Emission Reduction Effect Research Articles

Energy saving and carbon reduction schemes for hospital with photovoltaic power generation and system upgrading technology

In order to help China achieve the double carbon target of total carbon peak and high-quality sustainable economic development, and to enrich the work and content of energy conservation and emission reduction in the building sector, the most complex and energy-consuming hospitals are taken as the key projects for energy conservation and emission reduction to carry out feasibility studies. The reasons for the high energy consumption of the existing hospital buildings were analysed, and it was proposed to upgrade the existing systems (including air conditioning, hot water system and intelligent control system) and to generate photovoltaic power for the existing buildings, taking into account the characteristics of the local climate. The results of the study showed that the energy saving and emission reduction effect of the hospital was obvious after the programme was adopted.

Assessing the carbon emission performance of digital greening synergistic transformation: evidence from the dual pilot projects in China.

Digital greening synergistic transformation (DGST) is a new engine for achieving dual carbon targets. Using panel data from 281 Chinese cities between 2003 and 2019, this study investigates the effect and transmission mechanism of the DGST on carbon emission performance. It is based on the quasi-natural experiments of the dual pilot projects "Broadband China" and "Low-carbon City",as well as the multi-period difference-in-difference method. The empirical findings are as follows: (1) DGST, represented by the dual pilot projects, effectively enhances carbon emission performance. Compared to the isolated "Broadband China" and "Low-Carbon City" pilot projects, establishing dual pilot projects generates a more pronounced carbon emission reduction effect through synergistic effects. (2) In terms of dynamic effects, the carbon emission reduction effect in dual pilot cities appears in the first year following initiation, indicating a certain temporal aspect to this effect. (3) Mechanism analysis reveals that the impact of DGST on carbon emission performance is channeled through two pathways: industrial structural adjustment and low-carbon technology innovation. (4) The positive impact of DGST on carbon emission performance exhibits heterogeneity, primarily present in cities with higher levels of financial technology, human capital, and new infrastructure development. It implies that the implementation of DGST necessitates adequate human, financial, and material support. In conclusion, this research contributes empirical evidence for further exploring policy synergies, offering support for achieving dual carbon targets through DGST.

Spatiotemporal assessment of carbon emission reduction by shared bikes in Shenzhen, China

Bike-sharing has developed rapidly in recent years, and its environmental benefits have attracted increasing attention. However, current studies still lack individual-scale emission reduction calculation models. Based on spatiotemporal pattern analysis, an individual-level carbon emission reduction calculation model was established by measuring cycling distance accurately and considering the substitution between transportation modes as well as the trend of transportation electrification. The model results show that for each kilometer of cycling, the shared bikes can reduce carbon emissions by 96 g in the central urban area of Shenzhen city, and the total carbon emission reduction for one day of operation is 114.42 tonnes. Carbon emission reduction within 500 m of the subway station reached 57.23 % of the total emission reduction in one day which indicates that it is necessary to consider the layout of public transport comprehensively and give full play to the connecting and complementary role of shared bikes. At the same time, mode substitution and electric vehicles (EVs) will have an impact on the emission reduction effect of shared bikes. This research result can provide references for the government to assess the impact of sustainable transport and help encourage a low-carbon lifestyle.

Does green innovation reduce carbon emission intensity of Chinese cities? Analysis based on GS2SLS

ABSTRACT In the 14th Five-Year Plan, China’s economic and social development aims to focus on carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. On the basis of panel data of 284 prefecture-level cities in China from 2011 to 2020, this study uses the generalized spatial two-stage least squares method (GS2SLS) to analyse empirically the relationship and mechanism between the green innovation and carbon emission intensity（CEI） of Chinese cities. The research reveals several findings. (1) The CEI of Chinese cities has a significant spatial spillover effect. Moreover, green innovation has reduced the CEI of Chinese cities. The robustness and endogenous tests further verified this conclusion. (2) The carbon emission reduction effect of green innovation shows significant regional heterogeneity, which is more significant in eastern regions and cities with high innovation capabilities. In contrast, this outcome is not significant in regions with weaker innovation capabilities and in the central and western regions. (3) Green innovation mainly reduces the CEI of Chinese cities by promoting the upgrading of industrial structures. A higher level of digital economy development will also have a significantly positive catalytic effect on green innovation to inhibit CEI.

Does industrial convergence mitigate CO2 emissions in China? A quasi-natural experiment on “Triple Play” Reform

As a crucial aspect of industrial development, the influence of industrial convergence on the environment cannot be ignored. This paper uses the “Triple Play” Reform (TPR) policy as a representative case of industrial convergence for constructing a quasi-natural experimental analysis framework. Using panel data from 285 Chinese cities from 2004 to 2016, we examine the influence of the industrial convergence policy on per capita CO2 emissions using a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results indicate that the TPR reduces CO2 emissions in China. Furthermore, the TPR policy indirectly decreases per capita CO2 emissions through industrial structure upgrading and the promotion of green technology innovation. Most importantly, the carbon emission-reduction effect of TPR is heterogeneous according to geographical differences, resource endowment, and city size. The research findings contribute to filling a gap in the literature by demonstrating how industrial convergence policies can mitigate CO2 emissions in China and offer valuable insights for future industrial convergence practices and emission reduction strategies in China.

Mechanism and Empirical Evidence of Green Taxation Influencing Carbon Emissions in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt

Based on the panel data of 100 cities in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt from 2010 to 2020 and the extended STIRPAT model, this paper uses SYS-GMM to empirically study the impact of green taxation on carbon emissions in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Then, it explores the effect path of green taxation on regional carbon emissions using the intermediary effect model and analyzes the threshold characteristics of the influence of urban greening level on the regional carbon emissions of green taxation using the threshold effect model. The results show that, (1) from 2010 to 2020, the carbon emissions in China’s Yangtze River Economic Belt showed a slow rising trend, and carbon emissions in the lower reaches were significantly higher than those in the middle and upper reaches. (2) Green taxation can significantly suppress carbon emissions in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. However, green taxation has the weakest inhibitory effect on carbon emissions in the upstream region and is slightly stronger in the middle reaches, with the strongest inhibitory effect on carbon emission in the downstream region. (3) From the perspective of the action path, the level of green technology innovation has a significant partial mediating effect. Green taxation mainly realizes carbon emission reductions by improving the level of urban green technology innovation, and its intermediary effect accounts for 17.6% of the total effect of green taxation on regional carbon emissions and 15.6% of the total effect of green taxation on per capita carbon emission intensity. (4) Further research shows that the emission reduction effect of green taxation is also influenced by the level of urban greening, showing a single threshold effect. Before reaching the threshold value, the inhibition effect of green taxation on carbon emission levels is relatively strong, and after crossing the threshold value, the inhibition effect is weakened.

The impact of digital inputs on pollution reduction in Chinese manufacturing enterprises

Facilitating pollution reduction in manufacturing enterprises is crucial for implementing the new development concept and achieving sustainable, environmentally friendly growth. This research delves into the influence of digital inputs on pollution emission reduction in Chinese manufacturing enterprises. The study utilizes a combination of the World Input-Output Database, the Chinese Industrial Enterprises Database, and the Chinese Industrial Enterprises Pollution Emission Database covering the period from 2000 to 2012. The findings reveal that digital inputs make a significant contribution to pollution reduction in Chinese manufacturing enterprises. Specifically, digital software inputs and foreign digital factor inputs display more pronounced effects on pollution reduction. The analysis of the mechanism reveals that the pollution reduction effects of digital inputs in manufacturing enterprises can be attributed to several effective mechanisms: the enhancement of energy efficiency, technological innovation, and servitization, as well as the crowding-out effect of pollution control investment. The former mechanisms demonstrate a promoting effect, while the latter exhibits an inhibiting effect. The impact of digital inputs on pollution reduction in manufacturing enterprises displays heterogeneity, with a more significant emission reduction effect observed in industries facing higher environmental regulatory intensity, digitization-unrelated industries, non-state-owned firms, and firms with higher levels of financing constraints. These findings offer empirical evidence and serve as a policy foundation for promoting digital transformation and achieving green economic development in China.

Energy‐related‐CO2 emissions in China's electricity and heating industry: A dual perspective of the economic “new normal”

AbstractAfter China's economy entered a “new normal,” their economic development model shifted from an energy‐intensive to an energy‐saving, given that China's electricity and heating industry accounts for about half of the country's energy consumption and carbon emissions. Based on the sample data from 2005 to 2020, this paper adopts the energy consumption method and the extended index decomposition model to explore carbon emissions of the electricity and heating industry in the early and late period of the economic new normal. The results show that: (1) carbon emissions from the electricity and heating industry showed a growing direction in the economic new normal period. However, compared with the early period of economic new normal, the increasing speed of carbon emissions from the electricity and heating industry slowed down significantly in the late period. This point also directly reflects that the extensive development mode of energy utilization has been alleviated after the electricity and heating industry entered the economic new normal. (2) Compared with the early period, the energy structure effect on the emission reduction was enhanced after entering the economic new normal. Meanwhile, the investment efficiency effect has changed from promoting to inhibiting. (3) Compared with the early period, the promotion impact of the investment scale effect on carbon emissions in the electricity and heating industry has no significant change after entering the economic new normal. Nevertheless, it is noteworthy that the emission reduction impact of the energy intensity effect is weak. This paper not only provides empirical evidence for evaluating the emission reduction effects of the Chinese electricity and heating industry before and after the economic new normal but also shares policy insights for precise emission reduction in the electricity and heating industry in the later stage of the economic new normal.

The Carbon Emission Reduction Effect of Carbon Emission Trading Policy in China

The carbon emission trading policy attributes carbon dioxide emission rights to commodities, representing an important exploration to reduce carbon emissions by the market mechanism. Since 2013, China has implemented the carbon emission trading policy. In order to study whether the carbon emission reduction effect of emission trading policy in pilot areas and what is the pathway, this paper uses multi-period difference-in-differences method and the medintion effect method. An empirical analysis of panel data from 283 prefecture-level cities in China between 2006 and 2019.The research findings demonstrate that: (1) The policy about carbon emission trading significantly reduced carbon emissions,which is still valid after a series of robustness tests, and had a synergistic effect. (2) The policy primarily promotes carbon dioxide emission reduction through innovation in green technology and adjustments in industrial structure. (3) In comparison to the eastern and western regions, the policy performs better in central regions. Furthermore, the effectiveness of emission reduction depends on the intensity of environmental regulations, thus, stricter regulations are more conducive to carbon reduction. This paper provides strong evidence to the expansion of carbon emission trading pilots, and guides the operation of carbon emission trading market in China.

Influence of dual-credit policy on the energy conservation and emission reduction technology R&D of Chinese auto industry

The dual-credit policy, as an important industrial policy in the automotive industry to replace fiscal subsidies, aims to achieve the dual objectives of energy conservation and emission reduction (ECER) and promote the development of new energy vehicles by establishing a dual credit system based on the average fuel consumption of conventional vehicles and credits for new energy vehicles. This paper employs a game model to investigate the differential impact of the dual-credit policy on ECER among automobile manufacturers with different industry structures. The study finds that the existing policy primarily favors manufacturers adopting the integration mode, followed by the multilateral mode and supply-monopoly mode respectively. Furthermore, R&D cost coefficient, unit price of credits, degree of competition and elasticity of cross-demand for fuel-saving functions are the four main factors that influence the profit model of the automobile industry. The findings of this study suggest that targeted policies need to be formulated for different industry structures during the adjustment of the policy in order to fully stimulate their enthusiasm for ECER. Additionally, the flexible combination of the four factors should be considered when formulating a specific dual-credit policy so as to achieve more energy saving and emission reduction effect in the automobile industry.

Can China’s vehicular emissions regulation reduce air pollution?—a quasi-natural experiment based on the latest National Vehicular Emissions Standard (stage-VI)

The existing evidence on the environmental effects of vehicular emissions regulation almost comes from developed countries, but the effectiveness of this policy tool in developing countries, especially in China, remains unclear. This study, for the first time, examined the mitigating effects of China’s vehicular emissions regulation on air pollution at the prefecture level cities, by using the latest implementation of China’s National Vehicular Emissions Standard VI (CHINA-VI) as a quasi-natural experimental process of policy shocks. To this end, monthly data from 2018 to 2020 was applied to construct a difference-in-differences (DID) model. The results showed that pilot cities’ air quality index (AQI) significantly decreased by 4.74 compared to non-pilot cities after the implementation of CHINA-VI. Also, the concentration of PM2.5, PM10, and O3 has decreased by 3.6 μg∕m3, 6.4 μg∕m3, and 3.0 μg∕m3, respectively, which means the new China’s vehicular emissions regulation has comprehensively improved air quality. The findings are still valid after a series of robustness tests using different estimation methods such as PSM-DID and IV-2SLS. In addition, we also found heterogeneity in the environmental performance of CHINA-VI across cities. Specifically, cities with lower levels of green finance development and public environmental concern showed a greater emissions reduction effect, but smart cities showed a greater emissions reduction effect than non-smart cities.

Assessing the possibility of China reaching carbon emission peak by 2030 in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

At this stage, it is an important goal for China to solve environmental problems to limit the carbon emission peak by 2030 and then to lower its quality gradually thereafter. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 seriously impacted all aspects of China's social economy and brought many uncertainties to the realization of the carbon emission peak. Based on the fact, it has important theoretical and practical significance to take the problem of China's carbon emissions during the COVID-19 as the research object. Thus, this paper analyzes the current situation of China's CO2 emissions and finds out that in the context of ongoing COVID-19 response, stimulated by China's economic stimulus policies, CO2 emissions decrease firstly and then gradually rebound. On this basis, the paper constructs a dynamic model of China's CO2 emission system to simulate the change in China's CO2 emissions under different economic stimulus policies. The relevant simulation results demonstrate the following: (1) China cannot realize the CO2 emission goal by 2030 only by adopting traditional economic stimulus policies. (2) The green economic stimulus policy oriented to the development of clean energy will rebound China's CO2 emissions in the short term, but it can effectively reduce CO2 emissions in the long run. The most important factors affecting CO2 emission reduction are industrial energy consumption and industrial structure, while the energy power generation structure and the transportation structure have a relatively weak impact on the emission reduction effect. (3) The green economic stimulus policy combined with economic stimulus measures and a variety of low-carbon measures can enable China to peak CO2 emissions before 2030, with a peak value of 11.059 billion tons. In general, green economic stimulus policies can achieve a win-win situation for China's economic recovery and carbon emission peak.

Optimal scheduling of electricity-gas-heat-hydrogen integrated energy system considering carbon transaction cost

Aim: To improve energy efficiency, optimize the operation of equipment, and reduce the carbon emission of the integrated energy system (IES), an IES low-carbon operation strategy is proposed. Methods: This paper comprehensively considers the influence of the stepped carbon trading scheme, the wind generation and load forecasting represented by fuzzy parameters, and the operation strategy of energy storage equipment with flexible space margin on the optimal scheduling of IES. Based on this, a low-carbon operation target with the minimum sum of power purchase cost, gas purchase cost, carbon emission cost, and abandoned wind cost is constructed. Results: Five scenarios are compared and analyzed. The effects of different carbon emission penalty strategies and wind power output and load uncertainties on benefits are analyzed. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is verified by the simulation results of a numerical example. Conclusion: The stepwise carbon trading mechanism can better guide the effect of carbon emission reduction compared with the traditional carbon trading pricing model.

Carbon Accounting and Carbon Emission Reduction Potential Analysis of Sponge Cities Based on Life Cycle Assessment

In recent years, China has been vigorously carrying out the construction and development of a sponge city. To prove that the material and energy consumption involved in the implementation of a sponge city is much less than that of the integrated urban drainage system (IUDS) in addition to saved energy and reduced carbon in the sponge city, it was important to calculate the corresponding carbon source and sink and analyze its key influence factors. The emission factor method was used to calculate carbon emissions. In view of this, based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines and life cycle assessment (LCA), this research established a systematic accounting method for carbon emissions from the IUDS and the sponge city, which focused on improving the calculation method of the carbon sink stage. A case study was conducted in Beijing, China, and the carbon emission reduction effect of the construction of the sponge city was discussed. The results showed that the carbon emission reduction potential (CRP) of sponge facilities in this project for 50 years was 612.45 tons of CO2 equivalent after the renovation. Compared with IUDS, sponge city construction had a positive effect on carbon emission reduction and reduced carbon emissions by 87.08% on average. For the IUDS and the sponge city, the stormwater pipe network had the largest contribution of carbon emission, and its material, transportation, pipeline laying, and maintenance of stormwater pipe networks had important influences. Morris global analysis method was used to analyze the sensitivity of LCA results and obtained that the influence degree of sensitivity factors on carbon emissions in the life cycle was in the order of annual rainfall > carbon sequestration rate of green space > high-density polyethylene (HDPE) > transport distance > fertilization and insecticide. This study can provide a positive contribution to the construction of a sponge city and planning the low-carbon development of the city in the future in China.

Carbon emission reduction effects in Yangtze River Delta from the dual perspectives of forest resource endowment and low-carbon pilot policy in the digital age

Although Chinese society has transformed into the digital age, carbon peaking and neutrality are still important starting points for implementing the national strategy of green and low-carbon integrated growth in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of China. With data from 41 cities in YRD from 2005 to 2019, this paper empirically analyzes the carbon emission reduction effects from dual perspectives of forest resource endowment and low-carbon pilot policy in the digital age. The findings include: (1) Forest resources are indeed conducive to reducing carbon emissions. However, when considering the carbon sequestration effect of forests, a nonlinear U-shaped relationship exists between forest resource abundance and net carbon emissions per GDP. (2) Low-carbon city pilot policies are effective in reducing carbon emissions. (3) Low-carbon pilot policies perform better in smart cities, resource-based cities, and cities with abundant forest resources, showing significant heterogeneity. Forests can be relied on to assist in carbon emission reduction in the short term, but in the long term, a forest ecosystem with biodiversity is needed to achieve low-carbon sustainable development. This article provides some experience and references for building green and carbon-neutral cities for YRD in the digital age.

Does industrial symbiotic agglomeration reduce pollution emissions: evidence from eco-industrial demonstration parks in China.

Industrial symbiotic agglomeration is important for promoting the circular economy and reducing pollution emissions. This paper examines the effects of industrial symbiotic agglomeration on pollution emissions using the staggered difference-in-difference model. The findings suggest the following: (1) industrial symbiotic agglomeration reduces total urban pollution emissions, with significant reductions in SO2 and wastewater, although not in solid waste and PM2.5 emissions. (2) The emission reduction effect is achieved mainly through green innovation, the recycling effect, and structural optimization, whereas the cost reduction effect of symbiotic agglomeration is not obvious. (3) Industrial symbiotic agglomeration promotes emission reduction in neighboring cities within a 300-km range, and this reduction decays with geographical distance. In addition, the pollution emission reduction effect of industrial symbiotic agglomeration is only realized when its size reaches 187.17 km2, with the effect becoming stronger as the size increases. At present, industrial symbiotic agglomeration mainly plays an emission reduction effect in non-resource cities. This paper provides a new way to promote the green development of industry and region.

Analysis of the Impact of Photovoltaic Curtain Walls Replacing Glass Curtain Walls on the Whole Life Cycle Carbon Emission of Public Buildings Based on BIM Modeling Study

The construction industry plays a crucial role in achieving global carbon neutrality. The purpose of this study is to explore the application of photovoltaic curtain walls in building models and analyze their impact on carbon emissions in order to find the best adaptation method that combines economy and carbon reduction. Through a carbon emissions calculation and economic analysis of replacing photovoltaic curtain walls on a large public building in Zhenjiang, China, the results showed that after replacing glass curtain walls with photovoltaic curtain walls, the carbon emissions during the construction operation stage decreased by 30.74%, but the carbon emissions during the production and transportation stage of building materials increased by 10.48%. The carbon emissions throughout the entire life cycle of the building have been reduced by 20.99%. This indicates that photovoltaic curtain wall technology has the potential to reduce building carbon emissions. Further promoting the development of production technology and sales routes for photovoltaic curtain walls and accelerating the improvement of carbon trading systems can further improve the carbon emission reduction effect of buildings. This study provides practical reference for public buildings in similar areas and guidance for reducing carbon emissions in the future.

Empowering rural human Settlement:Digital Economy's path to progress

Digital economy development (DED) empowers rural habitat (RH) improvement and promotes the construction of harmonious villages. Based on a panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2013 to 2019, this paper empirically tests the impact of DED on RH and its endogenous mechanism in multiple dimensions using panel fixed effects model and spatial Durbin model. The results show that DED significantly improves RH, which remains robust after a series of robustness tests and dealing with endogeneity issues. The mechanism analysis shows that DED helps to bring into play the rural resource allocation effect, the innovation and entrepreneurship effect, and the carbon emission reduction effect, and improves the RH through these three effects. Further study finds that the digital application divide and regional divide are the main barriers to digital technology enabling RH improvement, there is a spatial spillover effect of DED, which helps to promote the improvement of RH in neighboring areas. The results of the study can provide theoretical support and decision-making reference for the construction of digital villages and the balanced regional development of RH in China.

Influencing factors and spatiotemporal heterogeneity of net carbon sink of conservation tillage: evidence from China.

Conservation tillage is an important reform of traditional tillage, which has significant carbon sequestration and emission reduction effects. It is important to investigate the influencing factors and spatiotemporal heterogeneity of net carbon sink of conservation tillage for realizing the "dual carbon" target, and facilitating agricultural sustainable development. This study used the coefficient accounting method to calculate the carbon sink and carbon emission of conservation tillage in China from 2000 to 2019, respectively. Based on this, the net carbon sink of conservation tillage was measured. Then, the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of influencing factors on net carbon sink of conservation tillage was analyzed by using the geographically and temporally weighted regression model. The results showed that (1) the net carbon sink of conservation tillage in China was significant and had potential to have a constant rise; (2) spatially, the net carbon sink of conservation tillage changed more variably in longitudinal direction. Specifically, the promotion effect of conservation tillage machinery gradually decreased from west to east. The planting structure and conservation tillage promotion intensity played key roles in improving net carbon sink of conservation tillage. (3) Temporally, the effect of conservation tillage machinery showed positive effect of decreasing yearly, while the positive effect of promotion intensity increased year by year. Planting structure and economic development negatively affected improvement on the net carbon sink of conservation tillage and the negative effect increased year by year. Additionally, the effect of education on the net carbon sink shifted from positive to negative over time. The study aims to provide a reference for the government to promote conservation tillage according to local conditions and to achieve the "dual carbon" target.

Carbon emission reduction effect of innovative city pilot policies in China: based on the staggered difference-in-difference model.

Environmental economics theory suggests that the technological effects of increased innovation capacity can drive stable economic growth and act as a major means to mitigate regional environmental pollution levels. Therefore, science and technology innovation is the key to achieving low-carbon and green development. This study examined the influence of China's Pilot Policy for Innovative Cities on greenhouse gas emissions and its operational mechanism. By employing both quantitative and qualitative approaches, we successfully examined the impact of the policy on the nation's carbon emissions peaks. The findings indicated that adopting an urban pilot policy can effectively decelerate the increase of carbon emissions in cities. Additionally, the policy had a more pronounced impact on emission reduction in major urban areas and provinces. A mechanism test revealed that the policy could help reduce urban carbon emissions by implementing various technological innovations and spatial intensification. The results of this research offer significant theoretical support for adopting urban pilot policies and encourage the advancement of eco-friendly growth in Chinese urban areas.