A wise investment by urban governments: Evidence from intelligent sports facilities

Abstract

As the pursuit of sustainable development goals has become an increasingly prominent component of urban governance in recent years, compliance with sustainability agendas is now an essential consideration in public investment decisions. Although government spending on the construction of intelligent buildings can help the government achieve its sustainability objectives, steady funding for these projects may not be possible during budget cuts. Demonstrating the added benefits of sustainability-focused, government-funded construction projects can help to justify budgeting for intelligent buildings. This paper explores the externalities of a community sports center constructed to intelligent building specifications in New Taipei City, Taiwan, measured by the willingness to pay for proximal residence and accessibility to the community sports center. By comparing this smart community sports center with one designed and constructed along traditional lines, the paper finds that the effect of positive externalities is more significant in the community sports center housed in intelligent buildings. The paper highlights the importance of community sports centers by showing the price premiums for houses near them. It indicates that directing public investment toward sustainable public infrastructure will likely provide added benefits. The evidence provides support for emerging markets to propose policies that are consistent with sustainability goals.