Urban actions toward energy efficiency and carbon reduction—an empirical study under the urbanization dynamics

In 2014, Taoyuan County and Taoyuan City were consolidated and promoted as a special municipality. However, with numerous migrants entering the existing industrial area, the resultant pollution and carbon footprint have urged competent authorities to take certain actions and respond to the city’s demand to maintain a sustainable environment. Therefore, the study explores the factors influencing energy efficiency and carbon reduction (EECR) actions during urbanization, with Taoyuan City, Taiwan as the research subject. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted to compile the factors influencing the EECR actions of Taoyuan City. Subsequently, a quantitative questionnaire was distributed to identify influential factors. The results revealed that contextual factors of EECR policies, especially the support from local residents in Taoyuan, exerted a major effect on the implementation of EECR actions. Besides, the supporting regulations and professional training (pertaining to the human resources aspect) all exerted the effect as well. Accordingly, suggestions with the respect for the supportively contextual factors were provided to facilitate the pursuit of a low-carbon society.