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Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability
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Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 23180

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Jinhua Xu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: low carbon economics for energy systems; energy policy modelling; energy efficiency
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Hongguang Nie

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Economics and Management, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, China
Interests: carbon emissions; energy efficiency; energy policy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Currently, the global energy system is going through a transition from fossil-fuel energy to low-carbon energy. The unsustainability of the traditional energy-utilization pattern causes ecological systems on land to be destroyed, and many plants and animals are on the edge of extinction. Cutting down the emissions of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide is becoming a goal shared by all mankind. Indeed, many countries across the world are pushing for system-level energy transitions from current carbon-intensive and low-efficiency energy systems to future deeply decarbonized, energy-efficient, and highly renewable solutions. Developing new energy and realizing energy transformation by reducing fossil fuel consumption and constructing a green, low-carbon energy system is one of the most important measures to achieve the target of global carbon neutrality. Because many key issues are worthy of further clarification, such as the diffusion of new energy technologies, carbon pricing, policy choices, and scenario analysis, studies on low-carbon energy and sustainability are of great significance for achieving sustainable energy use.

This Special Issue of Sustainability offers a platform where topics related to low carbon transition, renewable and sustainable energy development, and corresponding policies are encouraged to present and publish within a unified framework.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  1. Carbon emission trend and driving forces behind new technology diffusion.
  2. Energy efficiency and energy-saving behaviour-related policies.
  3. Regional low-carbon energy development and energy low-carbon transition development issues
  4. Low-carbon technological innovation in energy and energy adoption field.
  5. Theories on low-carbon energy transition and sustainability.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Jinhua Xu
Dr. Hongguang Nie
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • low carbon development
  • energy transition
  • energy policy
  • sustainability

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 2619 KiB  
Article
A Method for Allocation of Carbon Emission Quotas to Provincial-Level Industries in China Based on DEA
by Chenpeng Feng, Rong Zhou, Jingjing Ding, Xiangze Xiao and Mingyue Pu
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2632; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032632 - 1 Feb 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2108
Abstract
At present, China implements a quota-based trading mechanism to achieve carbon emission reduction, in which the allocation of carbon emission quotas among different provinces is short of considering the influence of unbalanced provincial development. Heterogeneity among the provincial-level three major industries, namely, agriculture, [...] Read more.
At present, China implements a quota-based trading mechanism to achieve carbon emission reduction, in which the allocation of carbon emission quotas among different provinces is short of considering the influence of unbalanced provincial development. Heterogeneity among the provincial-level three major industries, namely, agriculture, manufacturing and mining, and service industries, is a case in point. To address this insufficiency, this paper proposes a novel parallel data envelopment analysis (DEA) based method for carbon emission quota allocation. The method models each province as a decision-making unit (DMU) and the provincial-level three major industries as parallel sub-decision-making units (SDMUs). A distinguished feature of the method is that it makes explicit tradeoffs between efficiency and equality considerations for policymakers in allocating the carbon quotas among three heterogeneous provincial-level major industries. The empirical results show that the proposed method effectively improves the overall provincial gross domestic product (GDP) potentials through the reallocation of carbon quotas among industries while the equality level is not worse off. This work is helpful for policymakers to achieve a long-term emission reduction target and provides suggestions for improving the initial allocation mechanism of a national carbon trading market. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
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13 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
Digital Financial Inclusion, Financial Efficiency and Green Innovation
by Yanru Li, Guanglin Sun, Qiang Gao and Changming Cheng
Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 1879; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15031879 - 18 Jan 2023
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3754
Abstract
The financing difficulty of green innovation projects has always been an obstacle to enterprises’ green innovation. Digital financial inclusion provides a new opportunity to solve the financing difficulty of green innovation. Based on the construction of a theoretical framework for digital financial inclusion [...] Read more.
The financing difficulty of green innovation projects has always been an obstacle to enterprises’ green innovation. Digital financial inclusion provides a new opportunity to solve the financing difficulty of green innovation. Based on the construction of a theoretical framework for digital financial inclusion to influence green innovation, this study empirically analyzes the impact and mechanism of digital financial inclusion on green innovation by using the provincial panel data of China from 2011 to 2020. The results show that digital financial inclusion has a significant positive impact on green innovation. The promotion effect of the development of digital financial inclusion on green innovation is mainly driven by the depth of digital financial inclusion use and the digitalization of financial inclusion. The results of the intermediary effect analysis show that digital financial inclusion can promote green innovation by alleviating capital misallocation and improving financial efficiency. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
16 pages, 1473 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Analysis of Industrial Carbon Footprint and Carbon-Carrying Capacity of Zhejiang Province in China
by Hongyun Luo and Xiangyi Lin
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16824; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416824 - 15 Dec 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2433
Abstract
In studying the industrial carbon emissions in Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019, this paper calculates the carbon footprint, carbon-carrying capacity, net carbon footprint, and carbon footprint intensity of Zhejiang Province. The methods are recommended in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse [...] Read more.
In studying the industrial carbon emissions in Zhejiang Province from 2015 to 2019, this paper calculates the carbon footprint, carbon-carrying capacity, net carbon footprint, and carbon footprint intensity of Zhejiang Province. The methods are recommended in the 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas Inventories. The results show that (1) raw coal accounts for the highest proportion of carbon footprint in Zhejiang Province; (2) overall carbon-carrying capacity is stable first and then significantly increases, and forest land is the main carbon carrier; (3) the value of net carbon footprint is positive, which shows that the carbon-carrying capacity in the ecological environment is gradually increasing; and (4) the carbon footprint intensity of Zhejiang Province is reduced, and the energy utilization efficiency is improved. It shows that the carbon emission reduction policy of Zhejiang Province has made great achievements, but the per capita carbon footprint is far higher than the world average. According to the above analysis results, this paper puts forward four countermeasures and suggestions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
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16 pages, 1477 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Low-Carbon Energy Concept and Green Transition on Corporate Behaviour—A Perspective Based on a Contagion Model
by Shuran Wen, Wei Cui and Guiying Wei
Sustainability 2022, 14(24), 16600; https://doi.org/10.3390/su142416600 - 11 Dec 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1839
Abstract
With the globalisation of the economy and the increasing interconnectedness of individuals in the financial markets, companies implementing high energy consumption strategies have become more widespread due to the “herding effect” as they become more closely linked for development. In the context of [...] Read more.
With the globalisation of the economy and the increasing interconnectedness of individuals in the financial markets, companies implementing high energy consumption strategies have become more widespread due to the “herding effect” as they become more closely linked for development. In the context of carbon neutrality, the issue of how to reduce the spread of high energy consumption strategies and the issue surrounding the governance of corporate emissions have become a focus of research. This paper uses the improved SEIJRS infectious disease model to investigate the phenomenon of corporate high energy strategy infection, combined with optimal control theory, to provide a reference for governments and regulators to develop reasonable optimal prevention and control strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
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11 pages, 494 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Roadmap for China Phasing Out Incandescent Lamps on the Promotion of Energy-Efficient Lighting Products
by Zhongyang Ji, Huiru Yu, Jingyi Zhu and Jiwen Li
Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 11894; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141911894 - 21 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2542
Abstract
To test the energy-saving effect of command-and-control policies, this research evaluates the impact of “Roadmap for China Phasing Out Incandescent Lamps” on the promotion of energy-efficient lighting products. We use the difference-in-difference (DID) model to investigate the influence of the policy on the [...] Read more.
To test the energy-saving effect of command-and-control policies, this research evaluates the impact of “Roadmap for China Phasing Out Incandescent Lamps” on the promotion of energy-efficient lighting products. We use the difference-in-difference (DID) model to investigate the influence of the policy on the promotion of LED lighting products at home and abroad based on 440 panel data from 22 LED lighting companies from 2011 to 2020. The results indicate that, compared with the control group, the sales revenue of LED lighting products in the treatment group increased in China and in foreign markets. In addition, the policy has had a more significant impact on the promotion of LED lighting abroad than in China. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
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29 pages, 2294 KiB  
Article
The Impact of Financial Development and Green Finance on Regional Energy Intensity: New Evidence from 30 Chinese Provinces
by Kun Lv, Shurong Yu, Dian Fu, Jingwen Wang, Chencheng Wang and Junbai Pan
Sustainability 2022, 14(15), 9207; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14159207 - 27 Jul 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3187
Abstract
Energy efficiency and energy intensity are gradually gaining attention, and it is now an important proposition to reconcile financial development, green finance, and regional energy intensity. Using Chinese mainland provincial panel data (except Tibet) from 2007 to 2019, this paper applied the spatial [...] Read more.
Energy efficiency and energy intensity are gradually gaining attention, and it is now an important proposition to reconcile financial development, green finance, and regional energy intensity. Using Chinese mainland provincial panel data (except Tibet) from 2007 to 2019, this paper applied the spatial econometric model and the panel threshold model to investigate the effects of financial development and green finance on regional energy intensity. The paper discovered that financial development raises regional energy intensity, while green finance reduces it. Based on the panel threshold perspective, in different stages of green finance development, the effect of financial development on regional energy intensity presents an inverted U-shaped effect that first promotes and then inhibits. Meanwhile, green finance has a significant positive spatial transmission effect on regional energy intensity. Based on the spatial weight matrix reflecting regional economic relations, the increase in energy intensity has a significant negative spatial autoregressive effect on itself, and the spatial spillover effect of financial development is negligible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
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30 pages, 1142 KiB  
Article
Influence of Residential Photovoltaic Promotion Policy on Installation Intention in Typical Regions of China
by Shali Wang, Jiaxi Wu, Yunan Peng, Jane Xu, Lisa Leinonen, Yuyu Wang and Zheng Meng
Sustainability 2022, 14(14), 8659; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14148659 - 15 Jul 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2072
Abstract
Increasing the popularity of distributed photovoltaic technology among Chinese residents is of great significance to achieve the dual carbon goal (emission peak and carbon neutrality). In this study, we collected 1424 questionnaire samples and used PLS-SEM for group modeling and comparative analysis of [...] Read more.
Increasing the popularity of distributed photovoltaic technology among Chinese residents is of great significance to achieve the dual carbon goal (emission peak and carbon neutrality). In this study, we collected 1424 questionnaire samples and used PLS-SEM for group modeling and comparative analysis of bungalow and building residents. The results show that living conditions, costs, risks of installation, maintenance, and economic efficiency are the five significant influencing factors for residents to decide whether to install a distributed residential photovoltaic equipment. Compared with building residents, bungalow residents tend to feel more concerned about the cost and risk of residential photovoltaic equipment during installation, maintenance, and use. On the other hand, bungalow residents show greater sensitivity to the corresponding photovoltaic promotion policies. By contrast, building residents pay more attention to the direct benefit created by the installation of residential photovoltaic equipment. Therefore, adopting the strategy from bungalow residents to building residents could help promote the distributed photovoltaic system progressively. As for the subsidy decline, more attention shall be paid to the progress of a gradual reduction of the subsidies. It is advisable to pay attention to integrating the upstream and downstream industry chains of the distributed photovoltaic systems, thus reducing the concern of residents about the difficulty in installing, maintaining, and protecting the distributed photovoltaic equipment. By clarifying the different impacts of promotion policies on the demand side, this study provides a practical reference for the further adjustment made to distributed photovoltaic promotion policies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
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Review

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21 pages, 2726 KiB  
Review
A Statistical Review of Considerations on the Implementation Path of China’s “Double Carbon” Goal
by Jian Hao, Lin Chen and Na Zhang
Sustainability 2022, 14(18), 11274; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141811274 - 8 Sep 2022
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 3259
Abstract
The goal of “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality” is China’s long-term development strategy for low greenhouse gas emissions in the 21st century (hereinafter referred to as the “double carbon” goal), with the goal that carbon dioxide emissions strive to reach an emissions peak [...] Read more.
The goal of “carbon peak” and “carbon neutrality” is China’s long-term development strategy for low greenhouse gas emissions in the 21st century (hereinafter referred to as the “double carbon” goal), with the goal that carbon dioxide emissions strive to reach an emissions peak by 2030 and strive to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Achieving the goal of “double carbon” is an inherent requirement for promoting high-quality development. Conforming to the development trend of the times, the “double carbon” goal is the necessary path of industrial transformation. The current situation of China’s energy production, consumption, and utilization in recent years shows that China’s energy has a simple structure, heavy external dependence, and low utilization efficiency which severely restricts the realization of China’s “double carbon” goal. Commencing the analysis of the current situation, this paper summarizes the implementation path from a “carbon emission reduction” and “carbon-negative technology” to accelerate the realization of the “double carbon” goal. First, statistical methods are used to analyze the implementation of a “carbon emission reduction” based on industrial technology reform, an energy structure adjustment, market mechanisms, public participation, and international cooperation. Second, the “carbon negative technology” path is explored in terms of afforestation, carbon capture, utilization and sequestration (CCUS), ecological management, and other technologies. In addition, feasible suggestions are made for four relationships, namely, the short and long-term, overall and local, development and emissions reduction, and government and market. This paper contributes to the study of energy development in the world and serves as a reference for follow-up studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Low Carbon Energy and Sustainability)
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