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Driving Mechanism and Energy Conservation Strategy for China’s Railway Passenger Stations Towards Carbon Neutrality

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  • Yintao Lu

    (School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
    Intelligent Environment Research Center, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100081, China
    Engineering Research Center of Clean and Low-Carbon Technology for Intelligent Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Bo Hu

    (School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
    Intelligent Environment Research Center, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100081, China
    Engineering Research Center of Clean and Low-Carbon Technology for Intelligent Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Shengming Qiu

    (School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
    Intelligent Environment Research Center, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100081, China
    Engineering Research Center of Clean and Low-Carbon Technology for Intelligent Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Shuchang Liu

    (School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
    Intelligent Environment Research Center, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100081, China
    Engineering Research Center of Clean and Low-Carbon Technology for Intelligent Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Jiayan Wang

    (School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
    Intelligent Environment Research Center, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100081, China
    Engineering Research Center of Clean and Low-Carbon Technology for Intelligent Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Jiashuai Zhao

    (School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
    Intelligent Environment Research Center, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100081, China
    Engineering Research Center of Clean and Low-Carbon Technology for Intelligent Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Hong Yao

    (School of Environment, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100044, China
    Intelligent Environment Research Center, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100081, China
    Engineering Research Center of Clean and Low-Carbon Technology for Intelligent Transportation, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

Abstract

As critical hubs for long-distance transportation, railway passenger stations (RPSs) significantly influence energy conservation and CO 2 mitigation. This study investigates the spatiotemporal patterns and driving factors of CO 2 emissions across 247 Chinese RPSs (2014–2023), proposing region-specific decarbonization strategies. The key findings include: (1) Emissions increased universally during 2014–2023, with severe cold zones and developed cities hosting the most high-emission RPSs; (2) purchased thermal energy dominated the emissions in severe cold/cold zones, while purchased electricity prevailed in other zones; (3) the heating area (HA) was a primary emission driver, whereas the percentage of lighting energy consumption (PLEC) served as a key constraint, as shown by correlation and PCA analyses; (4) CO 2 emissions in severe cold zones exhibited strong correlations with heating-related factors, whereas emissions in other zones were predominantly linked to energy structure-related factors. These findings provide region-specific, actionable strategies to support CO 2 emission reduction planning for RPSs.

Suggested Citation

  • Yintao Lu & Bo Hu & Shengming Qiu & Shuchang Liu & Jiayan Wang & Jiashuai Zhao & Hong Yao, 2025. "Driving Mechanism and Energy Conservation Strategy for China’s Railway Passenger Stations Towards Carbon Neutrality," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-19, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:11:p:2768-:d:1664943
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    References listed on IDEAS

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