Navigating the green transition: a comparative analysis of green building policy frameworks in China, the EU, and the US using structural topic modeling

Against the backdrop of escalating global climate change challenges, the green transition of the building sector has emerged as a core agenda. However, how the distinct governance models of major economies shape unique policy paths and whether these paths are converging over the long term remains underexplored through systematic, data-driven empirical research. To fill this gap, this study employs the structural topic model method for a quantitative analysis of 206 national-level green building policy documents issued by China, the European Union, and the United States from 2000 to 2024. Our analysis reveals three distinct policy pathways. China employs a planning-driven model focused on national goals and technical standards. The EU utilizes a supranational, regulatory integration model centered on legally binding directives and nearly zero-energy building targets. In contrast, the US follows a market-incentive federalist model dominated by financial instruments like tax credits and subsidies. Despite these divergent approaches, we find emerging convergence on two key tools: building energy codes and residential subsidies. This study contributes a data-driven, dynamic framework for comparative policy analysis, revealing strategic divergences and convergences among key global actors. The findings offer empirical insights for policy design, cross-national learning, and international cooperation in accelerating green building transition.