Transform-R: Designing networks to support regional transformation processes

Research on transformation processes of energy systems and on the design of a network of municipalities and regions for a transformation in the sense of sustainability

Background

Cooperation at the regional level is essential for the transformation to sustainability in Germany in order to be able to comply with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. For this, the exchange of experiences, the bundling of capacities and the sharing of competencies between municipalities and regions is an essential factor.

This is done, on the one hand, by merging cities and municipalities into regions that implement joint projects and, on the other hand, by networking these regions.

The integration of the topic of sufficiency in the context of efficiency and consistency should additionally show the actors of regional development how sufficiency can contribute to the reduction of energy and resource consumption in the various fields of consumption and which framework conditions promote this reduction.

Results

The Transform-R project develops content and materials for a content-related, organizational and financial realignment of a sustainable municipal energy network in order to support the regions in their work for the energy transition and climate protection.

This content includes action and cooperation approaches for the design of transformation networks (to be found in the final report Transform-R) as well as four interactive network tools on the topics of greenhouse gas neutral heating, mobility, regional and ecological food supply and sustainable consumption.

The tools are designed to present the various municipal and regional climate protection activities in a holistic strategy specific to each field of action. Members of a network can exchange, network and inspire each other about the activities and experiences. In addition, the background information provided in the network tool can be used to obtain further information and to view guidelines and examples from other municipalities.

All four interactive network tools are provided free of charge for further work.