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Abstract To reduce pollution emissions and achieve a cleaner production in paper industry, it is essential to understand the inner links between concentrations of gaseous pollutants, types of final products and production techniques. In this study, the concentrations of four potential gaseous pollutants, total volatile organic compounds (TVOC), formaldehyde (HCHO), hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), and hydrocarbon compounds (C x H y), in the ambient air on thirty sampling points of five pulp and paper mills were detected and analyzed. The results were summarized with respect to the following aspects: (1) Levels of four gaseous pollutants on all the sampling points in five mills. It was obvious that the situation of gaseous pollution from pulp mill was much more serious than those from paper mills. (2) Gaseous pollutant distinctions due to different production processes. The levels of gaseous pollutants from five mills were greatly influenced by the utilized raw materials and the applied paper chemical agents (flavor, coating materials and additives) in mills. (3) Gaseous pollution comparisons at common points. At the two common points in five mills, i.e. the wet end of paper machine and the wastewater treatment process, TVOC and HCHO, C x H y and H 2 S were the main gaseous pollutants, respectively. In addition, some feasible measures to realize a cleaner production in pulping and papermaking process were also put forward in the article. Highlights • We analyze the levels of 4 gaseous pollutants on 30 sites of 5 pulp & paper mills. • Gaseous pollution distinctions due to different production processes are studied. • Feasible measures to realize the cleaner production in the processes are suggested. • Gaseous pollution are greatly affected by raw materials and added paper chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The aim of this work is to quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings potential in magazine paper production through the application of the innovative manufacturing strategies using advanced sheet structure design and fibre modifications. Methods The study applies Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to two different magazine paper products: supercalendered (SC) paper and light-weight coated (LWC) paper. A cradle-to-gate approach is used aiming to assess the environmental benefits gained through the implementation of new manufacturing strategies in both products. The functional unit of the system was defined as the production of one square meter of finished paper for printing magazines. Conventional and new production processes have been compared. Results and discussion The strategies applied to SC paper resulted in reduction of GHG emissions by 22.9%, with a total of 10.7 gCO 2 eq emissions saved per square meter of SC paper. In the case of LWC paper, GHG emissions are reduced by 20.3%, which are equal to a total of 19.7 gCO 2 eq saved per square meter of LWC paper. The influence of certain methodological approaches -functional unit, electricity mix and avoided impacts- in the final results is also discussed in the paper. Conclusions The manufacturing strategies implemented show a remarkable potential for reducing GHG emissions. Taking into account that the pulp and paper industry is a very energy-intensive sector and one of the main GHG emitters, the potential of the strategies for the improvement of the environmental performance of the papermaking processes is significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integrating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in cement-based construction materials is a key strategy for reducing environmental burdens and the greenhouse gas emissions related to cement production. Supplies of commonly applied SCMs such as fly ash and blast furnace slag are becoming limited, and therefore the search for alternative SCMs is of high significance. The present research investigates the viability of four paper mill ashes collected at different stages from the same incineration process as SCMs at different cement substitution rates (5–30 wt%). The ashes were first classified depending on their mineralogical and chemical composition, and their contribution to strength development of the prepared mortars is examined. Furthermore, the effects of the ashes on the hydration kinetics and the fresh and hardened properties of the prepared mortars were studied. The obtained results showed that a high level of SCM replacement accelerates the early hydration reactions and decreases the setting time. In addition, the incorporation of paper mill ashes increased the bound water depending on the ash type and resulted in strength development of the mortars at low replacement percentages (5–10 wt%). This study shows that the ashes belonging to type C medium acid based on bio ash classification could be incorporated as SCMs at a maximum level of 10 wt%, while those corresponding to type C low acid could be used up to 20–30 wt%. • Four paper mill ashes were characterized and classified based on the chemical and mineralogical composition then used as SCM. • Paper mill ashes corresponding to type C low acid based on bioash classification could be used as SCMs up to 20–30 wt%. • The addition rate of paper mill ashes controls the fresh properties and strength development of the mortars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction of the sulfur emissions reduction directive for maritime transport has become a heavily debated policy issue in Northern Europe from the perspective of the future competitiveness of transport-dependent industries. The scientific value of this study is in its contribution to the scarce literature on the future of pulp and paper industry competitiveness from the tightening environmental regulation perspective, highlighting the complementary role of law-abiding and voluntary regulations. Using a Delphi-foresight method, the study evaluates the effectiveness of environmental regulation by identifying its positive and negative aspects for the future success of the pulp and paper industry, and uses the reduction of sulfur emissions as an example. From a business perspective, the panelists saw tightening regulation as both a threat and an opportunity, and stressed the role of the policy implementation in achieving actual environmental improvement. The strict regulatory measures were generally perceived as environmentally advantageous and more effective in the long term, but a rather divided view was seen in the ability of the sulfur emissions directive to effectively govern environmental sustainability. In discussion, the role of more voluntary alternatives to implementing command-and-control type policy measures is emphasized in complementing government legislation, to gain market benefits from greening the entire pulp and paper supply chain. To conclude, the development of sustainable transportation strategies has the potential to contribute toward long-term competitiveness in the pulp and paper industry, especially if new strategic innovation-oriented cross-sector partnerships develop in the production and use of transportation biofuels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current management of solid waste from pulp and paper activities represents an environmental and economic burden worldwide due to pollution emissions. This study investigates the potential of hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) treatment as a sustainable alternative for producing cleaner and energy-dense solid fuel from paper mill sludge. The effect of process parameters (temperature, reaction time and solid load) on hydrochar fuel formation from paper sludge was evaluated and, for the first time, the paper sludge-derived hydrochar was optimised to maximise the mass yield and calorific value using response surface methodology (RSM). The physicochemical characteristics, thermal fuel behaviour, energy recycling efficiency and electricity generation potential were assessed by proximate and ultimate analysis, thermogravimetry, bomb calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy and process energy assessment. Results showed that hydrochar fuel formation and properties were mainly influenced by the process temperature and residence time, and governed by dehydration and decarboxylation reactions which reduced the atomic H/C and O/C ratios by 35.5% and 64%, respectively. The produced hydrochars presented low sulphur, nitrogen and ash content with a maximum calorific value (HHV) of 22.9 MJ/kg, equivalent to the HHV of coal for commercial utility in South Africa. The HHV of the hydrochar corresponded to a 49.80% increase over the HHV of the initial feedstock. The optimum operating conditions were 231 ± 1 °C and 1.99 h for a hydrochar yield of 74.4% and calorific value of 18.5 MJ/kg. The energy assessment showed that up to 58.34% of the energy produced by hydrochar fuel combustion may be recycled as heat or power, while the remaining 41.66% of the combustion energy could be utilised to sustain the HTC treatment of paper sludge. The substantial water demand was concluded to be a drawback. Thus, water recirculation and the potential to catalyse the HTC reactions to increase overall process efficiency will constitute a future study to make the process more environmentally friendly for industrial-scale application. [Display omitted] • Dehydration and decarboxylation were predominant. • Optimum energy yield of 18.5 MJ/kg and 74.4% hydrochar was achieved under 231 ± 1 °C and 1.99 h. • Higher HTC reaction severity enhanced the physicochemical properties of the hydrochar. • Hydrochars produced have low nitrogen and sulphur (<1%) content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An effective cleaner production programme requires the efficient collection and interpretation of data relating to a facility’s activities, including information of pollutant emissions, wastes generated and raw materials consumed. Many of these data are required to be collected and reported under national Pollutant Release and Transfers Registers (PRTRs) which are an increasingly common environmental policy tool in the OECD countries.This article considers the relationship between cleaner production and PRTR reporting, and discusses whether cleaner production programmes can be enhanced by the use of PRTR data. A case-study of a fertiliser manufacturing facility reporting under the Australian National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) is used to analyse and illustrate the practical issues around linking cleaner production with PRTR reporting.PRTR reporting can assist in identifying cleaner production opportunities and in generating the data sets required to design, implement and monitor cleaner production programmes. There are, however, some limitations in PRTR data that need to be recognised. Specifically, these are issues around data quality and comparability (e.g. PRTRs rely heavily on default emissions factors rather than the monitoring data that are generally required for cleaner production programmes) and the different data sets required for PRTR reporting (which generally require reporting at the site level rather than at the individual process unit level that is required for cleaner production). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The paper industry is responsible for a considerable amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions mainly due to its intensive energy requirements. The production of heat and power streams in a cogeneration system, i.e., a combined heat and power (CHP) plant, releases considerable amounts of GHG emissions into the atmosphere. Such emissions are already subjected to legislation globally. The amount of GHG emissions is usually calculated from the product of the total amount of energy activity multiplied by an emission factor. However, each energy output stream should get a share of emissions responsibility. This fact could assist in assigning weights to the emissions generated for power and thermal purposes in a combined heat and power plant. However, developing a suitable method of allocating emissions in a cogeneration system is still a concern and a subject research for scientists, companies and policy makers. This paper exposes and evaluates different published allocation methods and applies them to a real case of a combined heat and power plant integrated in a paper mill and proposes a new allocation method. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Life cycle assessment was carried out using IMPACT2002+ to estimate the environmental impact of coated white board production, which is common in China. Normalized results showed that the potential impacts of respiratory inorganics, terrestrial ecotoxicity, global warming, and non-renewable energy had a dominant contributions to overall environmental impact. Specifically, emissions from chemical and energy production processes exhibited higher potential impact (more than 80% of the total contribution) on the environment than that of emissions generated from transport, landfill, wastewater treatment, and paper plants infrastructure. Energy recovery from black liquor and energy generation based on natural gas are key factors in reducing overall environmental potential impact. The current paper presents improvements on the environmental performance of a coated white board production site in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Global environmental problems are worsening. Among various regulatory measures, market-oriented approaches are most favored by governments worldwide. Using provincial panel data from 2004 to 2020, a multi-period DID model was hereby constructed to empirically study the pollution reduction effects of the pilot policy for carbon emissions trading in China. Findings of this paper could be listed as follows: (1) The pilot policy has achieved notable reductions in waste gas and solid waste, although its effect on wastewater pollutants has been less pronounced; (2) Pollution reduction in the pilot regions can be achieved by optimizing the energy consumption structure; (3) Significant variations in pollution reduction effects are observed between the Northern and Southern pilot regions, with notably stronger policy effects in the north across various pollutants compared to the south. Overall, this paper offers pertinent policy recommendations to aid the Chinese government in enhancing its carbon market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy development in industrial parks promotes both industrial and inter-park economies. However, as the number of industrial parks increases and the economic level of the parks rises, energy consumption is also increasing rapidly. The rapid expansion of inter-park trading markets is accompanied by a surge in carbon emissions, making industrial parks increasingly significant contributors to carbon emissions within the industrial sector. In response to this environmental challenge, this paper proposes an integrated trading approach within industrial parks that considers carbon constraints. By implementing a spot trading method for surplus industrial energy, the goal is to mitigate the carbon emission pressure within these parks. Firstly, the paper conducts an analysis of the characteristics of combined heat and power units in industrial parks. It introduces an integrated analysis method within the target region, consolidating information from various park units to enhance flexibility in energy utilization. Secondly, an energy storage model is established. This model efficiently leverages energy storage capacity to balance fluctuations in energy supply and demand within industrial parks, thereby alleviating carbon emission pressure. Finally, the study and analysis of an industrial park in Liaoning Province were conducted using the Yalmip + Gurobi commercial software on the MATLAB platform. Compared with the traditional industrial park, the carbon dioxide emission of the industrial park is reduced by 91.49t, and the energy cost is saved by 11.2 million RMB. Numerical results from instances indicate that this method surpasses traditional trading approaches, aligning with the rigorous standards of scientific research. • An energy storage model is proposed to address the shortage of energy storage in waste heat trading in industrial parks. • A coordinated scheduling program is presented to reduce energy scheduling imbalances between multiple campuses. • The carbon-constrained energy storage device is integrated to improve the decarbonization capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The support of digital technology is urgently needed to promote low-carbon development and green economic and social transformation and to realize the goal of "carbon neutrality" early. This paper utilizes the "Golden Tax III" project for the digital transformation of China's tax collection and administration and empirically confirms that digital tax collection and administration significantly reduces carbon emissions based on the panel data of 30 provinces (municipalities directly under the central government and autonomous regions) in China from 2010 to 2020, i.e., digital technology plays a positive role in carbon emission reduction. The mechanism test shows that digital technology indirectly affects carbon emissions through industrial structure, technological innovation, and tax structure. Heterogeneity analysis shows that digital technology has a significant inhibitory effect on carbon emissions in the northern region, non-Yangtze River region, provincial administrative areas with heavy local government debt, and a large proportion of tax revenue from the secondary industry and tax revenue from state-owned enterprises. Under the requirement of high-quality and green development of the economy, this paper is of great theoretical and practical significance for using digital technology to ensure the governance functions of tax, help low-carbon development, and reach the goal of "carbon neutrality" at an early date. • This study assesses the impact of digital technology on carbon emissions from the government's perspective. • This study enriches the mechanism by which digital technology affects carbon emissions. • This study provides suggestions to promote the digitization of government affairs and carbon emission reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a novel methodology of four interdependent stages to evaluate the economic, environmental, and health benefits of replacing low-energy performing residential windows with higher-performing ones in single-family dwellings. A modeling-based approach is developed to compute and monetize reduction in heating and cooling energy transmittance, greenhouse gas emissions, and premature mortality associated with the decrease in the outdoor fine particulate matter. Linear regression models of energy prices, carbon pricing, and a value per statistical life approach quantify these benefits monetarily. Factors like upgrade type, dwelling window-to-wall ratio, deterioration in energy performance, geographic location, and window placement by orientation are analyzed for their impact on benefits. A case study examining two locations in the province of Ontario, Canada, is carried out. Results show that energy bill saving is sufficient to justify investing in windows with energy-efficient recognition across all dwelling categories in Southern Ontario, though government rebates are necessary for some dwelling types opting to upgrade to the most energy-efficient models. In contrast, rebates are unnecessary in Northern Ontario for any upgraded models due to substantial energy bill savings. The study proposes a per-window rebate policy based on realized benefits, considering various upgrade models, distinct single-detached dwellings, and geographic location eligibility. • New method to evaluate multi-dimensional benefits of upgrading residential windows. • Present a modeling-based approach for estimating heating and cooling energy losses. • Benefit disparities emerge based on dwelling and upgrade types and climate conditions. • For a typical Toronto home, saving is $1995.74 for upgrading to double-glazed windows. • Propose rebate policy tailored to dwelling and upgrade types and geographic locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PM 2.5 is the primary pollutant that worsens air quality and has many adverse effects on human health and the social economy. Measures to reduce CO 2 can synergistically reduce PM 2.5. This paper focuses on the transportation industry in China, which has high carbon and high pollution emissions. It initially evaluates the synergistic effect of CO 2 emissions and the impact of other socio-economic drivers on PM 2.5 emissions. Subsequently, it provides a comparative analysis of the projected trajectories of PM 2.5 emissions, along with the associated health and economic repercussions, across three scenarios from 2021 to 2030. The results show that: (1) The synergy effect of CO 2 reduction emerges as the primary driver for mitigating PM 2.5 emissions, whereas economic growth stands as the primary contributor to their escalation. (2) Both the green development (GD) scenario and the technological breakthrough (TB) scenario forecast a continuous decline in PM 2.5 in 2021–2030. By 2030, the GD and TB scenarios forecast a reduction of 32,000 and 39,500 tonnes of PM 2.5 , respectively, compared to the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario. (3) By 2030, in contrast to the BAU scenario, premature deaths will be reduced by 39.55%, and economic losses will be reduced by 234.738 billion CNY in the GD scenario; premature deaths will be reduced by 50.04%, and economic losses will be reduced by 263.107 billion CNY in the TB scenario. [Display omitted] • Explored the impact of carbon synergies on PM 2.5 emissions. • Modeled future trends in PM 2.5 evolution in the transportation industry. • Assessed the health effects of future PM 2.5 from the transportation industry. • Green development and technological breakthroughs may reduce 0.32% GDP loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing amount of resources is being utilized to combat the pollution problem in China. Measuring and improving the efficiency of this resource allocation is an effective way to promote pollution treatment at the present technical level. This paper utilizes a two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) model to attain allocation results based on the zero-sum gain and fixed-sum gain assumptions. We divide all the inputs into discretionary and non-discretionary inputs and construct two models for allocating resources based on the environmental efficiency scores. The new models are applied to calculate the performance and resource allocation scheme of 30 Chinese provinces from 2011 to 2015. Most provinces are inefficient at controlling pollution emission or treating pollution while using the given level of input resources. Based on the production possibility set of each province in 2015, the processing capacity of wastewater and gas could be increased by 1% and 3%, respectively, by reallocating resources for pollution treatment among different provinces. Environmental efficiency scores and resource allocation plans based on various assumptions are obtained in this paper to enlighten the corresponding decision-makers. Image 1 • The paper constructs two resource allocation models based on the DEA approach. • This research considers the allocation of public pollution treatment resources between different sectors. • Two strategies for resource allocation are composed to deal with different conditions relating to resources. • We apply the new models to measure the performance of 30 regions in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Despite the heightened urgency of curbing carbon emissions around the world, the healthcare sector in general, and the pharmaceutical sector in particular have received very little attention from the sustainability community in terms of their contribution to the global carbon footprint. In this paper, we conduct an analysis of the overall contributions and the historical emissions trends of the pharmaceutical sector, as well as an industry-specific comparative analysis of the major pharmaceutical companies in the world. Surprisingly, our analysis reveals that the pharmaceutical industry is significantly more emission-intensive than the automotive industry. We also use a previously published mathematical framework linking national target emissions to the target emission intensity of the pharmaceutical sector to derive the emission intensity of the pharmaceutical sector required for the US to meet its reductions commitments per the now defunct Obama-administration commitments at the 2015 Paris Agreement. We identify the excess emitters among the top-15 Pharmaceutical companies, from those that are leading the pack with their emissions improvement efforts. The results are quite instructive as we find a far greater variability amongst the Top-15 pharmaceuticals than the Top-10 automotive companies, suggesting a very disparate set of environmental practices within the industry. The paper should elicit further in-depth studies of the environmental performance of the pharmaceutical sector and help inform policy makers, business leaders and academicians on how to help curb this unwarranted level of emissions in this important and growing industry sector. Graphical abstract We conduct an analysis of the overall contributions and the historical emissions trends of the pharmaceutical sector, as well as an industry-specific comparative analysis of the major pharmaceutical companies in the world. Surprisingly, our analysis reveals that the pharmaceutical industry is significantly more emission-intensive than the automotive industry. We also use a previously published mathematical framework linking national target emissions to the target emission intensity of the pharmaceutical sector to derive the emission intensity of the pharmaceutical sector required for the US to meet its reductions commitments per the now defunct Obama-administration commitments at the 2015 Paris Agreement. We then use the same framework to identify the excess emitters among the top 15 Pharmaceutical companies, from those that are leading the pack with their emissions improvement efforts. There again, the results are quite instructive as we find a far greater variability amongst the Top 15 pharmaceuticals than the Top 10 automotive companies. Image 1 Highlights • Assessment and comparative analysis of GHG emissions of Top-15 global pharmaceutical companies. • The pharmaceutical industry emission intensity is about 55% higher than the automotive's. • There is a great level of variability in emissions (up to 5x) between peers with comparable revenues. • We calculate the intensities and maximum emissions required to comply with the Paris Agreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Faced with the dual constraints of economic growth and energy conservation and emission reduction, the unified environmental regulation policy has posed a dilemma for China. First, this paper adopts the method of Metafrontier Malmquist-Luenberger (MML) to analyze the influence of technology gaps and pollution emissions on the total factor productivity (TFP) of Chinese industry in the period of 2000–2016. Second, from the perspective of heterogeneity, the paper uses the threshold model to investigate the nonlinear dynamic influence of different types of environmental regulations on the environmental total factor productivity (ETFP) of industrial sectors, attempting to identify the optimal intensity of the environmental regulation and tools combination. The results indicate that due to the presence of industry heterogeneity, the different types of environmental regulations exerted heterogeneous influences on the ETFP in different industries. In heavy-pollution industries, an excessively high intensity of environmental regulation weakened the technological innovation of these enterprises. In moderate-pollution industries, there was found a medium intensity of environmental regulation, with the command-and-control and market-based types of environmental regulation being quite well coordinated. Among slightly polluting industries, there was a significant "N-shaped" characteristic between the market-based type of environmental regulation and the ETFP. The outcomes further imply that considering the presence of obvious industry heterogeneity, the establishment of environmental regulations should avoid both the unified adoption of static standards and the blind increase of regulation intensity. Based on the characteristics and realities of different industries, flexible and dynamic regulatory standards should be adopted, and multiple regulation instruments should be used. Highlights • ETFP presented a pattern of progressive decrease going from slight-pollution industries to moderate-pollution industries and finally to heavy-pollution industries. • Different types of environmental regulations exert heterogeneous influences on the ETFP of industries. • Environmental regulations should avoid both the unified adoption of static standards and the blind increase of regulation intensity. • A balanced regulation system should be established to stimulate a more strategically based economic response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Attitudes in the construction industry towards emissions and cleaner production are mixed. Many in the industry do not measure their emissions, or show awareness or progress towards minimizing emissions, but rather focus on more traditional matters of time, cost and production. Some writers suggest cost, or an industry perception of extra cost, as a main barrier to implementing more sustainable practices. There has been a slow shift to a sustainability mindset, but commonly this shift is only embarked upon if there are parallel cost savings. A realistic business view is that sustainability in the construction industry will only be achieved if parallel cost reductions occur. Within this debate, the paper puts forward the proposition and shows that, for a defined type of construction operation, performing at minimum unit cost (cost per production) also leads to minimizing unit emissions (emissions per production). The implication of this is that, within an existing operation, least unit emissions can be achieved without an increase in unit cost; alternatively, traditionally efficient ways of undertaking construction have the least environmental impact. Conversely, not operating at minimum unit cost leads to unnecessary emissions. The paper demonstrates this on an array of construction practices, and opines that similar results will hold for related construction operations. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Unit cost and unit emissions performances coincide for many construction operations. • Cleaner production need not lead to increased cost. • Not operating cost efficiently leads to unnecessary emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Vehicular emission is one of the issues which emerge as the biggest challenge for not only developing countries but developed countries as well. India is facing dramatic political changes due to vehicular emission policies issued by the government i.e. leapfrog to the BS-VI, Odd-even formula etc. So; this paper focuses on the set of instructions that may be helpful to tackle the emission problems for policymakers. This paper can be divided into two main parts - Policy Briefing and Practices to reach the goal of the policies. Policy Briefing section is essential for the overview and to recognize the significant area of improvements. Practices section includes three practices - Replacement, Repowering, and Retrofitting - for controlling the emission which can be proven as the best practices not only for India but for any developing country seeking changes in vehicular emissions. The proposed ways of modifications can achieve around 0.5%–8% of the reduction in fuel usage and emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In this paper, we adopt a non-radial directional distance function to analyze the efficiency and shadow price of CO 2 emissions of coal-fired power plants. Using a sample of Shanghai's 20 coal-fired power plants, we find that the efficiency performance of power plants remained steady during the period 2007–2010. On average, the carbon abatement costs of Shanghai's power plants increased from 20.58 yuan/ton to 39.67 yuan/ton during 2007–2010. Although the average shadow price of the power plants increased during the period, the price was still well below shadow prices for the energy consumption of the industries, and a little lower than the trading price in the ETS markets. In addition, the paper discusses the implications of the findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper examines the diverse patterns and driving forces of the changing distribution of pollution-intensive industries (PIIs) in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), China from 1999 to 2015. The results find the co-existence of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) and the Porter Hypothesis (PH) at an industrial level. PIIs, especially the labor-intensive PIIs, become geographically more dispersed to the peripheral YRD, while capital-, tax- and technology-intensive PIIs are still highly concentrated in the core YRD. Uneven environmental regulations (ERs), such as pollutant emission controls and government supervision, have directly reshaped the spatial patterns of PIIs. The modelling results also suggest that regional differences in factor endowment, ecosystem, and upgrading and innovation milieu play an important role in PIIs (re)distribution, and PIIs with diverse industrial characteristics respond differently to the changes in ERs and other place-specific attributes. Relatively loose ERs, low production cost, and high environmental bearing-capacity can promote the formation of "pollution havens" for labor-intensive or low-end PIIs. However, local assets such as innovation milieu may heighten the effects of the PH on capital-intensive or high-tech PIIs. This study provides China's evidences about the co-existence of the PHH and the PH, and can advance our understanding of the restructuring process and mechanism of PIIs at finer geographical scales. Highlights • We examine how environmental regulations affect the distribution of polluting industries at a finer geographical scale. • Geographical dispersion of PIIs has taken place in developed regions, while relocation patterns vary across industries. • Polluters with different industrial characteristics respond differently to environmental regulations and location factors. • Industrial upgrading and well-designed regulations are more effective in discouraging the expansion of PIIs. • This paper confirms the co-exist of the Pollution Haven Hypothesis and the Porter Hypothesis at industrial level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Most of the sustainable scheduling research deals with some environmental issues such as electricity consumption or carbon emissions although there are many other environmental and social indicators. Whereas, more and more manufactures are executing many solutions not only via implementation of environmentally-oriented but also socially responsible economically sound and management program. This proposed research has an objective to get a comprehensive view of the state and progress of sustainable scheduling by considering more sustainable indicators to assist many manufacturers to apply environmentally sound technological solutions. To achieve this objective, we, first, create a pool of sustainable manufacturing indicators that refers to some previous research that focus on applicable-proven indicators. Then, we employ an iterative process that is adapted from the general guidelines for literature review. We conceptualize, search, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize all 50 relevant papers resulting a completely new research framework to characterize the research. We use mathematical model components, i.e. manufacturing model, the system of objectives, objective function, constraints, model type, and optimization method, as the dimensions to classify the papers that were included in our analysis. We also apply the triple bottom line pillars – economic, environmental, and social to specify attributes and categories for the objective function and constraints. In literature classification step, the framework seems very sensitive since it can identify 49 different sustainable scheduling configurations from 50 reviewed papers. It means the framework can easily grasp the contributions of each paper. Then, in the analyses phase, we use 'sustainable link' to indicate if one research can be classified as sustainable scheduling research. The results show that energy cost and greenhouse gas indicators become the most frequently used indicators in sustainable scheduling. On the other hand, the mapping shows that some links have been rarely or never included, indicating potential areas for further research. We also list four main directions for future research which are: implementing other optimization methods; adding sustainability indicators; extending the model to a larger scale of manufacturing system; and loosening some assumptions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The difficulty of the sulfur dioxide (SO 2) pollution control task has deepened step by step in recent years, while the marginal cost of environmental protection in China has also been higher. Therefore, it is necessary to study the main impact factors of China's industrial SO 2 pollution. Based on China's Industrial Environmental Statistics Database from 2004 to 2013, this paper extends the Index Decomposition Analysis (IDA) with firm entry and exit to conduct a micro-level decomposition study. The industrial SO 2 emission in China is decomposed into scale effect, composition effect, firm growth effect, and firm selection effect. Also, we use the Dagum Gini coefficient to analyze the spatial differences of firm growth effect and selection effect between the eastern, central, and western regions in China. This paper finds that the main contribution of industrial SO 2 emission control in China is the firm growth effect, which was −103% between 2004 and 2013. And the second largest contribution term is the firm selection effect, which is −18%, while the composition effect is −15%. In terms of temporal patterns, the size of the firm growth effect shrinks as time grows, and the composition effect changes from negative to positive after 2009. For spatial difference analysis, the Dagum Gini coefficient of technique effect and firm growth effect between different regions have become smaller and smaller over time, while the spatial differences of firm selection effect between regions remain unchanged. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global production of bulk materials such as steel, paper, and aluminium has tripled over the past three decades and decarbonising their production is a difficult challenge. The transition to net zero emissions depends on three key zero emissions resources, non-emitting electricity, biomass, and carbon storage. This paper develops a model to anticipate how likely deployment of these three resources will constrain bulk material production on the transition to net zero emissions by 2050. The results predict that 2050 supply of steel, paper and aluminium will be up to 40% lower than demand. To address this shortfall, policy should promote a more rapid deployment of zero emissions resources in parallel with the strategies of material demand reduction. This paper quantifies potential production levels of aluminium, steel and paper on a trajectory that achieves net zero emissions by 2050 given constraints on zero emissions resources. [Display omitted] • Quantifies levels of bulk material production for different trajectories of zero emissions resources. • Results suggest gap between expected demand and possible supply levels under the constraint of net zero emissions. • Need for a more rapid deployment of zero emissions resources in parallel with the strategies of material demand reduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decomposition analysis provides a potentially powerful means for analyzing community greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data. However, this form of analysis is typically conducted at larger geographical scales (i.e., national and state/provincial levels), which leaves questions around how to apply this methodology to local and regional contexts. This study explores the application of decomposition methodology to community data in order to elucidate how this form of analysis can be employed to inform local/regional planning and climate policy. The research involved developing decomposition models that focus on two particularly areas important for local climate action - transportation and residential energy. Each model consisted of five factors - population, population distribution, travel (transportation) or energy customer accounts (residential) intensity, vehicle (transportation) or home energy (residential) type, and emissions intensity. Using data from the BC Community Energy Emissions Inventory, the study examined effects of the different factors on emissions changes occurring between 2007 and 2012 in the Metro Vancouver Regional District (British Columbia, Canada). Results from the transportation analysis indicated that population growth and people's choices in vehicle type had the effect of increasing emissions in the MVRD, whereas travel and emissions intensity factors had mitigating effects. The residential energy analysis indicated that only population effects led to emissions-increases in the MVRD, whereas the other factors had mitigating effects. Community-scale analyses also were conducted to identify municipalities where emissions-increasing effects were experienced more dramatically, for example, travel intensity effects in smaller communities (e.g., White Rock), energy accounts intensity effects in Vancouver, and emissions intensity effects in the District of North Vancouver. The study demonstrated how decomposition analysis can provide regional and local governments with valuable insight on what is contributing to GHG emissions and where progress is being made, which in turn can help these governments focus climate policy and planning efforts to achieve progress toward mitigation. The paper begins with an introduction on the use of decomposition methodology in energy and GHG emissions studies, and its potential value for analyzing local emissions data. The next sections discuss the analytical approach designed for and employed in this study, as well as describing the data used for this research. The paper then presents the results of the analysis performed on the MVRD. Finally, it concludes with a discussion on the implications of the results of this study for regional and local policy and planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diffusion effect makes air pollution become a regional problem. The purpose of this paper is to explore the spatial spillover effects of most pollutants emissions and identify industrialization and urbanization factors affecting emissions from spatial econometric perspective. In recent years, air pollution in China's Huang-Huai-Hai region is the most serious in the whole nation. Based on the geographical weight matrix introduced in this paper, the spatial Durbin model (SDM) is employed to explore the direct and spatial spillover effects of industrialization and urbanization factors on 7 pollutant emissions in 53 cities of China's Huang-Huai-Hai region over the period 2009–2014. The results show that CO is the main pollutant component, followed by SO 2 , and NO x in 53 cities. The spatial autocorrelation strengthen of each pollutant in all cities is as the order: BC > PM 2.5 >CO > PM 10 > NH 3 > SO 2 > NO x . There are significant spatial aggregation effects of emissions of pollutants except NO x . Furthermore, the direct effects of per capita GDP, non-agricultural industries and urban residents' per capita consumption on pollutants emissions are the biggest on the whole. The direct effect of per capita GDP on each pollutant emissions is entirely negative, while that of non-agricultural industries is positive on the whole. The spatial spillover effects of above three factors on pollutants emissions are the largest; the spatial spillover effect of non-agricultural industries is positive, while that of per capita GDP is negative. According to the results, some policy implications are provided to control regional air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cities' area accounts for only 2% of the world's surface area, but the cities' population accounts for 50% of the total population and produces more than 80% of the total CO 2 emissions. So the cities have a key position in solving the global challenge of climate change. In order to estimate the impacts of city size change and industrial structure change on CO 2 emissions, based on the background, the data availability of the CO 2 emissions per person, the economic scale, the size of land use, the industrial concentration degree and the industrial structure change in 50 cities in different sizes (the population size between 0.5 million and 1 million, 1–2 million, 2–4 million and more than 4 million) from 2005 to 2014, the paper studies the impact of the city size change and the industrial structure change on CO 2 emissions. The results show that the increase in the sizes of cities can bring in the rise of CO 2 emissions and the impacts on CO 2 emissions in different city sizes are significant. Meanwhile, both industrial agglomeration and industrial structure change have a significant role in the CO 2 emissions reduction. The paper finds out that (1) the medium-sized cities produce relatively fewer CO 2 emissions than the smaller cities and the bigger cities. As smaller cities are not conducive to save land and also can't play the externalities of industry agglomeration, leading to the reduction in energy efficiency. Bigger cities may produce all kinds of city diseases. The medium-sized cities with the population of 1 million and 2 million can have relatively higher energy efficiency and fewer city diseases, which may produce lower CO 2 emissions. (2) economic growth can increase CO 2 emissions.(3) the industrial structure change has effects on CO 2 emissions, and CO 2 emissions from the secondary industry are the largest in the three industries. So, the government should reasonably give priority development of medium-sized cities with the population between 1 million and 2 million, and adjust energy consumption structure and the industrial structure to give priority to the tertiary industry to reduce CO 2 emissions in China's cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The iron and steel industry accounts for one third of global industrial CO 2 emissions, putting pressure on the industry to shift towards more sustainable modes of production. However, for an industry characterised by path dependency and technological lock-ins, sustainability transitions are not straightforward. In this study, we aim to explore the potential pathways for sustainability transitions in the iron and steel industry. To do so, we have conducted a case study in Sweden where there are policy and industry commitments towards fossil-free steel production. Our theoretical points of departure are the technological innovation system (TIS) approach and the multi-level perspective (MLP), and our paper presents the dynamics behind an emerging case of transition towards a hydrogen-based future. The paper has two major contributions to the literature on sustainability transitions. First, it attempts to borrow some concepts from the MLP and integrate them with the TIS approach. Second, it empirically presents an in-depth case study of the iron and steel industry – an understudied context in the field of sustainability transitions. By doing so, it sheds some light on the dynamics between an emerging TIS and potential transition pathways of a regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy consumption has promoted a continuous development for economy and society, but it has also brought serious environmental pollution problems which endanger public health. In order to focus on the impact of PM 2.5 emissions from future energy consumption on human health better, this paper estimated PM 2.5 emissions caused by energy consumption in Beijing in 2020,2025 and 2030 by setting the baseline scenario, emission reduction scenario, intensified emission reduction scenario and the data of the base year 2015, which will be 162.6 thousand tons, 195.9 thousand tons and 235.9 thousand tons in the baseline scenario, 143.1 thousand tons, 151.8 thousand tons and 160.9 thousand tons under the emission reduction scenario, and 132.6 thousand tons, 130.2 thousand tons, 127.9 thousand tons under the intensified emission reduction scenario. Finally the paper measured the number of different health effect ends caused by PM 2.5 emissions and the economic loss. The results showed that there was a rapid increase, a mild increase and a moderate decrease in energy consumption and PM 2.5 emissions in Beijing under the three scenarios from 2015 to 2030. Besides, under the same scenario and the same concentration level baseline, the number of the internal medicine (over the age of 15) was the largest, and the economic loss caused by total death rate was the biggest. This article provides suggestions to reduce PM 2.5 emissions and public health effect ends for Beijing in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the past decades, the concept of best available techniques (BAT) has evolved as a reference point for setting environmental permit conditions. As all environmental regulations, BAT-based permit regulations can potentially act as a driver or as a barrier for greening global value chains and for implementation of sustainable supply chain management and circular economy. Whether they will effectively act as a driver or as a barrier for these, depends on if and how up- and downstream activities are considered in the determination of BAT at the sector level on the one hand, and on the way BAT are implemented at the installation level on the other hand. In existing methods for determination of BAT at the sector level, the focus of the assessment is generally on the sector under consideration, without explicit or systematic consideration of up- and downstream activities. The purpose of this paper is to investigate if and how up- and downstream activities have been considered in the determination of BAT in practice, more specifically in the Sevilla process for information exchange on BAT in the context of the European Industrial Emission Directive. The assessment is based on a review of BAT reference documents, using a case study approach involving 4 case studies, each addressing a particular value chain aspect (i.e. an existing interaction between upstream and downstream activities), and the BAT reference documents for 2 activities (1 upstream and 1 downstream) involved in the value chain aspect. The cases studied show that in the Sevilla process, examples exist where value chain aspects were considered in the determination of BAT, either by considering them as ‘cross-sector effects’, or by determining ‘value chain BAT’, for example collaboration with upstream and downstream partners in the value chain. Consideration of value chain aspects in determination of BAT is however not a systematic practice. In order for BAT based permit regulations to act as a potential driver - and not as a potential barrier - for greening global value chains, 3 complementary approaches for a more systematic consideration of value chain aspects in the BAT determination process are proposed: consideration of relevant ‘cross-sector effects’, determination of ‘value chain BAT’ and selection of ‘collaboration with upstream and downstream partners in the value chain’ as a general BAT for all sectors. In order to incorporate these concepts in the existing methods for determination of BAT at the sector level, directions for further development of the methods were proposed. An assessment of BAT implementation practices with respect to value chain aspects was outside the scope of this paper, but is suggested as a topic for further research on the role that environmental laws and regulations, in this case BAT based permit regulations, can play in the successful implementation of sustainable supply chain management and circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The peer-to-peer (P2P) energy trading market is considered a promising method for allocating prosumers' locally produced power in smart buildings. However, the existing literature overlooks the coexistence of P2P and pool-based energy markets. Therefore, this paper establishes a bi-level energy market model that incorporates both P2P and pool-based markets. The prosumers' individual profit maximization model considering their network usage costs in the P2P energy trading network at the upper level is first developed. A hybrid market-clearing framework determining the optimal trading amounts with the prosumers' strategic offers at the lower level is then exploited. The distribution network power flow model in the market clearing framework is then convexified. The lower-level problem is replaced with its strong duality conditions. This bi-level problem can be reformulated as an equilibrium problem with equilibrium constraints (EPEC). This EPEC is then solved after being transformed into an equivalent mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model. Finally, a fifteen-bus system is employed to illustrate the characteristics of the hybrid market equilibrium depicted by this EPEC model. The influences of the prosumers' strategic offers on the distribution locational marginal prices (DLMPs) and network usage costs are highlighted. Since the prosumers can choose to transmit their energy in the pool-based or P2P markets, the emission and pollution costs caused by power transmission can be minimized. A cleaner energy production is thus guaranteed. The free-rider problem is verified by comparing the network usage charges in the strategic and perfect competition scenarios. • The P2P and pool-based energy markets co-exist in local community. • The free-rider problem in the hybrid energy market is verified. • An EPEC model is developed to depict the strategic trading behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

China facing the challenge of coordinated development of "ecology, economy, and well-being". Scholars have conducted some research on the relationship between enviromental regulation and employment, but there is less research on the role of clean technology innovation in the employment effect of environmental regulation, which is the purpose of this paper. Using the panel data of 22 industrial sectors in China, the paper uses the number of clean technology patents to measure the level of clean technology innovation, and examines the moderating effect of clean technology innovation in the employment effect of environmental regulations. The results show that: (1) With the gradual improvement of environmental regulation, the impact of environmental regulation on employment presents the characteristics of inhibition first and then promotion. (2) Clean technology innovation has a moderating effect on the employment effect of environmental regulation. It should encourage the green upgrading of traditional technologies, support the development and optimization of private enterprises in various industries, so as to promote enterprises to effectively reduce pollution emissions and create jobs through green technology upgrading at the initial stage. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As China's longest-implemented market-based environmental regulation policy, emission charges have contributed outstandingly to improving the ecological environment and reducing firms' pollution emissions. We assess the impact of emission charges on the innovation quality of Chinese firms based on the perspective of firms' breakthrough technological innovation. By observing Chinese A-share listed firms with heavy pollution from 2011 to 2020, we find that corporate breakthrough technological innovation positively moderates the emission charges to enhance the quality of corporate innovation. Our mechanism tests suggest that emission charges and breakthrough technological innovation positively affect innovation quality by improving the means of green innovation of enterprises. In addition, heterogeneity analysis shows that emission charges and firms' breakthrough technological innovation are only effective in improving the innovation quality of state-owned firms, and the effect on the innovation quality of non-state-owned firms is not significant. Our findings suggest that the imposition of emission charges and incentives for firms to embark on breakthrough technological innovation can effectively improve the quality of innovation. • The article is probably the first literature to explore the effects of breakthrough technological innovation and emission charges on the innovation quality of heavily polluting enterprises in China, enriching the research on the impact of enterprise innovation models on environmental regulation. • Based on the IPC information of enterprise patent applications, the paper distinguishes enterprise innovation patterns and explores the moderating effect of breakthrough technological innovation on emission charges to enhance the quality of enterprise innovation. • This paper provides micro evidence on the impact of environmental regulation on innovation quality based on the perspective of firms' breakthrough technological innovation, which has important implications for adopting environmental regulation to achieve a "win-win" situation between pollution control and improving innovation quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low carbon transitions have been predominantly analysed using quantitative methods, mostly building on present and forecasted data of social metabolism. This paper addresses both the economic and social dimensions of low carbon emissions by analysing the presence of socio-environmental conflicts in Germany. These conflicts appear to be a consequence of unsustainable policies targeting firms' planning and behaviour, mainly based on neoclassical economic thinking and various stakeholder groups that oppose carbon intensive businesses. By applying a Delphi Method with 18 experts, the authors analyse 117 socio-environmental conflicts (e.g. derived from extractive activity, energy production, and infrastructure projects) in Germany. Most of these conflicts include the struggle of various society groups to achieve a low carbon economy but also a more equitable society. The analyses presented in this paper shows that Germany provides both the best and the worse of achieving low carbon paths: a significant investment into renewable energy, but also a strong dependency on lignite which supplies the most polluting power stations of Europe. By addressing the problem from a historical perspective, the authors demonstrate how carbon intensive extractive activity has been one of the major causes for environmental activism and protest in both socialist and capitalist societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal mining activities have caused serious environmental problems; however, almost 30% of global primary energy demand is met using coal, making it difficult to replace in the near future. Under these circumstances, as it is not possible to completely cease coal mining activities, coal mines need to invest in cleaner production techniques to reduce environmental damage. To achieve pollution emissions and energy reductions, this paper proposes a dynamic multi-objective mixed 0–1 model based on ecological coal mining, in which environmental technological investment and production adjustments are integrated into a dynamic system to seek ecological and economic equilibrium, and emissions reductions and energy conservation are controlled using double dynamic transfer equations. Different from previous papers, this model considers the effect of production adjustments and energy conservation on the environment and the economy with the aim of achieving global optimization through integrated planning. To solve the proposed model, a hybrid algorithm with a standard and an antithetic method-based Particle Swarm Optimization (PSOs) is developed. A case study from Chaohua Colliery is presented to demonstrate the practicality and efficiency of the optimization model. The results and comparison analyses showed that as the dynamic adjustments strengthened the production and investment coordination for global optimization, integrated production and environmental investment planning provided coal mines with a superior method to solve conflicts between the ecology and the economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the potential contributions of photovoltaic energy to sustainable development in its three dimensions, environmental, economic, and social. For that purpose, the capacity deployments proposed by the main international institutions in the field are considered, mainly the International Energy Agency. The paper focuses on the monetary valuation of avoided CO 2 emissions, and the assessment of the required financial funds. The risk implied by the uncertain photovoltaic prices are dealt with, and methods to manage it are suggested. It is shown that valuing emission at a conservative price and properly discounted, would be enough to finance, on average, the required investments: thus, a low carbon tax is all that would be required to finance the investments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to analyze the main determinants of the economic acceptability of four Green Technologies (GTs): alternative fuel vehicles, energy savings in residential buildings, smart meters and renewable electricity, using a meta-analysis on a sample of 35 selected papers, which provided 245 primary data. This approach allows detecting relationships across heterogeneous studies, avoiding the subjectivity of qualitative surveys. We implement a new two-step procedure. First, we compute a measure of the implicit price for a kilogram of CO2 avoided (PCO2), homogenizing the usable information for the GTs considered. Second, we conduct a meta-regression using the computed PCO2 values to estimate the socio-economic determinants' impact. In general, our results show a wide degree of acceptability for GTs which is stronger among European citizens. In particular, it emerges that, on average, the estimated PCO2 is positive for the GTs considered, and additional positive effects exist when respondents are confronted with an explicit reference to quantitative targets in terms of CO2 abatement, a clear proposal for payment timing, and a specific renewable electricity mix. These results indicate that information and transparency are crucial to spur GTs deployment. Therefore, to support GTs’ market penetration, public and private institutional stakeholders, have to provide “ad hoc” information to the end users, setting a clear and suitable system of prices to increase the economic value end users place on GTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accurate calculation of CO 2 emissions in every province in China is the basis for developing regional energy policies. There is a huge fossil-fuel reserve and production capacity in western China, whereas their underdeveloped social and economic status means that there is lower demand. The more developed eastern coastal regions of China show dynamic economic momentum and, hence, higher energy demand. Based on the carbon emission flows in network theory, this paper proposes an approach to recalculate provincial CO 2 emissions from the perspective of secondary energy consumption. This approach attributes CO 2 emissions to final energy consumers after considering cross-provincial secondary energy trading, especially cross-provincial electric power trading in the regional power grid. Given the uneven distribution of energy resources and the imbalance of energy consumption among regions, cross-provincial secondary energy trading in China is significant, especially in the power industry. By adopting the approach proposed in this paper, the provincial carbon intensity and the corresponding energy policy can be modified to make energy end users pay rather than the primary producer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increased awareness of the need for protecting the environment and policies relating to carbon emissions has resulted in manufacturers viewing carbon emissions as one of the most critical elements affecting production decisions. As a gradually maturing production form, remanufacturing plays an increasingly pivotal role in economy, environment and society. This paper extends the classical EOQ model, considers carbon emissions in (re)manufacturing activities and product transportation and builds an inventory cost model with carbon constraints. The optimal batch and quantity of manufacturing/remanufacturing and the frequency of cyclic remanufacturing are derived with and without carbon constraints through analysis of the model. At the same time, this paper investigates the impact of carbon emissions quota and its trade prices, remanufacturing ratio and different means of transportation on manufacturers’ decisions. The examples show that the batch size of manufacturing and remanufacturing is identical within the period with carbon constraints; the batch size of manufacturing without carbon constraints is less than remanufacturing with carbon constraints; the results are just the opposite in terms of the batch of remanufacturing and the number of remanufactured products. In other words, the (re)manufacturers’ total cost and carbon emissions with carbon constraints are lower than those without carbon constraints. Starting from the real-life circumstances, this article considers manufacturers’ total cost with imperfect remanufacturing, varied means of transportation, carbon quota and its trade, which have not been taken into account previously, the manufacturer’s optimal decisions are derived. Meanwhile, the analysis of carbon quota can provide some insights for governments and enterprises in terms of carbon emissions rights allocation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the decoupling of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) emissions from agricultural economic growth in 30 Chinese provinces from 1997 to 2014. First, CO 2 emissions from agricultural production activities, farming, and livestock husbandry are computed. Then, this paper explores the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of CO 2 emissions and their intensity in China’s agricultural sector. Finally, this paper compares decoupling of China’s agricultural CO 2 emissions from agricultural output value across different regions and years. The results indicate that fertilizer, in-season rice cultivation, and cattle generated the most CO 2 emissions in the categories of agricultural production activities, farming, and livestock husbandry, respectively. The results also show that East China covered more periods of the strong decoupling of CO 2 emissions from agricultural output value between 1997 and 2014. To decrease CO 2 emissions, this paper suggests imposing a higher value-added tax on fertilizer producers, while waiving value-added tax for organic fertilizer and substituting animal manure for conventional fertilizers where possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residential sector has been one key sector for reducing its greenhouse gas emissions due to its significant contribution to global warming. Researchers in different countries have studied household energy consumption patterns and greenhouse gas emissions in order to promote low-carbon lifestyles. However, few review papers have been published in this regard, leading to a lack of systematic understanding on the related research achievements. Hence, by using a bibliometric approach, this paper aims to review the existing literature and examine the evolution of such a field so that the research trends can be uncovered, including popular research methods. Citation analysis is performed to assess the influence of most productive journals, countries/territories, and authors. Network analysis is also conducted to evaluate the relationship among different countries/territories, authors, and keywords. Research outcomes of this paper present a comprehensive research picture on residential energy consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions (REE) related papers published from 1997 to 2016. The most productive journals, countries/territories, authors are also analyzed based on citation analysis and network analysis. In addition, results also revealed that behavioral analysis, input-output analysis, life cycle assessment, and cost-benefit analysis are the most commonly used methods in this field. Results obtained from this study can provide valuable information for researchers interested in the REE-related field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry is considered as one of the most dynamic sectors that have upstream and downstream economic links and has been growing rapidly in the last few decades. On the other hand, it is considered as one of the main sources of greenhouse gases where construction projects represent a huge portion of sources producing carbon dioxide gases (CO 2 ). Furthermore, greenhouse gases (GHG) are one of construction emissions that should be investigated to calculate the overall emissions. Therefore, estimating construction emissions is very important in order to keep emissions at an acceptable level. This paper presents a building information modeling (BIM)-based model that enables the estimation of six types of emissions including: greenhouse gases, sulfur dioxide, particular matter, eutrophication particles, ozone depleting particles and smog. As such, the total direct and indirect emissions can be calculated where these emissions are produced from construction activities during the overall project life cycle phases which are: manufacturing phase, transportation phase, construction phase, operation phase, maintenance phase, and deconstruction/demolition phase. The methods of calculating direct and indirect emissions are extensively described in the paper. A case study is presented to illustrate the use of the proposed BIM-based model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contribution of non-metallic sector to global CO 2 emissions is increasing. However, there are very few studies on non-metallic sector CO 2 emissions from international comparative perspective. This paper proposes an integrated model employing LMDI (Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index) decomposition technique and TOPSIS (the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method to contribute to the existing literature by filling the gap that the drivers of aggregate and national level non-metallic sector CO2 emissions and its impacts on CO2 emissions reduction have not been estimated by relevant models. First, we analyze drivers of non-metallic sector CO 2 emissions in BRIC countries and G7 countries using LMDI decomposition method. Second, we evaluate the low-carbon development of non-metallic sector in the 11 major economies from a comprehensive viewpoint of main drivers using TOPSIS assessment model. Finally, based on the results of the model, this paper presents some implications for the non-metallic sector CO2 emissions reduction and low-carbon development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of the Carbon Market Approach under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is uncertain. However, further development of Carbon Markets is expected. This paper estimates the average carbon price of the carbon emission permits (COP-approved units) acquired by the Spanish government and also a more realistic figure for the average carbon cost of the aforesaid emission permits. This is very useful for evaluating and comparing different carbon prices and markets. In addition, the paper contributes to the existing literature by providing a deeper understanding of the flow of emission permits between the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) under the Kyoto Protocol. The main conclusions are that the estimated carbon price and cost are both lower than other reported prices and costs. This may go some way towards explaining why the government preferred to use the Flexibility Mechanisms and acquire an especially large number of COP-approved units (mainly Assigned Amount Units (AAUs)) through bilateral transactions with other Annex B countries, instead of launching actual greenhouse gas (GHG) abatement projects in the country. Moreover, more transparency is needed in regard to bilateral transactions of AAUs between the Spanish government and other Annex B seller countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analysed CO 2 emission pathways for the Japanese iron and steel industry towards 2030, taking into account the likely development of process capacities that could flexibly adapt to a range of projected future crude steel production levels (“optimal capacities”) while maintaining minimum capacity utilisation rates. Coke and pig iron production capacities were optimised to the levels that enable flexible operation for 90–120 Mt-crude steel/y, compared to 110 Mt/y in 2010. Operational constraints were applied to the capacity utilisation rates (minimum of 85%) and the maximum use of coke and pig iron substitutes. This paper also assessed the implications of the aforementioned flexible operation across a range of crude steel production levels on the future scrap balances. This study calculated the optimal capacities for coke ovens and blast furnaces in 2030 to be 29 Mt-coke/y (compared to 43 Mt/y in 2010) and 83 Mt-pig iron/y (compared to 90 Mt/y in 2010). Under these optimal capacities and the aforementioned range for crude steel production levels, the projected total CO 2 emissions were 4–21% below 2010 levels. If the 2030 production level remains at 105 Mt/y, which equals the 2015 production level and the 1973–2015 average, the total emissions will be 9–16% below 2010 levels, depending on the level of emissions reduction effort. These results indicate that the industry is likely to considerably overachieve its voluntary emissions reduction target for 2030 (0.1% below 2010 levels). Moreover, it was found that the lifetime extensions for existing blast furnaces and coke ovens have limited impact on CO 2 emissions while significantly reducing the investment needs. The study also showed that the low crude steel production (90 Mt/y) combined with high pig iron and coke consumption levels to maintain minimum capacity utilisation rates may lead not only to an increase in specific CO 2 emissions per tonne of crude steel but also to a net export of obsolete scrap up to 17 Mt, which is nearly twice the historical high. Towards 2030, Japan would need to consider not only opportunities to maximize the use of steel scrap but also the development of an extended steel scrap trade infrastructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, China has been facing serious water pollution crises. To address this problem, discharge standards for wastewater treatment plants in China are becoming more and more stringent. Also, the sewage charge for compliant emissions and the penalty rate for non–compliant emissions have increased significantly. This paper comprehensively investigates the economic and environmental implications of such wastewater management policy in China. In this paper, a general framework for the analysis of WWTPs’ behavior and the resulted economic and environmental consequences is presented, and the impacts of discharge standard, charge rate, and penalty rate are analyzed. The trade–offs between the operational cost, environmental impact, and pollutant emissions are identified. This study also provides some insightful management implications for concerned policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fossil fuels will continue to be the most important energy source for electricity generation in most parts of the world for the next decades. Therefore emission abatement technologies in large combustion plants are an important measure to reduce the emission of pollutants and to lower the negative effects thereof for humans, animals and the environment. Investment decisions for emission reduction measures are, however, facing various kinds of risks and uncertainties, caused by political, technological, economic and legal influences. The consideration of these risks in early stage investment planning is often complex yet important for investors. This paper investigates the possibilities to consider risks and uncertainties in early stage investment and cost calculation methodologies of different complexity. The real options analysis is presented as well as less complex methods, such as Monte-Carlo or sensitivity analyses that lower the calculation effort. The application of a specifically developed risk portfolio is recommended before quantitatively investigating risks. This portfolio helps to identify the most critical risks and to focus on them, reducing again the calculation effort. The presented approach is not only of interest for investors, but also for policies, especially if data is scarce or uncertainties exist regarding specific plant parameters or cost and price components. The content of this paper is presented using the example of nitrogen oxide emission reduction measures. It is, however, possible, to transfer the results to other pollutants or technologies in a related context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The power sector significantly contributes to global greenhouse gas emissions, making its transition to low-carbon energy crucial for achieving carbon neutrality. Zhengzhou, recognized as one of the China's "National Central Cities", has a high energy demand. Its power sector, which is primarily reliant on coal, is responsible for half of the city's CO 2 emissions. The low emissions analysis platform (LEAP) model serves as an effective tool for exploring the power sector's transition to low-carbon sources. However, studies on the combined reduction in air pollutants and CO 2 at the city level are scarce. This study focuses on Zhengzhou's power sector, examining the power composition, coal usage, CO 2 and air pollutant emissions, social costs, and employment effects across five scenarios using LEAP. The five scenarios are the business-as-usual scenario, the reference scenario, the carbon neutrality scenario, and two optimization scenarios with different carbon peak and carbon neutrality time. CO 2 emissions will peak in 2030 at 34.6 Mt in the reference scenario, and in 2022 at 32.4 Mt in the carbon neutrality scenario. Emissions in the reference and carbon neutrality scenarios will decrease by 64.8% and 75.2%, respectively, from those in the business-as-usual scenario due to emission reduction strategies. In the carbon neutrality scenario, coal power reformation is the most significant measure, accounting for 45.7% of the total CO 2 reduction compared to that in the business-as-usual scenario, followed by the integration of external electricity (17.8%) and solar energy (13.6%). This scenario also demonstrated a strong synergistic effect on reducing air pollutants and CO 2 emissions. Although the carbon neutrality scenario incurs costs 60.4 billion yuan higher than those of the reference scenario, its CO 2 mitigation cost is 66.1 yuan/t lower. This indicated that more rapid CO 2 reduction, despite higher economic inputs, is justified by ambitious CO 2 reduction goals and environmental benefits. Enhancing the use of renewable energy technologies for research and development to lower costs could increase the economic feasibility of the carbon neutrality scenario. In the two optimization scenarios, complete elimination of CO 2 and air pollutant emissions is achieved by 2060, with all the electricity generated from renewable sources, although issues of uncertainty and stability need to be addressed. The study also highlights that renewable energy development will significantly boost employment, with an estimated 1.19 million jobs in 2060 in the carbon neutrality scenario. Finally, the paper concludes with a sensitivity analysis and offers policy recommendations for the power sector's low-carbon transition. [Display omitted] • Low-carbon transition paths of Zhengzhou power sector are investigated by scenario analysis. • Coal power reformation and external electricity are effective measures for CO 2 reduction. • Synergistic reduction of air pollutants and CO 2 is achieved in the CAN scenario. • The CAN scenario has a good cost-effectiveness of CO 2 mitigation. • Policy recommendations for Zhengzhou power sector are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green transformation of economic growth mode is one of the keys to promote high-quality development. This paper starts with the collaborative agglomeration of manufacturing and producer services, demonstrates the impact of collaborative agglomeration on industrial pollution emission through theoretical analysis, and then uses panel data of 285 prefecture level cities in China from 2004 to 2019 to verify the relationship between them. The results show that collaborative agglomeration significantly increased industrial pollution emission, but the effect mainly existed in small and medium-sized cities, cities with more development zones, cities with provincial high-tech industrial parks and the observation range from 2009 to 2015. The results of subdividing producer services show that transportation, warehousing and postal services, finance, information transmission, computer services and software industries have intensified industrial pollution emission in the collaborative agglomeration with the manufacturing industry. Mechanism analysis shows that collaborative agglomeration fosters the city's "low-level innovation preference" and promotes the expansion of the number of enterprises characterized by the entry and extension of the duration of highly polluting enterprises. It objectively forms a "quantity-priority orientation", thus increasing industrial pollution emission. The above conclusions mean that the development of urban industry at this stage should be based on quality and efficiency, rather than pursuing the disordered expansion of quantity. This paper provides beneficial policy implications for reducing local governments' blind behavior and awakening the awareness of environment-friendly economic growth. • Collaborative agglomeration increases industrial pollution emission. • The effect of emission increase varies with different urban and industrial characteristics. • "Low-level innovation preference" and "quantity-priority orientation" are important mechanisms. • The entry and long-term existence of high polluting enterprises led to "quantity-priority orientation". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many requirements have been proposed for pollution control in a legal, scientific and targeted way. At the critical stage of pollution prevention and control, refined management of industrial pollution is a way of achieving targeted pollution control. Focusing regional pollution reduction targets on industrial production processes with reduction emission potential is an effective way to achieve targeted control. We established a source-processing-end (S–P-E) coordinated model—SPECM—by collaboratively considering the whole-process of raw material-processing-end-of-pipe (EOP) chains and applied the model to the setting of medium- and long-term pollution control targets and selection of reduction options for various industries in Lanzhou, China. The results indicated that (1) chemical manufacturing-related industries are the key potential volatile organic compound (VOC) emission reduction industries in Lanzhou, accounting for approximately 89% of the total emission reduction potential; (2) metal furniture manufacturing and paper-making industries should strengthen processing optimization while also giving attention to material substitution; and (3) printing-related industries need collaborative control of their whole-process, especially material substitution enhancement. The SPECM method focuses on the reduction in industrial processes and proposes reduction options under different reduction targets. This new collaborative control method could facilitate the design of coordinated control schemes across industries under industrial emission reduction targets. Overall, our results could provide new ideas and guidance for the refined management of regional industrial pollution. [Display omitted] • Emission reduction focuses on production process improves the reduction targeting. • Collaborative control helps to design coordinated cross-industry control strategies. • VOC control in chemical manufacturing-related industries is urgent in Lanzhou. • Metal furniture manufacturing and paper industries should enhance process reduction. • Source reduction contributes greatly to VOC reduction in printing industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the future, customer value will be achieved not only through the realization of a product or a service but also through socially and environmentally responsible and economically efficient manufacturing processes encouraging positive effects for society. Distributed Manufacturing Systems (DMS) are currently discussed in science as a possible approach for sustainable manufacturing. This approach consists largely of the use of decentralized, adaptable and flexible mini-factories. Such production units, organized in networks, allow production-on-demand and therefore the reduction of transport and emissions. In addition, they support the growth and development of regional economic cycles. This paper proposes an increased application of DMS in emerging markets to achieve sustainable production. First, actual challenges of production in emerging markets with a special focus on sustainability are described. In a literature review, the actual state of the art in sustainable manufacturing and distributed manufacturing is presented. Second, the concept of DMS is explained, describing reasons for a trend toward distributed manufacturing. In the next section, the effect of DMS on sustainability in production in emerging markets is analyzed based on the traditional dimensions of sustainability. The paper closes with a critical discussion of DMS and an outlook on future needs in research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]