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Green finance is a financial innovation that directs capital allocation towards green industries. How will this affect regional carbon emissions? Based on the data on green finance and carbon emissions of 30 provinces in China from 2008 to 2019, this paper employs a multivariate linear regression model and a spatial econometric model to empirically study the impact of green finance on carbon emissions. The results find that (1) green finance significantly reduces provincial carbon emissions, specifically through promoting a cleaner energy structure and an advanced industrial structure, as well as improving the quality of green innovation. (2) Heterogeneity exists between regions. In eastern regions and areas characterized by high levels of marketization and minimal fiscal pressure, the role of green finance in promoting provincial carbon emission reduction is more pronounced. (3) Spatial econometric analysis found that green finance has a significant spatial spillover effect on carbon reduction in adjacent regions. Specifically, the flow of green resources and green ideas between provinces facilitates the formation of regional radiation, while green competition generates a siphon effect on neighboring regions. These findings provide some meaningful policy implications to achieve China's dual-carbon goal by promoting green finance. • Green finance has significantly reduced China's provincial carbon emissions. • The upgrading of energy structure and industrial structure is a positive channel to reduce carbon emissions. • Green innovation strengthens the carbon reduction effect of green finance, but reveals the potential "greenwashing". • Green finance has a significant spatial spillover effect on carbon reduction in adjacent regions. • Policymakers should develop flexible, dynamic and coordinated green finance development policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the goal of "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality" in China, it is significant to explore whether emission reduction commitments contribute to carbon risk premium. Therefore, based on a sample of Chinese listed companies that publicly disclosed questionnaires in the CDP from 2009 to 2021, this paper empirically examines the relationship between emission reduction commitments and carbon risk premium and their formation mechanism. The results show that emission reduction commitments can effectively hedge the carbon risk premium, which pass several robustness tests. Specifically, the more comprehensive and ambitious the commitment is, the greater the suppression of the carbon risk premium. The mechanism test shows that disclosing emission reduction commitment information can reduce carbon risk by improving investor confidence and attracting political resources. Differences in enterprise emission levels, regional environmental regulation intensity and green financial development result in different risk-hedging effects of emission reduction commitments. Moreover, the greater the substantial pressure from stakeholders, the greater the tendency for firms to set up emission reduction commitments. Finally, the heterogeneity analysis reveals that confidence level of commitments has a significant impact on risk premium. Specifically, enterprises with SBTi validation, higher CDP ratings and higher target completion are more helpful in curbing carbon risk premium. Our findings contribute to corporate commitment to climate change and complement the carbon risk premium hypothesis. [Display omitted] The possible highlights of this study are as follows. • With the help of forward-looking information on emission reduction commitments, we re-examine the conclusion of the carbon risk premium and find that emission reduction commitments can effectively hedge the risk premium, enriching and developing the carbon risk premium hypothesis • This paper brings commitment levels and carbon emission levels into a unified analytical framework to study the correspondence between emission reduction commitments made under pressure to reduce emissions and the carbon risk premium, providing micro evidence for solving the mystery of the carbon risk premium. • Measure emission reduction commitment indicators from various angles, making the data on emission reduction commitments more objective and scientific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper is the inaugural attempt to investigate the herding behavior of firms in the context of environmental orientation to achieve the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in the ASEAN region. Insights from the previous literature infer that peer effect is visibly seen in firms across various fields, especially amongst their CSR and ESG performance. Using data from the Thai listed firms, we document strong evidence of peer effects concerning environmental performance and its dimensions (emission reduction, product innovation, and resource reduction). The targeted time frame for the current study is from 2009 to 2019 for which we analyze the firms listed on the Thailand Stock Exchange (SET). Moreover, the results of our study support the fact that mimicking behavior is one of the common behaviors that is followed by the majority of the firms keeping in view their varied purposes which include enhancing their market reputation, increasing profits, attracting shareholders and investors and most importantly raising their sustainability standing. Thus, overall our study highlights the main perspective that peer effects and herding behavior a common practices amongst firms concerning their environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Concerns about environmentally sustainable supply chain management have increased widely in recent years. As a consequence, supply chain members have cooperated with one another to make efficient contracts, frequently called green supply-chain management contracts. The purpose of this paper is to investigate one such contract between a single manufacturer and multiple retailers with limited resources for several types of products under greenhouse-gas emission regulations. Each retailer orders the products regularly within a limited budget and warehouse capacity. In response to orders, the manufacturer produces products and ships them after inspections. Demand for the products can be either known or have some uncertainty, which can best be represented using fuzzy number demand. To reflect demand properties, this paper introduces two nonlinear integer programming models, a crisp model and a fuzzy model. A genetic algorithm (GA) and hybrid genetic algorithm-pattern search (HGAS) are developed to solve the models. Numerical experiments evaluating the efficiency of the algorithms showed that the HGAS method performed better than the GA. Also observed is that the crisp model's average total costs were lower than those of the fuzzy model. The results as a whole indicate that the models can evaluate the performance of contracts and optimize cooperative green supply chain management. Highlights • We formulate two NIP models for GSCM with GHG emissions constraints, assuming constant and fuzzy demand, respectively. • The extension principle is used to apply the fuzzy set theory to the fuzzy model. • GA and HGAS methods are proposed. • HGAS performs better than GA in accuracy. • The total cost of GSCM is changing in accordance with the upper limit of GHG emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To mitigate climate change and achieve sustainable development, Chinese governments have introduced "1+N" "dual-carbon" policy system aimed at reducing CO 2 emissions, transforming energy structures and controlling pollution. An effective policy mix and synergy is crucial for achieving the emission reduction targets and for ensuring the effectiveness of the policies, and it is therefore of great practical importance to provide a pathway for policy synergy based on assessing policy effectiveness. This paper selects three policies, namely the carbon Emission Trading System (ETS), Coal Control and Clean Utilization (CCCU), and Green Financial Reform and Innovation Pilot Zone (GFPZ), sets up ten scenarios, adopts difference-in-differences (DID) models to evaluate the impact, and give a pathway for policy synergy. The results show that ETS, CCCU, and GFPZ policies have significant positive effects on carbon emission reduction, energy structure transformation, and industrial environmental pollution control, respectively; CCCU has synergistic effects with ETS and GFPZ policies in controlling coal consumption and increasing the completion of industrial pollution control investments, respectively; while GFPZ policies have conflicting effects with CCCU and ETS in reducing carbon emissions and coal consumption, the GFPZ policy has conflicting effects with CCCU and ETS in reducing carbon emissions and controlling coal consumption. Finally, the study proposes a phased policy support system around carbon emission reduction in the power generation industry, energy structure transformation, and industrial environmental pollution control before 2030 and from 2030 to 2060. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative fuel vehicles (AFV) are a promising alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector and ultimately, to contribute to a more sustainable society. Within the current commitments of the Brazilian Government to international agreements, in terms of emissions reductions by 2030, some new policies have been implemented, in order to incentivize the diffusion of AFV in the country. Yet, how will these policies contribute to the goal of increasing its fleet in the long-term, how long will it take and what are the differences (if any) among the policies, in terms of their effectiveness, are questions that remain unanswered. In this sense, the main aim of this paper is to investigate the impact of public policies in the long-term diffusion dynamics of AFV in Brazil. In order to do so, a system dynamics model is developed, based on the Generalized Bass Diffusion model, the Cobb-Douglas function and the learning curve theory. The model is used to test four different policies and some uncertainties related to: (i) the exemption of the import duty; (ii) the reduction of the motor vehicle property tax; (iii) the exemption of the tax on manufacturing goods; and (iv) a banning regulation for internal combustion engine vehicles in the long-term. The results highlight the importance of the current incentive policies but at the same time call for reinforcing efforts in order to increase the AFV fleet to significant values by 2030. Conversely, the banning regulation obtains a higher diffusion rate, but only achieves significant values by 2060. The paper concludes by showing the main contributions and policy implications of the effectiveness of the four policies studied as well as some suggestions for future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this literature review is to establish a state of the art of food loss and waste management system that addresses the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal number 12: sustainable consumption and production. The paper constitutes a detailed summary of recent literature on the concepts, product categories, causes, solutions, and research challenges surrounding food loss and waste management. The contribution of this article is a new classification of the causes, solutions and research challenges, based on diverse existing classifications. Solutions for reducing food loss and waste include awareness raising, business process redesign, integrated supply chain models, redistribution, recovery, and disposal. Several research direction propositions came out of this literature review: developing standardised and up-to-date data collection and concept definitions; analysing the 'awareness of the need' concept in redistribution; studying consumer behaviour; examining the performance of local versus global logistics networks in terms of food loss and waste; and identifying the role of packaging in food loss and waste and greenhouse gas emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the goal of "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality" in China, it is significant to explore whether green finance contributes to carbon emission reduction. Therefore, based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020, this paper empirically examines the impact of green finance on carbon emissions and its mechanism using the FE model, GMM model, DID, and the mediating effect model. Results find that green finance can significantly promote carbon emissions reduction, and this promotion remains still after robustness tests. The heterogeneity analysis shows that green finance's carbon emission reduction effect is more significant in developed and western regions. Moreover, the results of policy intervention effects confirm that green finance reform and innovation pilot zones (GFRIs) for carbon emission reduction are more pronounced than in other regions. Finally, the mediating effects reveal that industrial structure and green innovation are the core transmission channels through which green finance influences carbon emission reduction. These findings offer meaningful implications for formulating reasonable carbon emission reduction plans and determining the future development direction of green finance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green finance is essential for supporting the development of green, low-carbon projects and preventing environmental and climate financial risks. Investigating and studying whether and how it can aid in implementing energy transformation is worthwhile. This paper uses 30 provinces from 2004 to 2020 as research samples, the entropy method to construct a green finance measurement system, and the weighted multidimensional vector angle index method to construct an energy low-carbon transformation index based on the actual situation of green finance in China and the existing theoretical research basis. We systematically analyzed each province's spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of green finance and energy structure transformation by constructing a fixed effect model, a GMM model, an intermediary effect model, and a spatial Dubin model. We empirically tested the effect direction, internal mechanism, spatial spillover, and regional heterogeneity of green finance development (GFD) on energy structure transformation (EST) to investigate the low-carbon transformation of energy structures. The findings indicate the following:(1) Green finance plays a positive role in promoting the transformation and development of China's energy structure. (2) The influence of green finance development on the transformation of China's energy structure has significant spatial spillover, exhibiting "local and neighborhood" reciprocity. Through the spatial spillover effect, green finance can encourage the low-carbon transformation of local energy structures and increase the level of low-carbon transformation in neighboring areas. (3) The improvement of the level of green technology innovation and the intensity of environmental regulations are essential channels for green finance to support the low-carbon transformation of the energy structure, and regional heterogeneity will alter this transmission mechanism. The findings of this study provide empirical evidence for the vital role of green finance in achieving the double dividend of economic growth and low-carbon emission reduction. This study provides a new perspective for constructing a green finance system and advancing the dual-carbon objective and a resource for formulating effective regional energy transformation policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to set out the provisions that ensure emissions reduction and technical progress in environmental regulation is very important for both China’s future emissions reduction and sustainable development. The paper uses statistical data from 30 Chinese provinces from 1997 to 2014 and empirically tests the effects of different types of environmental policies and regulations on emissions reduction and technical progress by using dynamic spatial panel models. The results of spatial autocorrelation tests show that there are both significant positive global autocorrelation and local spatial agglomeration effects relating to pollutant emissions and technical progress. Dynamic spatial panel models indicate that command and control regulations (CCR) are conducive to emissions reduction, but their effects on technical progress are not significant. Market based regulations (MBR) are conducive to technical progress, but their effects on the reduction of emissions are relatively weak. There is a significant inverted-U relationship between economic development level and carbon emissions, validating the EKC hypothesis in China, but the effects of foreign direct investment on carbon reduction and technical progress are not significant. The paper recommends that China should optimize a combination of environmental regulations so as to achieve the win-win outcome of both emissions reduction and technical progress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emission reduction in the shipping industry is both an external requirement of the government and an intrinsic sustainable development task for ports and shipping enterprises. This paper constructs a tripartite evolutionary game model involving the government, port enterprises, and shipping enterprises, analyzes the evolution of the carbon emission reduction strategy choice of the three parties, and studies the mechanisms driving the interaction and influencing the subjects' choices. The results show that (1) to promote carbon emission reduction in the shipping industry, the evolutionarily stable strategy of the three stakeholders is as follows: the government actively regulates, the port enterprises actively reduce emissions, and the shipping enterprises actively reduce emissions. (2) With an increase in the additional cost of government regulation and a decrease in rewards to port enterprises, the probability of the government actively regulating carbon emissions reduction will rise, and the probability of port enterprises actively implementing carbon emission reduction will increase following a reduction in the additional cost and an increase in the opportunity cost of passive emission reduction. (3) An increase in government subsidies for shipping enterprises will lead to a decrease in the additional costs of active emission reduction and an increase in the probability of active carbon emission reduction. This paper provides policy recommendations for carbon emission reduction in the shipping industry, which will help all parties choose the optimal strategy and achieve carbon emission reduction goals as soon as possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Facing the even worse air pollution of many cities in China, the Chinese government is trying to find the best solution about citizenship care problem through high technology. The new energy vehicles (NEVs) technology, as one of the high-tech good samples around the world, can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect the environment effectively, and finally accomplish the low-carbon economy of sustainable development. So the Chinese government pays close attention and billions of Research and Development (R&D) subsidies to help the NEVs companies research their generic technology. Based on the lack of the effective decision-making mechanism for R&D subsidies by the government, this paper aims to propose a novel decision-making model and help the policy-maker choose the right objects for R&D subsidies, avoiding the problems like a waste of the public resources, cheating for taking the subsidy and so on. Three-way decision theory is employed to solve the mechanism design, and the government's actions represent subsidize, delay decision-making and do not subsidize. According to the actual case study, the model has verified the validity and rationality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Whilst higher education institutions are often being referred as sustainability change agents, employees of such organizations have an essential role towards promoting low-carbon practices amongst students, who are also influenced by the attitudes and behaviours of teachers. For this, employees of higher education institutions need to properly understand their personal carbon emissions along with reduction mechanisms, in order to instil such knowledge and skills to students. However, previous studies focused principally on estimating carbon emissions of higher education institutions to set reduction targets, rather than emphasizing on the human factor related to reduction of greenhouse gases. Furthermore, limited studies have been undertaken to estimate the carbon footprint of employees of higher education institutions. Taking cognizance of these gaps, this paper investigates the perceptions and behaviour pertaining to personal carbon emissions of employees of higher education institutions through answering different research questions, in order to conceptualize a carbon management framework. To achieve this purpose, a survey was conducted in different higher education institutions in Mauritius and involved 440 employees. Results revealed that carbon emissions of this target group are influenced by demographic factors and nature of activities. In addition, the average carbon footprint of participating employees was found to be approximately two times higher than the per-capita carbon footprint of the inhabitants of the island. These findings also mean that more efforts are needed at different levels in order to better engage employees of higher education institutions to reduce their personal carbon footprints. For this, a carbon management framework has been proposed in this study. Highlights • Studies perceptions and behaviour of employees of HEIs on personal carbon emissions. • Analyses motivations and barriers for employees of HEIs to reduce carbon emissions. • Provides quantitative results on personal carbon emissions of employees of HEIs. • Proposes a carbon management framework to help employees reduce personal emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Cities, the core of the global climate change mitigation and strategic low-carbon development, are shelters to more than half of the world population and responsible for three quarters of global energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG). This special volume (SV) provides a platform that promotes multi- and inter- disciplinary analyses and discussions on the climate change mitigation for cities. All papers are divided into four themes, including GHG emission inventory and accounting, climate change and urban sectors, climate change and sustainable development, and strategies and mitigation action plans. First, this SV provides methods for constructing emission inventory from both production and consumption perspectives. These methods are useful to improve the comprehensiveness and accuracy of carbon accounting for international cities. Second, the climate change affects urban sectors from various aspects; simultaneously, GHG emissions caused by activities in urban sectors affect the climate system. This SV focuses on mitigation policies and assessment of energy, transport, construction, and service sectors. Third, climate change mitigation of cities is closely connected to urban sustainable development. This SV explores the relationships between climate change mitigation with urbanization, ecosystems, air pollution, and extreme events. Fourth, climate change mitigation policies can be divided into two categories: quantity-based mechanism (e.g., carbon emission trading) and price-based mechanism (e.g., carbon tax). This SV provides experiences of local climate change mitigation all over the world and proposes the city-to-city cooperation on climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper explores the economic feasibility and environmental sustainability of producing second-generation biofuel in Italy from Brassica carinata, a non-edible flowering plant of the Brassicaceae family, in a context of rotation with wheat (and eventually other crops). The framework considered allows to rule out issues of ILUC and is highly relevant in a country where extensive monoculture is extremely widespread and there is a high degree of dependence on foreign imports for both biofuels and biofuels-related raw materials, especially from countries such as Indonesia, where the adverse impacts of first-generation biofuel production on the environment are most felt. Using yield and cost data from 5 experimental fields in Italy and taking into account potential returns from the sale of biodiesel and its by-products, glycerine and expeller/meal, the economic sustainability of the entire biodiesel production chain (cultivation, oil extraction and oil refining) is established. Implementation of the Argonne National Laboratory's GREET life cycle model, suitably adjusted so as to apply it to the BC case, confirms also a high environmental sustainability. The range of positive economic effects and externalities that may be triggered by the development of a BC-derived biofuel production chain justifies some form of policy intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An ecological footprint (EF) is a vital indicator to measure the sustainable development of a region. Analysis of the driving factors of EFs can facilitate the sustainable development of the population, resources and environment. As the capital city of China, Beijing has a unique municipal economic structure and faces greater urban ecosystem challenges than other cities. This paper used an input-output model to calculate an EF on the basis of the original decomposition analysis model. We consider the population effect, the economic effect, the industrial structure effect, and the footprint intensity to explore the factors driving the changes in the EF of 39 sectors in Beijing. In addition, 9 screened sectors with more significant effects on the change in the EF were analyzed. The results indicated that (1) among the 39 sectors, the crucial factors that drive EF growth are the economic effect, the population effect, and footprint intensity, with contribution rates to total EF of 59.4%, 31.0%, and 7.7%, respectively, while the effect of the industrial structure tends to be 0; and (2) among the 9 screened industries, the population effect and the economic effect promote the growth of the EF of 9 sectors. The reduction in the EF of the primary industry sector is due to the impact of industrial structure effect and footprint intensity. The four effects all promote an increase of the EF of the transportation, warehousing and postal services. These results can be used to propose suggestions for the future development of sectors in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing pressures of global warming, population growth and epidemic occurrence are causing challenges in meeting the growing requirements for water, energy and food. In particular, the contradiction between the supply and demand for water, food, and energy is exacerbated by inefficient resource utilization and carbon emission increase. Incorporation of the interlinked aspects of water, energy, food and carbon emissions from agricultural systems into one water-food-energy-carbon nexus facilitates integrated resource management. Biochar application to farmland is a potential strategy for carbon management and agricultural productivity improvement. The integration of biochar systems and the water-food-energy-carbon nexus is an efficient and coordinated alternative method for sustainable agricultural management and a crucial strategy for addressing water, energy and food security issues. Accordingly, this paper proposes an approach for the synergistic regulation of water, land, energy, and carbon emissions in a circular agricultural system by balancing water supply and demand, land allocation, electricity consumption, and economic upgrading principles. A two-stage circular agriculture framework is constructed, with biochar and electricity generated from agricultural residues at the first stage and employed at the second stage. Economic-environmental-energy harmonization is considered in the methodology, and the agrotechnical potential of biochar is quantified via crop yield increase and greenhouse gas emission reduction functions. This approach can assist decision makers in providing the best policy options given certain agricultural resources to achieve the maximum economic performance of the system while minimizing environmental side effects. In this paper, the model framework is applied to the Sanjiang Plain in northeastern China to verify the feasibility of the approach. The results indicate that the external electricity demand is reduced by 87.8% due to the generation of biofuels. Cropland greenhouse gas emissions are reduced by 34.09%–67.06% via the application of biochar. This study proposes an optimization method with important implications for the improvement of regional cropland management techniques and development of sustainable circular agriculture. This methodology can be extended to other agriculture-centered regions with limited resources and environmental problems. • Carbon cycle is integrated in agricultural water-food-energy-carbon (AWFEC) nexus. • An AWFEC nexus based model is developed for agricultural resources recycling. • Biochar and electricity are optimized sustainably for circular agriculture. • Analysis of resources recycling on economic-environmental balance is performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, product engineers have been under pressure to produce new strategies toward sustainable development, whether it involves materials or component recovery. The trend of product design development is shifting from ‘cradle-to-grave’ to ‘cradle-to-cradle’ which leads to the advent of multiple generation product life-cycles. This paper studies the design guidelines from Design for X which provides directional criteria on designing for multiple generation life-cycles. Therefore, in this paper, Design for Multiple Life-Cycles is defined as a combination of eco-design strategies including Design for Environment and Design for Remanufacture, which leads to other design strategies such as Design for Upgrade, Design for Assembly, Design for Disassembly, Design for Modularity, Design for Maintainability and Design for Reliability. This multiple life-cycles design thinking will pave the way for a more sustainable design and development of future products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the problem of sustainable closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) design under multi-uncertainties is studied. To identify an efficient way to enhance environmental and operational benefits of CLSC, we use “Big Data" and propose data-driven approaches to generating robust CLSC designs that mitigate uncertainty and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions burdens. More specifically, in addressing multi-uncertainties (i.e., buyers’ expectations, demands, and recovery uncertainties), a distributed robust optimization model (DRO) and an adaptive robust model (ARO) are developed for designing carryings and waste disposal facility locations of CLSC. Both models use historical data based on uncertain parameters for previous periods to make decisions on future stages in a robust way. Moreover, we incorporate K-L divergence into an ambiguous set of uncertain parameters to measure the value of data. The results of numerical analysis show the need to account for K-L divergence in an ambiguous set of DRO models, as GHG emission costs increase even when little K-L divergence disturbance is in place. Furthermore, from the data-driven framework, we find that government subsidies and an accurate estimation method (i.e., less K-L divergence) enhance environmental and operational benefits. Regarding model robustness levels, solutions generated from our ARO models outperform deterministic solutions not only in terms of their average objective value but also in terms of differences from ideal solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the introduction of the non-financial reporting mandate for business entities by the Government of India's Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1993, the manufacturing landscape has changed. The regulatory framework for checking the environmental impacts of chemical based manufacturing plants has strengthened with much of activity reported in the past decade. A thorough study of published literature revealed that the various manufacturing steps in pharmaceutical units involve a wide variety of chemical syntheses. These processes are associated with large amounts of energy consumption causing high green-house gas (GHG) emissions and waste generation. The purpose of this review article is to discuss how the pharmaceutical companies are approaching sustainability while considering environmental aspects along with economic and social welfare of the society. Accordingly, a comparative analysis, through an exploratory study of the trends followed in India and in other countries has been reported. The underlying endeavor is to provide a better understanding of the sustainability trend in the Indian pharmaceutical manufacturing sector and where it is headed. Apart from the extensive review of technical literature published in journals, various reports published by profit and non-profit making organizations have been studied for the purpose of developing a better understanding about sustainability practices in the Indian context, supported by examples from around the world. In addition, the benefits of various methodologies to achieve sustainability in pharmaceutical organizations have been discussed. The authors hope that the paper will enhance the understanding regarding how pharmaceutical setups can achieve sustainability by adopting various practices, what are the various performance metrics available and how reporting sustainability brings transparency and efficiency in an organization. The authors propose for a further study on integration of various approaches adopted by Indian pharmaceutical organizations' global counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon emissions (CE) have a profound impact on the natural environment of the surface, and the ecologic environment quality (EEQ) affects the conversion and absorption of CE. CE and EEQ have an interaction and mutual influence relationship. The connection between them includes not only local interactions but also the long-range distance of external systems. It is critical to measure CE and EEQ and coordinate their association in order to increase the effectiveness of CE and EEQ collaborative governance. However, the traditional remote sensing ecological index (RSEI) model ignores the importance of air quality. Furthermore, there is limited current research on the local and telecoupling relationship between CE and the EEQ. To fill these research gaps, this paper first used night light data to dynamically monitor CE. Then we proposed an upgraded RSEI model (RSEInew) to assess EEQ. Finally, the local and telecoupling coordination degree (LTCCD) model was suggested to further investigate their relationship in the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2000 to 2019. The results showed that: (1) Total CE in the YREB increased from 837.5738 million tons to 4757.3794 million tons between 2000 and 2019 but has not yet reached its peak. Jiangsu and Zhejiang are at the forefront in terms of CE and have huge emission reduction potential. (2) The YREB's overall EEQ has deteriorated over the last 20 years. The average RSEInew value ranged between 0.52 and 0.71, with "medium" and "good" EEQ levels dominating. (3) The LTCCD of CE and EEQ in the YREB has increased year by year. This study can deliver a reference for decision-makers to synergistically formulate carbon emission reduction plans and environmental protection schemes. • Ecologic environment quality should combine regional characteristics, our RSEInew model could evaluate it with introduces PM2.5. • Carbon emissions and the ecologic environment quality interact with each other, with near- and long-range interactions. • The LTCCD model enable to analysis the local and telecoupling relationships of CE and EEQ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sheer amount of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) produced from residential and commercial activities has posed a big threat to the modern society, especially to large cities by causing environmental issues such as greenhouse gas emission, leakage of leachate and contamination of air, soil and water resources. The urban managers are keen on improving MSW management to mitigate the environmental impacts and to improve the sustainability of their cities. This study proposes a systematic approach to build an integrated recycling and disposal network for MSW by explicitly considering the sustainability with an objective to maximize the total profit with a budget constraint. A multi-period mixed integer linear programming model was proposed to design the network optimally as well as to optimally operate the network. The optimization model involves decisions related to facilities selection, capacity level and location of facilities, allocation of solid waste to facilities, transportation of waste among facilities and distribution of recycled materials. This paper also extended the developed social life cycle assessment methodology to model the social impacts of the network. The model was applied to a real-world case in Tehran, Iran, and could provide the profit of USD 43.49 M over a five-year planning period. In order to show the impacts of sustainability and budget limitations, the model was compared with three models: I) the model without sustainability, II) the model without budget limitations and III) the model without sustainability and budget limitations. The models I and III led to the loss of USD -308.60 and -362.80 M, which are not desirable. This shows the consideration of sustainability will improve the profit in the long term. The model II could provide the profit of USD 99.73 M over a five-year planning period, indicating that limited budget have significant impact on the way the recycling network is operating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are many opportunities for consumers to design their lives more sustainably. While a rapidly growing body of literature has investigated how consumers can reduce carbon footprints in key consumption areas, such as food, housing and mobility, an overall framework that allows structuring those options across all consumption areas is still missing. Hence, this paper presents a novel and systematic framework to identify improvement options that promote climate change mitigation and structure them based on their primary mode of impact on GHG emissions. The framework targets consumer practices and focuses on ambitious, but technically and socioeconomically feasible strategies for consumers to lower their carbon footprint. Four major categories for reducing consumption-based emissions form the basic framework, which are then subdivided into behavioural strategies and sub-strategies. The practical application of the framework is illustrated by using food consumption as an example. Systematically identifying improvement options can advance a holistic understanding of the range of behavioural strategies targeting consumer choices that operate at different stages in the supply chain. It thus provides a starting point for addressing critical questions related to the role of consumers in supporting climate change mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sweden has been praised for its sustainability efforts and decreasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. When nations and urban districts publicize their low GHG emissions, these emissions are often based on a production perspective including only emissions occurring within their geographical boundary. If instead a consumption perspective is applied then all emissions attributable to the inhabitants consumption patterns, no matter where they occur, are included, e.g. from imported goods and air travel. This provides new outlooks on sustainability, from this perspective Swedish emissions have increased rather than decreased in the last decades. Swedish researchers and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency propose that the production perspective should be complemented with a consumption perspective to describe more fairly who is responsible for what emissions. The purpose of this paper is to examine how a consumption perspective on GHG emissions has gained ground in Sweden, specifically in the new Strategic Climate Program of the City of Gothenburg, discussing what municipal strategies and environmental discourses this perspective enhances. Applying actor–network theory, we found three common features of importance for Sweden, and the City of Gothenburg, supporting the consumption perspective to gain ground. One is the existence of long-term environmental goals that facilitate this perspective. The other features are the existence of civil servants as drivers and the use of calculations from legitimate “fact builders.” We conclude that a consumption perspective strengthens the environmental justice discourse (as it claims to be a more just way of calculating global and local environmental effects) while possibly also increasing an individualized environmental discourse (as many municipal strategies aim to inform and influence the public to make lifestyle changes on their own). We argue that a consumption perspective is necessary in order to fully address environmental problems and to highlight issues of justice and responsibility. At the same time, this kind of eco-governmentality might lead to individualized self-governed climate subjects with outlooks that are too limited to foster change of dominant everyday practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A cleaner production, looking beyond greenhouse gas mitigation, has been stressed as that climate change is not the only issue to worry about. However, the related processes have to be as well sustainable from the technology, economic, and social viewpoints. This editorial introduces the articles' collection and overall development trends of sustainable cleaner production under the Special Issue of Sustainable Cleaner Production through Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation. All collected papers have been presented and emerged from the 24th conference on Process Integration, Modelling and Optimisation for Energy Saving and Pollution Reduction (PRES′21), Brno, Czech Republic, in hybrid mode. The contribution of 32 articles in this Special Issue could be divided into efforts toward sustainable cleaner production by focusing on (i) Process Integration and/or Optimisation, (ii) Sustainability Analyses, and (iii) Modelling of Waste Recovery. This editorial appeals to attention on sustainable cleaner production to cope with new challenges and opportunities under the data- and intelligent-era accompanying with global crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the drivers and peaks of CO 2 emissions at the provincial level plays a crucial role in achieving the goals of China's CO 2 emissions peak by 2030. This research combines the spatial-temporal Logarithmic Mean Division Index with scenario analysis to empirically explore the drivers and peaks of CO 2 emissions in 30 provinces in China during 1997 and 2020, considering COVID-19 effects. The results show that the energy structure has replaced the energy intensity as the main factor of emission reduction in 2020. The CO 2 emission driving mechanism at the provincial level is different from that at the country level. The population restrains the CO 2 emissions in Heilongjiang, Sichuan, and Guizhou. The energy structure increases CO 2 emissions in Hainan, Ningxia, Shanxi, and Xinjiang. The role of driving factors to CO 2 emissions varies greatly among provinces. The population effect is strong in Shandong, Guangdong, and Henan. The economic effect is significant in Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Tianjin. The energy intensity effect is remarkable in Shanxi, Ningxia, and Inner Mongolia. The energy structure effect is profound in Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, and Henan. Based on our findings, China's CO 2 emissions peak will occur in 2030 and 2025 under baseline and green development scenarios. Many provinces have already reached their peaks, including Chongqing, Yunnan, Beijing, Tianjin, Qinghai, Shanghai, Jilin, Hubei, Heilongjiang, Hebei, Sichuan, Anhui, Guizhou, and Henan. However, Xinjiang and Shanxi will not reach their peaks by 2030. Based on the findings, this paper put forward several policy implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital technology has been gradually integrated into global production division of labor systems as a new key production factor. In the context of promoting green development, digital global value chains (GVCs) may become a new driving force to achieve emission reduction targets. In this paper, the World Input–Output Tables and logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) are used to construct the measurement and decomposition framework of the digital GVC, and the corresponding emission reduction effect and mechanism of action are analyzed. The findings indicate that, first, the change in the proportion of the digital GVC added value in the digital economic added value of various departments is the most important factor influencing changes in digital GVC embeddedness. Second, the emission reduction effect of digital GVCs is significant. Third, the mechanism of the emission reduction effect of the digital GVC lies in the negative population size effect associated with digital GVC embedding being greater than the positive economic growth effect and rebound effect, thus inhibiting the growth of greenhouse emissions. This study provides empirical support for understanding the development and evolutionary characteristics of digital GVCs in individual countries (or regions) and promoting the establishment of corresponding greenhouse gas emission reduction mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Controlling carbon emissions and sustaining growth constitute essential concerns in the post-financial crisis era combined with low-carbon sustainable development. However, the impact of financial development on carbon emissions remains controversial and lacks mechanisms investigation covering finance spatial attributes. Relying on China province's data during 2005–2019, this paper contributes to the literature by constructing multi-spatial models to investigate how financial geo-density mitigates carbon emission intensity and explore the spatial transmission mechanisms. The results reveal that there is a balance between financial geo-density and carbon emission intensity. The intrinsic mechanisms include: (1) raising financial geo-density is accompanied by the law of marginal diminishing carbon emission intensity tendency; (2) high financial geo-density accelerates technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading, thereby decreasing carbon emission intensity, but drives industrial-scale expansion, thereby increasing carbon emission intensity; and (3) financial institution competition and inter-industry linkage notably influence the relationship between financial geo-density and carbon emission intensity, promoting the emission reduction effect of financial geo-density in accelerating technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading, and suppressing the emission increase effect of financial geo-density in driving industrial expansion. Our findings provide new insights for developing systemic emission reduction policies for employing financial sectors as catch-all and integrating industries and competition. • Mechanism analysis of financial geo-density affects carbon emission intensity (IC). • Propose an integrated spatial model including spatial mediated moderating effects. • Financial geo-density drives IC by industrial-scale expansion. • Reduce IC by technological innovation and industrial upgrading. • Financial institution rivalry and inter-industry link mitigate total driven effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of biomass for energy production fosters sustainable development by saving fossil-based energy and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Alberta's wealth of biomass resources is estimated at 458 PJ potential. However, biomass-based energy development has been slow, and its contribution for provincial energy supply has so far been low. Recognizing the role of biomass for sustainability, the use of potentially available resources should be supported by provincial policy makers. The energy substitution and emission mitigation potential by biomass for Alberta is not fully understood and accounted. In this paper, energy and emission analysis approach was applied to assess the biomass resources potential; and analyse the GHG mitigation and energy substitution potential of biomass in the context of Alberta's final energy demand on a near term planning range, i.e. 15 years. The results demonstrate that utilization of agricultural and forest biomass resources for energy production can avoid 11–15% of GHG emissions and also substitute 14–17% of final energy demand by 2030. In addition, biomass has the potential to substitute 29% of total electricity consumption or 28% of Alberta total internal load. Agriculture is a major source for biomass feedstock supply in Alberta. Policy makers should give due recognition to the potential of biomass-derived energy in developing energy strategies. Further quantification of the economic removal of biomass feedstocks for energy production is needed to facilitate biomass integration to the provincial energy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a framework for a green economy transition in tourism destinations. While the literature has suggested many models to guide sustainable tourism, very few studies have investigated the green economy in a tourism context. The main distinguishing factor between the green economy and sustainable development may be described as the acknowledgement of climate change as an existential threat to society and the aim to avoid policy, management and governance fragmentation (which has been common for environmental issues) by addressing greenhouse gas emissions, resource efficiency and social inclusiveness holistically at the economic level. This study frames the green economy concept from a tourism perspective and presents a model for translating the green economy concept into a tourism stakeholder engagement process. The model was tested in the case study of Bali, Indonesia, involving research methods such as visioning group techniques with tourism stakeholders, tourism economy and employment forecasting, resource efficiency estimates as well as resident and visitor surveys. This was followed by an analysis from a green economy stance to develop a Green Growth 2050 Roadmap for Bali tourism. The result is a framework which may be particularly relevant for tourism destinations experiencing rapid change without the capacity to respond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China has incorporated green technology innovation into its national development strategy based on its national conditions and development needs. The emission permit system is a typical environmental regulation, and one of the driving forces of green technology innovation. Research into the pollution discharge permits system is a key for improving environmental regulations. This study seeks to investigate the impact of pollution permits system on green innovation in China. Using econometric methods, we constructed and tested the model of green technology innovation incentives based on the emission permits system, and applied it to several Chinese counties and districts. The results revealed shortcomings in implementation of the emission permits system in various counties and districts. From a governmental perspective, this was due to poor standardization of management processes and insufficiently innovative supervisory methods. On the corporate side, problems included poor auditing of law enforcement plans, poor implementation of the ledger system, and a lack of disclosure of pollution data. We propose comprehensive strategies to address these issues. This paper explores the emission reduction potential of the pollution discharge permits system at the county level, in accordance with the Porter hypothesis, and provides reference data for the formulation and optimization of energy conservation and emission reduction policies. This will promote green development of the chemical and other industries, and green technology innovation in China. • We explore the pollution discharge permits system at the county level. • We construct a model of the impact of pollution discharge permits system. • We put forward some strategies for promoting green technology innovation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European Union, the 2020 Climate & Energy Package and 2030 Climate & Energy Framework envisaged gains in energy efficiency and reduction in the greenhouse gas emissions in order to ensure sustainable development of the economy. However, the European Union Member States differ in their energy systems and level of economic development. In this context, the paper seeks to identify the possible outcomes of increase in the production of cleaner energy in the major European Union countries. This provides evidence on the possible energy-mix across different European Union Member States. The study applied the Pinch Analysis in order to identify the energy-mix for electricity generation which corresponds to the goal of the GHG emission reduction of major electricity producers in Europe taking into account the possible promotion of the different types of RES. The countries chosen for the analysis include Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Spain, France and Sweden. The carried out Pinch Analysis revealed the possible pathways for increasing the penetration of specific types of renewables in selected countries which may lead to GHG emission reduction. Image 10671 • Development of sustainable energy systems in the European Union is modelled. • The Pinch Analysis is applied to identify the energy-mix for electricity generation. • The pathways for increasing the penetration of renewables are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]