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This paper seeks to optimise fleet management for companies that utilise both internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and electric vehicles by considering various costs, including fixed costs, variable costs, time window penalty costs, fuel costs, and electricity consumption costs. Additionally, the study examines the influence of four types of regulations, i.e. carbon cap, carbon tax, carbon trading, and carbon offsetting, on carbon emissions and fleet configuration. The optimisation model was solved using a Clarke-Wright savings heuristic algorithm followed by an improved adaptive genetic algorithm (IAGA), and a sensitivity analysis was conducted under different regulatory policies. The results show that all four types of regulations can effectively reduce fleet emissions. While carbon prices have a greater impact on carbon regulations than carbon quota, carbon trading was more effective under similar circumstances. Therefore, governments should implement appropriate regulatory strategies to reduce energy consumption and encourage enterprises to reduce their emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) for CH4 production presents a promising strategy to address carbon neutrality, and the incorporation of a second metal has been proven effective in enhancing catalyst performance. Nevertheless, there remains limited comprehension regarding the fundamental factors responsible for the improved performance. Herein, the critical role of Pd in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to CH4 on Cu-based catalysts has been revealed at a molecular level using in situ surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A "borrowing" SERS strategy has been developed by depositing Cu–Pd overlayers on plasmonic Au nanoparticles to achieve the in situ monitoring of the dynamic change of the intermediate during CO2RR. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that Pd incorporation significantly enhances selectivity toward CH4 production, and the Faradaic efficiency (FE) of CH4 is more than two times higher than that for the catalysts without Pd. The key intermediates, including *CO2−, *CO, and *OH, have been directly identified under CO2RR conditions, and their evolution with the electrochemical environments has been determined. It is found that Pd incorporation promotes the activation of both CO2 and H2O molecules and accelerates the formation of abundant active *CO and hydrogen species, thus enhancing the CH4 selectivity. This work offers fundamental insights into the understanding of the molecular mechanism of CO2RR and opens up possibilities for designing more efficient electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper studies the optimal vehicle fleet planning and collaboration problem for a fuel vehicle (FV) transport service provider, a commercial electric vehicle (CEV) transport service provider, and a carbon emission treatment agency under carbon neutrality. The FV transport service provider pays a fixed fee or a portion of its sales revenue to a carbon emission treatment agency in exchange for technology to reduce its carbon emissions, and it can adopt three strategies (i.e., no emission reduction, purchasing technology for emission reduction, and entrusting a carbon emission treatment agency). We derive each party's optimal fleet size, price, and profit in the three scenarios. Our results suggest that carbon emission reduction strategies may improve the market performance of the FV transport service provider. Then, we find no certain strategy is always preferable to another: the optimal cooperation strategy between the transport service provider and carbon emission treatment agency depends on the fixed technology fee, ratio of revenue sharing, government penalty, the transport service market potential, and consumer green preference, as well as the cost per CEV. This paper gives the transport service provider and carbon emission treatment agency a full picture of whether, when, and how to collaborate in green commerce. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals is a fundamental requirement for advancing high-quality development in China. Carbon emission efficiency (CEE) indicates the proportion of optimal emissions to actual emissions in the production system, providing a basis for reasonable carbon emission reductions. To facilitate the realisation of China's goals, this paper analyses CEE and the carbon emission reduction potential in China from 2001 to 2020. Considering the heterogeneity of both regions and industries, this paper proposes a three-hierarchy meta-frontier directional distance function (DDF) method to measure CEE under convex and non-convex assumptions of production possibility set (PPS). The empirical results show that the assumption of convex or non-convex axiom on the innermost PPS has a great impact on efficiency distribution, and the distribution of technology gap rate (TGR) is more affected by the selection of convex or non-convex assumption compared with the distribution of CEE. Currently, China's carbon emission efficiency remains low, mostly due to management inefficiency. The primary industry has more advanced emission reduction technologies than the other two industries. The eastern region has a large potential for carbon emission reduction because of its high carbon emission base, despite its high efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the carbon trading mechanism, carbon asset has become an important resource and new production factor for enterprises, and are one of the key factors for production operations. As an emerging mortgage-loan model, carbon asset pledge financing (CAPF) can not only revitalize the carbon assets, but also address insufficient capital for enterprises. For carbon emission-dependent engineering machinery enterprises, this paper examines the impacts of CAPF on the performances of an emission-dependent and capital-constrained remanufacturer. Based on the benchmark without financing, the pure carbon asset pledge financing (PCAPF) strategy and the hybrid carbon asset pledge financing (HCAPF) strategy, are explored. The results show that: (i) Whether the remanufacturer chooses CAPF depends on initial capital, only when its initial capital is below a threshold, it can benefit from the CAPF loan. (ii) The choice of PCAPF and HCAPF for a remanufacturer depends on the quantity of carbon assets, compared with no capital constraint, the PCAPF and HCAPF are all conducive to increasing the quantity of remanufactured products and reducing carbon emissions. (iii) The HCAPF always has a higher contribution rate to the remanufactured quantity and consumer surplus than PCAPF, while the former strategy contributes less than the latter in terms of reducing carbon emission and gaining profit. (iv) Due to the relatively high interest, the HCAPF strategy can realize higher environmental performances and consumer welfare than the strategy of PCAPF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This special issue of the International Journal of Production Research, focuses on the 'Carbon Neutrality' and 'SCM'. Nine articles have been selected for this special issue, and they cover various aspects to understand the manifestation of 'Carbon Neutrality' in supply chains, and to further illuminate how to achieve 'Carbon Neutrality' with supply chain innovation. This editorial provides a brief overview of the research domain, then introduces each article in the context of the state-of-the-art and highlights the contributions of selected papers to the field. Finally, the research perspectives are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon neutrality and resilience are two of important goals pursued by supply chains today. This study seeks to determine how carbon footprint reduction (CFR) can be achieved in a resilient supply chain from a process integration perspective. Based on contingency theory, we employed the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) approach to examine the critical influencing factors of process integration using evaluations from academic and professional experts. Our findings reveal that, first, at the strategic level, supply chain collaboration (SCC) and supply chain agility and responsiveness (SCAR) have the highest contributions to process integration. Second, process and control risks have the highest contributions in supply chain risk management; herein, collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR) holds the highest contribution in the SCC, visibility and velocity have the highest contributions in the SCAR, and supply chain efficiency holds the highest contribution in supply chain flexibility (SCF). Finally, CPFR has a significant influence on both supplier and customer engagement, with supply chain intelligence influencing customer engagement in the SCC. Both the standardisation and parallel processes influence supplier spending in the SCF. These findings provide a new conceptual framework for empirical research and an action plan for supply chains to pursue carbon neutrality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries are devoting considerable efforts to replace fossil energy with renewable energy to achieve 'Carbon Neutrality'. Straw-based bioenergy is considered as a potential substitute of fossil energy. This paper investigates the government regulations (i.e. penalty and subsidy policy) for a straw-based bioenergy supply chain consisting of power plants and farmers, in which the three parties are of bounded rationality. We develop a three-party evolutionary game model and obtain the evolutionary stable strategies of the three parties. We establish the dynamic penalty model and show that the dynamic penalty policy can encourage power plants to use bioenergy and farmers to collect bioenergy than the existing static penalty policy. Our results further demonstrate if the proportion of the farmers choosing the 'Collecting bioenergy' strategy is low, the government should choose the 'Penalizing the farmer' strategy; otherwise, the government should choose the 'Penalizing the power plant' strategy. We also extend our model to the government's subsidy policy and compare it with the penalty policy. Specially, when the proportion of the power plants (farmers) using (collecting) bioenergy is high, if the government's subsidies are lower than penalties, the government should choose the subsidy policy; otherwise, the government should choose the penalty policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strengthening carbon regulations and competitive pressures are forcing supply chains to provide environmental (e-) products to replace traditional (t-) products. However, cap-and-trade policy allows manufacturers, the main carbon emission emitters, to trade their emission permits freely. Considering manufacturers' power and key role in producing and carbon trading, we develop a duopoly model consisting of two competing manufacturers. Despite asymmetrical carbon emission reduction efficiencies, the two manufacturers can independently and simultaneously decide their respective t-/e-products outputs, emission reduction levels, and permits trade quotas. The unique Nash equilibrium is derived with the overall cap. We find that the low-cost manufacturer uses its cost advantage to invest more in emission reduction, then sells the excess emission permits to its rival, but makes its rival more competitive in product market. Interestingly, our results show that cap-and-trade policy triggers an industry collusion in which manufacturers reduce competition and improve the power and profits by reducing overall output and adopting differentiated product strategy. Furthermore, the cost advantage and high product substitution can accelerate low-cost manufacturer's transformation but hinder high-cost manufacturers. The impacts of cap-and-trade policy on consumer surplus and social welfare are also discussed to provide guidance for policy makers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrocatalytic carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction to valuable chemical compounds is a sustainable technology with enormous potential to facilitate carbon neutrality by transforming intermittent energy sources into stable fuels. Among various electrocatalysts, metal--organic frameworks (MOFs) have garnered increasing attention for the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) owing to their structural diversity, large surface area, high porosity and tunable chemical properties. Ligands play a vital role in MOFs, which can regulate the electronic structure and chemical environment of metal centers of MOFs, thereby influencing the activity and selectivity of products. This feature article discusses the strategies for the rational design of ligands and their impact on the CO2RR performance of MOFs to establish a structure--performance relationship. Finally, critical challenges and potential opportunities for MOFs with different ligand types in the CO2RR are mentioned with the aim to inspire the targeted design of advanced MOF catalysts in the future to achieve efficient electrocatalytic CO2 conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Societal Impact Statement Summary Free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiments provide essential data on forest responses to increasing atmospheric CO2 for evaluations of climate change impacts on humanity. Understanding and reducing the uncertainty in the experimental results is critical to ensure scientific and public confidence in the models and policy initiatives that derive therefrom. One source of uncertainty is the estimation of tree biomass using mathematical relationships between biomass and easily obtained and non‐destructive measurements (allometry). We evaluated the robustness of the allometric relationships established at the beginning of a FACE experiment and discuss the challenges and opportunities for the new generation of FACE experiments. Long‐term field experiments to elucidate forest responses to rising atmospheric CO2 concentration require allometric equations to estimate tree biomass from non‐destructive measurements of tree size. We analyzed whether the allometric equations established at the beginning of a free‐air CO2 enrichment (FACE) experiment in a Liquidambar styraciflua plantation were still valid at the end of the 12 year experiment. Aboveground woody biomass was initially predicted by an equation that included bole diameter, taper, and height, assuming that including taper and height as predictors would accommodate changes in tree structure that might occur over time and in response to elevated CO2. At the conclusion of the FACE experiment, we harvested 23 trees, measured dimensions and dry mass of boles and branches, and extracted and measured the woody root mass of 10 trees. Although 10 of the harvested trees were larger than the trees used to establish the allometric relationship, measured aboveground woody biomass was well predicted by the original allometry. The initial linear equation between bole basal area and woody root biomass underestimated final root biomass by 28%, but root biomass was just 21% of total wood mass, and errors in aboveground and belowground estimates were offsetting. The allometry established at the beginning of the experiment provided valid predictions of tree biomass throughout the experiment. New allometric approaches using terrestrial laser scanning should reduce an important source of uncertainty in decade‐long forest experiments and in assessments of centuries‐long forest biomass accretion used in evaluating carbon offsets and climate mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the carbon emissions trading pilot policy in China, this paper takes Chinese A‐share listed companies from 2012 to 2020 as a sample, and analyzes the role of company's cost transfer capability (ECTC) in the mechanism of market‐incentivized environmental regulation policy (MERP) influencing company green transformation. This paper finds the following four primary results. First, ECTC significantly strengthens the green transformation driving effect of MERP in general. However, results based on the division of ECTC by percentiles show that MERP‐induced green transformation is more pronounced in the top 25% of companies, which distinguishes them from companies in the top 25%–50%, whose cost transfer capacity hampers MERP's contribution to the green transformation. Second, the level of regional economic development, emission regulation, and business reputation have heterogeneous influences on the moderating effect of ECTC. Third, the results based on the moderated mediation model show that ECTC can influence the green transition driving effect of MERP by moderating the two paths of risk‐taking ability and financing constraints of companies. Finally, there is a diffusion effect on the green transformation driven by MERP through cost transfer among companies in non‐pilot industries and non‐pilot regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide (N2O) decomposition is increasingly acknowledged as a viable strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and addressing ozone depletion, aligning significantly with the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs) and carbon neutrality objectives. To enhance efficiency in treatment and explore potential valorization, recent developments have introduced novel N2O reduction catalysts and pathways. Despite these advancements, a comprehensive and comparative review is absent. In this review, we undertake a thorough evaluation of N2O treatment technologies from a holistic perspective. First, we summarize and update the recent progress in thermal decomposition, direct catalytic decomposition (deN2O), and selective catalytic reduction of N2O. The scope extends to the catalytic activity of emerging catalysts, including nanostructured materials and single-atom catalysts. Furthermore, we present a detailed account of the mechanisms and applications of room-temperature techniques characterized by low energy consumption and sustainable merits, including photocatalytic and electrocatalytic N2O reduction. This article also underscores the extensive and effective utilization of N2O resources in chemical synthesis scenarios, providing potential avenues for future resource reuse. This review provides an accessible theoretical foundation and a panoramic vision for practical N2O emission controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To meet the ever-increasing demand for the continuous development of human society and carbon neutralization, biomass has been demonstrated to be a pluripotent and powerful alternative. Regardless of the low cost, natural abundance, renewability, and biodegradability of biomass, the role of its unique (bio)chemical features in contributing to the on-demand regulatable structure and widely applicable versatility of the products has sparked growing interest. Besides, sustainable production from biomass to smart materials is believed to be one of the key strategies to achieve the global goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. This review will focus on the green engineering of diverse biomass feedstocks for different applications, and the proposed outline is as follows: First, renewable biomass feedstocks of different hierarchies are introduced. Second, green preparations of biomass-derived materials are systematically categorized from the viewpoint of the structural orientation of the biomass, and the correlation between the biomass's structural features and the sustainability assessments of the preparation process is also discussed. Third, the applications in electrochemical energy storage, biomedical engineering, electronics, and sensing which feature their smart functionality were comprehensively summarized. Fourth, the advantages and the limitations of biomass-derived materials are qualitatively evaluated. Finally, future prospects and directions on the sustainable production of materials with smart functionality from biomass will be presented. We endeavor to offer comparative and balanced views, as well as insights into which biomass is particularly advantageous for specific intelligent applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review comprehensively evaluates the integration of solar-powered electrolytic hydrogen (H 2) production and captured carbon dioxide (CO 2) management for clean fuel production, considering all potential steps from H 2 production methods to CO 2 capture and separation processes. It is expected that the near future will cover CO 2 -capturing technologies integrated with solar-based H 2 production at a commercially viable level, and over 5 billion tons of CO 2 are expected to be utilized potentially for clean fuel production worldwide in 2050 to achieve carbon-neutral levels. The H 2 production out of hydrocarbon-based processes using fossil fuels emits greenhouse gas emissions of 17-38 kg CO 2 /kg H 2. On the other hand,. renewable energy based green hydrogen production emits less than 2 kg CO 2 /kg H 2 which makes it really clean and appealing for implementation. In addition, capturing CO2 and using for synthesizing alternative fuels with green hydrogen will help generate clean fuels for smart cities. In this regard, the most sustainable and promising CO 2 capturing method is post-combustion with an adsorption-separation-desorption processes using monoethanolamine adsorbent with high CO 2 removal efficiencies from flue gases. Consequently, this review article provides perspectives on the potential of integrating CO 2 -capturing technologies and renewable energy-based H 2 production systems for clean production to create sustainable cities and communities. [Display omitted] • Carbon capture-storage and H 2 production technologies are comprehensively reviewed. • Clean fuel production technologies from captured CO 2 and produced H 2 are evaluated. • Renewable-powered integrated systems for clean fuel production are proposed. • Solar-powered H 2 production from water is a promising solution in integrated systems. • Promising carbon management and green energy support sustainable cities and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen is an important energy source for achieving energy transition and carbon neutrality. Underground salt caverns are ideal for large-scale and long-term underground hydrogen storage (UHS). The hydrogen diffusivity in the rock of a salt cavern gas storage is an important parameter for evaluating the hydrogen tightness of UHS. In this study, hydrogen diffusivity was investigated and the effects of the rock microstructure in a UHS on hydrogen diffusivity were analyzed by using experiments and numerical modeling. Core samples were drilled from the Chuzhou Salt Cavern Gas Storage in the Huai'an salt mine and tested for hydrogen diffusivity using a newly developed setup. A core hydrogen diffusion coefficient model was constructed using the time-domain diffusion method to examine the effects of the complex microstructure and mineral distribution of salt rocks and mudstones. The results indicated the following: (1) the diffusion coefficient of the interlayer mudstone were approximately two orders of magnitude larger than those of salt rocks, and the mudstone showed obvious bidisperse diffusion behavior; (2) high temperature and pressure facilitated hydrogen diffusivity in the cores; (3) the diffusion coefficient of mineral particles was of the order of 10−11 m2/s, which was significantly lower than that of core samples; (4) microscale modeling of hydrogen diffusion using the digital rock method revealed that the discrete microfractures and pores in the cores contributed considerably to the hydrogen diffusion process in tight rocks. • Hydrogen diffusivity of rocks in a salt cavern was analyzed via experimental and numerical modeling. • Diffusion coefficient of salt rock cores was lower than that of interlayer mudstones. • Diffusion coefficient of core plugs was significantly larger than that of particles. • Microcracks and pores considerably contributed to the hydrogen diffusivity of tight rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of China's carbon emission trading (CET) framework on the green development of the construction sector, a topic that has been underexplored. Utilizing annual data from 107 publicly listed construction companies from 2007 to 2022, we apply green total factor productivity (GTFP) as a metric for green development. Our findings reveal that GTFP increased by 0.36 during this period. Using the Difference-in-Differences (DID) methodology, we account for factors such as market dimensions, ownership structure, financial stability, geographical location, and state financial aid. The interaction term coefficient in our model is 0.0089, significant at the 1% level, indicating that CET implementation has significantly improved GTFP in construction enterprises. Heterogeneity analysis further shows that the CET's impact is more pronounced in large-scale, state-owned, highly indebted enterprises, those located in the eastern region, and those receiving government subsidies, with coefficients of 0.112, 0.0108, 0.0092, 0.0133, and 0.0099, respectively, all significant at the 1% level. These results underscore the importance of unified market development and tailored governance strategies. The study concludes with policy recommendations and calls for further research to explore CET's nuanced impacts across different sectors and regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Chinese government has introduced a carbon neutral policy to cope with the rapid changes in the global climate. It is not clear what impact this policy will have on wildlife. Therefore, this study analyzed the suitable habitat distribution of China's unique leopard subspecies in northern Shaanxi, and simulated the potential suitable habitat distribution under different carbon emission scenarios at two time points of future carbon peak and carbon neutralization. We found that in the future SSPs 126 scenario, the suitable habitat area and the number of suitable habitat patches of North China leopard will continue to increase. With the increase of carbon emissions, it is expected that the suitable habitat of North China leopard will continue to be fragmented and shifted. When the annual average temperature is lower than 8 °C, the precipitation seasonality is 80–90 mm and the precipitation of the warmest quarter is greater than 260 mm, the probability of occurrence of North China leopard is higher. The increase in carbon emissions will lead to the reduction, migration, and fragmentation of the suitable habitat distribution of the North China leopard. Carbon neutrality policies can protect suitable wild habitats. In the future, the impact of carbon neutrality policies on future wildlife habitat protection should be carried out in depth to effectively promote the construction of wildlife protection projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facing increasingly pressing environmental issues, driving green transformation through innovation has become a necessary path for the future development of companies. Empirical analysis based on the sample of listed companies in the transportation sector in China from 2011 to 2021 reveals that digital transformation in transportation companies can promote green innovation. Furthermore, the impact of digital transformation on green innovation is sustained, with the lagged effect of digital transformation having a greater influence on green innovation than the current effect. The study also discovers the presence of a mediating effect of financing constraints between digital transformation and green innovation. Further research, using the promulgation of the Digital Transportation Development Plan Outline in 2017 as a quasi-natural experiment, employs the difference-in-differences method to verify the impact of the policy on green innovation in transportation companies before and after its implementation. The results demonstrate the introduction of digital policies contributes to promoting green innovation in companies. Economic consequences research suggests that green innovation can effectively reduce carbon emissions intensity. With the goal of the "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality" strategy, actively promoting the integration of digitalization and green innovation is crucial for enhancing the sustainable development of transportation companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A risk-aware scheduling method of multienergy virtual power plant (MEVPP) is proposed to measure the uncertainty in MEVPP. First, a novel day-ahead uncertainty scenario generation method based on denoising diffusion probabilistic model is proposed, and historical data are employed to learn the error relationship between real power curves and predict power curves. The probability distribution of the prediction error which describes the day-ahead output power curve of renewable energy source is learned by parameter training. Subsequently, the effect of risk aversion on decision-making is investigated by implementing conditional value-at-risk in the optimization model, MEVPP operation mode under the carbon trading and green certificate trading mechanism is analyzed. Finally, the proposed scheme is implemented on a test MEVPP with carbon trading, and green certificate trading is addressed in detail through a numerical study. Moreover, the effects of the operator's risk-averse behavior on the MEVPP are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under the background of "carbon peak and carbon neutrality", the interconnection of multiple regional integrated energy systems has become an important way to coordinate multiple energy sources and save energy and reduce emissions. This paper proposes a low-carbon economic dispatch model for multi-regional integrated energy systems considering the joint demand response mechanism; first, the concept and model of joint demand response are proposed, and on this basis, the energy conversion model between multiple energy forms in the multi-regional integrated energy system is studied; secondly, green certificate trading and carbon trading mechanisms are introduced, and green certificate trading and carbon trading are combined through the green certificate emission reduction mechanism; finally, a low-carbon economic dispatch model is proposed with the goal of minimizing the sum of system energy purchase cost, green certificate trading cost, carbon trading cost and joint demand response compensation cost. The example results show that the introduction of joint demand response mechanism and green certificatecarbon trading mechanism in the multi-regional integrated energy system reduces the total system cost and carbon emissions by 14.03% and 26.04% respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Implementing large-scale carbon sink afforestation may contribute to carbon neutrality targets and increase the economic benefits of forests in rural areas. However, how to manage planted forests in China to maximize the joint benefits of timber production and carbon sequestration is still unclear. Therefore, the present study quantified the effects of different rotation lengths, thinning treatments, site quality (SCI), stand density (SDI), and management costs on the joint benefits of carbon sequestration and timber production based on a stand-level model system developed for larch plantations in northeast China. Results: The performances of the different scenarios on carbon stocks were satisfactory, where the variations in the outcomes of final carbon stocks could be explained by up to 90%. The joint benefits increased significantly with the increases of SDIs and SCIs, regardless of which rotation length and thinning treatments were evaluated. Early thinning treatments decreased the joint benefits significantly by approximately 131.53% and 32.16% of middle- and higher-SDIs, however longer rotations (60 years) could enlarge it by approximately 71.39% and 80.27% in scenarios with and without thinning when compared with a shorter rotation length (40 years). Discount rates and timber prices were the two most important variables affecting joint benefits, while the effects of carbon prices were not as significant as expected in the current trading market in China. Conclusions: The management plans that promote longer rotations, higher stand densities, and no thinning treatments can maximize the joint benefits of carbon sequestration afforestation and timber production from larch plantations located in northeast China. Highlights: A compatible model of stand volume and carbon for larch plantations was developed. Thinning decreased the joint benefits of higher SDIs, but longer rotations enlarged it. Discount rates and timber prices predominated the joint benefits. The effects of carbon prices on the joint benefits were unconspicuous. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the theoretical mechanism by which urbanization and consumption structure upgrading exert an impact on carbon emissions in the context of promoting higher quality and efficiency in urbanization, advancing the transition and upgrading of consumption structure, and achieving carbon peaking and carbon neutrality (“dual carbon”) goals. By establishing an extended STIRPAT model and an intermediary model, this paper takes nine prefecture-level cities in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2021 as samples to investigate the effects of urbanization and consumption structure upgrading on carbon emission reduction in Fujian Province, revealing the interrelationship and transmission mechanism among the three. The results of this study show that: (i) The relationship between urbanization and carbon emissions in Fujian Province from 2011 to 2021 shows an inverted U-shaped curve, i.e. urbanization accelerated carbon emissions in the early stage and inhibited carbon emissions in the later stage; (ii) the regional heterogeneity analysis shows that under the current urbanization background, the upgrading of consumption structure in western and southern Fujian can significantly reduce carbon emissions, while the relationship between consumption structure upgrading and carbon emission reduction in eastern Fujian is not significant; (iii) the upgrading of consumption structure can help achieve and promote carbon emission reduction through increasing the proportions of the tertiary industry and immaterial consumption and enhancing the level of culture and education, while exerting little effect on carbon emission reduction through consumption in transportation, communication and health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable energy sources have been recognized as a viable alternative to fossil fuels. Among them, lignocellulosic biomass has emerged as a promising option for producing valuable bio-products, especially employing residual or waste material due to its consistency, reliability, local availability, and carbon neutrality. However, its efficient utilization is limited by the recalcitrance of cell walls, mainly caused by two chemical compounds, hemicellulose and lignin, reducing the accessibility to cellulose. Consequently, the hemicellulose and/or lignin in the cell wall need to be removed or rearranged to increase the accessibility to cellulose through the pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass. Among the different pretreatments, oxidative processes efficiently enhance the digestibility of cellulose in lignocellulosic biomass, breaking down the complex structure of lignocellulosic biomass and making it more accessible for subsequent enzymatic or microbial degradation. Moreover, oxidative processes improve the reaction kinetics, are versatile in treating a wide range of lignocellulosic feedstocks, and reduce the generation of waste products. Therefore, this review aims to provide a detailed overview of the properties and composition of lignocellulosic biomass, its potential, and a comprehensive analysis of oxidative pretreatments, their advancements and recently developed innovative technologies. Furthermore, the application and economic feasibility of utilizing lignocellulosic biomass and the key obstacles hindering its widespread adoption are highlighted in this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to support a low-carbon economy and manage market competition, location–inventory–routing logistics management must play a crucial role to minimize carbon emissions while maximizing customer satisfaction. This paper proposes a bi-objective mixed-integer nonlinear programming model with time window constraints that satisfies the normal distribution of stochastic customer demand. The proposed model aims to find Pareto optimal solutions for total cost minimization and customer satisfaction maximization. An improved non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (IMNSGA-II) with an elite strategy is developed to solve the model. The model considers cost factors, ensuring that out-of-stock inventory is not allowed. Factors such as a carbon trading mechanism and random variables to address customer needs are also included. An entropy weight method is used to derive the total cost, which is comprised of fixed costs, transportation costs, inventory costs, punishment costs, and the weight of carbon emissions costs. The IMNSGA-II produces the Pareto optimal solution set, and an entropy–TOPSIS method is used to generate an objective ranking of the solution set for decision-makers. Additionally, a sensitivity analysis is performed to evaluate the influence of carbon pricing on carbon emissions and customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) stands as one of the effective means to reduce carbon emissions and serves as a crucial technical pillar for achieving experimental carbon neutrality. CO2-enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) represents the foremost method for CO2 utilization. CO2-EOR represents a favorable technical means of efficiently developing extra-low-permeability reservoirs. Nevertheless, the process known as the direct injection of CO2 is highly susceptible to gas scrambling, which reduces the exposure time and contact area between CO2 and the extra-low-permeability oil matrix, making it challenging to utilize CO2 molecular diffusion effectively. In this paper, a comprehensive study involving the application of a CO2 nanobubble system in extra-low-permeability reservoirs is presented. A modified nano-SiO2 particle with pro-CO2 properties was designed using the Pickering emulsion template method and employed as a CO2 nanobubble stabilizer. The suitability of the CO2 nanobubbles for use in extra-low-permeability reservoirs was evaluated in terms of their temperature resistance, oil resistance, dimensional stability, interfacial properties, and wetting-reversal properties. The enhanced oil recovery (EOR) effect of the CO2 nanobubble system was evaluated through core experiments. The results indicate that the CO2 nanobubble system can suppress the phenomena of channeling and gravity overlap in the formation. Additionally, the system can alter the wettability, thereby improving interfacial activity. Furthermore, the system can reduce the interfacial tension, thus expanding the wave efficiency of the repellent phase fluids. The system can also improve the ability of CO2 to displace the crude oil or water in the pore space. The CO2 nanobubble system can take advantage of its size and high mass transfer efficiency, among other advantages. Injection of the gas into the extra-low-permeability reservoir can be used to block high-gas-capacity channels. The injected gas is forced to enter the low-permeability layer or matrix, with the results of core simulation experiments indicating a recovery rate of 66.28%. Nanobubble technology, the subject of this paper, has significant practical implications for enhancing the efficiency of CO2-EOR and geologic sequestration, as well as providing an environmentally friendly method as part of larger CCUS-EOR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the energy efficiency of a novel double-glazing system incorporating solid–solid phase change materials (SSPCMs), which offer significant advantages over traditional liquid–solid phase change materials. The primary objective of this study is to develop a 3D numerical model using the finite volume method, which will be followed by a parametric study under real climatic boundary conditions. A proposed double-glazing setup featuring a 2 mm layer of SSPCM applied on the inner glass pane within the air gap is modeled and analyzed. The simulations consider various transient temperatures and ranges of the SSPCM to evaluate the energy performance of the system under different weather conditions of Miami, FL during the coldest and hottest days of the year, both in sunny and cloudy conditions. The results demonstrate a notable improvement in energy performance compared to standard double-glazing windows (DGWs), with the most efficient SSPCM configuration exhibiting a phase transition temperature and range of 25 °C and 1 °C, respectively. This configuration achieved energy savings of 24%, 26%, and 23% during summer sunny, winter sunny, and winter cloudy days, respectively, relative to DGWs during cooling and heating degree hours. However, a 3% energy loss was observed during summer cloudy days. Overall, the findings of this study have shown the potential for energy savings by incorporating SSPCM with suitable thermophysical properties into double-glazing systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As global climate change intensifies, nations around the world are implementing policies aimed at reducing emissions, with carbon-trading mechanisms emerging as a key market-based tool. China has launched carbon-trading markets in several cities, achieving significant trading volumes. Carbon-trading mechanisms encompass cap-and-trade markets and voluntary markets, influenced by various factors, including policy changes, economic conditions, energy prices, and climate fluctuations. The complexity of these factors, coupled with the nonlinear and non-stationary nature of carbon prices, makes forecasting a substantial challenge. This paper proposes a dynamic weight hybrid forecasting model based on a dual sliding window approach, effectively integrating multiple forecasting models such as LSTM, Random Forests, and LASSO. This model facilitates a thorough analysis of the influences of policy, market dynamics, technological advancements, and climatic conditions on carbon pricing. It serves as a potent tool for predicting carbon market price fluctuations and offers valuable decision support to stakeholders in the carbon market, ultimately aiding in the global efforts towards emission reduction and achieving sustainable development goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing renewable electricity for the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 into alcohols represents a promising avenue for generating value‐added fuels and achieving carbon neutrality. Recently, there has been growing scientific interest in achieving high‐efficiency conversion of CO2 to alcohols, with significant advancements made in mechanism understanding, reactor design, catalyst development, and more. Herein, a thorough examination of the latest advances in electrocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) to alcohols is provided. General mechanisms and pathways of electrocatalytic conversion of CO2‐to‐alcohols are systematically illustrated. Subsequently, electrolyzer configurations, electrolytes, and electrocatalysts employed in CO2RR are summarized. After that, critical operating parameters (e.g., reaction pressure, temperature, and pH) that would significantly influence the CO2RR process are also analyzed. Finally, the review addresses challenges and offers perspectives in this field to guide future studies aimed at advancing CO2‐to‐alcohols conversion technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel diphenyl monomer, dimethyl 2,2'-(((ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy))bis(4-acetyl-3,1-phenylene))bis(oxy))diacetate (EDPD), was synthesized from methyl 2-(4-acetyl-3-hydroxyphenoxy)acetate (MAHA), a 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenonederivative, and combined with 1,4-butanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol or p-phenylenedimethanolto afford a series of biodegradable polyesters via melt polymerization. The polyesters were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the polyesters varied from 3.2–4.4 × 104 g/mol, the glass transition temperature (Tg) from 52 to 80 °C, and the 5% decomposition temperature (Td,5%) was in the 334–362 °C range. All the samples exhibited high yield strength (53–68 MPa) and elongation at break (230–330%) values, comparable with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), owing to their aromatic character. Degradability testing of the polyesters in soil yielded mass losses reaching up to 7% after 32 weeks. In ecotoxicity testing, earthworms had a survival rate of more than 80% after 14 d of incubation, indicating relatively low toxicity. Overall, the good thermal and mechanical properties, biodegradability and low ecotoxicity of the polyesters make them promising materials for packaging applications, in replacement for PET, thereby promoting carbon neutrality and sustainable development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

City cluster is an effective platform for encouraging regionally coordinated development. Coordinated reduction of carbon emissions within city cluster via the spatial association network between cities can help coordinate the regional carbon emission management, realize sustainable development, and assist China in achieving the carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. This paper applies the improved gravity model and social network analysis (SNA) to the study of spatial correlation of carbon emissions in city clusters and analyzes the structural characteristics of the spatial correlation network of carbon emissions in the the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) city cluster in China and its influencing factors. The results demonstrate that: 1) the spatial association of carbon emissions in the YRD city cluster exhibits a typical and complex multi-threaded network structure. The network association number and density show an upward trend, indicating closer spatial association between cities, but their values remain generally low. Meanwhile, the network hierarchy and network efficiency show a downward trend but remain high. 2) The spatial association network of carbon emissions in the YRD city cluster shows an obvious 'core-edge' distribution pattern. The network is centered around Shanghai, Suzhou and Wuxi, all of which play the role of 'bridges', while cities such as Zhoushan, Ma'anshan, Tongling and other cities characterized by the remote location, single transportation mode or lower economic level are positioned at the edge of the network. 3) Geographic proximity, varying levels of economic development, different industrial structures, degrees of urbanization, levels of technological innovation, energy intensities and environmental regulation are important influencing factors on the spatial association of within the YRD city cluster. Finally, policy implications are provided from four aspects: government macro-control and market mechanism guidance, structural characteristics of the 'core-edge' network, reconfiguration and optimization of the spatial layout of the YRD city cluster, and the application of advanced technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decarbonizing the building sector to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) is a complex issue that poses significant challenges to the scientific community. In this context, the current paper aims to assess the viability of employing incinerated by-products as a sustainable mineral resource to produce sustainable geopolymers. To this end, the study focuses on the formulation of geopolymer binders using fly ash with various proportions (ranging from 0 % to 50 %) of metakaolin (MK), investigating their physico-mechanical, microstructural analysis as well as their sealing capacity. The results indicate that incorporating 30 % MK not only preserves good workability but also significantly improves mechanical strength, ensuring long-term durability by increasing bulk density and concurrently reducing water absorption and harmful porosity. Moreover, the results of the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) demonstrated that the released contaminants remained within the regulatory limits established by the USEPA. The geopolymer binder developed exhibited a significant reduction of 77.23 % and 57.92 % in terms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO 2 -e) emissions and energy demand compared to conventional cement. This study introduces a novel approach to promoting a circular economy within the building sector. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper constructs a unique dataset of clean energy and collects firm-level green innovation data that matches it with provinces and cities. Then, this paper executes quasi-natural experiments on green innovation to examine the effects of China's emission trading policy on green innovation. Further, this paper introduces the interactive terms of the pilot time and pilot area dummy variables into the spatial Durbin model (SDM) and spatial dynamic panel model (SDPM) to construct quasi-natural experiments to examine the spatial effect. The findings confirm a negative association between the 'policy treatment effect' and green innovation. The results also indicate a significant negative association between the emissions trading policy and clean energy. Besides, the empirical results reveal a positive correlation between clean energy and green innovation; clean energy promotes green innovation in the region and the surrounding areas. This paper complements existing research and provides empirical evidence and policy implications for developing clean energy, promoting green innovation, and improving the emission trading policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bioplastics appear as an alternative to fossil fuel-derived plastics because bioplastics are carbon neutral and often biodegradable, thus potentially solving the issues of plastic pollution and climate change. In particular, polylactic acid is a substitute for traditional petrochemical-based polymers. Here, we review polylactic acid production with focus on surface modification and integration of bioactive compounds. Surface can be modified by chemical treatment, photografting, surface entrapment, plasma treatment, and coating. Bioactive compounds can be incorporated by encapsulation, impregnation, melt blending, solvent casting, electrospinning, and in situ polymerization. Biomedical and packaging applications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A review dedicated to the state on compression high-temperature heat pump steam systems. • The refrigerant and compressor that can be used in compression high-temperature heat pump steam systems are reviewed. • Research trend and the main technical problems of compression high-temperature heat pump steam systems to be solved are proposed. • The progress in developing, manufacturing, and optimizing high-temperature, high-pressure ratio compressors is summarized. • The primary technique for lowering discharge temperature in water vapor compressors is indicated. Compression high-temperature heat pump steam system (HTHPSS) has higher energy efficiency than electric, coal-fired and gas boilers for steam production. The system efficiently recovers waste heat from the factory and the CO 2 emissions can be reduced depending on the driving electricity mix, which is in line with the carbon neutral energy saving and environmental protection development strategy. However, there are few reviews published in the existing literature that specifically address the status of research on HTHPSS. This work not only reviews the status of research on compression HTHPSS in two directions: increasing the efficiency of high-temperature heat pump (HTHP) and increasing the steam temperature, respectively, but also indicates the future development trend of HTHPSS. The key to the research of HTHP is the development of high-temperature refrigerant and high compression ratio compressors. In this work, the refrigerants that can be used in HTHP are reviewed. Natural refrigerants R718 show promise as HTHP refrigerants because they have zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), zero global warming potential (GWP) and a high critical temperature. In addition, the research status of high-temperature and high-pressure compressor with a focus on their design and strategies for reducing the discharge temperature of scroll, piston, and screw compressors. The future focus of research is to develop a high compression ratio for the compressor. Moreover, the three main water vapor compressors, centrifugal, Roots and screw compressors, are introduced respectively. Finally, according to the operational requirements of the compression HTHPSS, research trend and the technical problems to be solved are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for fossil fuels is rising rapidly, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising clean energy alternative that could help meet future demands way sustainably, especially if produced using renewable methods. For hydrogen to meaningfully contribute to energy transitions, it needs more integration into sectors like transportation, buildings, and power that currently have minimal hydrogen usage. This requires developing extensive cross-sector hydrogen infrastructure. This review examines hydrogen combustion as a fuel by exploring and comparing production techniques, enriching ammonia with hydrogen as a CO 2 -free option, and hydrogen applications in engines. Additionally, a techno-economic environmental risk analysis is discussed. Results showed steam methane reforming is the most established and cost-effective production method at $1.3–1.5/kg H 2 and 70–85% efficiency but generates CO 2. Biomass gasification costs $1.25–2.20/kg H 2 and pyrolysis $1.77–2.05/kg H 2 offering renewable options. However, bio-photolysis currently has high costs of $1.42–2.13/kg H 2 due to low conversion rates requiring large reactors. Blending H 2 /NH 3 could enable carbon-free combustion, aiding carbon neutrality pursuits, but minimizing resultant NOx is crucial. Hydrogen's wide uses from transportation to power underline its potential as a transformational energy carrier. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Countries around the world have recently accelerated the process of achieving carbon neutrality. The booming digital economy in the world, particularly in China, has become an important factor affecting the mode of economic development. Therefore, investigating the impact of digital economic development on carbon dioxide emissions in China could also help other countries reduce carbon dioxide emissions. It is imperative for China to accelerate the realization of the goal of carbon neutrality. This paper used China's provincial data, demonstrating the impact of digital economic development on China's carbon dioxide emissions through theoretical analysis and empirical measurement. The study found that digital economic development has primarily helped China reduce carbon dioxide emissions, through industrial upgrading and this effect had regional and temporal heterogeneity. The government should vigorously promote digital economic development to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global nuclear power is surging ahead in its quest for global carbon neutrality, eyeing an anticipated installed capacity of 436 GW for coastal nuclear power plants by 2040. As these plants operate, they emit substantial amounts of warm water into the ocean, known as thermal discharge, to regulate the temperature of their nuclear reactors. This discharge has the potential to elevate the temperature of the surrounding seawater, potentially influencing the marine ecosystem in the discharge vicinity. Therefore, our study area is on the Qinshan and Jinqimen Nuclear Power Plants in China, employing a blend of Landsat 8/9, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery to gather sea surface temperature (SST) data. In situ measurements validate the temperature data procured through remote sensing. Leveraging these SST observations alongside hydrodynamic and meteorological data from field measurements, we input them into the MIKE 3 model to prognosticate the three-dimensional (3D) spatial distribution and temperature elevation resulting from thermal discharge. The findings reveal that (1) satellite remote sensing can instantly acquire the horizontal distribution of thermal discharge, but with a spatial resolution much lower than that of UAV. The spatial resolution of UAV is higher, but the imaging efficiency of UAV is only 1/40,000 of that of satellite remote sensing. (2) Numerical simulation models can predict the 3D spatial distribution of thermal discharge. Although UAV and satellite remote sensing cannot directly obtain the 3D spatial distribution of thermal discharge, using remotely sensed SST as the temperature field input for the MIKE 3 model can reduce the quantity of measured temperature data and lower the cost of numerical simulation. (3) In the process of monitoring and predicting the thermal discharge of nuclear power plants, achieving an effective balance between monitoring accuracy and cost can be realized by comprehensively considering the advantages and costs of satellite, UAV, and numerical simulation technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional centralized optimization method encounters challenges in representing the interaction among multi-agents and cannot consider the interests of each agent. In traditional low-carbon scheduling, the fixed carbon quota trading price can easily cause arbitrage behavior of the trading subject, and the carbon reduction effect is poor. This paper proposes a two-layer dynamic community integrated energy system (CIES) low-carbon collaborative optimization operation method. Firstly, a multi-agent stage feedback carbon trading model is proposed, which calculates carbon trading costs in stages and introduces feedback factors to reduce carbon emissions indirectly. Secondly, a two-layer CIES low-carbon optimal scheduling model is constructed. The upper energy seller (ES) sets energy prices. The lower layer is the combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) system and load aggregator (LA), which is responsible for energy output and consumption. The energy supply and consumption are determined according to the ES energy price strategy, which reversely affects the energy quotation. Then, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm embedded with quadratic programming is utilized to solve the established scheduling model, which reduces the difficulty and improves the solving efficiency. Finally, the simulation results under the actual CIES example show that compared with the traditional centralized scheduling method, the total carbon emission of the proposed method is reduced by 16.34%, which can improve the income of each subject and make the energy supply lower carbon economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to elucidate the implications of carbon peak and carbon neutrality targets on corridor logistics, with a focus on the burgeoning high-speed rail express sector. Acknowledging carbon emissions taxation as an integral component of transportation costs, it examines the competitive dynamics among four cargo transport modes: high-speed rail (HSR), conventional rail, aviation, and road transport. Within a strategic game framework, carriers are analyzed based on freight rates, speed, safety, reliability, and convenience to assess their utility. A dynamic game model and a solution approach are developed, aiming to optimize freight-related variables, maximize carriers' generalized profits, and enhance shippers' utility. Empirical validation is provided through case studies in Xi'an and Lanzhou, northwest China, affirming the model's efficacy. The findings reveal the strong competitive edge of the high-speed rail express in the corridor, offering valuable insights for carrier pricing strategies, emission tax rate setting, and macro-policy adjustments in the transport sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The augmentation of transactional volume within carbon emissions trading systems (ETS) is widely acknowledged as an efficacious mechanism for ensuring the efficient distribution of resources and financial support to corporations, significantly influencing their financing limitations. Despite its relevance, this subject has garnered scant attention in scholarly discourse. This research utilizes a panel dataset comprising Chinese listed firms from 2009 to 2019, applying the difference-in-differences approach to examine the correlation between the magnitude of carbon emissions trading in regional ETS pilots and the evolution of financial constraints. Our analysis reveals that a 1% escalation in carbon transaction volume correlates with a 0.1885% reduction in the financial constraints encountered by companies. This phenomenon is particularly salient among smaller enterprises in the eastern provinces and second-tier urban centers, and those engaged in the primary and secondary sectors. Moreover, our principal results demonstrate resilience across various sensitivity analyses, encompassing common trend scrutiny and alternative methodologies like propensity score matching estimation. The research further delves into the underlying mechanisms by which carbon trading can mitigate a firm's fiscal pressures. Our examination identifies investment in intangible assets, improved carbon performance, and liquidity enhancement as key conduits. These findings carry substantial policy implications, advocating for governmental initiatives to bolster corporate engagement in ETS, thereby easing financial burdens while concurrently advancing environmental regulation and low-carbon transformation objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total factor productivity in the green economy is a major step forward in fostering robust growth in the economy. Urban green total factor productivity (GTFP) may be increased and carbon emissions decreased through the low-carbon transformation of the transportation sector. To analyze how the pilot policy of low-carbon transportation system construction affects urban GTFP, this study builds a DID model and a spatial Durbin model using panel data from 282 Chinese cities between 2006 and 2021. The findings show that low-carbon transportation systems boost urban GTFP. In addition, the mechanism test shows that low-carbon transportation development increases urban GTFP by optimizing urban industrial structure, expediting economic agglomeration, and encouraging technological innovation. Lastly, the geographical correlation test shows that GTFP is geographically associated and that spatial spillover reduces the impact of low-carbon transportation growth on GTFP. The findings affirm the need to vigorously promote low-carbon transportation systems to aid in the achievement of the carbon neutrality target. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The irrational application of chemical fertilizers in wheat cultivation not only threatens the agricultural ecosystem but also significantly contributes to carbon emissions, impeding the achievement of "carbon peaking" and "carbon neutrality" goals. The objective of this research is to assess the efficiency of chemical fertilizer use in wheat production across ten major wheat-producing provinces in China from 2004 to 2020. We employed a stochastic frontier production function to evaluate the technical efficiency of fertilizer use, determining feasible reduction levels. The Gini coefficient, kernel density estimation, and Markov chain analysis were further utilized to dissect the spatio-temporal dynamics of carbon emission reduction potential. Our findings provide a detailed analysis of the carbon emission reduction potential in wheat chemical fertilizer use across China's ten major wheat-producing provinces from 2004 to 2020. The average carbon emission reduction potential is significant, at 251.1 kg CE/hm2, with considerable variation observed among regions. The western region, in particular, stands out with the highest potential, reaching up to 336.51 kg CE/hm2, which is notably higher compared to the eastern (230.05 kg CE/hm2) and central regions (158.28 kg CE/hm2). The spatial distribution of this potential is uneven, and the disparities are progressively increasing, primarily due to inter-regional differences. Despite a general decline in carbon reduction potential, the spatial distribution remains relatively consistent. To foster sustainable wheat production, it is imperative to prioritize the western region for targeted chemical fertilizer carbon reduction initiatives. Attention must also be given to the issue of regional disparities in low-carbon wheat production. Enhancing the role of soil testing and fertilizer recommendations is essential to increase the effectiveness of carbon reduction efforts. Additionally, a multi-faceted approach that incorporates various alternative measures is necessary to drive further reductions in chemical fertilizer-related carbon emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently stated that a swift ecological transition in transport, energy, and construction is required to reach the global emission reduction target. Around 40% of global emissions come from residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, this study developed a green building adoption model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology, which encourages firms to implement these novel green building technologies. For this, a survey of 333 respondents from Pakistani construction firms was conducted, and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling approach was applied to validate the study's hypotheses. The findings showed that green building adoption provided invaluable insight by showing the strong associations between green building environmental concern, green building performance expectancy, green building effort expectancy, green building social influence, and green building innovation cost with green building behavioral intentions. Likewise, the findings also showed that green building behavioral intentions play a significant mediating role between the adoption of green buildings and its factors. The findings from this study suggest that intentions to engage in green building activities have a strong direct and mediating effect on green building adoption. Furthermore, the moderating effect of firm size demonstrated the significant differences between small, medium, and large firms size. Based on the study' findings, the green building adoption model provided novel insights for governments and concerned stakeholders, including construction firms, to adopt green buildings for carbon neutrality in this era of climate emergency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the face of climate change, it becomes crucial to motivate action and policies within water companies towards achieving carbon neutrality. Estimating the economic consequences of inaction can be a compelling catalyst for change. In this study, the carbon inefficiency and overuse of energy among a selection of English and Welsh water companies were assessed, along with their impact on the operational costs of producing and delivering drinking water over the period from 2010 to 2019. In doing so, a stochastic frontier analysis primal system was employed. The findings revealed that, on average, water companies exhibited a carbon inefficiency of 0.699. The overuse of energy relative to other inputs was estimated to be 71.4%. Consequently, water companies incurred a production cost increase of 0.089 £/m3. This research demonstrates that transitioning towards a low‐carbon urban water cycle is not merely an environmental beneficial endeavor; it also involves significant economic advantages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting the ESG concept is of great significance for the realization of the 'Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality' Goals and ESG has gradually become a comprehensive system for evaluating sustainable development. Based on the 2015 ESG ratings of SynTao Green Finance as a quasi-natural experiment and based on the panel data of China's A-share listed companies from 2010 to 2020, this study deeply explores the impact of ESG ratings on the continuous innovation ability of enterprises by constructing a multi-temporal double-difference model and a triple-difference model. The results show that ESG ratings can significantly enhance firms' continuous innovation ability, a conclusion supported by a series of robustness tests. The positive impact of ESG ratings is more prominent for firms with low market attention, state-owned enterprises, and firms with high digital transformation. The impact mechanism suggests that ESG ratings advance firms' ability to continuously innovate by increasing employment, improving employee income, and enhancing firm value. It is further found that ESG ratings are more effective in enhancing the continuous innovation ability of heavy polluters and capital – and technology-intensive firms than other firms. The findings of the study help to promote the sustainable development of enterprises and realize the synergy between ESG construction and high-quality development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To respond to the goal of "carbon peaking and carbon neutrality," reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry is urgent and necessary. A sound profit allocation based on carbon emission reduction is essential to promote low-carbon initiatives implementation by construction supply chain enterprises. In this paper, considering the potential impact of an effective emission reduction scheme (ETS), the Stackelberg game models are established to explore the carbon emission reduction decisions and profit allocation mechanism under decentralized, collaborative and centralized decision-making scenarios between developers and contractors. By conducting a comparative analysis, we obtained insights into the level of enterprises' carbon emission reduction effort, the profit allocation proportion and the impact of ETS. The main findings can be summarized as follows. (1) The proportion of carbon emission reduction profit allocation in the collaborative scenario is higher than that in the decentralized one. (2) For contractors, carbon emission reduction efforts are the highest in the centralized scenario, followed by the collaborative one. For developers, the carbon emission reduction effort is highest in the centralized scenario, but is followed by the decentralized one. When the carbon emission reduction effectiveness of the contractor is greater than a certain level (about 0.52), the carbon emission reduction volume in the collaborative scenario is larger than that in the decentralized scenario. (3) Total profits are most sensitive to carbon trading prices in the centralized scenario, followed by the collaborative scenario. This research provides valuable reference for the government and construction enterprises to promote carbon emission reduction initiatives and low-carbon development in the construction sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]