In Huzhou, a city located in East China's Zhejiang province, the rollout of the Carbon Efficiency Code digital management platform for public buildings is revolutionizing its urban green governance.

The innovative system tracks energy consumption and carbon emissions in real-time across malls, offices, hospitals, and schools, providing a detailed carbon footprint for each facility.

Two years ago, the Huzhou Digital Group initiated research on the evaluation method. Today, public buildings that are reliant on electricity and natural gas can integrate into the system, allowing the dynamic tracking of carbon efficiency. The model offers a replicable approach for low-cost urban green governance across China.

At the recent 8th Digital China Summit, Huzhou Digital Group's carbon control evaluation system was awarded a gold award in the 2025 Digital China Innovation Competition, standing out among 83 cities worldwide.

The Carbon Efficiency Code assigns buildings into five categories, from A (meaning excellent) to E (needing renovation), based on real-time energy use and carbon emissions. The system helps building owners understand and manage their energy consumption, facilitating targeted energy-saving measures.

One hotel in Anji county in Huzhou, after using the platform, identified and corrected inefficiencies, reportedly saving over 1.37 million yuan ($190,539) in electricity costs and reducing carbon emissions by 2,290 metric tons in one year.

Overall, Huzhou's initiative is setting a precedent, with the Carbon Efficiency Code expanding nationwide, offering a blueprint for integrating green governance into urban planning and driving sustainable development forwards.