Pilot community: SCHÖNINGEN SCHÖNINGEN GERMANY Population : 12650 inhabitants Area: 35 km 2 Address: Rathaus, Markt 1 Zip code: D-38364 Phone: +49 5352 512 0 Fax: +49 5352 512 199 Mayor Matthias Wunderling- Weilbier e-mail: [email protected] website: www.schoeningen.de www.schoeningerspeere.de It is a small town in the east of the region, very close to the former border in Germany. It consists of the town Schöningen and the two villages Esbeck and Hoiersdorf. Near the town is the historical site of a worldwide sensation. 400,000 years old wooden spears are found. This discovery in a part of a brown-coal mining area has changed the history of mankind. The traditional occupations of the inhabitants are in the brown-coal mining company and a power plant, agriculture, administration and trade. Schöningen will build up an interdisciplinary center of research and experience about the spears. It is for tourism and to clarify geologic tasks. In the area of the brown-coal mining some protected species of plants and animals can be found. Renewable Energy Sources Now: Schöningen has 2 combined heat and power units, one in the town hall building and one in the school. Many photovoltaic panels are built on several roofs, one of them on a church. Future: A new industrial area is planned near by the waste incineration plant to use the heat for production. More photovoltaic panels should exist on public buildings. Rational Use of Energy Now: The town of Schöningen offers their citizens a first consulting to save energy free of charge for owners of private buildings. Schöningen