The role of polycentric urban structures in shaping low-carbon lifestyles

Urban spatial structure plays a crucial role in reshaping household energy use behaviors. The concept of polycentricity in urban planning, characterized by a city's development around multiple centers, has notable implications for both personal transportation and home energy use, subsequently affecting household carbon emissions (HCEs). This study examines the impact of polycentric spatial structures on HCEs in China using comprehensive household survey data, highlighting the role of urban-rural disparities. Our findings reveal that polycentric structures significantly increase HCEs, especially in rural areas. A key contributor to this rise is the increase in household transportation emissions, driven by heightened travel frequency and greater reliance on private vehicles. Additionally, as for home energy use, polycentricity substantially increases carbon emissions from space heating in both urban and rural areas, as well as from the use of home appliances in rural areas. However, it does not significantly impact emissions from cooking. This research underscores the mechanism regarding the impact of urban spatial structure on HCEs, providing critical insights for developing policies that promote low-carbon lifestyles through eco-friendly urban planning. • Investigate the impact of urban spatial structure on household carbon emissions (HCEs) • Polycentric structures significantly increase HCEs, especially in rural households • Increased travel frequency and private vehicle use in polycentric areas result in higher household transportation emissions. • Polycentric structure significantly amplifies the HCEs associated with space heating and home appliances