1. Pilot community:
WESENDORF
GERMANY
Population: 15000 inhabitants
Area: 209 km2 W e s e n d o rf
Address: Rathaus, Alte Heerstr. 20
Zip code: D-29392
Phone: +49 5376 899 11
Fax: +49 5376 899 50
Mayor Walter Penshorn
e-mail: w.penshorn@sg-wesendorf.de
website: www.wesendorf.de
It is a rural joint community situated within the region of Braunschweig, located in the south of
Lüneburg Heath. It consists of six villages: Wesendorf, Gr. Oesingen, Schönewörde, Ummern,
Wagenhoff und Wahrenholz.
The joint community is only 30 years old, but some of their villages have historical references which
date back to the 13th century.
The traditional occupations of the inhabitants are in agriculture, animal breeding, forestry and wood
industry. Up to the 60’s there was oil production in the heath. The barracks existed up to 2006.
Wesendorf is the starting point for several attractive routes in the heath. The surrounding area,
including the ‘Great Moor’ is home to many rare and protected species of plants and animals.
Renewable Energy Sources
Now: The heat from a biogas plant, with a steam pipe for the proximity, is used by the school,
kindergarten, administration and sports hall.
Future: On a former area of barracks will be a new project with industrial heat consumers.
Rational Use of Energy
Now: There are some existing examples of bioclimatic buildings in the region (private).
Future: Energy saving and efficiency measures (focus mainly in the building sector).