CO2 Emission Allocation for Urban Public Buildings Considering Efficiency and Equity: An Application at the Provincial Level in China

China is currently recognized as the leading global energy consumer and CO2 emitter. A significant amount of carbon emissions can be attributed to urban public buildings. Establishing an equitable efficient emission allocation mechanism a crucial step meeting ambitious targets in China’s 2030 peak plan. In this study, we estimate total from buildings by propose preliminary scheme quota assignment for each province. By means applying zero-sum gains data envelopment analysis (ZSG-DEA) model, quotas 30 provinces proposed, corresponding pressure reduce provincial analyzed. The results indicate that Qinghai has lowest rate (0.01%) buildings, while Guangdong highest (9.06%). Among provinces, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Tianjin face least reducing On other hand, Hebei, Beijing, Anhui are under great decrease emissions. Notably, Hebei predicted have reduction requirement 95.66 million tons. terms pressures on exhibit pressure. facing intense These findings offer policymakers valuable insights into developing fair allowance strategy, also contributing efforts mitigate combat climate change.