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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 June 2022) | Viewed by 33173

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Jinsoo Kim

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Guest Editor

Department of Earth Resources and Environmental Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
Interests: structural decomposition analysis; embodied carbon emission; feasibility study; externalities and environmental costs; economics of energy efficiency; rebound effects; multi-criteria decision-making

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Energy and carbon efficiency has played a vital role in cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and saving social costs. We are standing in the middle of the climate crisis, and it is evident that there is no sustainable future if we do not resolve it. The energy sector is responsible for more than 70% of global GHG emissions. Energy and carbon efficiency improvements are thus not a matter of choice: their realization is our duty.

Also, energy and carbon efficiency could be a hidden fuel, or perhaps the first fuel, in itself, as the International Energy Agency (IEA) remarked. Improvements of energy and carbon efficiency would positively impact many areas: energy savings, GHG emissions, energy and carbon prices, macro-economics, productivity, air pollution, poverty alleviation, and so on. Therefore, it is not surprising that a good amount of scholarly literature on energy and carbon efficiency is available.

This Special Issue of Sustainability aims to highlight new opportunities and challenges for a sustainable future related to the enhancement of energy and carbon efficiency and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. A systematic assessment of the broader impacts of energy and carbon efficiency on economics, policies, and management will be presented. We welcome papers on:

Energy efficiency/carbon efficiency for sustainable economic growth;
Assessing national energy efficiency/carbon efficiency;
The role of energy and carbon efficiency for the Sustainable Development Goals;
Energy and carbon efficiency in the transport sector;
Policies for energy and carbon efficiency improvements;
Embodied carbon emissions, life-cycle carbon emissions;
Energy and carbon efficiency in energy transitions;
Decision-making issues in energy and carbon efficiency investments;
Costs and benefits of energy and carbon efficiency improvements;
Behavioral economics of carbon and energy efficiency, including rebound effects.

Prof. Dr. Jinsoo Kim
Guest Editor

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Keywords

Energy efficiency
Carbon efficiency
Sustainable development
Energy saving
Greenhouse gas emissions
Energy policy
Economic growth

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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9 pages, 240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

To What Extent Does Environmental Regulation Influence Emission Reduction? Evidence from Local and Neighboring Locations in China

by Jing Song, Mengyuan Li, Shaosong Wang and Tao Ye

Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9714; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159714 - 7 Aug 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1795

Abstract

Setting environmental regulation policy is an important practice to reach the goal of ecological environmental protection. By establishing fixed effects and spatial spillover models, this paper examines the relationship between the environmental regulation of carbon emissions and the impact on spatial spillovers. The results of our analysis show that: 1. environmental regulation has significant inhibitory effects on carbon emissions, which is beneficial to carbon dioxide emission reduction, and 2. environmental regulation has a significant inhibitory impact on local carbon emissions but increases carbon emissions in neighboring locations. Therefore, in order to achieve the aim of carbon emission reduction, appropriate environmental regulation policies should be established, which, in turn, would provide better coordination of the carbon emission relationship between different regions. Meanwhile, environmental regulation plays an important role in protecting the environment. To strengthen environmental governance and promote the coordinated development of regional carbon emission reduction, we need to implement a top-level design of environmental regulation and build a market-oriented environmental regulation system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

21 pages, 3767 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Climate Change-Greenhouse Gas Emissions Analysis and Forecast in Romania

by Georgiana Moiceanu and Mirela Nicoleta Dinca

Sustainability 2021, 13(21), 12186; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132112186 - 4 Nov 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4824

Abstract

Greenhouse gases (GHG), such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and other gases, are considered to be the main cause of global climate change, and this problem has received significant global attention. Carbon dioxide has been considered the most significant gas contributing to global climate change. Our paper presents an analysis of the greenhouse gas emissions in Romania along with a forecast for the years to come. For the study, data from the National Institute of Statistics and Eurostat were gathered and used for the analysis in order to present the results. To obtain the results, the data gathered were analyzed using forecasting methods that can be of help in solving some uncertainties that surround the future. The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions trends in Romania were analyzed both for linear and exponential function methods. The obtained results showed that the linear function analysis of total GHG emissions in Romania had a forecast accuracy higher than the exponential function method. From the analytical methods used we can draw the conclusion that the emissions are on a descending scale and choosing a proper method is important in analyzing data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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35 pages, 3476 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Renewable Energy Sources in Dynamics of Energy-Related GHG Emissions in the Baltic States

by Vaclovas Miškinis, Arvydas Galinis, Inga Konstantinavičiūtė, Vidas Lekavičius and Eimantas Neniškis

Sustainability 2021, 13(18), 10215; https://doi.org/10.3390/su131810215 - 13 Sep 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3020

Abstract

The deployment of renewable energy sources (RES) is an essential strategic objective of sustainable energy development in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Their growing contribution to the total primary energy supply can significantly facilitate the transition to a low-carbon economy. The paper provides findings from an in-depth comparative analysis of RES deployment trends during 2010–2019 in the Baltic countries in the context of energy policy documents of the European Union (EU). The dynamics of targeted RES indicators according to the Renewables Directive 2009/28/EC and National Programmes and the role of renewable energies in mitigating climate change are analysed. A key role of the heating and cooling sector in deploying RES is highlighted and a necessity to implement radical changes in the transport sector of the Baltic countries is revealed. The paper examines changes in energy-related greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and the impact of driving factors in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and other countries of the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). The Kaya identity and the logarithmic mean Divisia index (LMDI) method are used for the decomposition analysis. Based on the analysis conducted, the impact of population change, economic growth, decline of energy intensity, RES deployment and reduction of emission intensity on change of GHG emissions in countries of the BSR and, on average, in the EU-27 during 2010–2019 is revealed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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24 pages, 2526 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Information Disclosure, Coal Withdrawal and Carbon Emissions Reductions: A Policy Test Based on China’s Environmental Information Disclosure

by Nan Li, Beibei Shi and Rong Kang

Sustainability 2021, 13(17), 9758; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13179758 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3064

Abstract

How to better explore a diversity of emissions reduction paths has become the key to China achieving carbon peak and carbon neutralization goals as well as transforming the existing energy structure as soon as possible. Based on this, from the perspective of information flow, this study used the differences-in-differences method (DID) to identify the “net effect” of the carbon emissions reduction caused by China’s environmental information disclosure. The results showed the following: first, environmental information disclosure could effectively promote regional carbon emissions reductions and had a better effect on the central and western regions and low carbon emissions density regions. Second, the achievement of carbon emissions reduction targets was mainly attributed to the positive impact of information disclosure in the process of “coal withdrawal.” Finally, this study also found that environmental information disclosure helped to promote the positive effect of clean energy development on “coal withdrawal,” and the promotion of public awareness regarding environmental supervision helped to strengthen the external impact of environmental information disclosure on regional carbon emissions reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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12 pages, 605 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Emission Regulation, Green Boards, and Corporate Environmental Responsibility

by Hail Jung, Seyeong Song and Chang-Keun Song

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4463; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084463 - 16 Apr 2021

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3770

Abstract

In this study, we examine various effects of carbon emission regulation enacted in South Korea. We provide empirical evidence of regulated firms strategically hedging against potential risks by increasing the number of directors with environment-related backgrounds. We also find that this relationship is clearly evidenced when the firm is owned by a lower proportion of foreign investors. Further analysis shows that these directors successfully change their firms to become environmentally friendly. Overall, we conclude that the role of governments in promoting green finance is crucial. The findings of this study may be used as a guideline for decision makers and environmental policymakers to create systems and policies to increase the firm’s awareness about the environment in relation to corporate environmental responsibility (CER) ratings of firms. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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16 pages, 423 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Induced Effects of Environmentally Friendly Generations in Korea

by Ji-Whan Kim and Yoon-Kyung Kim

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4404; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084404 - 15 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1797

Abstract

This study estimated the induced effects of LNG, mega PV (photovoltaic), small PV, onshore wind and offshore wind power, which will be used as major power sources under the Korea’s energy transition policy. The 2015 Input–Output Statistics of Bank of Korea were used to reflect Korea’s economic structure. The MCI (manufacture, construction and installation) and O&M (operation and maintenance) of each power source would have different effects, so in the analysis the MCI and O&M of each power source were distinguished. According to estimation results, the induced-effect coefficients of the MCI are greater than those of the O&M in every power source. The induced production effect coefficient of the MCI is decreased in the order of mega PV > small PV > LNG power > offshore wind > onshore wind. The induced production effect coefficient of the O&M is decreased in the order of mega PV > small PV > onshore wind > offshore wind > LNG thermal. The induced employment coefficient of the MCI is decreased in the order of LNG thermal > mega PV > small PV > onshore wind > offshore wind. PV power and wind power have bigger induced effects and bring economic effects in Korean economy. The carbon neutrality and energy transition policies implemented by Korea have a certain level of induced effects and offset the burden of transition costs even if existing power sources are replaced with environmentally friendly power sources. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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18 pages, 341 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Do Household Time, Risk, and Social Preferences Affect Home Energy Retrofit Decisions in Korea?

by Jihyo Kim and Suhyeon Nam

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4152; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084152 - 8 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1726

Abstract

Paying attention to impacts of behavioral factor on energy efficiency (EE) investments, this study attempts to identify preference characteristics affecting EE investments. We model households’ EE investments with time, risk, and social preferences, conduct a survey, and empirically examine the effects of the preference characteristics on home energy retrofit decisions in Korea. We find that the research hypotheses for risk and social preferences that we are derived from the model are supported while those for time preference are partially supported. The results are summarized as follows. First, respondents who discount the future more heavily are less likely to plan a home energy retrofit. Second, very risk-averse respondents are less likely to have experienced a home energy retrofit and very risk-seeking ones are more likely to plan a home energy retrofit. Third, those seriously concerned about environmental issues or who strongly respond to moral norms are likely to have experienced or plan a home energy retrofit. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

23 pages, 4589 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Structural Oil Price Shock Factors on the Gasoline Market and Macroeconomy in South Korea

by Jihoon Lee and Hong Chong Cho

Sustainability 2021, 13(4), 2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13042209 - 18 Feb 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6451

Abstract

This study decomposed shocks of the global crude oil (GCO) market and Korean gasoline (KG) market into six types using the structural vector auto-regressive model. Breaking down the shocks into six, we analyzed how each shock affects the macroeconomy and gasoline market in Korea. Results of the analysis revealed that the oil supply shock did not cause a large fluctuation in gasoline prices, but it harmed the macroeconomy. By contrast, the two shocks on the demand side of the GCO market caused a large increase in domestic gasoline prices, but they did not negatively affect the macroeconomy. Meanwhile, in the KG market, gasoline-refining shock and gasoline demand shock caused a significant increase in gasoline prices. Both shocks had some negative effects on the Korean macroeconomy at a certain point, but the effects are not as strong as the oil supply shock. However, the gasoline distribution shock in Korea rarely caused negative consequences for major macroeconomic variables. Moreover, analyzing the KG prices through historical decomposition, we found that the two demand-side factors of the GCO market and the demand shock of the KG market have had the most important influence on the gasoline price since the 2000s. From the analysis, the increase in gasoline prices in Korea since the 2000s can be inferred to have no significant negative impact on the macroeconomy. Therefore, the essential factors of price fluctuations must be focused on in analyzing domestic gasoline price and their impact on the macroeconomy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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17 pages, 2468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sectoral Decomposition of Korea’s Energy Consumption by Global Value Chain Dimensions

by Taeyoung Jin and Bongseok Choi

Sustainability 2020, 12(20), 8483; https://doi.org/10.3390/su12208483 - 14 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2361

Abstract

This paper analyzed the annual trends in energy consumption of 14 industries in Korea from 2000 to 2014 using an extended log mean Divisia index (LMDI) method that embedded global value chain (GVC) divisions in the standard LMDI decomposition. Using a world input–output table, we calculated foreign value-added share in the GVC activities for each industry. Based on a Cobb–Douglas production technology, we embedded GVC divisions in the ordinary LMDI factor decomposition. The key findings indicate that the production effect mainly drives energy consumption, while energy consumption has decreased by both the foreign-structure effects and the foreign-intensity effects. Together with a decline in the domestic energy intensity effects, both of the GVC effects have improved energy efficiency. Energy-intensive industries have consumed more energy than other industries, while they have more incentive to save energy costs because these costs are a large proportion of total import costs. The opposite pattern occurred in other industry groups. Industries that do not naturally depend on energy tend to consume more energy and became more energy-intensive. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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Review

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18 pages, 352 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review of the Definition and Estimation of Carbon Efficiency

by Minyoung Yang and Jinsoo Kim

Sustainability 2022, 14(16), 10123; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610123 - 15 Aug 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2654

Abstract

The concept of carbon efficiency is closely related to energy efficiency but embraces a broader range of carbon emission sources. Many studies have covered carbon efficiency, investigating the climate crisis, economic growth, and a sustainable future; however, it is hard to agree that there is a consensus on the definition of carbon efficiency. To fill this gap, we reviewed the literature on carbon efficiency, especially the empirical studies that quantitatively measured carbon efficiency. As a result, we have categorized the articles into three groups based on defined criteria of carbon efficiency. We have also classified the methodology to measure carbon efficiency and to discuss misleading definitions in the empirical studies. Lastly, we suggest a desirable direction to define and measure carbon efficiency along with discussion points. Carbon efficiency is different from energy efficiency and our review will help build the carbon efficiency concept in a proper direction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Towards Sustainability: Energy and Carbon Efficiency)

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