Policy instruments for addressing construction equipment emission——A research review from a global perspective

Abstract

Abstract Policy instruments have been initiated for addressing the severe problem of extensive construction equipment emissions (CEE) by governments around the world. Advanced and developing-economy promoters with distinctive background and constraints present differences in the development of CEE reduction policy instruments. However, there is little research looking into the evolving trends, lessons and accumulated experiences in the development of CEE reduction policy instruments. This study conducts a holistic review and analysis on the development of CEE reduction policy instruments from a global perspective. Three groups of policy instruments are identified, including the mandatory administration policy instrument (PI-A), the economic incentive policy instrument (PI-B), and the voluntary participation policy instrument (PI-C). Comparative analysis of CEE reduction policy instruments is conducted between advanced and developing-economy promoters. The results of this study show that both advanced and developing-economy promoters overwhelmingly prefer to adopt PI-As. Developing-economy promoters may not have sufficient resources for implementing PI-Bs and PI-Cs. Advanced-economy promoters have devoted more efforts to developing PI-Bs and PI-Cs. This research also suggested that a mixture of PI-As, PI-Bs and PI-Cs works better, and policy instruments should be selected considering the context of promoters. This research aims to promote experience-sharing between policymakers and provide them with significant insights for formulating more effective CEE reduction policy instruments.