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Urban geometry and energy efficiency: Evidence from 282 cities in China

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  • Yang, Fei
  • Liu, Kang
  • Wu, Lei
  • Ren, Yi
  • Liang, Tian

Abstract

The spatial layout of a city is a critical component of its urban form. This study investigates how changes in urban geometric shapes in China influence energy efficiency and delves into the underlying mechanisms. Utilizing global land cover data from the European Space Agency, we constructed a dataset of urban shape indices for 282 Chinese cities from 2006 to 2022. The super-SBM model was then applied to evaluate changes in energy efficiency across these cities. We further analyzed the causal relationship between urban shape changes and energy efficiency. Our findings reveal that non-compact city shapes have a detrimental effect on energy efficiency. Specifically, an increase of 1 km in the average distance between any two points within a city leads to a 4.89 % decrease in energy efficiency. This impact is more significant in megacities and those with advantageous natural conditions. Structural and technical factors are identified as the main channels through which urban form affects energy efficiency. A compact urban shape promotes population and industrial concentration, optimizes transportation networks, and boosts urban technological innovation, all contributing to improved energy efficiency. Additionally, the development of digital infrastructure can help mitigate the negative impacts of non-compact urban geometries on energy efficiency.

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  • Yang, Fei & Liu, Kang & Wu, Lei & Ren, Yi & Liang, Tian, 2025. "Urban geometry and energy efficiency: Evidence from 282 cities in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 319(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:319:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225007534
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.135111
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