Accounting and Decomposition of Energy Footprint: Evidence from 28 Sectors in China

This study aims to clarify the sectoral level of environmental pollution “rights, responsibilities and benefits” and to identify the sectoral pollution “background” to lay the foundation to achieving sustainable economic development. We use input output table data to account for and decompose the sectoral energy footprint. Firstly, based on the principles of producer responsibility and consumer responsibility, the consumption-based energy footprint (CBEF) and the responsible-based energy footprint (RBEF) are accounted for. Secondly, the sectoral energy footprint is decomposed based on energy consumption and responsibility and direct and indirect perspectives. The results show that (1) the distribution of the sectoral CBEF is characterized by a high sector concentration and large inter-sector differences. (2) The distribution of the sectoral RBEF is more balanced, and the difference is smaller. (3) There are also asymmetries and heterogeneity in trends between the sectoral CBEF and the sectoral RBEF. (4) The energy footprint generated by the production of intermediate-use products is an important source of the sectoral energy footprint (EF). The Chinese government should develop differentiated energy saving and emission reduction measures and optimize the sectoral structure to enhance sectoral cleanliness. Policy references for energy saving and emission reduction at the sectoral level and early achievement of carbon-peak and carbon-neutral targets are proposed.