Abstract
Driven by global sustainability imperatives, urban ESG (Environmental–Social–Governance) evaluation has gained theoretical and practical urgency. This study introduces an “n+1” framework tailored to Chinese municipalities, integrating international standards and local context through 21 indicators across environmental, social and governance dimensions. Applying the Analytic Hierarchy Process-Entropy Weight Method to data from Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai and Chongqing, we find Shanghai leads in overall ESG performance, followed by Beijing, Chongqing and Tianjin. Among the indicators, the Government Online Transparency Index stands out as a key driver within the governance pillar, highlighting the importance of transparency-oriented digital governance in advancing urban sustainability within the four municipalities. Regional ESG profiles diverge markedly, reflecting uneven development and uneven capacities for governance. We propose policy recommendations to strengthen ESG governance and inter-city coordination. These insights advance both the theory and practice of urban sustainability governance across the evaluated municipalities.