This project discovers the key determinants of CO2 emissions associated with urban households in Xi’an (China) and Bangalore (India). Data was collected through household surveys in both cities. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression analysis were used to test the hypothesis that household CO2 emission is a function of household attributes and the urban built environment. The findings show that ownership of motor vehicles and the use of electricity as well as income levels positively influence the level of household CO2 emissions. The mix of job opportunities in a neighbourhood space has shown an inverse relationship with the level of household CO2 emissions. The research calls for policy innovations in land-use and transportation planning for building low carbon cities.