Societal influence on diffusion of Green Buildings: A count regression approach

In this paper, we analyze 61 core-based statistical areas of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) registration that occurred between 2005 and 2010, alongside the impact of societal green sentiment and government policymaking in support of the diffusion of green buildings, based on owner types. Our Green Sentiment Index, based on online search activities, reflects societal environmental awareness in various regions of the United States over time. Using Google Trends data and a count regression approach, we identify a significant positive influence of both green sentiment and green policies on the registration of LEED properties. The findings suggest that increased green sentiment softens governmental policy and procurement, as well as corporate investment decisions. This approach can aid corporate actors and policymakers to meet both social demand and political objectives for increasing the prevalence of green buildings