PDU Sønderborg
From Collaboration to Action
COHEAT’s efforts in Sønderborg demonstrate that the green transition is about much more than technology and economics. It is about creating engagement and turning plans and ambitions into concrete action.
Through citizen meetings, local partnerships and the development of tools and guides, energy companies and local actors have gained a better understanding of green heating. The experiences show that collaboration, communication and local ownership are crucial if residents are to take part in and invest in the transition.
From information to action
One of the most important experiences from the project is that citizens often lack a clear overview of their options.
Many homeowners are unsure which heating solution is best suited to their home, which grants they may be eligible for, and which technical and financial conditions apply. At the same time, the regulations and framework conditions are often complex.
To make the process easier, ProjectZero has developed two digital tools: the Heat Guide and the Energy Guide. Together, they provide residents with information and support to help them take the next step towards a greener future.
The Heat Guide provides citizens with insight into the municipality’s heat planning. Here, residents can find information about existing and planned district heating areas, local heating supply options, opportunities for individual solutions, and important deadlines for different heating areas and initiatives.
The Energy Guide provides targeted information about energy renovation and gives residents insight into energy improvements, available grants, and practical opportunities. The aim is to support concrete decisions and investments in energy-efficient solutions.
A shared communication effort
The guides have become an important part of the overall communication strategy. They have been integrated into a wide range of communication activities, from energy consultations and campaigns to direct outreach through citizen meetings and local events.
Information meetings have also played a key role, supplemented by campaigns, exhibitions and targeted e-Boks campaigns. At the same time, local communication platforms have been used to create visibility around the transition and collective heating solutions.
This combination of local dialogue and digital communication has proven to be effective. The experience is that larger and more complex messages are easier to understand and act upon when they are communicated through several different channels.
Results
The efforts have contributed to significant results in Sønderborg Municipality. ProjectZero estimates that the combined activities in the project have helped establish around 2,000 new district heating connections in the period 2023–2025. At the same time, awareness of energy renovation and local heating solutions has increased significantly among residents.
The Heat Guide has now been used more than 3,000 times, while the Energy Guide has received more than 3,000 unique visits since its launch.
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