The cities of Schönau and Heidelberg (Germany), Växjö (Sweden) and the regions of Burgenland and Brussels-Capital have all started, more or less recently, their own energy transition process.
Heidelberg currently has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Germany and is building the world’s largest renewable district; 88% of the energy consumed in Växjö comes from local renewable sources; and Burgenland became self-sufficient in electricity in 2013. The quality of life has greatly improved in these cities and regions: there is better air quality, more development of public transport, stronger social links, increased involvement of citizens in local policy activities, and so on.