Does the Construction of Smart Cities Promote Green Total Factor Energy Efficiency? A Quasi-Natural Experiment Based on China’s Smart City Pilot Policy

This study analyzes the impact of China’s smart city pilot policy (CSCP) on green total factor energy efficiency (GTFEE) using panel data from 245 cities (2006–2021). Applying the multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) method, results show that CSCP significantly promotes GTFEE. CSCP improves urban GTFEE by about 6.18%. Meanwhile, CSCP contributes to the enhancement of GTFEE by stimulating green technological innovation and improving the efficiency of resource allocation. These impacts are particularly evident in cities characterized by higher levels of digitalization, peripherality, and being non-resource-based. The findings provide a framework for advancing urban green transitions and integrating smart and green development strategies, highlighting the importance of technology innovation in global energy governance.