Motivation
Maybe you have heard of the label “Energiestadt” / “Energy City”, or even live in a community that is classified as such. The label awards villages and cities that show above-average engagement in their municipal scope for action regarding energy efficiency and renewable energy production (Trägerverein Energiestadt, 2025a). This might lead to the thought that these communities are well ahead compared to non-members when it comes to renewable power production.
This is exactly our aim to answer:
"Is there a significant difference between municipalities (cities and communes) of the label “Energy City” and non-members in terms of renewable power production (solar, wind and biomass) per capita?"
To do so for individual communities, we created this website including an interactive web map and comparison tools. Municipalities that are behind or ahead in renewable energy production can be compared to others. Our focus is on photovoltaics, wind energy and biomass power production capacity, hydropower can additionally be depicted. Decision makers, political stakeholders or interested residents in any Swiss commune can get a better general feeling where they stand and if there might be additional potential to improve renewable energy production.
Introduction to the SDG's
The project, as the label “Energy City” suggests, is directly connected to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations (UNSDG’s) number 7 and 11. Goal Nr. 7 “Affordable and Clean Energy” acts as a guideline to provide sustainable, affordable and reliable energy for all and becomes increasingly important to tackle greenhouse gas emissions (United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2025a).
Goal Nr. 11 “Sustainable Cities and Communities” points towards safe, resilient and sustainable cities in general. Renewable power production in cities and urbanized areas can provide an important corner stone towards climate neutrality since urban areas account for around 75% of global carbon emissions (United Nations - Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 2025b).