Carbon emitted from urban metabolism constitutes a substantial proportion of the anthropogenic greenhouse gas emission which is at least partially responsible for the recent global warming Part of the urban carbon emission comes from residential energy consumption Given the ongoing rapid urbanization and strict emission-reduction requirement understanding the urban home energy usage carbon emission (UHEUCE) is of great importance to optimize the sustainability of social and economic developments in China For this reason a survey has been conducted to exam the condition of home energy usage in Xiamen Island SE China This study was based on 340 valid responses and a general linear model for univariate method The analysis showed (1) among the residential building characteristics window thermal insulation has the greatest effect on UHEUCE (2) Construction age and wall thermal insulation could also influence UHEUCE in areas where summer is hot and winter is warm The better heat prohibiting effect of external wall and window as well as the newer construction the more UHEUCE can be generated The survey provided helpful first-hand data for design and planning on urban energy saving emission reduction and for relevant scientific researches (C) 2010 Elsevier B V All rights reserved