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How can sociological theories provide legitimacy to eco-efficiency evaluations? Embark on a journey toward understanding

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  • Cui, Yuan
  • Pan, Hao
  • Huang, Yi-Di
  • Yang, Guo-liang

Abstract

Due to the challenges of implementing environmental responsibility, sustainable development is often criticized for its promise to “square the circle”. This paper incorporates sociological theories into operational research to enhance our understanding of the issue. It proposes a framework for evaluating eco-efficiency that captures the decision-making process from a macro perspective rather than focusing on a single technique or employing a multimethodology. By utilizing 272 Chinese cities as case studies, the evaluation process is effectively implemented. From three perspectives - region, city size, and policy - we draw some interesting conclusions. Finally, a vision for future research is presented in the concluding section.

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  • Cui, Yuan & Pan, Hao & Huang, Yi-Di & Yang, Guo-liang, 2024. "How can sociological theories provide legitimacy to eco-efficiency evaluations? Embark on a journey toward understanding," Socio-Economic Planning Sciences, Elsevier, vol. 93(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceps:v:93:y:2024:i:c:s0038012124000557
    DOI: 10.1016/j.seps.2024.101856
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