The path to green transformation of the logistics sector from the perspective of eco-efficiency

As a major source of carbon emissions in China, the logistics sector is second only to the electricity and industrial sectors, making it a critical field in achieving the "Dual Carbon" goals. In promoting the green transformation of this sector, eco-efficiency is selected as the core indicator for evaluating green transformation due to its ability to balance economic output and environmental impact. Therefore, this study constructs a computable general equilibrium (CGE) model incorporated with an eco-efficiency and pollutant emissions modules to evaluate policy and non-policy pathways for the green transformation of logistics industry. The simulations results reveal that: (1) Under a single non-policy pathway, technological advancements and the reduction of fossil energy consumption significantly enhance the eco-efficiency of logistics industry. (2) Under a single policy pathway, carbon taxes, environmental taxes, and subsidies for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies all improve eco-efficiency, with CCUS subsidy policies demonstrating the best outcomes. (3) The integrated policy pathway comprising technological progress, reduced fossil fuel consumption, and CCUS subsidies exhibits a synergistic effect, leading to the optimal enhancement of eco-efficiency in the logistics sector. These findings provide a theoretical guidance for the sector's green transition. • Integrates eco-efficiency and pollution emission modules into an innovative CGE model framework. • The combined pathways exhibit synergistic effects in improving eco-efficiency. • Single tax policies have limited effectiveness in the green transformation of the logistics industry. • Combining technological progress, lower fossil energy use, and carbon capture subsidies greatly improves eco-efficiency.