Research on the Decoupling Relationship and Driving Factors of Carbon Emissions in the Construction Industry of the East China Core Economic Zone

Abstract

This study focuses on the core economic zone of East China, utilizing the decoupling model to investigate the relationship between carbon emissions and economic development in the construction industry. Furthermore, it analyzes the driving factors through the application of the logarithmic mean index method. The findings reveal that, firstly, Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces exhibit higher total carbon emissions in the construction industry. Except for Fujian Province, the other regions exhibit a downward trend after 2019. Secondly, there is considerable spatial variability in carbon emissions in the construction industry within the core economic zone of East China, and it gradually decreases over the study period. While economically developed regions like Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces tend to concentrate and consume more resources and energy, their impact on surrounding neighboring provinces or cities is relatively limited. Thirdly, carbon emissions from the construction industry in the core economic zone of East China show a development trend shifting from weak decoupling to strong decoupling, indicating a healthy growth in the construction industry. Specifically, different regions show different trends. Lastly, regarding influencing factors, the impact direction of carbon intensity on total carbon emissions shows instability. Energy intensity consistently exhibits inhibitory effects, and the economy and the population scale act as driving forces.