Integrating green building technology and renewable energy for a carbon-neutral built environment: Exploring the mechanisms of energy efficiency, AI technology, and environmental policy stringency
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: As global climate pressures intensify, the built environment remains a critical contributor to the ecological footprint, accounting for a significant share of energy consumption and carbon emissions. This study investigates how green building technology (GBT) and renewable energy shape the transition toward carbon-neutral built environments, considering mechanisms such as energy efficiency, artificial intelligence (AI), and environmental policy stringency. Using panel data for 30 countries from 2000 to 2020 and applying the robust Driscoll-Kraay fixed-effects estimator, the instrumental-variables generalized method of moments continuously updated estimator, and the kernel-based regularized least squares econometric methods, the results reveal that GBT, renewable energy, and their integration significantly reduce ecological footprint. Additionally, the results show that GBT and renewable energy reduce ecological footprint by increasing energy efficiency. Moreover, AI enhances the environmental benefits of GBT, and stringent environmental policies amplify the impact of both GBT and renewable energy on ecological footprint. The heterogeneity analysis shows that renewable energy adoption yields greater ecological benefits in emerging economies than in advanced economies. These findings offer a strategic framework for policymakers to integrate sustainable technologies, AI, and stringent environmental policies to accelerate decarbonization and build a resilient, carbon-neutral future.
Source: Innovation and Green Development
Language: English
Subfield: Economics and Econometrics
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $1,900
OpenAlex ID: W7223267947