Quantification of carbon emissions of the transport service sector in China by using streamlined life cycle assessment

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2015-05, Vol.95, p.109-116
• Main Authors: Duan, Huabo, Hu, Mingwei, Zhang, Yukui, Wang, Jiayuan, Jiang, Weiping, Huang, Qifei, Li, Jinhui
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon dioxide emissions; China; Streamlined life cycle assessment; Transport service sector
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.02.029

Transport is energy-intensive, and inevitably raises serious environmental concerns. This paper characterizes the Chinese transport service sector, which moves freight and passengers, using national official statistical data. A Streamlined life cycle assessment method is employed to address: (1) What proportions of carbon emissions generated at national level are due to road, air, water, rail and pipeline transport services and what key factors impact carbon emissions? (2) How may the process to dynamically quantify the carbon emission impact of the transport service sector be streamlined? Specifically, activities related to transport services in China are formed including transport modes, freight volume and passenger turnover volume, travel distance, and other aspects related to life cycle. The emissions factors corresponding to transport modes are derived from commercial databases (China-specific case studies). The results show that carbon emissions from the transport service sector has rapidly grown over the past few decades, closely corresponding with increases in annual turnover. The total impact in 2012 was estimated to be 3184 million tons. The impact caused by moving freight is as much as 8 times greater than passengers'. Road sector emissions dominate transport emissions with light duty trucks accounting for more than 70% of the impact. The potential carbon abatement strategy in China might be less than expected, if their carbon intensity maintains on this level. To summarize, the obtained results constitute a necessary base in order to accomplish an adequate dimensioning of emissions in the transport service sector. This study can be considered as an opportunity for further research and evaluate the available options for a sustainable transportation system planning in China. In addition, the method development is also important for future quantifications of carbon emissions by other sectors in China and beyond. •This paper characterizes the transport service sector in China.•Streamlined LCA is employed to quantify the TSS carbon emissions.•The emissions of freight and passenger transport in 2012 were 3184 million tons.•The impact caused by moving freight is as much as 8 times greater than passengers'.•Light duty trucks account for more than 70% of the total impact for road emissions.