As hubs of economic activity, cities attract many people and are a melting pot of cultures. Worldwide, cities produce between 70-80% of global greenhouse gas emissions and consume up to 70% of energy. In China, urbanization is taking place at one of the fastest rates in the world. In order to reach the international target of less than 2 degrees global warming, cities must take the lead in climate-change mitigation. As a step toward this goal, five Chinese cities have joined the ÒLow-Carbon Cities ChinaÓ (LCCC) programme. The LCCC programme focuses on cities where 70% of Chinese people will live and consume 83% of ChinaÕs energy by 2030. The growth rate of ChinaÕs cities has been exceptional, increasing incomes and successfully reducing poverty, but contributing up to 70-80% of CO2 emissions in China. A Low Carbon Index System allows municipalities to apply a consistent and action-oriented management system within the municipality. The index is based on the Swiss ÒEnergiestadtÓ methodology and the European Energy Award.