Multi-group analysis on the mechanism of residents' low-carbon behaviors in Beijing, China

Abstract

Understanding the factors that influence low-carbon behaviors can help policy makers formulate and implement low-carbon regulations and policies. Limited research has been conducted on the mechanisms that influence low-carbon behaviors for multi-groups with different demographic factors. To address this research gap, a questionnaire survey was carried out in Beijing, China. A hypothetical structural model of low-carbon behaviors was built, and a structural equation modeling was used to verify the hypotheses. The main results are as follows. Firstly, the residents of the study area have relatively high levels of low-carbon attitudes and behaviors. The average scores of the items ranged from 3.31 to 4.72, and those of the internal factors were higher than those of external factors and behaviors. Secondly, the proposed hypothetical structural model is valid, and all of the eight hypotheses were accepted. Personal and social norms have significant, positive, and direct effects on both private and public low-carbon behaviors. Thirdly, demographic factors (i.e., gender, age, family size, marital status, education, income, and owning private car) play an important role in the mechanisms that influence low-carbon behaviors. Specific policy implications were proposed, which can contribute to the promotion of low-carbon behaviors and the achievement of low-carbon development.