Impact of digitalization inputs on CO2 emissions in China’s construction industry under the “Dual Carbon” goal
Bo Niu, Xiaoru Xue, Yunxiu Sai, Jing Xu
Abstract
CO 2 emissions from the construction field play a crucial role in Chinese efforts to achieve the “Dual Carbon” target. Against the backdrop of digital transformation, understanding the impact of digital input on construction-related emissions is of significant practical importance. This research employs the IPCC carbon accounting method to measure the CO 2 emissions of the construction industry in China from 2004 to 2021. Combined with OECD input–output data, an LMDI decomposition model incorporating digital input is developed, and the Tapio decoupling method and decoupling effort model are employed to analyze the decoupling status of CO 2 emissions in construction sites and their influencing factors. Results demonstrate that from 2004 to 2021, digitalization promoted a specific reduction in carbon dioxide emissions. Specifically, the scale effect of digitalization has a mitigating impact on CO 2 emissions, while the technological effect of digitalization has an adverse influence on CO 2 emissions. The negative impact of the technological effect is stronger than the scale effect, resulting in an overall carbon reduction effect. Tapio decoupling analysis reveals two decoupling states between digital input and carbon emissions in construction sites: strong negative decoupling and weak decoupling. The decoupling effort model further identifies capital digitization and digital-energy structure as key factors influencing the decoupling status of carbon dioxide emissions. Drawing upon the preceding analysis, this study proposes implementing a series of digital actions to promote the progression of the construction sector, reduce carbon emissions, and contribute to achieving the “Dual Carbon” goal.