Editor's note: China's Ecological and Environmental Code was adopted on March 12, and it will come into effect from Aug 15. China Daily spoke to Yue Xiaohua, an associate professor at the Institute of Law of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, on how the code will affect people's daily lives. Below are excerpts of the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

The code expands on the existing Environmental Protection Law and covers a wide range of issues from pollution control to green consumption, with a clear focus on safeguarding public health and improving living conditions. Rather than offering broad or abstract commitments, it translates environmental principles into concrete rules that directly affect daily life.

Oil fumes, noise, odors and light pollution have been given specific legal standards. For example, restaurants operating in residential areas must install proper smoke exhaust systems. Restaurants that fail to meet the emissions standard face fines or even suspension of business. This is expected to ease a common source of disputes between residents and businesses.

Noise control is another area where the code introduces clearer boundaries. Residents must control volume during home activities, including those involving pets, appliances, musical instruments and interior renovations, with legal consequences for disturbing neighbors with loud noises. Businesses such as shops and restaurants cannot use loudspeakers to attract customers. Public spaces, including streets, squares and parks, will have restrictions on location, timing and volume for activities such as dancing or outdoor events. Additionally, residential areas must implement noise reduction measures for elevators, water pumps and central air-conditioning units.

Odors and open burning, which affect air quality, are also covered. Whether from industry, farms or garbage stations, odors that disturb residents are prohibited. Open burning of straw, leaves, garbage, asphalt, plastic and other materials that produce toxic smoke and odors is prohibited in densely populated areas.

The code also addresses the issue of light pollution. Urban landscape lighting, the glass curtain walls of buildings, outdoor advertising screens and light boxes, which can cause light pollution, are regulated to avoid disturbing residents' normal lives. There are stricter penalties for behaviors that infringe on the public's ecological environment rights. The code specifies measures such as daily continuous fines, suspension of production, sealing and seizure.

Besides the residential environment, the code also aims to enhance the ecological environment quality for the public, creating a healthier and cleaner environment for special and sensitive groups. For example, in urban and rural greening, it encourages the selection of tree and grass species that don't trigger pollen allergies and which are water-efficient and easy to maintain.

The code promotes a green and low-carbon lifestyle. It encourages people to engage in green travel, food saving and waste sorting, and reducing the use of disposable items. Recyclable and biodegradable materials should be used for product packaging and express delivery packaging. Products will also have to clearly indicate their carbon footprint, facilitating green and low-carbon consumption.

The government will encourage the purchase of energy-efficient appliances, new energy vehicles and green building materials by offering subsidies, credit and government procurement incentives. Regarding waste sorting, the code mandates sorting at designated locations and prohibits arbitrary dumping, piling or burning. Noncompliance with sorting regulations will result in penalties, which turns it from a voluntary behavior to a legal obligation.

There are also rules for compensation for damages caused by wildlife. The code changes the previous practice of protecting wildlife "at all costs", which sometimes harmed people's interests. It stipulates that compensation will be provided for personal injury, crop or property damage caused by wildlife protection. When wildlife threatens the personal safety of individuals, any countermeasure that causes harm to wildlife will not incur liability.