Municipalities: the hinge in transitions

Climate change doesn't stop at international agreements or national plans. Real action starts locally, with the municipality. From the Paris Agreement to the Regional Energy Strategies (RES), it's ultimately municipalities that translate this into action for the street, the neighborhood, and the residents. They are the link between vision and implementation. But are they really equipped for this?

Led by Ronald Peeks (project leader at the Hanze University of Applied Sciences' Marketing and Entrepreneurship department) and Dr. Wim Elving (Hanze University of Applied Sciences' Sustainability Communications professor), representatives from various municipalities and Hanze University of Applied Sciences researchers discussed the challenges and opportunities of municipal climate measures.

Local lessons from practical research

From rainwater harvesting in Aalten to promoting car sharing in Westerkwartier and from protein transition in Groningen to sustainable mobility on Ameland: research projects by the Hanze University of Applied Sciences show that municipalities play a key role. But that key sometimes proves difficult: large municipalities struggle with coordination problems, while small municipalities lack capacity. Medium-sized municipalities, in particular, appear remarkably effective.

What can municipalities learn from each other? Which strategies really work? And how do you encourage residents to adopt more sustainable behavior without provoking resistance?

Theses were:

• Are municipalities sufficiently equipped for their governing role?
• Municipalities do not realize what an important governing role they can play
• Effective policy is difficult due to siloed organization within the municipality
• The municipality needs more central control over all projects and initiatives
• A relationship of trust with citizens is necessary: ​​is it there?

The panelists are unanimous in their sense of urgency and the responsibility of municipalities to have and implement climate policies. All attendees are positive about their role and commitment, as well as the actions already underway. They are primarily focused on "low-hanging fruit"—efforts that are feasible and deliver results that are appropriate for the local community.

Key takeaways

• Obstacles: grid congestion, outdated legislation and regulations, staff turnover (loss of knowledge and experience) among both civil servants and the manufacturing industry, little contact with daily reality among policymakers in The Hague
• Challenges: structurally guiding behavior, involvement, citizen ownership
• Hopeful: At the local level, political differences are being bridged on the energy/climate issue, sufficient knowledge is available (present or available for purchase)
• Conclusion: in the transitions, the municipality is crucial as a bridge to the citizen, and can and wants to be – The Hague must take action (Heat Act) and facilitate!

About New Energy Forum

New Energy Forum is the festival for (aspiring) mobility and energy professionals and anyone concerned with a livable future. It's an annual initiative of our organization (New Energy Coalition). Entrance, Hanze & Hive Mobility at the Entrance test site on Zernike Campus Groningen. The Entrance Award will also be presented during the festival: the prize for pioneers in the energy transition. 

On June 19, 2025, Groningen was once again the vibrant hub of the energy and mobility transition during New Energy Forum. This unique event, now boasting five successful editions, is much more than a traditional conference. It's the most distinctive energy festival in the Northern Netherlands, unique in its format thanks to its combination of content, networking, and experience, with this edition as a standout. This edition was entirely dedicated to DO!ers – the place where action takes center stage. Over 1.700 visitors gathered at the Entrance test site.