Ecological Modernization in the Electrical Utility Industry: An Application of a Bads-Goods DEA Model of Ecological and Technical Efficiency

Joseph Sarkis and James Cordeiro

European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 219, No. 2, pp. 386-395, 2012.

Newly-developed data envelopment analysis techniques permit simultaneous consideration of ‘good and bad’ outputs in evaluating efficiency. We use these techniques to determine joint ecological and technical efficiencies of the 437 largest fossil-fueled electricity-generating plants in the United States. Utilizing the EPA’s E-Grid and Clean Air Markets databases and drawing on ecological modernization theory we evaluate whether innovations in organizational practices and technological solutions help achieve joint technical and environmental performance efficiencies.

Keywords: Data envelopment analysis; Environment; Electrical utilities; Ecological modernization

click on star to go back to Joseph Sarkis' Homepage