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Cities represent unique spaces for climate mitigation where wide-ranging action to reduce emissions meets ambition and collaboration. This research work distils climate neutrality narratives for 362 cities that expressed interest in the European Mission on 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities and focuses on the 112 cities selected to spearhead the process of reaching climate neutrality by 2030 (representing a mitigation potential of 318.3 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions). The method involves steps that profile the characteristics of these cities, enunciate cross-cutting patterns in cities' visions by thematic groupings, and compare 14 contextual factors with 77 possible main barriers. There are both similarities and differences among the results as a basis for learning together and certain barriers can be relatively more dominant in some thematic groupings, such as fragmentation of responsibilities. As a synthesis of the main findings, the original analyses are used to derive and prioritise nine high-level recommendations based on the cities' visions, contextual factors, and expected main barriers. Opportunities for mobilising transformative change relate to transforming siloed into integrated approaches, inclusive climate governance and collaborations, innovative financing, welfare and just transition as well as planning, implementation, and policy coherence. The advances provide pioneering steps for stimulating co-learning processes among Mission Cities and beyond to support the transition to climate neutrality and open up opportunities to progress together in climate action while producing impact with global reach. [Display omitted] • Visions and narratives for achieving climate neutrality by 2030 are enunciated across cities. • The 112 Mission Cities represent an emissions reduction potential of 318.3 MtCO 2 eq. • Thematic groupings are formed by cross-comparing degree of ambition and collaboration. • Recommendations are prioritised based on enablers and barriers in the thematic groupings. • Cross-cutting patterns in cities' visions provide opportunities to stimulate co-learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the sufficiency, efficiency, and renewable frameworks for reducing energy use and energy-related carbon emissions, Building Energy Sufficiency (BES) is gaining attention from policy makers and engineers. Despite the significant role of the building sector in the success of national energy and climate plans, there is a lack of research on the drivers, technologies, and effective policy instruments required to achieve BES in the building operational phase. To fill this gap, this study presents a systematic review of the definition and paradigm of BES and concludes that BES should address both occupant demand and energy or emissions requirements simultaneously. The characteristics of occupant demand in building services are divided into four dimensions: time and space, quality and quantity, control and adjustment, and flexibility. Technical options regarding the building architecture, the envelope system, and the building energy system are reviewed. Finally, policy implications and recommendations are discussed. The multiple benefits and multidisciplinary nature of BES justify further research and accelerated policy implementation in developed and developing countries. [Display omitted] • Building Energy Sufficiency(BES) are important to address building energy and climate issues, but research is lacking. • Building occupant demand is partial in time and space, diversified and heterogeneous in quality and quantity, and requires adjustment. • Passive and flexible architecture, and building integrated photovoltaics are effective in reducing building demand at the building level. • Decentralized design and operation, and flexible terminals are sufficient measures from building energy systems perspective. • Different policy pathways are recommended for different regions according to their own status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]