In the heart of China’s economic powerhouse lies a hidden challenge: the construction sector’s voracious appetite for carbon emissions. A recent study published in the journal Buildings, led by Wenwen Xiao from the School of Management Engineering at Shandong Jianzhu University, sheds new light on this issue, revealing the intricate web of interregional carbon transfers that drive China’s construction emissions. The findings could reshape how the energy sector approaches carbon mitigation strategies and interregional cooperation.
China’s construction industry is a behemoth, contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth. However, this growth comes at a cost, with the sector being a major source of carbon emissions. Xiao’s research, which analyzed panel data from 30 provinces over a decade, uncovers the complex dynamics of carbon emission transfers between regions.
The study reveals that major development zones, such as those in the eastern coastal regions, are net exporters of carbon emissions. These areas, with their high concentration of industrial activities and infrastructure projects, generate substantial emissions that are often transferred to other provinces. On the other hand, demand-driven and balanced development zones, typically found in the central and western regions, are net importers of these emissions.
“Our findings show that emission outflow intensity, population size, urbanization rate, economic scale, and mechanical equipment usage are all positively correlated with emissions,” Xiao explains. “However, construction workers’ per capita income showed a mitigating effect, suggesting that improving labor conditions could help reduce emissions.”
The research also highlights the need for differentiated mitigation strategies. For provinces with high emission outflows, such as those in the developed eastern regions, the focus should be on green supply chain management and advanced emission-control technologies. In contrast, provinces with significant emission inflows, like those in the central and western regions, should prioritize low-carbon procurement standards and circular construction practices.
One of the most compelling aspects of Xiao’s study is its use of input-output analysis and complex network theory. This integrated methodology provides a novel perspective for quantifying emission responsibilities across value chains, offering a more accurate picture of where and how emissions are generated and transferred.
The implications for the energy sector are significant. As China strives to meet its dual carbon goals—peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2060—the findings from this study could inform more effective and spatially optimized governance approaches. By understanding the interregional dynamics of carbon emissions, policymakers and industry stakeholders can develop targeted strategies that address the unique challenges and opportunities in different regions.
Moreover, the study underscores the importance of interprovincial cooperation. Nationwide implementation of carbon accounting mechanisms and interprovincial compensation frameworks could help address transfer inequities, ensuring that the burden of emission reduction is shared more equitably.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and policy changes, the insights from Xiao’s research will be invaluable. By providing a clearer understanding of the drivers of carbon emissions and the complex web of interregional transfers, this study paves the way for more sustainable and resilient construction practices. The energy sector, in particular, stands to benefit from these findings, as it seeks to support China’s ambitious carbon reduction goals while maintaining economic growth. The research was published in the journal Buildings, which is known as “Buildings” in English.