Drivers and barriers of developing low-carbon buildings in China: real estate developers' perspectives

With great potentials to reduce carbon emissions in the building sector of China, developing low-carbon buildings (LCBs) is of great significance. As real estate developers play a large role in the development of LCBs, this research aims to investigate their attitudes toward drivers and barriers of developing LCBs in China. Based on the questionnaire results and followed up interview results, this research concluded that achievement of good corporate reputation, policy drive of low carbon and commercial opportunity are the main drivers for developers to develop LCBs. Besides, the barriers are categorized into five types of financial, political, market, knowledge and technical barriers. Finally, five corresponding policy proposals are presented to overcome the existing barriers, among which providing economic incentives is the most effective and urgent one at present. As a result, this research provides a useful reference for policy makers to promote the development of LCBs in China.