Place attachment as an indicator of public participation in low-carbon community development: A case study of Beijing, China

Abstract

Engaging the public in low-carbon community development is an important step toward achieving the UN Sustainability Goals. Research on residents' participation in low-carbon activities has primarily focused on socio-demographic, economic, and institutional contextual factors. How residents' subjective perceptions of place influence their participation in developing low-carbon communities has scarcely been studied. This study examines the relationship between place attachment and public attitudes and behaviors towards low-carbon community development in Beijing, China. A three-dimensional model of place attachment including personal, social, and environmental contexts was proposed. Exploratory factor analysis, confirmative factor analysis and structural equation modeling were conducted via a survey of 300 participants. Results confirm the validity of the three-dimensional model of place attachment and indicate (a) a significant and positive effect of place attachment on participation attitude; (b) a significant and positive effect of place attachment on participation behavior; (c) a significant and positive effect of participation attitude on behavior; and (d) environmental contexts more strongly affect participation attitude and behavior than personal and social contexts. The findings assist relevant authorities in engaging locals in low-carbon participation by investing in neighborhood revitalisation, promoting social outreach activities and sharing low-carbon knowledge. Practitioners should consider both symbolic and environmental elements for residents when planning and renewing communities.

Keywords

• Place Attachment
• Community Participation
• Low-Carbon Development
• Three-dimensional Model
• Participation Attitude
• Participation Behavior