Herning Kommune has set course to become climate neutral and climate resilient by 2050 at the latest through an ambitious climate plan that acknowledges the municipality's role as a significant production municipality with particular challenges and opportunities. Through participation in the DK2020 partnership, the municipality has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 70% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, corresponding to a maximum emission of 493,000 tonnes of CO2 (p. 9). Today, Herning Kommune emits 1,127,475 tonnes of CO2 annually, which represents a decline of over 30% since the baseline year of 1990 (p. 8). The greatest challenge lies in the agricultural sector, which with the municipality's extensive 85,000 hectares of agricultural land accounts for nearly 60% of total emissions (p. 8). The transport sector follows with 26% of emissions, while the energy sector, despite Herningværket's transition to biomass, still contributes 11% (p. 8). This emission profile distinguishes Herning markedly from other Danish municipalities through the dominant role played by agriculture and livestock farming. What is distinctive about Herning Kommune's climate challenge is the combination of a large agricultural sector and a strong industrial identity, particularly within the textile industry. The municipality honestly acknowledges that the stated targets are "very ambitious both in terms of the time horizon and in terms of Herning Kommune being a production municipality with a large agricultural sector" (p. 9). At the same time, the municipality sees opportunities in leveraging its industrial strength to drive innovation in sustainable solutions. The most comprehensive planned measures focus on three areas: greater biogas production from agriculture, retirement of carbon-rich lowland soils and establishment of textile symbiosis. The textile symbiosis builds on the municipality's DNA within the textile field and is intended to create new solutions for collection and recycling of textile waste. In addition, there is massive investment in wind turbines and solar panels as well as Power-to-X technology to ensure 100% renewable energy in electricity and heat supply by 2030 (p. 18). Bæredygtig Herning has been established as a concrete organisation to serve as a catalyst for the green transition of the municipality's businesses. The climate plan acknowledges, however, a significant 'gap' - the difference between the stated targets and the concretely calculated reductions. In 2030, there will be a shortfall of 282,000 tonnes of CO2, and in 2050 as much as 527,300 tonnes of CO2 (p. 32). This is partly because many initiatives cannot yet be precisely quantified, but also because the task is simply larger than what can be solved with current instruments. The municipality therefore proposes a dynamic approach with annual adjustments and new initiatives. Citizens and businesses are engaged through Bæredygtig Herning, which has already created networks and launched concrete projects. The municipality will strengthen climate competencies among citizens through education in daycare and schools and establish an annual Climathon to connect students with businesses' climate challenges. With partnerships with Ikast-Brande Kommune and close collaboration with Herning Vand on climate adaptation, the municipality aims to create a community where "community, courage and determination are fully deployed" to achieve the ambitious climate targets.

Source: Klimaplan for Herning Kommune (2022)