| Title |
A breakthrough in macro-scale circularity and eco-efficiency assessment: A case study of OECD countries |
| ID_Doc |
23217 |
| Authors |
Shabanpour, H; Dargusch, P; Wadley, D; Saen, RF; Lieske, SN |
| Title |
A breakthrough in macro-scale circularity and eco-efficiency assessment: A case study of OECD countries |
| Year |
2024 |
| Published |
|
| DOI |
10.1016/j.jenvman.2024.121070 |
| Abstract |
Countries ' circularity performance and CO 2 emissions should be addressed as a part of the UN net -zero Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Macro -scale circularity assessment is regarded as a helpful tool for tracking and adjusting nations ' progress toward the sustainable Circular Economy (CE) and SDGs. However, practical frameworks are required to address the shortage of real -world circularity assessments at the macro level. The establishment of CE benchmarks is also essential to enhance circularity in less sustainable nations. Further, monitoring the extent to which nations ' circularity activities are sustainable and in line with the SDGs is an area that lacks sufficient practical research. The current research aims to develop a macro -level framework and benchmarks for national sustainable circularity assessments. Methodologically, we develop a dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DN-DEA) framework for multi -period circularity and eco-efficiency assessment of OECD countries. To do so, we incorporate dual -role and bidirectional carryovers in our macroscale framework. From a managerial perspective, we conduct a novel comparative analysis of the circularity and eco-efficiency of the nations to monitor macro -scale sustainable CE trends. Research results reveal a significant performance disparity in circularity, eco-efficiency, and benchmarking patterns. Accordingly, circularly efficient nations cannot necessarily be considered eco-friendly and sustainable. Although Germany (as a superior circular nation) can be regarded as a circularity benchmark, it cannot serve as an eco-efficiency benchmark for less eco-efficient nations. Hence, the new method allows decision -makers not only to identify the nations ' circularity outcome but also to distinguish sustainable nations from less sustainable ones. This, on the one hand, provides policymakers with a multi -faceted sustainability analysis, beyond the previous unidimensional analysis. On the other, it proposes improvement benchmarks for planning and regulating nations ' future circularity in line with real sustainability goals. The capabilities of our innovative approach are demonstrated in the case study. |
| Author Keywords |
Macro-level circularity performance; Eco-efficiency; Sustainable circular economy; Dynamic network data envelopment analysis; Dual-role criteria; Bidirectional carryovers; Sustainable decision-making |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) |
| EID |
WOS:001241586100001 |
| WoS Category |
Environmental Sciences |
| Research Area |
Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
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