Energy–economy–environmental (3E) performance of Chinese regions based on the data envelopment analysis model with mixed assumptions on disposability

Abstract

This paper presents a modified environmental production technology which imposes the proper disposability on the undesirable outputs depending on the underlying technical properties. Then, aggregate and disaggregate (Russell-type) data envelopment analysis (DEA) models are proposed to evaluate the energy–economy–environment (3E) efficiency based on the modified technology (hereafter referred to as the 3E-DEA models). The non-radial Malmquist productivity index is adapted to model the changes in the 3E productivity over time. A case study of 3E efficiency analysis for the 30 Chinese administrative regions during 2011–2013 is presented. In general, Chinese regions did not perform well in terms of 3E goals as only three of them exhibited full efficiency. It was also found out that the eastern area showed the best 3E performance, whereas the central area followed suit, thus putting the western area at end of ranking. Still, some regions in the eastern area showed 3E efficiencies lower than those of some cities in the central and eastern areas. Anyway, most of the regions showed improving 3E productivity during 2011–2013.