements. Traditional methods like continuous and interrupted suturing are compared with modern innovations like barbed sutures and knotless techniques. Clinical outcomes, including healing efficacy, complication rates, and cost-effectiveness, are analyzed to highlight the technique's advantages. The review also explores specific applications in various surgical specialities, presenting case studies and clinical trials to substantiate its effectiveness. Despite certain challenges and limitations, the future of subcuticular suturing appears promising with ongoing research and technological advancements. This review aims to thoroughly understand subcuticular suturing, emphasizing its significance in improving surgical outcomes and patient care in abdominal wall closure.

Power supply disruptions deter electric vehicle adoption in cities in China

Electrification plays a crucial role in deep decarbonization. However, electrification and power infrastructure can cause mutual challenges. We use nationwide power outage and electric vehicle adoption data in China to provide empirical evidence on how power infrastructure failures can deter electrification. We find that when the number of power outages per district increases by 1 in a given month, the number of new electric vehicles adopted per month decreases by 0.99%. A doubling of power outages in one year on average across the nation can create a depressed adoption rate for up to a decade, implying a decline of more than $ 31.3 million per year in carbon reduction benefits from electric vehicle adoptions. This paper adds to the policy discussion of the costs of increased power outages due to extreme weather and natural disasters, and the urgency for policy to address this issue to facilitate wide adoption of electrification.

Exploring rational vegetation configuration to relative increase runoff, reduce erosion and soil organic carbon loss in gully-slopes on the Chinese Loess Plateau

In order to solve the water shortage, uncoordinated runoff-sediment relationship, and prevent carbon loss in the Yellow River Basin, there is an urgent need to explore the rational vegetation configuration in order to relative increase runoff, reduce sediment and prevent soil organic carbon loss in the gully-slopes on the Loess Plateau. To solve these problems, the simulated rainfall experiments with an intensity of 60 mm·h−1 were conducted in four types of plots: shrub-grass (SG), tap root grasses (GT), fibrous root grasses (GF) and bare land (CK). Four types of plots were built on one gully-slope with a slope of 35°–40° in situ. Compared with CK (mean runoff rate: 0.61 mm·min−1), the runoff reduction benefits of SG (0.27 mm·min−1), GT (0.04 mm·min−1) and GF (0.17 mm·min−1) plots were 54.9 %, 71.7 %, 92.2 %. Compared with GT and GF plots, the total runoff of SG plots was 1.6–5.8 times. Compared with CK, the sediment reduction benefits of three vegetation plots were more than 98 %. Shrub-grass is a more suitable vegetation combination for soil and water conservation: reducing sediment and relative increasing runoff. The soil organic carbon loss has been well alleviated through vegetation restoration, and vegetation plots all prevented over 98 % of soil organic carbon loss compared with the bare plot. Soil organic carbon loss equation based on runoff and sediment was established and validated. The R2, P and NSE results of the equations were 0.92–0.95, <0.001, 0.85–0.86, respectively, indicating that the fitted equations can be considered acceptable. The soil organic carbon loss in the gully-slopes was mainly from sediment (more than 85 %) compared with runoff. Therefore, controlling sediment is more effective than controlling runoff in preventing soil organic carbon loss in the gully-slopes on the Loess Plateau. These results can provide a basis for decision-making of high-quality development of contemporary soil and water conservation on the Loess Plateau.

Characterization of on-road nitrogen oxides and black carbon emissions from high emitters of heavy-duty diesel vehicles in China

Heavy-duty diesel vehicles (HDDVs) significantly contribute to atmospheric nitrogen oxides (NOX) and black carbon (BC), with high emitters within the HDDV fleet impacting the total emissions. However, emission patterns and contributions of high emitters are rarely explored from a fleet-perspective. We investigated NOX and BC emission factors (EFs) from 1925 HDDVs in Shenzhen by the plume-chasing method, and found that the fleet-average EFs decreased with stricter emission standards. Unexpectedly, the average NOX EF for the China IV fleet was comparable with that for the China III fleet due to possible ineffective aftertreatment in high-emitter sectors of China IV HDDVs. Decreasing trend in average NOX EF since 2017 reflected the effective emission controls by the implementation of China V standard. Besides, semi-trailer tractors exhibited a higher incidence of NOX over-emissions, whereas BC high emitters were more pronounced in box trucks. Total NOX and BC emissions from HDDVs in Shenzhen were revisited, reaching 54.0 and 1.1 Gg·yr−1, with updated NOX EF correcting a 26.2 % underestimation in national guidelines. Notably, eliminating high emitters yields greater emission reduction benefits than merely retiring old HDDVs, with BC reduction outpacing NOX. This study provides new insights into the implementation of targeted emission reduction measures for HDDVs.

Enhancing low-carbon building operations leveraging demand response driven by renewable energy consumption contributions

In the pursuit of sustainable low-carbon energy practices, demand response (DR) has emerged as a pivotal strategy, particularly in the management of building energy consumption. However, current demand management methods often lack a thorough evaluation of building carbon reduction benefits and fall short in promoting grid decarbonization. This paper proposes a low-carbon operation optimization method for buildings, with a novel DR strategy aimed at facilitating local renewable energy consumption and system-level renewables integration. Considering local and systemic renewable shares, an evaluation framework is first introduced for quantitative building energy assessment in each period. The building loads with controllable flexibilities are then grouped and aggregated based on their elasticity characteristics and probability distribution. Finally, a low-carbon optimization model is established, leveraging the DR strategy for sustainable building operations through flexible load regulation. Utilizing measured building data in Shanghai, a case study with extensive analysis validates the effectiveness of the methodology. The results suggest that following DR implementation, the similarity between the building load profile and the systemic renewable share improves by 34.48 %. Moreover, carbon emissions decrease by 5.27 % at the same level of building energy consumption. Further analysis highlights that energy storage can enhance load adjustment capabilities and the potential for reducing carbon emissions. Compared to conventional DR programs, the proposed strategy demonstrates significant advantages of abundant flexibility and low-carbon benefits. The widespread implementation of low-carbon operations in large-scale building groups has profound implications for integrating renewable energy and achieving system decarbonization goals.© 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.