Drivers of low-carbon practices in green supply chain management in construction industry: An empirical study in China

Abstract

Understanding the drivers of low-carbon practices in green supply chain management in the construction industry is essential because it largely addresses the major problem of global warming due to carbon dioxide emissions. The purpose of this study is to investigate key drivers of low-carbon practices in green supply chain management in construction industry. Based on institutional theory, relational view theory, and self-determination theory, three drivers for low-carbon practices were identified, namely, environmental regulation, supply chain relationship, and organizational culture. Then a questionnaire was administered and data were collected from the owners, contractors, designers, and other relevant parties of the construction project. Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to analyze data. The results show that supply chain relationship and organizational culture are positively and directly correlated with the low-carbon practices level of green supply chain management. In addition, this study also found that organizational culture partially mediates the relationship between supply chain relationship and low-carbon practices. Contrary to expectations, environmental regulation has no direct effect on practices, while supply chain relationship and organizational culture fully mediate the relationship between environmental regulation and practices. As limited research has been conducted to examine the drivers for green supply chain management low-carbon practices in the construction industry, this study bridges the knowledge gap and contributes to the current knowledge system of green supply chain management. Additionally, the findings of this study can provide authorities and practitioners with a deeper understanding of low-carbon practices in green supply chain management, and helping to propose more feasible measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and improve environmental performance.