Exploring the influencing mechanisms of residents' income on residential building carbon emissions: Evidence from China

The residential building sector, with its significant potential for carbon reduction, is crucial in China's pursuit of carbon emission peaks and neutrality. Using the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology model and Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis, this study explores the nonlinear relationship between income and residential building carbon emissions (RBCE) by examining the underlying mechanisms at play. Utilizing panel data for 30 Chinese provinces from 2010 to 2020, we conducted an empirical analysis by employing mediating and moderating models. The results showed that (1) Over the study period, China's RBCE per person rose from 0.73 to 0.95 tons, and disposable income per capita increased from 12,520 to 32,189 CNY. (2) An inverted U-shaped relationship between income and RBCE was observed. However, almost all provinces are yet to traverse the inflection point of this curve, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of mitigating emissions. (3) Residents' income affects RBCE by influencing residential floor space and household appliances use. Energy structure and environmental awareness act as moderators, regulating the extent to which income affects RBCE. Our study provides empirical evidence for carbon reduction goals and highlights the importance of low-carbon lifestyles for sustainable development amidst economic progress.