Integrating Green Logistics into Urban Agglomeration Networks: Efficiency Improvement Approaches and Case Study

Abstract

Against the backdrop of global climate change and China's pursuit of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the logistics industry's role in emission reduction is crucial. However, existing research has mostly focused on world-class urban agglomerations, with relatively insufficient attention paid to the Huaihai urban agglomeration. This study takes the Huaihai urban agglomeration as the object and constructs a comprehensive evaluation system based on the theory of hub and spoke logistics network. By considering carbon emissions, an input-output evaluation index system from a network perspective is constructed. The two-stage network super efficiency SBM model is innovatively used to evaluate the logistics ecological efficiency, and an internal and external directed network is constructed by combining the improved gravity model and social network analysis to deeply analyze the development status of green and low-carbon logistics. The study found that the spatial distribution of logistics efficiency in this urban agglomeration is uneven, with cities such as Xuzhou showing outstanding performance, and the logistics network presenting specific structures and characteristics. Factors such as urbanization and green technology innovation have a significant impact on logistics efficiency. This study provides a basis for regional logistics planning and policy formulation, promotes sustainable development of regional logistics economy, and assists in the implementation of "dual carbon" strategy.