The network will work to create climate-positive city-wide solutions proving that it is possible to simultaneously create growth and reduce CO2. The solutions are set to inspire the cities of the world to reach for - and achieve sustainable results.
"Joining the Clinton program will be a huge boost for many companies in Southern Denmark. It means that all the businesses working with energy efficiency in ProjectZero can reach new customers and generate larger revenue because of the global springboard to the world’s largest cities. The wheels will be turning faster", predicts Peter M. Clausen, president of the ProjectZero Foundation. "By joining the Climate Positive Development Program, ProjectZero becomes a part of a global development network of equal partners from both the public and private sectors".
"Sonderborg’s ProjectZero venture has both the necessary ressources, commitment and stakeholder support to achieve their goals, and to become a role model in creating new paths to excellence and sustainable city development", says Zach Tofias, Director of the Climate Positive Development Program (C40/CCI).
Being chosen to join this exclusive network has brought Sonderborg into the spotlight within the Danish government.
Denmark’s Business and Growth Minister, Ole Sohn says, ‘’It is very impressive for Sonderborg’s ProjectZero to become one of the 16 city projects in The Clinton Climate Positive Development Program. This is a good example demonstrating that sustainable development and growth can co-exist, and that public and private collaboration is essential if we are to find the solutions for the challenges facing us in the future. I’m looking forward to following ProjectZero throughout the coming years’’.
The Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Buildings, Martin Lidegaard, says about the acceptance in the Clinton Program:
"Sonderborg is a front-runner in the conversion process that we all must engage in withinin the coming years. Sonderborg has shown us with ProjectZero that it really is possible to save energy, convert to renewable energy sources and create growth simultaneously. It is a well-deserved recognition for Sonderborg to participate in Clinton’s Climate Positive Development Program".
Through energy efficiency and conversion to green energy the goal in Sonderborg is to reduce the region’s CO2 emissions to zero by 2029. This will create new green jobs both within manufacturing and the service sector.
"To us in Sonderborg municipality, the acceptance on the Clinton-program is an international breakthrough. We are happy that being a part of the initiative will also create more jobs and generate turnover for companies within the climate sector. We want the region to grow - especially in green jobs. I believe that new green job creation will be a positive side effect of working with the Clinton Foundation", says Aase Nygaard, the Mayor of Sonderborg.
SE Company, formerly known as Syd Energi is a partner within ProjectZero. Together with Danish solution partners, SE BIG Blue is a leading player both nationally and internationally. Niels Duedahl, CEO for SE, is excited about the news.
"We have invested a lot in Sonderborg and now we can reap the benefits and share them with the rest of the world", beams Duedahl.