Context

The Municipality of Lidköping has an aim to decrease its emissions of carbon dioxide by 25 % by 2010 (in comparison with 1990) for the geographical region, and with 50 % for the municipal organization. The Energy Gain is one of the activities to be able to reduce the emissions in the geographical area. A number of different methods have been used by the energy advisors and the Agenda 21-coordinators in the municipality of Lidköping. Some examples are guidance for the general public, local energy subsidies, lectures and seminars, exhibitions, a large number of articles and advertisements in the local newspaper, reports in local radio and TV, study circles, “energy search" for school children and bicycle competitions . The experience in Lidköping is that it is efficient working with existing groups as for example organizations and companies. It has also shown that discussions and personal meetings giving by far the best result. This leads often to “opened doors", the knowledge level increases as well as the interest to do something concrete. This was the base when the concept of the Energy Gain was developed.