A Carbon Footprint of High‐Speed Railways in China: A Case Study of the Beijing‐Shanghai Line

• DOI: 10.1111/jiec.12824
• Publication Date: 2018-11-07T14:41:02Z
• Authors: Jianyi Lin; Huimei Li; Wei Huang; Wangtu(Ato) Xu; Shihui Cheng
• Keywords: Carbon Footprint; Scope (computer science); Carbon fibers

Summary A carbon footprint (CF) assessment of Chinese high‐speed railways (HSRs) can help guide further development the world's longest HSR network. In this research, a hybrid economic input‐output and life cycle (EIO‐LCA) method was applied to estimate CF Beijing‐Shanghai line. Specific CFs were analyzed different subsystems line, stages production, three calculation scopes. Results showed that annual is increasing, whereas per‐passenger constantly declined between 2011 2014. Scope 1 emissions account for an average 4% total CF, 2 contribute 71%, 3 comprise 25%. Among stages, operation contributes largest (71%), followed by construction (20%) maintenance (9%). stage, bridges have trains, then rails. trade‐off exists increase in due reduction affected leveling changes terrain. The line has relatively higher than eight other lines, which largely China's coal‐based carbon‐intensive energy mix electricity generation, high proportion bridges, operating speed, heavier train body. future, cleaner supply options, more efficient raw material improvement trains are keys reducing HSRs.