LIURanbin,LüMaokun,MAYan,et al.Carbon Reduction Mechanism and Insights from Benchmarking Management in Danish Water Sector[J].China Water & Wastewater,2026,42(10):46-54.
Carbon Reduction Mechanism and Insights from Benchmarking Management in Danish Water Sector
China Water & Wastewater[ISSN:1000-4062/CN:12-1073/TU]
volume:
第42卷
Number:
第10期
Page:
46-54
Column:
Date of publication:
2026-05-17
- Keywords:
- water sector; benchmarking management; energy neutrality; carbon neutrality; date envelopment analysis; Danish practices
- Abstract:
- In China, carbon reduction in the urban water sector has become a widely recognized goal. However, challenges remain, including the pressure to achieve synergistic pollution and carbon reduction, and the lack of an effective management mechanism to stimulate intrinsic motivation for proactive carbon reduction. Danish water sector, known globally as a benchmark for water management, is recognized for its efficient management and low-carbon transformation. This success is attributed to its implementation of a benchmark management system comprising economic benchmarking, performance benchmarking, and voluntary benchmarking protocols. This system has accelerated Danish water sector to achieve a 40%-50% reduction in carbon emissions, with nearly half of its large-scale wastewater treatment plants achieving energy neutrality. The benchmarking system refines carbon emission activities through performance indicators, identifies advanced benchmarks, quantifies the gaps with leading companies, and subsequently drives operational efficiency improvements and continuous carbon emission reductions. This approach aligns closely with the requirements of synergistic pollution and carbon reduction in China’s urban water sector. By analyzing its structure and carbon reduction principles, this system offers valuable insights for facilitating a steady low-carbon transition in China’s water sector.
Last Update:
2026-05-17