The spatio-temporal approach to regional analysis on cleaner production in China

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews Vol. 52; pp. 1491 - 1503
• Main Authors: Chang, I-Shin, Wu, Jing, Qiao, Huimin, Zhang, Zhilei
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2015
• Subjects: Cleaner production; Geographical characteristics; Industrial transformation; Industrialization; Regional differences; Resources depletion; Industrial transformation; Industrialization; Resources depletion; Geographical characteristics; Cleaner production; Regional differences
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2015.07.180

Cleaner production (CP), as one of the effective schemes for energy saving, emission reduction and pollution abatement, was introduced into China in late 1980s, and gradually recognized as the essential strategy for industrial transformation and environmental protection. There are two crucial milestones of CP development in China, the promulgations of the Law of People׳s Republic of China on Promoting Cleaner Production on June 29th, 2002, and the promulgation of the Amendment of the Law of People׳s Republic of China on Promoting Cleaner Production on February 29th, 2012, respectively. However, due to significant regional differences between various areas, along with huge divergences in economic development and social structure, there are remarkable disparities between the depth, broadness and key points of CP development among various areas. Hence, through the literature review and statistical analysis, the purpose of this study is to firstly illustrate the progress, problems and prospects of CP development in China. Secondly, through spatial and temporal analysis, the geographical characteristics, regional differences, time variation and industries allocation of CP development in China were analyzed. Thirdly, the emphases of CP implementation for different industries in various areas were revealed to further demonstrate the regional characteristics of CP development in China. And finally, some suggestions were proposed to promote the regionalized CP management system for future CP development in China. •To summarize the development of cleaner production in China in various aspects.•To quantitatively analyze the spatial, temporal and industrial distribution of companies to complete the CPA assessment and acceptance.•To provide some feasible recommendations and suggestions for future improvement.