An analysis of the original driving forces behind the promotion of compulsory cleaner production assessment in key enterprises of China

Abstract The driving forces behind the promotion of compulsory cleaner production assessment in key enterprises of China are described in this paper, and quantitative analysis indicators for evaluating this process are presented. The effects of the economic development level of the province, pollution pressures and other external factors, such as staff training, on the promotion of compulsory cleaner production assessment in key enterprises were analyzed with a regression method. The results showed that the assessed rate of key enterprises that implemented a compulsory cleaner production assessment among all the key enterprises that have been identified by the local government is a reasonable and accurate indicator for evaluating the promotion of compulsory cleaner production assessment in key enterprises. Driving forces based on the economic development level of the province, pollution pressures and external driving conditions contribute to the promotion of compulsory cleaner production in China. However, improved performances based on these driving forces are not sufficient to address the urgent need for rapid progress in reducing pollution in China. There is a need to strengthen the main driving forces for the promotion of compulsory cleaner production assessment in key enterprises by improving the benefits of cleaner production practices by increasing the proportion of implementation of middle and high-cost options.