Kukah, A S K; Jin, X; Osei-Kyei, R and Perera, S (2025) Theoretical framework for carbon trading in the built environment. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, 23(5), pp. 1573-1591. ISSN 1726-0531
Abstract
Purpose – This conceptual paper aims to develop a theoretical framework for carbon trading in the built environment through theories to expand current knowledge on components of carbon trading systems. Design/methodology/approach – This theoretical framework was developed and supported with existing theories and past empirical literature from built environment, economics and finance. Underlying theories used in the framework were selected due to their significance and applicability to carbon trading projects. Hypotheses set in the study summarise the propositions developed from the theories and past empirical literature. Findings – The framework reveals four major components of carbon trading for the built environment. Six hypotheses were further proposed to unravel the resultant influence of their interactions on each component in the trading system. Research limitations/implications – This paper sought to undertake a theoretical review of classical theories and past studies on carbon trading. Even though a systematic review was undertaken, the constructs in the theoretical framework may not be exhaustive. Practical implications – This study contributes and advances the body of knowledge on the components that comprise the mechanism of how carbon trading operates in the built environment. Theoretically, the framework developed serves as a multi-dimensional guide on the operations of carbon trading in the built environment. Originality/value – The theoretical framework developed endeavours to consolidate multi-faceted theories from varying disciplines on the components that comprise carbon trading in the built environment.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | built environment; carbon trading; climate change; emission; systematic review; theoretical framework |
| Index terms: | body of knowledge, climate change, methodology, interaction, systematic literature review, built environment |
| Subjects: | infrastructure and transport systems, research evaluation and metrics, behavioral psychology, knowledge management, climate science, research methods |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Information Management, Urban Studies, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 3 CTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here