The construction industry is facing a big challenge in reducing the burden it is putting on the environment. There is an urgent need to develop and use eco-efficient construction materials with proper functional perfo...The construction industry is facing a big challenge in reducing the burden it is putting on the environment. There is an urgent need to develop and use eco-efficient construction materials with proper functional performance, a low carbon footprint and a less adverse impact on the environment. Nanotechnology is a new and very promising technology that helps fulfil the need for more environmentally friendly construction materials.展开更多
The problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) management has been an issue of global concern in recent times and has engaged governments and local authorities in their quest to manage solid waste in a sustained manner. O...The problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) management has been an issue of global concern in recent times and has engaged governments and local authorities in their quest to manage solid waste in a sustained manner. One proposition which has the potential of solving three problems at the same time is the use of the biodegradable component of MSW as a source of energy to augment energy supply. This research therefore assessed the use of the organic fraction of MSW as an eco-efficient energy source in Ghana. A study of Ghana’s solid waste profile was undertaken and the fraction of biodegradable component was found to be approximately 60%, with a heating value of 17 MJ/kg and a moisture content of 50%. Moreover, it was established that 0.5 kg of solid waste is generated daily by each Ghanaian, meaning that about 5610 tons of the organic fraction could be made available every day to generate energy to the national grid. It was also established that waste disposal in Ghana is largely by way of open dumping as primary collection of waste from households in Ghana is limited to high-income communities which represent only 11% of the population, whereas secondary collection from transfer points to the disposal facilities is inefficient. With representative power output of 1.66 MWh/tonne a total of 3320 GWh of energy can be produced annually from the 4 proposed plants, generating net revenue of about $111,600,000. As an optimizing step, a waste incineration scheme was suggested in which the off-gases produced from organic waste combustion could be used to produce electrical power with steam in a multi-stage heat exchanger-steam turbine configuration, and the off gases again used for pre-drying of the organic waste in a cycle. A state-of-the art waste incineration technology was used as a model and adapted to suit Ghana’s tropical conditions. MSW combustion releases less CO2 for the same power output (837 Ib/MWh) than any of the other conventional fuels do, and is therefore a good fuel for the fight against climate change.展开更多
Evaluating real world situations in risky environments based on various qualitative/quantitative criteria in order to suggest a strategy/policy among available options is one of the critical challenges in inciden...Evaluating real world situations in risky environments based on various qualitative/quantitative criteria in order to suggest a strategy/policy among available options is one of the critical challenges in incident management. Such is the case when considering an eco-efficient development strategy that can minimize the risk associated with the location of gas stations in human settlements. Taking the Douala city of Cameroon as an example, four actions were evaluated, including the options of relocating the gas stations, putting in place of emergency response plan in gas stations, and relocation of households subject to a group of four criteria. Data were collected via personal communication with decision-makers using a five-point Likert scale. The market values of buildings subject to expropriation were estimated based on order No. 0082/Y. 15.1/MNUH/D of 20 November 1987 of the ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Cameroon. The financial costs incurred in establishing a gas station were an average value obtained from a sample of 80 gas stations randomly selected among those whose locations do not comply with existing regulations. These amounts were obtained from their financial records, while the value of putting in place an emergency action plan was obtained from the current market value of the equipment required. The algorithm of PROMETHEE under the usual criterion function was implemented. The results suggested that putting in place an emergency response plan could minimize relocation costs, maximize profits/welfare, and maximize environmental quality, and minimize social impacts, and was therefore considered as the most preferred alternative. Sensitivity analyses of results further confirmed that implementation of emergency response plan is the most preferred alternative.展开更多
Chymotryptic hydrolysis of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) leads to the release of a wide range of biofunctional peptides.However,the proteolysis of native β-lg is limited due to its compact globular structure,thus ending w...Chymotryptic hydrolysis of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) leads to the release of a wide range of biofunctional peptides.However,the proteolysis of native β-lg is limited due to its compact globular structure,thus ending with low yields of peptides.Whereas our previous study showed that eco-efficient High Voltage Electric Treatments (HVET),namely Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) and Electric Arc (ARC),of β-lg substantially improved its enzymatic hydrolysis,no information regarding the nature of released peptides is available up to date.Hence,the time-dependent release of peptides and the dynamics of this release were discussed in the current study.Chromatographic analysis of the final hydrolysates showed that chymotrypsinolysis of HVET samples released 19% more peptides with higher concentration than the native and preheated ones.Furthermore,1-min HVET were found to be more efficient than 10-min ones as they led to the release of bioactive peptides (even without chymotrypsin) with higher eco-efficiency scores.展开更多
Improving cultivated land use eco-efficiency(CLUE)can effectively promote agricultural sustainability,particularly in developing countries where CLUE is generally low.This study used provincial-level data from China t...Improving cultivated land use eco-efficiency(CLUE)can effectively promote agricultural sustainability,particularly in developing countries where CLUE is generally low.This study used provincial-level data from China to evaluate the spatiotemporal evolution of CLUE from 2000 to 2020 and identified the influencing factors of CLUE by using a panel Tobit model.In addition,given the undesirable outputs of agricultural production,we incorporated carbon emissions and nonpoint source pollution into the global benchmark-undesirable output-super efficiency-slacks-based measure(GB-US-SBM)model,which combines global benchmark technology,undesirable output,super efficiency,and slacks-based measure.The results indicated that there was an upward trend in CLUE in China from 2000 to 2020,with an increase rate of 2.62%.The temporal evolution of CLUE in China could be classified into three distinct stages:a period of fluctuating decrease(2000-2007),a phase of gradual increase(2008-2014),and a period of rapid growth(2015-2020).The major grain-producing areas(MPAs)had a lower CLUE than their counterparts,namely,non-major grain-production areas(non-MPAs).The spatial agglomeration effect followed a northeast-southwest strip distribution;and the movement path of barycentre revealed a"P"shape,with Luoyang City,Henan Province,as the centre.In terms of influencing factors of CLUE,investment in science and technology played the most vital role in improving CLUE,while irrigation index had the most negative effect.It should be noted that these two influencing factors had different impacts on MPAs and non-MPAs.Therefore,relevant departments should formulate policies to enhance the level of science and technology,improve irrigation condition,and promote sustainable utilization of cultivated land.展开更多
In the era of stock development following the acceleration of urbanization,the revitalization of urban green space has assumed an increasingly significant role.Consequently,the management of urban trees has emerged as...In the era of stock development following the acceleration of urbanization,the revitalization of urban green space has assumed an increasingly significant role.Consequently,the management of urban trees has emerged as a critical focus of urban governance,contributing to the enhancement of livability in human settlements.This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the urban tree management system in Oxford,UK,identifying that its primary objective is to optimize and maintain a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural environment through the implementation of high-quality planting practices.The system emphasizes enhanced management practices and establishes a robust framework for the development of targeted policies and management regulations,utilizing i-Tree eco-efficiency assessment and real-time feedback mechanisms.China’s urban tree management is in its nascent stages,and there is an urgent need for the development of urban green space.By adopting the refined management assessment methodologies employed for urban trees in Oxford,UK,it is possible to enhance the ecological value of urban trees,which represent a significant green resource within cities,and contribute to the creation of more livable urban spaces.展开更多
Urban agglomerations in China have become the strategic core of national economic development and the main component of the new type of urbanization. However, they are threatened by a series of eco-environmental probl...Urban agglomerations in China have become the strategic core of national economic development and the main component of the new type of urbanization. However, they are threatened by a series of eco-environmental problems and challenges, including the severe overexploitation of natural resources. Eco-efficiency, which is defined as accomplishing the greatest possible economic benefit with the least possible resource input and damage to the environment, is used as an indicator to quantify the sustainability of urban agglomerations. In this work, a traditional data envelopment analysis(DEA) model with a slack-based measurement(SBM) model of undesirable outputs, was used to assess and compare the economic efficiency and eco-efficiency of four major urban agglomerations in eastern China(UAECs) in 2005, 2011, and 2014. The spatio-temporal characteristics of the evolution of urban agglomerations were analyzed. Based on the results of a slack analysis, suggestions for improving the eco-efficiency of the four UAECs are provided. The overall economic efficiency of urban agglomerations located in the Shandong Peninsula, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta displayed a V-shaped pattern(decreased and then increased). In contrast, the overall economic efficiency of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration declined during the study period. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration had a considerable loss of economic efficiency due to pollution, whereas the Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration was less impacted. Overall, the eco-environmental efficiency of the four UAECs declined from 2005 to 2011 and then increased from 2011 to 2014. In addition, the urban eco-efficiency in the four coastal UAECs was characterized by different evolution patterns. The eco-efficiency was higher in the peri-urban areas of the core cities, riverside areas, and seaside areas and lower in the inland cities. The core cities of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta urban agglomerations were characterized by high resource consumption, economic benefit output, and eco-efficiency. In most of cities in the urban agglomerations, the emission of pollutants declined, leading to a reduction of pollutants and mitigation of environmental problems. In addition, a differential analysis, from the perspective of urban agglomeration, was performed, and concrete suggestions for improvement are proposed.展开更多
The environmental ecology of the Yangtze River Economic Zone(YREZ)faces ecological function decline,deterioration and degradation under intense human activities,long-term development and utilization and its economy ha...The environmental ecology of the Yangtze River Economic Zone(YREZ)faces ecological function decline,deterioration and degradation under intense human activities,long-term development and utilization and its economy has developed rapidly over recent decades.Eco-efficiency is considered as a measure of coordinated development of economy,resources,environment and ecology,and is currently considered a very important issue.In this paper,based on the slack-based measure and data envelope analysis model,we take 129 prefecture-level cities of the YREZ as the study unit and measure the eco-efficiency of the YREZ in 2000,2005,2010 and 2015,which considers undesired output.The evaluation of the status quo of the regional eco-efficiency development was carried out at provincial,prefectural and city scales.The spatial autocorrelation test model and standard deviation ellipse were used to analyze the spatially distributed characteristics and the evolutionary regularity of eco-efficiency.Our study suggested that the eco-efficiency value varied significantly at different spatiotemporal scales and the overall distribution presented an"N-shaped"pattern,the value is the largest downstream and the smallest upstream.Regional eco-efficiency presented certain volatility in growth and a clear spatial positive agglomeration trend from 2000 to 2015.The spatial distribution of each agglomeration area was also significantly different,forming some high-high agglomeration areas at the center of the shaft with Shanghai and surrounding cities,and some low-low agglomeration areas at the center with middle reaches and upstream cities.The low-high over-aggregation and high-low polarization clusters were fewer.At the same time,with the change of the research period,the degree of positive agglomeration became increasingly pronounced and the eco-efficiency gap of the neighborhoodunit reduced.The regional eco-efficiency value of the YREZ presented a spatial distribution pattern in the northeast-southwest axis and the evolutionary pattern of the regional eco-efficiency similarly showed a northeast-southwest orientation.展开更多
This paper uses the ecological footprint model to make comparison of the eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint in different years in Hubei Province, and makes comparison of that in Hubei and some countrie...This paper uses the ecological footprint model to make comparison of the eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint in different years in Hubei Province, and makes comparison of that in Hubei and some countries. The results indicate that, since 1965, the eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint in Hubei has been improved year by year. However, the efficiency of arable land ecological footprint, compared with some other areas in the world, is much lower. In 1965, average eco-efficiency of world arable land ecological footprint is 3 421 US dollar/hm^2 while that of Hubei Province is 134 US dollar/hm^2, about 1/26 of the world＇s average level. The eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint for 2003 in Hubei Province, however, has become about 1/9 of the world＇s average level for the same year. Finally the author puts forward the ways to raise the eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint.展开更多
Eco-efficiency is a valuable tool for managing and solving issues involving resource consumption and pollution emission in current production processes.Despite the popularity of the term"eco-efficiency"in bu...Eco-efficiency is a valuable tool for managing and solving issues involving resource consumption and pollution emission in current production processes.Despite the popularity of the term"eco-efficiency"in business,limited attention has been paid to measuring and reporting regional eco-efficiency for local government policy makers.Based on the concept and method of eco-efficiency,an indicator system of regional eco-efficiency is established in this study.The indicator system comprises 22 indicators,which are divided in to three categories including socio-economic development,resources consumption, environmental pressure.As a promising statistical technique, principle component analysis is used to set the weight of indicators which attempts to calculate the eco-efficiency indices of Qingdao's Chengyang District.The results show that the eco-efficiency of Chengyang District has clearly improved 35.1% with small fluctuation from 1995 to 2003.Socio-economic development index and resources consumption index also represent obvious increasing trends.The correlation coefficient between soci-economic development index and resources consumption index is 0.979,which means the social progress and economic growth of Chengyang District depend on an extravagant consumption of resources.The environmental pressure index increased slowly before 1997 and declined gradually after 1997,due to more attention being paid to environmental protection by local government in recent years.Chengyang District still keeps the traditional economic development mode with a high consumption and high production,so the emphases of future development should put on improving the improving the efficient use of natural resources and promoting environmental management sustainability.The results show that the indicators system of regional eco-efficiency is a promising method to quantitatively evaluate resources and environmental efficiency and provide an effective decision-making support for local governments.展开更多
Energy eco-efficiency is a concept integrating ecological and economic benefits arising from energy utilization and serves as a measure of efficiency in the energy-environment-economy system. Using the slacks-based me...Energy eco-efficiency is a concept integrating ecological and economic benefits arising from energy utilization and serves as a measure of efficiency in the energy-environment-economy system. Using the slacks-based measure （SBM） model considering undesirable output, this study first measures the energy eco-efficiency of provinces in China from 1997 to 2012. It then analyzes the spatial distribution and evolution of energy eco-efficiency from three aspects： scale, intensity, and grain of spatial patterns. Finally, it examines the spatial spillover effects and influencing factors of energy eco-efficiency in different provinces by means of a spatial econometric model. The following conclusions are drawn： （1） The overall energy ecofficiency is relatively low in China, with energy-inefficient regions accounting for about 40%. Guangdong, Hainan and Fujian provinces enjoy the highest energy eco-efficiency, while Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang are repre- sentative regions with low efficiency. Thus, the pattern of evolution of China＇s overall energy eco-efficiency is U-shaped. Among local regions, four main patterns of evolution are found： increasing, fluctuating, mutating, and leveling. （2） At the provincial level, China＇s energy eco-efficiency features significant spatial agglomeration both globally and locally. High-high agglomeration occurs mainly in the eastern and southern coastal regions and low-low agglomeration in the northwestern region and the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Changes in spatial patterns have occurred mainly in areas with high-low and low-high agglomeration, with the most remarkable change taking place in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. （3） There exist significant spatial effects of energy eco-efficiency among provinces in China. For the energy eco-efficiency of a given region spatial spillovers from adjacent regions outweigh the influence of errors in adjacent regions. Industrial structure has the greatest influence on energy eco-efficiency.展开更多
As a traditional agricultural country,China has always prioritized agricultural development,and has increasingly focused on green and sustainable agricultural development.Based on the inter-provincial panel data for C...As a traditional agricultural country,China has always prioritized agricultural development,and has increasingly focused on green and sustainable agricultural development.Based on the inter-provincial panel data for China from 1997 to 2019,this study divided these data into five periods according to the Five-Year Plan(FYP)of China,measured the agricultural eco-efficiency(AEE)values using the Super-SBM model,and then determined the spatial association network of the inter-provincial AEE of China using the improved gravity model.Finally,social network analysis(SNA)was used to further analyze the evolution process of AEE,and we de-veloped a framework of how multidimensional proximity,which includes geographical,economic,technological,cognitive,and institutional proximity,made an influence on the formation of AEE spatial relation network.The findings indicated that:1)in 1997−2019,the AEE in China was present in some spatial and temporal differences characteristics at the provincial scale,and we specifically found that national macro-regulation and policy incentives played a positive role in the long-term development of AEE.2)The spatial correlation of AEE development among provincial regions were becoming closer and exhibits obvious spatial correlation and spillover effects.The evolution of the AEE network has clearly observable trends of hierarchization and aggregation,and the complexity of the correlation network continues to increase and exhibits spatial clustering characteristics that are dense in the east and sparse in the west.The network structure has changed from monocentric radiation to a multicentric network,and network nodes select the more advantageous nodes with which to connect.3)Finally,the geographical proximity had a significant negative effect;the economic,technological,and institutional proximities were all observed to contribute to the AEE network formation,and cognitive proximity did not significantly influence this network formation.展开更多
According to the eco-efficiency theory, combined with agricultural production characteristics, I point out the environmental impact and substance energy consumption characteristics of agricultural production. Based on...According to the eco-efficiency theory, combined with agricultural production characteristics, I point out the environmental impact and substance energy consumption characteristics of agricultural production. Based on this, I establish the eco-efficiency evaluation indicator system for agricultural production, and conduct a comprehensive analysis on the agricultural eco-efficiency of 17 prefecture-level cities in Anhui Province, using data envelopment analysis method.展开更多
The paper deals with the energy and indoor comfort on buildings of UPF （University ofPasso Fundo）, located in southern Brazil, in order to improve the eco-efficiency concepts in the university＇s building stock, rei...The paper deals with the energy and indoor comfort on buildings of UPF （University ofPasso Fundo）, located in southern Brazil, in order to improve the eco-efficiency concepts in the university＇s building stock, reinforcing its responsibility towards sustainable development. The factors that affect thermal performance and the energy consumption of two case studies were identified, including the general characteristics of the envelope and the indoor conditions. The simulations with DesignBuilder software compare the energy and thermal performance of both cases： those results allow the identification of their positive and negative aspects, as well as making a co-relation with the students＇ sensations of comfort--obtained through PMV （predicted mean vote）. The research indicates that it will be possible to improve eco-efficiency of existing and new buildings and campuses by retrofitting and upgrading it with regard to better indoor conditions that really correspond to climate conditions （hot and humid summers, and cold and damp winters）, using passive strategies for heating and cooling and at the same time to improve rational use of natural resources and to reduce the environmental impact. Probably, giving comfortable conditions to the users will increase energy consumption, but there is a potential reduction of lighting and equipment that could minimize this impact.展开更多
Under the goal of "double carbon " strategy,the government and enterprises collaborate to form an efficient environmental governance symbiosis network to reduce pollution and carbon.Based on the panel data o...Under the goal of "double carbon " strategy,the government and enterprises collaborate to form an efficient environmental governance symbiosis network to reduce pollution and carbon.Based on the panel data of 30 provinces,the static and dynamic eco-efficiency of the symbiotic network of environmental governance PPP projects are measured by using the SBM model and Malmquist index considering the super-efficiency of non-expected output.The results show that:(1) 8 provinces,including Hebei,have efficiency values greater than 1;11 provinces,including Liaoning,have organizational technology and management levels conducive to efficiency improvement,and 12 provinces,including Zhejiang,are closest to optimal scale efficiency.(2) Redundancy of energy conservation and environmental protection expenditures,urban environmental infrastructure construction investment and new product development projects,insufficient waste gas treatment capacity,environmental emergencies and carbon emission redundancy are all significant factors affecting eco-efficiency.(3) The dynamic efficiency of 8 provinces,including Fujian,shows a decreasing trend,and the Malmquist index and its decomposition indicate that the utilization rate of environmental governance technology should be improved and environmental resources should be allocated rationally.展开更多
The second half of the 20th century was characterized by an increasing interest in the pace of economic growth and its impact on the environment. As a result, the concept of eco-efficiency as a philosophy of managemen...The second half of the 20th century was characterized by an increasing interest in the pace of economic growth and its impact on the environment. As a result, the concept of eco-efficiency as a philosophy of management has arisen, which combines the excellence of the environment and business. This paper uses the distribution-free approach to provide empirical evidence in relation to the eco-efficiency paradigm by studying the relation between environmental performance （measured by the level of emissions of air-contaminating substances） and economic performance （approximated by economic efficiency）, in 199 companies from mineral manufacturing industry in Spain between 2004 and 2007. The empirical analysis shows that the results are consistent with the paradigm of eco-efficiency and therefore it can be concluded that being responsible for the environment is positively related to economic efficiency.展开更多
In order to improve the agricultural eco-efficiency and promote the sustainable development of agriculture in Henan Province, China, based on the footprint theory, the super-efficiency SBM model </span></span...In order to improve the agricultural eco-efficiency and promote the sustainable development of agriculture in Henan Province, China, based on the footprint theory, the super-efficiency SBM model </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">is</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> used to scientifically calculate and analyze the agricultural eco-efficiency in Henan Province. On this basis, the influencing factors of agricultural eco-efficiency in Henan Province are quantitatively analyzed by using the grey incidence analysis model. The <span>results s</span><span>how that unilaterally considering one of grey water footprint</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">s</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> and carbon footprint</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">s</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> will overestimate or underestimate the agricultural eco-efficiency of Henan Province in different degrees in different time periods, and the agricultural eco-efficiency obtained by comprehensively considering grey water footprint and carbon footprint (GWCAEE) is more in line with the reality of agricultural development in Henan Province. In 2000-2004, GWCAEE in Henan Province was better. During 2005-2014, GWCAEE in Henan Province showed a fluctuating decline and continued to be in an inefficient state. From 2015</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> to 2019, GWCAEE of Henan Province gradually increased, and it became effective in 2019. In recent years, GWCAEE has developed well. Through the grey incidence analysis between 12 influencing factors including endogenous factors and exogenous factors and GWCAEE, it is found that the six leading factors of GWCAEE in Henan Province are agricultural structure, financial input for agriculture, number of agricultural employees, crop sown area, consumption of chemical pesticide, consumption of agricultural diesel oil. According to the above research conclusions, suggestions for improving agricultural eco-efficiency in Henan Province are put forward.展开更多
Agricultural eco-efficiency is an important indicator to measure the sustainable development and high-quality development of agriculture.Based on the agricultural input-output data of 37 districts(counties)in Chongqin...Agricultural eco-efficiency is an important indicator to measure the sustainable development and high-quality development of agriculture.Based on the agricultural input-output data of 37 districts(counties)in Chongqing from 2004 to 2019,this paper uses the static SBM model and the DDF-BML index method to calculate the agricultural eco-efficiency of each district and county in Chongqing and conduct a comparative analysis.The comprehensive analysis of static and dynamic calculation results shows that the agricultural eco-efficiency of Chongqing is low,the agricultural input-output efficiency of various districts and counties is insufficient,and slack variables are common,so the ability of agricultural sustainable development still needs to be improved.The main sources of agricultural eco-efficiency are the progress of agricultural green technology and the efficiency of agricultural green technology.However,as far as the actual situation of Chongqing is concerned,the efficiency of agricultural green technology shows a downward trend,which has an inhibitory effect on the improvement of agricultural eco-efficiency.Therefore,in the process of agricultural ecological development in the future,Chongqing will focus on improving the efficiency of agricultural green technology as a starting point,implement agricultural technology innovation and promotion,improve the level of farmers’science and technology and culture,and achieve"technology to the countryside,demonstration to households,and application to the country."At the same time,it is necessary to further improve the construction of agricultural and rural infrastructure,and promote the"outward migration"of frontier technologies in agricultural production to radiate agricultural development in surrounding districts and counties.展开更多
The strategy of rural revitalization puts ecology and economic development at the same level,in order to explore whether the eco-efficiency compensation policy for public welfare forests can achieve a“win-win”for bo...The strategy of rural revitalization puts ecology and economic development at the same level,in order to explore whether the eco-efficiency compensation policy for public welfare forests can achieve a“win-win”for both ecology and people livelihood.This study probed into the consideration of income structure and used OLS analysis to conduct an empirical analysis on a sample of 443 households in Shaanxi Province.It was found that the eco-efficiency compensation for public welfare forests had not only a significantly positive effect on the forestry income and the total income of farm households,but also had a constructive influence on the non-forestry income,though smaller and less significant,which was closely attributed to the original income structures of these farm households.In addition,personal and household characteristics such as age,educational level and labor force size played decisive roles to nonforestry income and total income of farm households as well.展开更多
Eco-efficiency is an invaluable indicator for the measurement of the relationship between production activities and environmental depletion.This study measures the tourism eco-efficiency of 30 provinces in China from ...Eco-efficiency is an invaluable indicator for the measurement of the relationship between production activities and environmental depletion.This study measures the tourism eco-efficiency of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020 based on the super-efficiency SBM model,and explores its spatial-temporal evolution characteristics using the kernel density function,standard deviation ellipse,and center of gravity model.Then,the influencing factors of the tourism eco-efficiency in China are analyzed by Tobit regression model.The results show that the tourism eco-efficiency of China is generally fluctuating upwards,but has not yet reached the maximum production possibility frontier.The kernel density curve shows a unimodal-bimodal-unimodal pattern,while the inter-provincial differences have been decreasing and becoming more balanced.The center of gravity of tourism eco-efficiency is located at the junction of Henan and Hubei province and generally moves to the south(slightly to the southwest).Meanwhile,it is revealed that the level of economic development and the tourism eco-efficiency has a significant inverted U-shaped relationship.The level of economic openness,traffic conditions,and tourism eco-efficiency is positively correlated.The environmental regulations and industrial structure have a negative but limited impact on tourism eco-efficiency.Finally,recommendations and suggestions for policy formulation to promote quality and sustainable development of the tourism industry are put forward,such as increasing investment in ecological protection and governance in tourism development,improving capacity-building in allocating green and low-carbon technologies and resources,strengthening tourism infrastructure construction,and enhancing environmental governance systems and mechanisms.展开更多
文摘The construction industry is facing a big challenge in reducing the burden it is putting on the environment. There is an urgent need to develop and use eco-efficient construction materials with proper functional performance, a low carbon footprint and a less adverse impact on the environment. Nanotechnology is a new and very promising technology that helps fulfil the need for more environmentally friendly construction materials.
文摘The problem of municipal solid waste (MSW) management has been an issue of global concern in recent times and has engaged governments and local authorities in their quest to manage solid waste in a sustained manner. One proposition which has the potential of solving three problems at the same time is the use of the biodegradable component of MSW as a source of energy to augment energy supply. This research therefore assessed the use of the organic fraction of MSW as an eco-efficient energy source in Ghana. A study of Ghana’s solid waste profile was undertaken and the fraction of biodegradable component was found to be approximately 60%, with a heating value of 17 MJ/kg and a moisture content of 50%. Moreover, it was established that 0.5 kg of solid waste is generated daily by each Ghanaian, meaning that about 5610 tons of the organic fraction could be made available every day to generate energy to the national grid. It was also established that waste disposal in Ghana is largely by way of open dumping as primary collection of waste from households in Ghana is limited to high-income communities which represent only 11% of the population, whereas secondary collection from transfer points to the disposal facilities is inefficient. With representative power output of 1.66 MWh/tonne a total of 3320 GWh of energy can be produced annually from the 4 proposed plants, generating net revenue of about $111,600,000. As an optimizing step, a waste incineration scheme was suggested in which the off-gases produced from organic waste combustion could be used to produce electrical power with steam in a multi-stage heat exchanger-steam turbine configuration, and the off gases again used for pre-drying of the organic waste in a cycle. A state-of-the art waste incineration technology was used as a model and adapted to suit Ghana’s tropical conditions. MSW combustion releases less CO2 for the same power output (837 Ib/MWh) than any of the other conventional fuels do, and is therefore a good fuel for the fight against climate change.
文摘Evaluating real world situations in risky environments based on various qualitative/quantitative criteria in order to suggest a strategy/policy among available options is one of the critical challenges in incident management. Such is the case when considering an eco-efficient development strategy that can minimize the risk associated with the location of gas stations in human settlements. Taking the Douala city of Cameroon as an example, four actions were evaluated, including the options of relocating the gas stations, putting in place of emergency response plan in gas stations, and relocation of households subject to a group of four criteria. Data were collected via personal communication with decision-makers using a five-point Likert scale. The market values of buildings subject to expropriation were estimated based on order No. 0082/Y. 15.1/MNUH/D of 20 November 1987 of the ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Cameroon. The financial costs incurred in establishing a gas station were an average value obtained from a sample of 80 gas stations randomly selected among those whose locations do not comply with existing regulations. These amounts were obtained from their financial records, while the value of putting in place an emergency action plan was obtained from the current market value of the equipment required. The algorithm of PROMETHEE under the usual criterion function was implemented. The results suggested that putting in place an emergency response plan could minimize relocation costs, maximize profits/welfare, and maximize environmental quality, and minimize social impacts, and was therefore considered as the most preferred alternative. Sensitivity analyses of results further confirmed that implementation of emergency response plan is the most preferred alternative.
基金the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada(NSERC),Discovery grant RGPIN-2017-05970 for funding this project。
文摘Chymotryptic hydrolysis of β-lactoglobulin (β-lg) leads to the release of a wide range of biofunctional peptides.However,the proteolysis of native β-lg is limited due to its compact globular structure,thus ending with low yields of peptides.Whereas our previous study showed that eco-efficient High Voltage Electric Treatments (HVET),namely Pulsed Electric Fields (PEF) and Electric Arc (ARC),of β-lg substantially improved its enzymatic hydrolysis,no information regarding the nature of released peptides is available up to date.Hence,the time-dependent release of peptides and the dynamics of this release were discussed in the current study.Chromatographic analysis of the final hydrolysates showed that chymotrypsinolysis of HVET samples released 19% more peptides with higher concentration than the native and preheated ones.Furthermore,1-min HVET were found to be more efficient than 10-min ones as they led to the release of bioactive peptides (even without chymotrypsin) with higher eco-efficiency scores.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(72373117)the Chinese Universities Scientific Fund(Z1010422003)+1 种基金the Major Project of the Key Research Base of Humanities and Social Sciences of the Ministry of Education(22JJD790052)the Qinchuangyuan Project of Shaanxi Province(QCYRCXM-2022-145).
文摘Improving cultivated land use eco-efficiency(CLUE)can effectively promote agricultural sustainability,particularly in developing countries where CLUE is generally low.This study used provincial-level data from China to evaluate the spatiotemporal evolution of CLUE from 2000 to 2020 and identified the influencing factors of CLUE by using a panel Tobit model.In addition,given the undesirable outputs of agricultural production,we incorporated carbon emissions and nonpoint source pollution into the global benchmark-undesirable output-super efficiency-slacks-based measure(GB-US-SBM)model,which combines global benchmark technology,undesirable output,super efficiency,and slacks-based measure.The results indicated that there was an upward trend in CLUE in China from 2000 to 2020,with an increase rate of 2.62%.The temporal evolution of CLUE in China could be classified into three distinct stages:a period of fluctuating decrease(2000-2007),a phase of gradual increase(2008-2014),and a period of rapid growth(2015-2020).The major grain-producing areas(MPAs)had a lower CLUE than their counterparts,namely,non-major grain-production areas(non-MPAs).The spatial agglomeration effect followed a northeast-southwest strip distribution;and the movement path of barycentre revealed a"P"shape,with Luoyang City,Henan Province,as the centre.In terms of influencing factors of CLUE,investment in science and technology played the most vital role in improving CLUE,while irrigation index had the most negative effect.It should be noted that these two influencing factors had different impacts on MPAs and non-MPAs.Therefore,relevant departments should formulate policies to enhance the level of science and technology,improve irrigation condition,and promote sustainable utilization of cultivated land.
基金Beijing Urban Governance Research Base of North China University of Technology(2024CSZL07).
文摘In the era of stock development following the acceleration of urbanization,the revitalization of urban green space has assumed an increasingly significant role.Consequently,the management of urban trees has emerged as a critical focus of urban governance,contributing to the enhancement of livability in human settlements.This study offers a comprehensive analysis of the urban tree management system in Oxford,UK,identifying that its primary objective is to optimize and maintain a harmonious balance between human activities and the natural environment through the implementation of high-quality planting practices.The system emphasizes enhanced management practices and establishes a robust framework for the development of targeted policies and management regulations,utilizing i-Tree eco-efficiency assessment and real-time feedback mechanisms.China’s urban tree management is in its nascent stages,and there is an urgent need for the development of urban green space.By adopting the refined management assessment methodologies employed for urban trees in Oxford,UK,it is possible to enhance the ecological value of urban trees,which represent a significant green resource within cities,and contribute to the creation of more livable urban spaces.
基金Major Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41590840,No.41590842National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.41371177
文摘Urban agglomerations in China have become the strategic core of national economic development and the main component of the new type of urbanization. However, they are threatened by a series of eco-environmental problems and challenges, including the severe overexploitation of natural resources. Eco-efficiency, which is defined as accomplishing the greatest possible economic benefit with the least possible resource input and damage to the environment, is used as an indicator to quantify the sustainability of urban agglomerations. In this work, a traditional data envelopment analysis(DEA) model with a slack-based measurement(SBM) model of undesirable outputs, was used to assess and compare the economic efficiency and eco-efficiency of four major urban agglomerations in eastern China(UAECs) in 2005, 2011, and 2014. The spatio-temporal characteristics of the evolution of urban agglomerations were analyzed. Based on the results of a slack analysis, suggestions for improving the eco-efficiency of the four UAECs are provided. The overall economic efficiency of urban agglomerations located in the Shandong Peninsula, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta displayed a V-shaped pattern(decreased and then increased). In contrast, the overall economic efficiency of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration declined during the study period. The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban agglomeration had a considerable loss of economic efficiency due to pollution, whereas the Shandong Peninsula urban agglomeration was less impacted. Overall, the eco-environmental efficiency of the four UAECs declined from 2005 to 2011 and then increased from 2011 to 2014. In addition, the urban eco-efficiency in the four coastal UAECs was characterized by different evolution patterns. The eco-efficiency was higher in the peri-urban areas of the core cities, riverside areas, and seaside areas and lower in the inland cities. The core cities of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, Yangtze River Delta, and Pearl River Delta urban agglomerations were characterized by high resource consumption, economic benefit output, and eco-efficiency. In most of cities in the urban agglomerations, the emission of pollutants declined, leading to a reduction of pollutants and mitigation of environmental problems. In addition, a differential analysis, from the perspective of urban agglomeration, was performed, and concrete suggestions for improvement are proposed.
基金The Strategic Priority Research Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences,No.XDA23060704State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science,No.SKLCS-ZZ-2020。
文摘The environmental ecology of the Yangtze River Economic Zone(YREZ)faces ecological function decline,deterioration and degradation under intense human activities,long-term development and utilization and its economy has developed rapidly over recent decades.Eco-efficiency is considered as a measure of coordinated development of economy,resources,environment and ecology,and is currently considered a very important issue.In this paper,based on the slack-based measure and data envelope analysis model,we take 129 prefecture-level cities of the YREZ as the study unit and measure the eco-efficiency of the YREZ in 2000,2005,2010 and 2015,which considers undesired output.The evaluation of the status quo of the regional eco-efficiency development was carried out at provincial,prefectural and city scales.The spatial autocorrelation test model and standard deviation ellipse were used to analyze the spatially distributed characteristics and the evolutionary regularity of eco-efficiency.Our study suggested that the eco-efficiency value varied significantly at different spatiotemporal scales and the overall distribution presented an"N-shaped"pattern,the value is the largest downstream and the smallest upstream.Regional eco-efficiency presented certain volatility in growth and a clear spatial positive agglomeration trend from 2000 to 2015.The spatial distribution of each agglomeration area was also significantly different,forming some high-high agglomeration areas at the center of the shaft with Shanghai and surrounding cities,and some low-low agglomeration areas at the center with middle reaches and upstream cities.The low-high over-aggregation and high-low polarization clusters were fewer.At the same time,with the change of the research period,the degree of positive agglomeration became increasingly pronounced and the eco-efficiency gap of the neighborhoodunit reduced.The regional eco-efficiency value of the YREZ presented a spatial distribution pattern in the northeast-southwest axis and the evolutionary pattern of the regional eco-efficiency similarly showed a northeast-southwest orientation.
文摘This paper uses the ecological footprint model to make comparison of the eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint in different years in Hubei Province, and makes comparison of that in Hubei and some countries. The results indicate that, since 1965, the eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint in Hubei has been improved year by year. However, the efficiency of arable land ecological footprint, compared with some other areas in the world, is much lower. In 1965, average eco-efficiency of world arable land ecological footprint is 3 421 US dollar/hm^2 while that of Hubei Province is 134 US dollar/hm^2, about 1/26 of the world＇s average level. The eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint for 2003 in Hubei Province, however, has become about 1/9 of the world＇s average level for the same year. Finally the author puts forward the ways to raise the eco-efficiency of arable land ecological footprint.
文摘Eco-efficiency is a valuable tool for managing and solving issues involving resource consumption and pollution emission in current production processes.Despite the popularity of the term"eco-efficiency"in business,limited attention has been paid to measuring and reporting regional eco-efficiency for local government policy makers.Based on the concept and method of eco-efficiency,an indicator system of regional eco-efficiency is established in this study.The indicator system comprises 22 indicators,which are divided in to three categories including socio-economic development,resources consumption, environmental pressure.As a promising statistical technique, principle component analysis is used to set the weight of indicators which attempts to calculate the eco-efficiency indices of Qingdao's Chengyang District.The results show that the eco-efficiency of Chengyang District has clearly improved 35.1% with small fluctuation from 1995 to 2003.Socio-economic development index and resources consumption index also represent obvious increasing trends.The correlation coefficient between soci-economic development index and resources consumption index is 0.979,which means the social progress and economic growth of Chengyang District depend on an extravagant consumption of resources.The environmental pressure index increased slowly before 1997 and declined gradually after 1997,due to more attention being paid to environmental protection by local government in recent years.Chengyang District still keeps the traditional economic development mode with a high consumption and high production,so the emphases of future development should put on improving the improving the efficient use of natural resources and promoting environmental management sustainability.The results show that the indicators system of regional eco-efficiency is a promising method to quantitatively evaluate resources and environmental efficiency and provide an effective decision-making support for local governments.
文摘Energy eco-efficiency is a concept integrating ecological and economic benefits arising from energy utilization and serves as a measure of efficiency in the energy-environment-economy system. Using the slacks-based measure （SBM） model considering undesirable output, this study first measures the energy eco-efficiency of provinces in China from 1997 to 2012. It then analyzes the spatial distribution and evolution of energy eco-efficiency from three aspects： scale, intensity, and grain of spatial patterns. Finally, it examines the spatial spillover effects and influencing factors of energy eco-efficiency in different provinces by means of a spatial econometric model. The following conclusions are drawn： （1） The overall energy ecofficiency is relatively low in China, with energy-inefficient regions accounting for about 40%. Guangdong, Hainan and Fujian provinces enjoy the highest energy eco-efficiency, while Ningxia, Gansu, Qinghai, and Xinjiang are repre- sentative regions with low efficiency. Thus, the pattern of evolution of China＇s overall energy eco-efficiency is U-shaped. Among local regions, four main patterns of evolution are found： increasing, fluctuating, mutating, and leveling. （2） At the provincial level, China＇s energy eco-efficiency features significant spatial agglomeration both globally and locally. High-high agglomeration occurs mainly in the eastern and southern coastal regions and low-low agglomeration in the northwestern region and the middle reaches of the Yellow River. Changes in spatial patterns have occurred mainly in areas with high-low and low-high agglomeration, with the most remarkable change taking place in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. （3） There exist significant spatial effects of energy eco-efficiency among provinces in China. For the energy eco-efficiency of a given region spatial spillovers from adjacent regions outweigh the influence of errors in adjacent regions. Industrial structure has the greatest influence on energy eco-efficiency.
基金Under the auspices of National Key R&D Program of China(No.2018YFD 1100104)Natural Science Foundation of Anhui Province(No.2108085-MD29)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41571400)。
文摘As a traditional agricultural country,China has always prioritized agricultural development,and has increasingly focused on green and sustainable agricultural development.Based on the inter-provincial panel data for China from 1997 to 2019,this study divided these data into five periods according to the Five-Year Plan(FYP)of China,measured the agricultural eco-efficiency(AEE)values using the Super-SBM model,and then determined the spatial association network of the inter-provincial AEE of China using the improved gravity model.Finally,social network analysis(SNA)was used to further analyze the evolution process of AEE,and we de-veloped a framework of how multidimensional proximity,which includes geographical,economic,technological,cognitive,and institutional proximity,made an influence on the formation of AEE spatial relation network.The findings indicated that:1)in 1997−2019,the AEE in China was present in some spatial and temporal differences characteristics at the provincial scale,and we specifically found that national macro-regulation and policy incentives played a positive role in the long-term development of AEE.2)The spatial correlation of AEE development among provincial regions were becoming closer and exhibits obvious spatial correlation and spillover effects.The evolution of the AEE network has clearly observable trends of hierarchization and aggregation,and the complexity of the correlation network continues to increase and exhibits spatial clustering characteristics that are dense in the east and sparse in the west.The network structure has changed from monocentric radiation to a multicentric network,and network nodes select the more advantageous nodes with which to connect.3)Finally,the geographical proximity had a significant negative effect;the economic,technological,and institutional proximities were all observed to contribute to the AEE network formation,and cognitive proximity did not significantly influence this network formation.
基金Supported by Special Project for Youth Research in Anhui Institute of Architecture&Industry(20104012)
文摘According to the eco-efficiency theory, combined with agricultural production characteristics, I point out the environmental impact and substance energy consumption characteristics of agricultural production. Based on this, I establish the eco-efficiency evaluation indicator system for agricultural production, and conduct a comprehensive analysis on the agricultural eco-efficiency of 17 prefecture-level cities in Anhui Province, using data envelopment analysis method.
文摘The paper deals with the energy and indoor comfort on buildings of UPF （University ofPasso Fundo）, located in southern Brazil, in order to improve the eco-efficiency concepts in the university＇s building stock, reinforcing its responsibility towards sustainable development. The factors that affect thermal performance and the energy consumption of two case studies were identified, including the general characteristics of the envelope and the indoor conditions. The simulations with DesignBuilder software compare the energy and thermal performance of both cases： those results allow the identification of their positive and negative aspects, as well as making a co-relation with the students＇ sensations of comfort--obtained through PMV （predicted mean vote）. The research indicates that it will be possible to improve eco-efficiency of existing and new buildings and campuses by retrofitting and upgrading it with regard to better indoor conditions that really correspond to climate conditions （hot and humid summers, and cold and damp winters）, using passive strategies for heating and cooling and at the same time to improve rational use of natural resources and to reduce the environmental impact. Probably, giving comfortable conditions to the users will increase energy consumption, but there is a potential reduction of lighting and equipment that could minimize this impact.
基金supported by Major Social Science Project of Tianjin Education Commission(Grant No. 2019JWZD36)。
文摘Under the goal of "double carbon " strategy,the government and enterprises collaborate to form an efficient environmental governance symbiosis network to reduce pollution and carbon.Based on the panel data of 30 provinces,the static and dynamic eco-efficiency of the symbiotic network of environmental governance PPP projects are measured by using the SBM model and Malmquist index considering the super-efficiency of non-expected output.The results show that:(1) 8 provinces,including Hebei,have efficiency values greater than 1;11 provinces,including Liaoning,have organizational technology and management levels conducive to efficiency improvement,and 12 provinces,including Zhejiang,are closest to optimal scale efficiency.(2) Redundancy of energy conservation and environmental protection expenditures,urban environmental infrastructure construction investment and new product development projects,insufficient waste gas treatment capacity,environmental emergencies and carbon emission redundancy are all significant factors affecting eco-efficiency.(3) The dynamic efficiency of 8 provinces,including Fujian,shows a decreasing trend,and the Malmquist index and its decomposition indicate that the utilization rate of environmental governance technology should be improved and environmental resources should be allocated rationally.
文摘The second half of the 20th century was characterized by an increasing interest in the pace of economic growth and its impact on the environment. As a result, the concept of eco-efficiency as a philosophy of management has arisen, which combines the excellence of the environment and business. This paper uses the distribution-free approach to provide empirical evidence in relation to the eco-efficiency paradigm by studying the relation between environmental performance （measured by the level of emissions of air-contaminating substances） and economic performance （approximated by economic efficiency）, in 199 companies from mineral manufacturing industry in Spain between 2004 and 2007. The empirical analysis shows that the results are consistent with the paradigm of eco-efficiency and therefore it can be concluded that being responsible for the environment is positively related to economic efficiency.
文摘In order to improve the agricultural eco-efficiency and promote the sustainable development of agriculture in Henan Province, China, based on the footprint theory, the super-efficiency SBM model </span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">is</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> used to scientifically calculate and analyze the agricultural eco-efficiency in Henan Province. On this basis, the influencing factors of agricultural eco-efficiency in Henan Province are quantitatively analyzed by using the grey incidence analysis model. The <span>results s</span><span>how that unilaterally considering one of grey water footprint</span></span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">s</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> and carbon footprint</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:"">s</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> will overestimate or underestimate the agricultural eco-efficiency of Henan Province in different degrees in different time periods, and the agricultural eco-efficiency obtained by comprehensively considering grey water footprint and carbon footprint (GWCAEE) is more in line with the reality of agricultural development in Henan Province. In 2000-2004, GWCAEE in Henan Province was better. During 2005-2014, GWCAEE in Henan Province showed a fluctuating decline and continued to be in an inefficient state. From 2015</span></span></span><span><span><span style="font-family:""> to 2019, GWCAEE of Henan Province gradually increased, and it became effective in 2019. In recent years, GWCAEE has developed well. Through the grey incidence analysis between 12 influencing factors including endogenous factors and exogenous factors and GWCAEE, it is found that the six leading factors of GWCAEE in Henan Province are agricultural structure, financial input for agriculture, number of agricultural employees, crop sown area, consumption of chemical pesticide, consumption of agricultural diesel oil. According to the above research conclusions, suggestions for improving agricultural eco-efficiency in Henan Province are put forward.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province(Grant No.2022J01320)。
文摘Agricultural eco-efficiency is an important indicator to measure the sustainable development and high-quality development of agriculture.Based on the agricultural input-output data of 37 districts(counties)in Chongqing from 2004 to 2019,this paper uses the static SBM model and the DDF-BML index method to calculate the agricultural eco-efficiency of each district and county in Chongqing and conduct a comparative analysis.The comprehensive analysis of static and dynamic calculation results shows that the agricultural eco-efficiency of Chongqing is low,the agricultural input-output efficiency of various districts and counties is insufficient,and slack variables are common,so the ability of agricultural sustainable development still needs to be improved.The main sources of agricultural eco-efficiency are the progress of agricultural green technology and the efficiency of agricultural green technology.However,as far as the actual situation of Chongqing is concerned,the efficiency of agricultural green technology shows a downward trend,which has an inhibitory effect on the improvement of agricultural eco-efficiency.Therefore,in the process of agricultural ecological development in the future,Chongqing will focus on improving the efficiency of agricultural green technology as a starting point,implement agricultural technology innovation and promotion,improve the level of farmers’science and technology and culture,and achieve"technology to the countryside,demonstration to households,and application to the country."At the same time,it is necessary to further improve the construction of agricultural and rural infrastructure,and promote the"outward migration"of frontier technologies in agricultural production to radiate agricultural development in surrounding districts and counties.
基金supported by the Key Research Project of State Forestry and Grassland Administration“Research on Collective Forest Development Strategy in the Context of Implementing Rural Revitalization Strategy”(Grant No.LGS-2018-012)
文摘The strategy of rural revitalization puts ecology and economic development at the same level,in order to explore whether the eco-efficiency compensation policy for public welfare forests can achieve a“win-win”for both ecology and people livelihood.This study probed into the consideration of income structure and used OLS analysis to conduct an empirical analysis on a sample of 443 households in Shaanxi Province.It was found that the eco-efficiency compensation for public welfare forests had not only a significantly positive effect on the forestry income and the total income of farm households,but also had a constructive influence on the non-forestry income,though smaller and less significant,which was closely attributed to the original income structures of these farm households.In addition,personal and household characteristics such as age,educational level and labor force size played decisive roles to nonforestry income and total income of farm households as well.
文摘Eco-efficiency is an invaluable indicator for the measurement of the relationship between production activities and environmental depletion.This study measures the tourism eco-efficiency of 30 provinces in China from 2005 to 2020 based on the super-efficiency SBM model,and explores its spatial-temporal evolution characteristics using the kernel density function,standard deviation ellipse,and center of gravity model.Then,the influencing factors of the tourism eco-efficiency in China are analyzed by Tobit regression model.The results show that the tourism eco-efficiency of China is generally fluctuating upwards,but has not yet reached the maximum production possibility frontier.The kernel density curve shows a unimodal-bimodal-unimodal pattern,while the inter-provincial differences have been decreasing and becoming more balanced.The center of gravity of tourism eco-efficiency is located at the junction of Henan and Hubei province and generally moves to the south(slightly to the southwest).Meanwhile,it is revealed that the level of economic development and the tourism eco-efficiency has a significant inverted U-shaped relationship.The level of economic openness,traffic conditions,and tourism eco-efficiency is positively correlated.The environmental regulations and industrial structure have a negative but limited impact on tourism eco-efficiency.Finally,recommendations and suggestions for policy formulation to promote quality and sustainable development of the tourism industry are put forward,such as increasing investment in ecological protection and governance in tourism development,improving capacity-building in allocating green and low-carbon technologies and resources,strengthening tourism infrastructure construction,and enhancing environmental governance systems and mechanisms.
