Total energy consumption decreased by 2%. It’s important to note, that it decreased by a lot more regarding inhabitants, trade and service. This was achieved despite the fact that the energy consumption increased in other parts of Denmark. Many inhabitants have rebuilt their properties to be more energy efficient along with getting rid of gas and oil solutions in exchange for central heating along, which in 2016 has become greener. New solar panel plants have been set up, but the windmills produced less energy. A bigger part than former years of the imported energy in 2016 consisted of coal.

9.000 ton less CO2 in 2016

In total, this resulted in the 2016’s reduction being a mere 9,000-ton CO2.

Since 2007 the area’s total energy consumption has decreased by 17,5 percent; 15% for inhabitants, 16% for trade and service and 27% for industry and agriculture.

The energy consumption in the municipality has been reduced by 19%, the transportation by 15%, where as in the energy consumption in other public institutions has increased by 24% since 2007. The total amount of CO2-emissions has been reduced by 35,5% since 2007. 

The mayor praises the effort and is happy with the effect

I’m pleased that we, regarding inhabitants and companies, can see the results after the long struggle since 2007. I would like to praise all the people that are conscious about saving energy and support Sonderborg municipality’s green transition.

The local authority, itself, is very active, but we need to inspect the energy consumption of the public institutions that, apparently, don’t partake further.

 The central heating companies and housing associations are contributing very actively. The same goes for the transition of public transportation towards using biogas. We will be able to see the results in 2017 already.

Mayor Erik Lauritzen is equally happy about that the transition creates local jobs in craftsmanship along with the building and construction industry.

Apparently many of the visitors in Sonderborg are being inspired, which creates growth in industry, consulting, education and business tourism, which all use the opened city-export doors on markets both near and far to growth and increased employment. Many of the visiting business guests make up an important foundation for growth in business tourism in Sonderborg.

CEO of Sonderborg’s ProjectZero, Peter Rathje, is focusing on reaping additional CO2-reductions.

4% annually will make Sonderborg achieve its goal for the 2020-plan

Great challenges lie ahead, Peter Rathje says. He points out that more focus on the areas own production of sustainable energy, electrification of the area on creating green transportation along with getting all the inhabitants to partake in the green mindset is needed. Furthermore, the people of Sonderborg should be proud of the results and that we’re on our way to realizing the 2020-plan goal of reducing CO2-emissions by 50%.