Energy-Consumption-Based Comprehensive Evaluation of Urban Green Development—Cases of 27 Cities in the Integrated Central Area of the Yangtze River Delta, China

The evaluation of urban green development from the perspective of energy consumption is an important issue of regional sustainable development. This paper takes 27 cities in the central region of Yangtze River Delta of China as samples to construct its comprehensive evaluation index system. Based on the relevant data of the sample area from 2005 to 2017, the paper adopts the combination weighting model of translation correction and preference calculation, and comprehensively uses Moran's I index analysis method to explore the time series and spatial distribution pattern of green development in the sample area. The results show the following. (1) The influencing factors of green development in the study area show that the influence degree of three factors increases, and the influence degree of one factor decreases, and the weight gap gradually decreased, which demonstrated the concept of ecological priority balanced development. (2) Xuancheng, Taizhou and Nantong are in good condition. Secondly, Wuhu, Ma'anshan, the current situation and trend of energy consumption and urban development need to pay attention. Shanghai and Zhejiang Province are in good condition, while Anhui Province is low in energy utilization efficiency and needs to be improved. (3) The sample areas showed “high-high” or “low-low” agglomeration, and Moran's I index showed a downward trend. The coordination degree of sustainable development of urban agglomeration in this region was gradually improved and the energy consumption structure was constantly optimized. The conclusion of this paper can provide decision support for the sustainable development of eco-green integration in the Yangtze River Delta region. The problem of energy consumption and urban development is global and universal. Therefore, the research perspective and method of this paper are of important reference value.