Sustainable futures Developing sustainable cities and communities Understanding how to measure and guide sustainable urban growth is becoming increasingly important as cities evolve and expand. As centres of economic activity and innovation, cities have a unique opportunity to balance industrial development with environmental responsibility and social wellbeing. ESG principles offer a valuable framework for achieving this, extending beyond corporate use to inform more holistic, data-driven decision-making at city level. This research embraces that opportunity, transforming ESG from a high-level concept into a practical, measurable tool to support Ningbo’s journey towards a more sustainable and resilient future. How do you measure the sustainability of a city that is constantly evolving, economically, socially and environmentally? For Ningbo, one of China’s fastest growing and most dynamic urban centres, this question sits at the heart of its future. As global pressure mounts to deliver low-carbon, resilient and inclusive growth, cities like Ningbo must find new ways to balance industrial strength with environmental responsibility and social wellbeing. Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles offer part of the answer. Widely used in the corporate world, they provide a framework for assessing performance beyond traditional economic metrics. But at city level, applying ESG in a meaningful, measurable way remains a challenge. This research sets out to change concept into a practical tool for urban transformation. A city-focused approach to ESG innovation Commissioned by the Ningbo Municipal Development and Reform Commission, this flagship carbon peaking and independent research project was led by Professor Jing Dai, Chair Professor in Sustainable Operations and Technology Management at the University of Nottingham Ningbo China. Working at the intersection of policy, data and sustainability science, the team developed a bespoke ESG evaluation framework designed specifically for Ningbo. Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all model, the research reflects the city’s unique identity, from its position