Using Choice Experiments to Value the Environment

This paper we outline the “choice experiment” approach to environmental valuation. This approach has its roots in Lancaster's characteristics theory of value, in random utility theory and in experimental design. We show how marginal values for the attributes of environmental assets, such as forests and rivers, can be estimated from pair-wise choices, as well as the value of the environmental asset as a whole. These choice pairs are designed so as to allow efficient statistical estimation of the underlying utility function, and to minimise required sample size. Choice experiments have important advantages over other environmental valuation methods, such as contingent valuation and travel cost-type models, although many design issues remain unresolved. Applications to environmental issues have so far been relatively limited. We illustrate the use of choice experiments with reference to a recent UK study on public preferences for alternative forest landscapes. This study allows us to perform a convergent validity test on the choice experiment estimates of willingness to pay.     

碳中和背景下基于企业转型的氢储能经济分析

为了探寻解决可再生能源弃能问题和实现企业碳中和的有效途径，构建风电、光伏-氢储能混合系统。在碳中和目标下，提出基于碳中和目标下的成本-效益模型，从寿命周期成本/效益、年度平均成本/效益和平准化能源成本/效益6个角度出发，研究氢储能的经济性。结果表明，风电、光伏-氢储能系统的年度平均效益和平准化能源效益较好，系统建设方案可行，可为后续的企业能源结构调整提供可行方案。     

成本—收益视角下的城镇规模适度性分析——以京津冀城市群、山东城市群和中原城市群为例

研究目的:分析城市群在城镇化进程中的规模特点,对其发展的适度性进行判断。研究方法:基于城镇规模边际成本和边际效益的基本理论,通过三次非线性回归方程建立城镇最佳规模分析模型和城镇发展规模适度性判断模型。研究结果:(1)在成本—收益视角下分析城镇的最佳规模,不能只看取得的经济效益高低或投入成本的大小,要通过城镇经济发展效益扣减成本投入后的盈利效率来判断;(2)城镇规模适度性分析模型在对实际规模与最佳规模的对比分析基础上,再通过城镇规模发展阶段和城镇规模增长趋势对其城镇规模适度性进行判断。研究结论:(1)应严格限制城镇规模大于500 km2的超大城市的发展;(2)应根据具体情况适度发展城镇用地规模在300—400 km2的大城市;(3)应当增强经济的拉动作用,促进城镇用地规模在200 km2以下的中小城镇的发展。