Abstract:
The increasing synergistic effects of pollution and carbon reduction in the construction industry play a significant role in achieving the ‘dual carbon’ goals. In order to explore the spatiotemporal pattern and driving force of the synergistic effects of pollution and carbon reduction, based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China during 2012-2022 (excluding the data of Xizang Autonomous Region, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), this paper established an evaluation index system for the synergistic effects of the construction industry. Introducing the coupling coordination degree model, the spatial convergence model, and the spatiotemporal geographically weighted regression model, this study analyzed the spatiotemporal evolution, convergence trends, and driving factors of the synergistic effects. The results show that: (1) During 2012-2022, the coupling coordination level of pollution and carbon reduction in China′s construction industry continuously increased, gradually transiting from the reluctant coordination stage to the intermediate coordsination stage. The proportion of provinces in the intermediate coordination stage increased from 10% to 20%. The coordination levels in the economically developed provinces in the southeast coastal region were higher than in other regions, with Beijing and Jiangsu remaining in the intermediate coordination stage. (2) In this period, the synergistic effects exhibited a clear spatial convergence trend, gradually stabilizing at an average annual rate of 5.7%, and exhibited spatial spillover characteristics. (3) The synergistic effects were mainly determined by factors, such as total carbon emissions, carbon emission density, carbon emission intensity, energy consumption, economic development level, and investment in pollution control. The research results indicate that the synergistic effects is increasing, with regional disparities narrowing, and the associated driving factors display the significant spatial heterogeneity. Hence, we should develop integrated policies for coordinated pollution and carbon reduction, play the leadership of Beijing and Jiangsu, and drive the green and high-quality development of the construction industry.