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How Does Perceived Neighborhood Environment Affect Commuting Mode Choice and Commuting CO 2 Emissions? An Empirical Study of Nanjing, China

Author

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  • Chen Cao

    (School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China)

  • Feng Zhen

    (School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China)

  • Xianjin Huang

    (School of Geography and Ocean Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China)

Abstract

Exploring the impacts of perceived neighborhood environment on commuting behavior and travel-related CO 2 emissions helps policymakers formulate regional low-carbon transport policies. Most studies have examined the impact of the objective measures of built environment on travel behavior and related CO 2 emissions, and few studies have focused on perceived neighborhood environment. This study develops a structural equation model and uses data from a self-administered survey of urban full-time employees in Nanjing, China to examine the direct and indirect effects of perceived neighborhood environment on commuting mode choice and commuting CO 2 emissions. The study shows that perceived service facilities has a significant direct effect on commuting mode and a significant indirect effect on commuting CO 2 through the mediating effect of commuting mode choice. While socio-demographic variables such as gender have a significant direct impact on commuting mode and commuting CO 2 emissions, they have an indirect impact on commuting mode and commuting CO 2 emissions through the intermediate variables (such as car ownership, perceived neighborhood environment and commuting distance). The conclusions of this study show that the potential of commuting CO 2 emissions reduction in China is enormous, and that policy interventions on commuting would help developing countries such as China achieve the goals of low-carbon transport and sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen Cao & Feng Zhen & Xianjin Huang, 2022. "How Does Perceived Neighborhood Environment Affect Commuting Mode Choice and Commuting CO 2 Emissions? An Empirical Study of Nanjing, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(13), pages 1-17, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:13:p:7649-:d:845368
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    2. Ying Huang & Yongli Zhang & Feifan Deng & Daiqing Zhao & Rong Wu, 2022. "Impacts of Built-Environment on Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Traffic: A Systematic Literature Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-17, December.
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