Is society willing to pay for the environmental benefits of bamboo buildings? A case study of China

Abstract

In the global context of environmental degradation and the energy crisis, bamboo buildings are regaining interest from the construction industry due to their positive environmental benefits and sustainability. Researchers have also recognized the environmental benefits of bamboo buildings. However, the acceptance of these benefits by Chinese society is still a topic worthy of exploration and further investigation. Therefore, this study utilizes an environmental impact monetization procedure and the economic indicator of environmental tax to provide stakeholders in various regions of China with intuitive criteria for evaluating the environmental benefits of bamboo buildings. The results reveal variations in the willingness of Chinese society to pay for these benefits, with the lowest willingness to pay observed in Beijing and the highest in Zhejiang. Additionally, the study identifies the key factors influencing willingness to pay, including the environmental tax rate, environmental pollution status, and the supply distance of bamboo building materials. Interestingly, a comparative analysis demonstrates that the environmental benefits of bamboo buildings in China are generally superior to those of precast concrete. The results of the study can not only help update the information on bamboo materials in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) database and enrich the fundamental data for future research, but also provide valuable references for policymakers to formulate policies promoting green buildings. Furthermore, they contribute to manufacturers' industrial planning and technological innovation by suggesting measures, and assist builders and the general public in making more rational decisions regarding the adoption of bamboo buildings.