Important matter, such as the climate change is important to citizens of Sonderborg. The entire county is involved in the vision of creating a CO2-neutral growth area before 2029, creating new solutions, measurable CO2 reductions, new jobs and a talented generation of young people.
Far too long, the focus of climate talk has been on everything that is not working. In Sonderborg, residents are taking action instead of talking. A public-private partnership – ProjectZero – strives to solve the climate challenge and create new green jobs by uniting all of the area’s forces to reach a clear goal: CO2-neutral growth and sustainable urban development.
A house that produces more energy than its residents are able to consume and an underground energy storage are some of many examples of the new solutions developed by the area. Town residents are collaborating on new green investments, while farmers are erecting their own wind turbines, demonstrating the broad support for the ProjectZero vision.
25% less CO2 in 2015
In just four years, the area’s CO2 emissions will be 25% lower than two years ago. This goal will be reached by significantly more efficient energy consumption and increasing energy supply from the area’s own renewable energy sources.
The underground of Als contains bubbling hot water that can be used for CO2-neutral district heating. Thus a massive investment in expanding the district heating network is underway. Manure and straw from farming will be converted into green energy and green fertilizer in large biogas plants.
Education is vital
New, clever and creative thinking will be required to tackle the climate challenge. Therefore, a core aspect of ProjectZero is providing education on all levels – from Kindergarten to PhD, the climate must be in focus. At kindergartens and schools, children gain inspiration and the latest knowledge so that they can influence their parents with the latest knowledge.
Sonderborg Municipality has successfully conducted an energy consultant course for municipal service workers, after which the municipality’s energy consumption has fallen significantly. At the same time, massive efforts have been made to educate the area’s tradesmen and unskilled workers in energy renovations.
1,200 homeowners will be visited
The Sonderborg area will serve as a role model for the rest of the world. Not by wagging fingers, but simply with a fundamental belief that we can utilise our energy much better than we do today. This applies to store owners, farmers and business leaders alike.
And it applies to the area’s 18,800 home owners, who will now gain inspiration and knowledge about energy renovations that both ensure future housing values and reduce energy consumption. 1,200 homeowners will be offered free energy advice. These efforts have already sparked a growing demand for contractors who can implement energy renovations.
The number of green jobs is growing – due to local demand, and because the ProjectZero vision bolsters exports and interest in area companies in many countries, including China.
ProjectZero is about creating sustainable cities around the world – not just in Sonderborg. This will make us independent of fossil fuels while creating thousands of new green jobs in industry, trades and service.