Citizen survey on heat planning: Your opinion counts in Sinzing!

Citizen survey on heat planning: Your opinion counts in Sinzing!

The municipality of Sinzing began municipal heat planning in August 2025 and invites citizens to actively participate in this important project. A comprehensive citizen survey is intended to collect opinions, needs and suggestions from the population in order to tailor the planned measures individually and practically. It is crucial that the population is involved in this process, because the feedback from the survey flows directly into the planning. To start the survey, citizens have the option to scan a QR code provided on the municipality's website. This initiative is seen as part of the extensive efforts to promote sustainable heat supply in the region, which is also required by law.

In many German cities, both private and commercial building owners are waiting for municipal heat planning proposals. They are particularly interested in whether a connection to local heating networks is possible and how developments are taking place on site. According to Section 7 of the Heat Planning Act (WPG), the involvement of the public is a legal requirement. Therefore, those responsible for planning must include citizens, authorities and network operators in the planning process. This legal anchoring shows how important citizen participation is for the success of municipal heat planning.

Importance of citizen participation

Citizen engagement is crucial as they are directly affected by the results. A survey by the Heat Transition Competence Center (KWW) makes it clear that citizen participation and communication represent significant challenges for municipalities. Many communities want materials and guides to make participation easier. Successful examples such as the Heat Plan project group in Rostock, which was founded in 2020, show how citizens can contribute ideas about the heat transition through surveys. Similar initiatives, such as heat transition dialogues in cities like Dresden, prove that the involvement of the population is also generating great interest in other municipalities.

Comprehensive citizen participation involves more than just sharing information. A public display allows citizens to comment, which promotes active dialogue. Experts on citizen participation emphasize that broad social inclusion is crucial for the success of the heating transition. Early information about the status of heat planning is also important in order to create acceptance. Municipalities use different formats such as information events, workshops and online surveys to provide citizens with ongoing information. Regular updates on the progress of thermal planning via websites and newsletters are also essential tools in this process.

Innovative solutions for the future

Municipal heat planning is a crucial step on the way to a fossil-free heat supply and contributes to strengthening democracy. Best practice models are often cited as role models that include participatory approaches and citizen participation platforms. Freiburg im Breisgau, for example, is cited as a successful example of citizen participation in heat planning. There are also innovative approaches such as “Team Heat”, a simulation game for municipal heat planning that promotes playful learning and thus involves citizens more closely in the process.

In summary, it can be said that the municipal heat planning in Sinzing calls for the population to hear the voice and to actively participate in shaping a sustainable future. The citizen survey is an opportunity to focus on their needs and to find joint solutions to the challenges of the heating transition. Further information on municipal heat planning can be found on the Sinzing municipality website, and citizens are warmly invited to take part in this important dialogue. For more comprehensive insights into the importance of citizen participation in heat planning, there are more helpful resources such as the Climate and Democracy brochure, which offers further suggestions.