286
P. Heck
The selection of feasible products was done in close cooperation with the participants of the projects, specifically researchers, academics/professors, consultants,
and the ministry itself. Out of 87 projects, 62 were selected in the first phase. In
the second phase, interviews with project directors and researchers led to a final 26
projects with a total of 32 specific products.
13
We classified the projects into four categories: water/wastewater, energy, land
use, and general issues. The “general issues” category was designed to introduce
sustainability, zero emissions approaches and material flow management to the audience, and to offer a glimpse into the future, such as by introducing examples of best
practices.
We then assembled these into presentations. One of these general presentations described successful project examples, model communities, added value
assessments, and policy support. Another one dealt with specific financing options.
The presentation to German communities was designed to cover most of
Germany. Six different cities—Nuremberg, Hannover, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Schwerin
and Emsdetten—each hosted a one-day or two-day conference. The conference
venues were selected to allow as many mayors and public experts as possible to
attend.
372 participants participated in four meetings; 178 were representatives from
small villages and towns. The conferences were organised as one-day and twoday events. Two-day conferences offered attendees the opportunity to meet in the
evening, reflect on the day’s information, and start networking for implementation.
This was crucial, because the projects energised and intellectually challenged the
audience. Accordingly, there were many requests for more information, especially
for implementation support. Out of these 178 participating communities, 27
14 model
villages and towns were selected for intensive transfer of know-how and coaching
within the year.
The next steps of the process will involve a detailed data analysis of each community, followed by stakeholder interviews. This research will then be used to formulate
ideas for the transfer of existing concepts or products, and transfer them to communities. At the end of the process, which will involve town hall meetings to facilitate
ownership among local residents as well, the respective town councils will decide
on implementing a proposed product or strategy.
14.4.2 “Dorfkern” Companies
A “Dorfkern” company is a new strategy developed by IfaS to cope with the high
transaction costs and complex efforts to achieve a sustainable village, a resilient
village or a (bio) energy village (Heck and Blim 2019).
13 Some projects had multiple products or solutions that could be transferred.
14 One additional model village was selected due to the amount of excellent applications.
P. Heck
The selection of feasible products was done in close cooperation with the participants of the projects, specifically researchers, academics/professors, consultants,
and the ministry itself. Out of 87 projects, 62 were selected in the first phase. In
the second phase, interviews with project directors and researchers led to a final 26
projects with a total of 32 specific products.
13
We classified the projects into four categories: water/wastewater, energy, land
use, and general issues. The “general issues” category was designed to introduce
sustainability, zero emissions approaches and material flow management to the audience, and to offer a glimpse into the future, such as by introducing examples of best
practices.
We then assembled these into presentations. One of these general presentations described successful project examples, model communities, added value
assessments, and policy support. Another one dealt with specific financing options.
The presentation to German communities was designed to cover most of
Germany. Six different cities—Nuremberg, Hannover, Stuttgart, Leipzig, Schwerin
and Emsdetten—each hosted a one-day or two-day conference. The conference
venues were selected to allow as many mayors and public experts as possible to
attend.
372 participants participated in four meetings; 178 were representatives from
small villages and towns. The conferences were organised as one-day and twoday events. Two-day conferences offered attendees the opportunity to meet in the
evening, reflect on the day’s information, and start networking for implementation.
This was crucial, because the projects energised and intellectually challenged the
audience. Accordingly, there were many requests for more information, especially
for implementation support. Out of these 178 participating communities, 27
14 model
villages and towns were selected for intensive transfer of know-how and coaching
within the year.
The next steps of the process will involve a detailed data analysis of each community, followed by stakeholder interviews. This research will then be used to formulate
ideas for the transfer of existing concepts or products, and transfer them to communities. At the end of the process, which will involve town hall meetings to facilitate
ownership among local residents as well, the respective town councils will decide
on implementing a proposed product or strategy.
14.4.2 “Dorfkern” Companies
A “Dorfkern” company is a new strategy developed by IfaS to cope with the high
transaction costs and complex efforts to achieve a sustainable village, a resilient
village or a (bio) energy village (Heck and Blim 2019).
13 Some projects had multiple products or solutions that could be transferred.
14 One additional model village was selected due to the amount of excellent applications.