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Since China's speedy economic development, the problems of energy consumption and environmental pollution have become increasingly prominent. A question worth in-depth study is whether ecological civilization (EC) construction, one of the main policies to solve China's severe environmental and ecological problems, affects carbon dioxide emissions (CDE). In this study, we use a novel method proposed by Hsiao et al. (2012) to estimate the average treatment effect by using panel data to study the impact of establishing the EC pilot zones of China on CDE. The results show that, although EC construction is effective in reducing CDE, the impact varies from region to region. The study findings can provide a scientific basis to promote the experience of EC construction better and improve its CDE effect. • Impact of ecological civilization pilot zones on carbon emissions is studied. • An empirical analysis is conducted based on the HCW method. • Effects of ecological civilization on reducing carbon emissions vary by area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] We study determinants of employee electricity saving habit in organization. [•] The model was tested using survey data collected from office workers in China. [•] Enjoyment, image, personal norm and perceived harm positively influence habit. [•] Anticipated extrinsic benefit and perceived threat didn’t have significant effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy consumption has caused major crises and severe global challenges, such as environmental problems and climate change. Household appliances are highly utilized products that consume considerable electricity. The wide adoption of energy-saving appliances saves power resources and promotes the development of low-carbon economy. However, energy-saving appliances are usually more expensive than ordinary household appliances, thereby hindering their widespread adoption. Therefore, the factors influencing consumers' willingness to pay a price premium for energy-saving appliances should be explored. A comprehensive model was constructed based on the theory of planned behavior and consumer perceived value literature. The influencing factors were identified in terms of product, consumer, and regulation and publicity. Data were collected through questionnaire survey method, as it is suitable for collecting data on human beliefs and perceptions. 327 valid responses were obtained from the survey, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares. Results show that consumers' attitude toward purchasing energy-saving appliances positively impacts willingness to pay a price premium. Consumer perceived quality, price, emotional, and environmental values significantly and positively impact consumers' purchasing attitude. Furthermore, the perceived effectiveness of energy efficiency labeling institutional mechanism and personal norm significantly and positively influences consumers' purchasing attitude. Nevertheless, social value, environmental awareness, and media publicity do not significantly affect consumers' purchasing attitude. Finally, suggestions on how to promote energy-saving appliances were proposed. • Determinates of willingness to pay a price premium for energy-saving appliances are identified. • The concept of perceived effectiveness of energy label institutional mechanism is proposed. • Dimensions of perceived value of energy-saving appliances are identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we analyze the energy efficiency and carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions reduction of China's regional thermal electricity generation from 2004 to 2010 on a regional grid level. China has seven regional grids. By using Log Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) analysis, we determine that the intensity and energy mix effects have positive effects on CO 2 emissions reduction, but the effects of structural and CO 2 emissions factor are insignificant. The accumulated intensity and energy mix effects account for −10.70% and −10.41% of the CO 2 emissions reduction, respectively. Such improvements are brought about the policy that encourages large power plants, discourages small energy-inefficient power plants, and promotes large-capacity high-parameter units. This policy has contributed to electricity conservation in thermal electricity generation. However, regional results show that the North grid of China performed poorly. Hockey stick effects were also observed in the intensity effect of the Central and North grids. Thus, regional moving average targets are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Eastern area generally performed better than the Central area. [•] Central area was better than the Western area, except in 2008. [•] Financial crisis affected the performance of Eastern area in 2008. [•] Potential energy saving was around 2.75% of the total transport energy use. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

[Display omitted] • Carbonized biomass as a self-standing electrode promotes electro-demulsification. • Carbonized biomass as self-standing electrode also promotes oil removal. • Electrode capacity reached 1180 mg g−1 (97.97 %) toluene removal at 5.0 V for 3.4 h. • The electric field compressed and ruptured emulsion droplets in porous electrodes. • Electrostatic adsorption caused small molecule adherence to graphitic pore walls. Emulsion wastewater contain substantial amounts of oil and various additives, which pose threats to the environment and human health. Demulsification is a crucial pretreatment stage for wastewater. This study aims to identify a novel electro-demulsification method with high oil removal efficiency and low energy consumption. Modified carbonized birch wood with a unique isotropic multiscale pore structure is used as a self-standing electrode to treat a toluene oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion. The electrode must have a highly porous structure to facilitate efficient water diffusion and oil adsorption. It must also have high electronic conductivity to expedite polarized molecular electrophoresis to realize penetration into the pores and, subsequently, demulsification. Guided by an applied electric field force, polarized O/W droplets are drawn toward the electrode, revealing electrical characteristics distinct from those of polarized organic molecules. This electric field force augments the capture and adhesion of droplets by the electric double layer at the electrode interface. Consequently, adsorbed droplets in close proximity to the electrode rupture due to the combined influence of the electric field force and the electrostatic effects stemming from the electrode's multiscale porous structure. This synergistic action enables demulsification to occur efficiently at low energy consumption levels. This study has revealed that electro-demulsification can effectively treat toluene emulsions stabilized by various surfactants and microemulsion containing toluene. Therefore, this electro-demulsification technology can be further developed for various types of water pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In order to further study the realization of carbon intensity target, find the key influencing factors of CO2 emissions, and explore the path of developing low-carbon economy, this paper empirically studied the influences of urbanization level, economic level, industry proportion, tertiary industry proportion, energy intensity and R&D output on CO2 emissions in Beijing using improved STIRPAT (stochastic impacts by regression on population, affluence and technology) model. The model is examined using partial least square regression. Results show that urbanization level, economic level and industry proportion positively influence the CO2 emissions, while tertiary industry proportion, energy intensity and R&D output negatively do. Urbanization level is the main driving factor of CO2 emissions, and tertiary industry proportion is the main inhibiting factor. In addition, along with the growth of per capita GDP, the increase of CO2 emissions does not follow the Environmental Kuznets Curve model. Based on these empirical findings and the specific circumstances of Beijing, we provide some policy recommendations on how to reduce carbon intensity. Beijing should pay more attention to tertiary industry and residential energy consumption for carbon emission reduction. It is necessary to establish a comprehensive evaluation index of social development. Investing more capital on carbon emission reduction science and technology, and promoting R&D output is also an efficient way to reduce CO2 emissions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Tiered electricity price (TEP) reform is a planning policy for household electricity conservation in China. Based on TEP, several price hierarchies are provided, and additional payment will be charged if the electricity consumptions exceed the upper bound of each hierarchy. Yet, the optimal level of each price tier and the institutions for implementing TEP need further research, which are set on the basis of considering residents’ affordability and willingness to pay. Therefore, this paper aims at exploring determinants of public willingness to accept TEP and finding out the acceptable range of premium. A questionnaire survey in four urban cities of China is conducted to collect data, and an ordinary regression model is adopted in our analysis to identify the drivers and barriers to general public’s acceptance of TEP. The results show that middle income earners are the groups that are mostly opposed to TEP. Rather than just focusing on economic factors, public environmental awareness should be highlighted during the implementation of TEP, because cost is not a statistically significant determinant in this study. Moreover, the public acceptable rate of premium of TEP in the urban cities, according to our research results, may be below .05RMB/kWh. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]