Green development efficiency of cold chain logistics based on the super-SBM-GML index model

By incorporating environmental regulation into the analytical framework of cold chain logistics efficiency, this paper provides a comprehensive measurement of the efficiency of green and low-carbon development of cold chain logistics in China, and provides theoretical references for promoting the green, efficient and sustainable development of cold chain logistics.

This paper used the super-SBM model and the Global Malmquist-lunberger index method to statically measure and dynamically analyze the green development efficiency of cold chain logistics in 30 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities across China from 2012 to 2020. The “green development efficiency-total factor productivity GML index” matrix was constructed to comprehensively compare the advantages and disadvantages of the green development efficiency of cold chain logistics in each province.

The overall efficiency level of green development in cold chain logistics in China was not high. In 2020, only Hebei, Shanxi, Liaoning, and Shanghai provinces reached the effective level, and the gap between provinces was gradually widening. From a regional perspective, the green development efficiency of cold chain logistics in China’s three major regions including Eastern, Central and Western, was in a trend of eastern region > central region > western region. The green development efficiency of cold chain logistics in the central and eastern regions showed a slight upward trend, while the western regions showed a slight downward trend; By decomposing the total factor productivity GML index, it was found that the improvement of green development efficiency of cold chain logistics in each provinces at this stage mainly relied on technological progress, and different efficiency levels had varying degrees of dependence on pure technological efficiency and scale efficiency; According to matrix analysis, 30 provinces could be divided into four categories: stable, active, trough, and potential.

To reduce the carbon emission of China’s cold chain logistics industry and enhance the efficiency of green development of cold chain logistics, four measures should be taken. Firstly, accelerating green technology innovation and promoting green transformation of cold chain logistics industry. Secondly, integrating development planning for coordinated regional development. Thirdly, implementing the concept of green development and guiding the implementation of all aspects. Fourthly, improving infrastructure construction and optimizing cold chain logistics network.