Zhang, G.; Jiang, Y.; Chai, X.; Tian, S. W. and Wang, T. (2026) Unveiling the synergistic emission reduction effects of regional twin transitions on the construction industry from a spatial correlation network perspective. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 33(7), pp. 6039-6068. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Purpose – Regional digital and green (twin) transitions are widely regarded as key pathways for promoting the green and low-carbon transition and sustainable development of the construction industry. To fully reveal the mechanisms through which the interaction between different regional digitalization (RD) and green innovation (GI) affects carbon intensity in the construction industry (CICI) at the inter-regional level network, it is essential to explore the carbon reduction effects of the spatial correlation network (RDGIS) formed by their coupling coordination. Design/methodology/approach – The study utilized panel data from 30 provincial-level regions in China from 2011 to 2021. Coupling coordination models, a modified gravity model, social network analysis and econometric models were employed to thoroughly investigate the impact of the spatial correlation network on carbon emission reduction in the construction industry. Findings – The results show that CICI decreases with the development of RD, GI and their coupling coordination, indicating a synergistic effect despite spatial heterogeneity. This finding is confirmed by the spatial correlation characteristics of RDGIS. Regions with high centrality in RDGIS reduce CICI in other areas through "network spillover effects" and lower energy intensity. However, entrenched carbon emission path dependencies cause "structural asymmetry, " delaying the industry's integration into regional twin transitions and hindering carbon reduction efforts. Originality/value – This study reveals the synergistic effects of cross-regional digitalization and green innovation on carbon reduction in the construction industry, broadening the research perspective and enhancing the adaptability of cross-regional carbon reduction policies.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | carbon reduction effects; construction industry; green innovation; regional digitization; regional twin transitions; spatial correlation networks |
| Index terms: | social network analysis, carbon emission, econometric, carbon reduction, construction industry, integration, path dependency, adaptability, China, sustainable development, digitalization, coordination, interaction, gravity model, coupling, methodology |
| Subjects: | digital technology, user focus, research methods, industry analysis, management, strategic management, Geography, organizational analysis, climate science, systems engineering, behavioral psychology, health safety and environment, economic analysis |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Digital Applications, Geographical Context, Organizational Design, Health and Safety, Design Practice, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTA |
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