Highlights Environmental impacts of China’s High Speed Rail network are examined. Vehicle operation dominates most impact categories. Several scenarios are developed to explore effects of transportation policies. Suggestions are provided for improving environmental performance of HSR systems.
Abstract China has built the world’s largest High Speed Rail (HSR) network. Its environmental impacts have been examined by the means of life cycle assessment (LCA) which describes the whole picture of the HSR system instead of single stages, with a case study for the high-speed railway that links Beijing and Shanghai. The research employs the China-specific life cycle inventory database Chinese Core Life Cycle Database (CLCD). Vehicle operation dominates most impact categories, while vehicle manufacturing/maintenance/disposal and infrastructure construction contribute mostly to mineral consumption (43% and 38%) and organic compounds in water (54% for infrastructure construction). Several scenarios are developed to explore effects of changes in HSR development, utilization, electricity mix, and infrastructure planning and construction. Suggestions are provided for improving the life cycle environmental performance of China’s HSR systems.
Life cycle assessment of High Speed Rail in China
Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment ; 41 ; 367-376
2015-01-01
10 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
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