Integrating Dynamic Material Flow Analysis and Computable General Equilibrium Models for Both Mass and Monetary Balances in Prospective Modeling: A Case for the Chinese Building Sector

The Application of Internet of Things Data Analysis in the Development of International Trade

There are some problems in the application of current data analysis methods in international economy and trade, such as low service efficiency, low data utilization, and low degree of intelligence. Based on this, this paper studies the application of the Internet of things data analysis method in international trade development and economic and industrial growth. Firstly, the Internet of things economic data analysis model (IOT-EET model) based on simulated annealing early warning algorithm is established to store and analyze the data in the whole chain of international trade. Then, combined with the analysis methods of international trade economic data over the years, it is fed back to the IOT-EET model for error calibration. Finally, relevant experiments are designed to analyze the correlation between international trade development and national economic growth. The results show that compared with the traditional method based on module data analysis, this IOT-EET model can realize the correlation matching analysis of the data involved in the development of international trade in combination with the Internet of things technology and analyze the factors affecting international trade transactions. Therefore, it has the advantages of good reliability and strong pertinence.

Cleaner production vs end-of-pipe treatment: Evidence from industrial SO2 emissions abatement in China

Understanding the roles and regional differences associated with cleaner production (CP) and end-of-pipe treatment (ET) can provide valuable information for the reduction of pollutant emissions. Considering the differences of these impact pathways, this paper proposes a two-stage decomposition method for investigating the contributions of CP and ET to the reduction of pollutant emissions. This two-stage method enhances the accuracy and obtainable detail of the decomposition results. Then, empirical research was conducted by decomposing the changes of China's industrial sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions during 2005-2015. At the national level, CP and ET both decreased Chinese SO₂ emissions, and CP has become the dominant approach for SO₂ emission reduction in 2010-2015. Moreover, coal pollution intensity and treatment strength are key factors that need to be improved in CP and ET, respectively. At the provincial level, CP exerts a stronger impact on SO₂ emission differences among different regions, while ET exerts less impact on SO₂ emission differences among different regions. Based on the decomposition results, this paper presents targeted policy implications.

Copper at the crossroads: Assessment of the interactions between low-carbon energy transition and supply limitations

This article aims to assess the impact of copper availability on the energy transition and to determine whether copper could become critical due to the high copper content of low-carbon technologies compared to conventional technologies. In assessing copper availability through to 2050, we rely on our linear programming world energy-transport model, TIAM-IFPEN. We examine two climate scenarios (2 °C and 4 °C) with two mobility shape, implemented with a recycling chain. The penetration of low-carbon technologies in the transport and energy sectors (electric vehicles and low-carbon power generation technologies) is likely to significantly increase copper demand by 2050. To investigate how tension over copper resources can be reduced in the energy transition context, we consider two public policy drivers: sustainable mobility and recycling practices. Results show that in the most stringent scenario, the cumulative primary copper demand between 2010 and 2050 is found to be 89.4% of the copper resources known in 2010. They also pinpoint the importance of China and Chile in the future evolution of the copper market.

Economic, energy and environmental impact of coal-to-electricity policy in China: A dynamic recursive CGE study

In north China, many rural and urban residents still use coal for heating in winter. However, such method would result in a large amount of GHG emissions. China intends to change the heating method of its citizens from coal burning to electric heating to save energy, reduce emissions, which is called the project of Coal to Electricity (CtE). A dynamic recursive computable general equilibrium model is applied to analyze the real effect if the project is widely promoted in China. We found that CtE project is effective in reducing SO₂ and NO_x emission than CO₂ emissions. In essence, energy substitution is not energy-saving, so the contribution to CO₂ reduction of CtE project is limited. There is a certain co-benefit between CtE project and other energy saving policies (new energy generation, improving heating efficiency and building energy saving etc.). The findings indicate that single CtE policy can only bring better air quality. However, with other energy saving policies, CtE project can not only bring NO_x and SO₂ reduction, but also lead to less CO₂ emissions and more convenient life. Multiple emission reduction measures are suggested to maximize the reduction effects of these policies.

The State of the Art of Material Flow Analysis Research Based on Construction and Demolition Waste Recycling and Disposal

Construction and demolition waste (C&D waste) are widely recognized as the main form municipal solid waste, and its recycling and reuse are an important issue in sustainable city development. Material flow analysis (MFA) can quantify materials flows and stocks, and is a useful tool for the analysis of construction and demolition waste management. In recent years, material flow analysis has been continually researched in construction and demolition waste processing considering both single waste material and mixed wastes, and at regional, national, and global scales. Moreover, material flow analysis has had some new research extensions and new combined methods that provide dynamic, robust, and multifaceted assessments of construction and demolition waste. In this paper, we summarize and discuss the state of the art of material flow analysis research in the context of construction and demolition waste recycling and disposal. Furthermore, we also identify the current research gaps and future research directions that are expected to promote the development of MFA for construction and demolition waste processing in the field of sustainable city development.