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The societal effects of industrial pollution have spurred heated debates, but more research into the influence and internal mechanism of innovative pilot city policies (IPCPs) on industrial emissions is needed. Using panel data from 276 Chinese cities between 2004 and 2018, the study employs a multi-period difference-in-differences model to explore the effects and mechanisms of pilot policies on industrial SO2 emissions, with a specific focus on how they can be mitigated by innovative techniques. The results indicate that (1) the Chinese innovative pilot city policies (CIPCPs) significantly reduced emissions in urban areas; (2) the concentration of talent, innovation policy, venture capital, and technology plays a pivotal role; and (3) the SO2 reduction effects are more pronounced in larger cities, such as super-large, mega-, and first-tier cities in the southeast, and in cities with a high market potential. This study provides empirical evidence to support the promotion of sustainable economic and social development, the resolution of environmental pollution problems, and the enhancement of public health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry plays a crucial role in achieving carbon neutrality by reducing energy consumption. However, Building energy consumption (BEC) in China is increasing concomitantly with the rapid increase in urbanization. This study utilizes nighttime light data to construct a nighttime light index for urbanization, and empirically studies the impacts of urbanization on BEC intensity. The results show that there is a statistically significant positive correlation between BEC intensity and urbanization level on a nationwide scale, while an inverted-U relationship exists in Eastern developed regions, suggesting that an increasing BEC intensity is not an inevitable result of urbanization. Urbanization in the compact city mode inhibits BEC intensity to some extent, while urbanization in the urban sprawl mode often develops at the expense of increasing BEC intensity. The acceleration of the regional coordinated development and the adoption of the compact city mode are suggested to achieve energy-saving and emission-reduction targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]