Doing climate action is not unique. But so is the way, that we do climate action in Sønderborg. We show, how a local society can accelerate decarbonization by following a masterplan – continously executing and following up.
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Most human activity depends on energy. Driving an energy system to zero therefore demands participation from everyone in the local community including businesses, politicians, citizens, building owners, utility companies and many more. Climate change is a global problem that will be solved on a local level. Proximity is a green asset. People are more likely to buy into a vision if they can feel the impact and share the commitment. ProjectZero is a testament to that. A key driver for ProjectZero’s results has been to ensure that all stakeholders see the potential and commit to the vision.
A masterplan sets the course for ProjectZero and ensures its momentum. Shifting an energy system to carbon neutrality requires many moving parts. It is important that actions reflect that. Based on a thorough mapping of the energy system, the master plan breaks the big challenge down into a dozen focus areas, or ‘hot spots,’ that require specific attention. Each hot spot has emission and energy reduction targets. Working groups consisting of relevant experts are tasked with finding the most cost-effective solutions that will help them meet their targets.
For that to succeed, planning, KPIs and involvement is needed – just as for any well-run business. Therefore, the masterplan is managed with a model that sets operational KPIs to ensure emssion and energy reduction targets for each hotspot are met. For each KPI, there are a set of actions, which are also evaluated to ensure real progress.
Our recipe for making climate action happen
Local engagement behind a bold aspiration
From the very beginning in 2007, ProjectZero has had a bold aspiration that sets a clear direction: A carbon neutral energy system in 2029. But an aspiration is nothing without support, so it’s essential that citizens, businesses and organizations back the aspiration.
Develop a master plan
A master plan breaks the big challenge down into manageable bites and ensures momentum and engagement. 10 key areas, or ‘hot spots,’ each have emission and energy reduction targets that show the path to zero.
Organize local action
A plan is not enough to drive results. An organization is needed to keep stakeholders such as citizens and businesses engaged – and the project on track. ProjectZero drives performance mangement through operational KPIs for each hot spot, and follows up quarterly.
How we organize climate action
Every year, visitors come to Sønderborg not only to see our climate solutions, but also to understand how we organize the green transition. Our setup differs from that of most other cities.
In many cities, climate action is primarily driven by the municipality. ProjectZero, however, is a public-private partnership with an independent organization dedicated to facilitating Sønderborg’s transition from climate ambition to action.
This gives ProjectZero a unique position between the public and private sectors. We work closely with the municipality while engaging businesses, utilities, citizens and other local stakeholders. Rather than expecting one organization to deliver the transition, ProjectZero acts as a connecting force, bringing the right actors together around a common direction.
In this way, reaching zero becomes a shared effort. It’s like they say in football:
“When you play for the team, you also play for yourself.”
MEET SOME OF OUR LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS
SØNDERBORG THE FIRST TO RECIEVE EU'S MISSION LABEL
In 2023, Sønderborg received the EU Mission Label. The award is the European Commission’s quality stamp of the ProjectZero Masterplan that is leading the way to making our energy system carbon-neutral by 2029. Sønderborg was amongst the first 10 cities receiving the award – and the first in Denmark.
The designated cities must all draw up a Climate City Contract (CCC), which contains the city’s goals and plans for climate neutrality. The Mission Label states that their Climate City Contract has been reviewed and approved by the European Commission with support from experts – including the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the Joint Research Center (JRC).
Obtaining the EU’s Mission Label can, among other things, help facilitate access to funding from the EU, national and regional funding sources, including private investment.