Measurement and Improvement Pathways of Low-Carbon Efficiency in the Transportation and Logistics Sector under China’s Dual-Carbon Goals

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jes.202602303

Author(s)

Yahua Wang, Jin Guo, Tao Zhang, Huihui Bao, Jiahang Li

Affiliation(s)

School of Management and Economics, North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power, Henan, Zhengzhou, China

Abstract

Under China’s advancing dual-carbon strategy, the transportation and logistics sector remains a major source of energy consumption and carbon emissions. Assessing its low-carbon efficiency is therefore essential for facilitating the sector’s green transition and supporting sustainable regional development. Using panel data for the cities of Henan Province from 2014 to 2023, this study constructs an evaluation framework for low-carbon logistics efficiency that incorporates inputs, desirable outputs, and undesirable outputs. A super-efficiency slacks-based measure SE-SBM model and a DEA-Malmquist productivity index are employed to assess transportation and logistics efficiency from static and dynamic perspectives, respectively. Nevertheless, the sector’s total factor productivity exhibited a modest and fluctuating upward trend over the study period. Technological change was the principal driver of productivity growth, while fluctuations in pure technical efficiency and scale efficiency constrained the overall improvement. Accordingly, this study proposes measures to optimize the transport structure, accelerate technology-enabled upgrading, promote regional coordination and place-based development, and strengthen the policy framework. These measures are intended to facilitate the high-quality and low-carbon transformation of Henan’s transportation and logistics sector.

Keywords

Carbon Peaking and Carbon Neutrality Goals; Henan Province; Transportation and Logistics; Low-Carbon Efficiency Measurement

References

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