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The Impact of Urban Form on Carbon Emission Efficiency Under Public Transit-Oriented Development: Spatial Heterogeneity and Driving Forces

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  • Xueyuan Li

    (Faculty of Innovation and Design, City University of Macau, Macau 999078, China)

  • Chun Zhang

    (School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

  • Tianlu Pan

    (Department of Networked Intelligence, Peng Cheng Laboratory, Shenzhen 518000, China)

  • Xuecai Dong

    (School of Architecture and Design, Beijing Jiaotong University, Beijing 100091, China)

Abstract

Urban form optimization is crucial for controlling carbon emissions. Taking Shenzhen as a case study with 2022 data, this research constructs a multidimensional indicator system covering land use, functional mix, transportation structure, and spatial layout. It incorporates both static (inventory-based) and dynamic (transit-based) carbon efficiency metrics to capture complementary urban emission patterns. We employed OLS, GWR, and quantile regression methods to identify key influencing factors, spatial variations, and their impact on carbon emission efficiency. Results show that (1) compact road infrastructure and dense transit systems in the southwestern core contribute to higher efficiency, whereas extensive green coverage in eastern areas facilitates carbon sequestration; (2) elevated population and building densities in central zones are linked with lower efficiency, implying the necessity for balanced spatial redistribution and peripheral infrastructure enhancement; (3) despite comprehensive transit electrification, further improvements in network density and accessibility are essential to enhance urban low-carbon outcomes. These results establish a basis for optimizing urban spatial layout and reducing carbon emissions.

Suggested Citation

  • Xueyuan Li & Chun Zhang & Tianlu Pan & Xuecai Dong, 2025. "The Impact of Urban Form on Carbon Emission Efficiency Under Public Transit-Oriented Development: Spatial Heterogeneity and Driving Forces," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-26, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:1172-:d:1667238
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