Evolutionary analysis of low-carbon behavior diffusion among prefabricated component enterprises in complex network

Purpose Prefabricated component (PC) enterprises as the primary contributors to carbon emissions in prefabricated buildings play a crucial role in sustainable development. The diffusion of low-carbon behavior (LCB) is recognized as one of the key measures for carbon abatement. However, it is a complex and vague issue to explore LCB diffusion among PC enterprises. This paper aims to examine the influence of external factors on the diffusion of LCB within PC enterprises from a behavioral heterogeneity perspective. Design/methodology/approach This study introduces two types of LCB from the heterogeneity in investment requirements and abatement effects, namely H-type LCB, involving substantial efforts in low-carbon materials and process technologies, and S-type LCB, focusing on optimizing organizational structures and management models under low-carbon principles. Then, a three-strategy complex network evolutionary game model is constructed to explore LCB diffusion among PC enterprises, and the influence of environmental policies and market demand on the diffusion of H-type and S-type LCB is analyzed. Findings (1) Carbon emission trading subsidy and green quota system have dual effects on the diffusion of LCB. Among them, the promoting role of the green quota on H-type LCB diffusion is optimal and the marginal effect of subsidies on inhibiting S-type LCB diffusion is increasing. (2) PC enterprises are not sensitive to the mild carbon tax (CT). The diffusion of LCB is facilitated when CT reaches a certain threshold. (3) Green market demand only has a positive effect on S-type LCB diffusion. Originality/value The networked game model proposed in this study contributes to revealing the perceptual process of low-carbon transition in construction enterprises, providing support for PC enterprises to implement low-carbon production and for the government to formulate policies.