Transverse and longitudinal analysis of the environmental efficiency of Chinese industries

In this paper, the environmental efficiencies of 39 industrial sectors are measured using a non-radical, non-oriented slacks-based measure (SBM) model that considers the environmental impact of each industry. The economic efficiency of each industrial sector is measured using traditional data envelope analysis (DEA) methods and the differences between environmental efficiency and economic efficiency are analyzed using the transverse analysis method. A total of 39 industrial sectors are examined within three main industrial sectors (mining, manufacturing, and supply). Using the longitudinal analysis method, the environmental efficiencies of the three main industrial sectors from 2002 to 2009 are analyzed using the average value of their sub-industries’ environmental efficiencies. The time regression equation of the three industrial fields’ environmental efficiencies is examined using a regression analysis method. Based on these results, tactics for enhancing the environmental efficiency of Chinese industries are suggested in accordance with the characteristics of each industrial sector’s environmental efficiency.