Transition of Växjö and Sønderborg towards becoming fossil-fuel-free communities

The findings are reported of ethnographic field studies carried out in two Scandinavian cities, namely Sønderborg and Växjö. The field studies investigated actors, networks and motivations that enable the deployment of renewable and energy-efficiency technologies for transition towards a fossil-fuel-free future. The research shows a pattern of different ideas and methods that contributed towards a common vision for significant reduction in energy use and emission. In the case of Växjö, the common narrative was one of protecting and valuing the environment through making good use of local resources, particularly from forestry. However, the theme for Sønderborg was one of job creation and business opportunities brought about by the creation of ‘Project Zero’ in a formal alliance between private and public sector organisations. Even so, both cities were characterised by dynamic communication and networking backed by political consensus.