Know of a challenge or success case in your city? Let us know!
8—9 september 2025
SØNDERBORG, Denmark
Rethink Cities Summit unites global leaders to drive sustainable urban development through public-private partnerships, sharing best practices and scalable Net Zero solutions.
Our city host: Sønderborg
Rethink Cities Summit is hosted in Sønderborg, a city recognised by the International Energy Agency as the 'Global Capital of Energy Efficiency'. It is set to become one of Europe’s first cities with fully decarbonized energy system, thanks to the efforts of the groundbreaking public-private partnership Project Zero.
The biggest obstacle to climate action isn't a lack of technology—it's a lack of action.
In a time when global challenges distract from the green transition, cities and businesses can’t afford to wait. Geopolitical uncertainties remind us that real change starts locally—the solutions are already here; now it’s time to implement them. At the Rethink Cities Summit, we move beyond inspiration. We’re here to activate - to help you get things done.
Cities and businesses breaking the stalemate together
At Rethink Cities Summit, cities and industry leaders come together to turn the sustainability agenda from a challenge into an opportunity:
- Foster Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to accelerate urban sustainability solutions
- Unlock collaboration-driven solutions that benefit cities, businesses and the environment
- Leverage the power of partnerships to accelerate financing for energy transition projects
Inspired by success in urban sustainable solutions
At the Rethink Cities Summit, we bring together cities that have successfully implemented net-zero solutions in their energy systems with those facing similar challenges:
- See real-world, scalable net-zero solutions in action and learn how to replicate them
- Connect with cities facing similar challenges and learn from their experiences
- Work alongside industry leaders to turn insights into action faster
Reduce, reuse and renew energy:
in a cost-efficient way
Inspired by ProjectZero and Sønderborg’s 3R model, we focus on practical strategies to cut urban energy emissions - all while saving money:
- Reduce energy demand through efficient solutions.
- Reuse the energy which is already there.
- Renew energy supply with clean sources.
Topical Focus
Integrated Energy
Systems
Sonderborg is a living decarbonization lab with an integrated energy system as its backbone. We'll explore how to replicate its success for sustainable, resilient cities.
Electrifying Transport & Construction Machinery
Electrifying buses, ferries and heavy-duty construction vehicles are powerful tools in reducing emissions. We’ll explore how these innovations are setting the stage for a more sustainable urban future.
Energy-Efficient
Buildings
Decarbonizing buildings is key to Net Zero. Explore real-world cases of passive design, retrofitting, and excess heat use for scalable urban solutions.
Audience
45%
Public Sector Representatives
Mayors, City Planners, Policy Makers, Urban Development Officers, Utilities, Sustainability Directors
30%
Industry Leaders
Corporate Innovation Leads, Sustainability Officers, Venture Capitalists
15%
Academic Community
Researchers, Professors, Students, Academic Leaders, Heads of Innovation Centers
5%
Entrepreneurs
& Startups
Founders, CEOs, CTOs, Product Managers
5%
Media & Industry Influencers
Journalists, Industry Analysts
Be part of the solution.
Join the Rethink Cities Summit.
BUY TICKETSFormats
Field Trips
Success Cases
Challenge Workshops
Programme
Day 1
Field Trips & Dinner
Close
Learn more
11.00 - 12.00
Check-In
12.00 - 13.00
Lunch
13.00 - 17.00
Field Trips
Discover innovative energy solutions firsthand on one of three curated field trips, each designed around the 3R model:
- Local Energy System & Sector Integration
- Electrifying transport & construction machinery
- Energy-efficient buildings
18.00 - 18.45
Networking Drinks
18.45 - 21:00
Networking Dinner
Day 2
Summit Day
Close
Learn more
9.00 - 09.30
Check In & Coffee
09.30 - 10.30
Opening Panels & Keynotes
10.30 - 12.00
Case Presentations
Get inspired by success stories from the frontrunners of sustainable urban energy transition. These success stories will showcase real-world solutions, covering challenges faced, key enablers, and lessons learned. Learn what made these projects successful and how they can be replicated in your city.
12.00 - 13.00
Lunch & Networking
13.00 - 15.30
Workshops
Bring a real-world challenge from your city and work alongside industry experts to develop actionable solutions. Leave the Summit with concrete steps tailored to accelerate your city’s energy transition.
15.30 - 16.00
Coffee Break
16.00 - 17.00
Closing Keynote & Presentations
17.00 - 18.00
Drinks & Networking
Be part of the solution.
Join the Rethink Cities Summit.
BUY TICKETSVenue
Alsik Hotel & Spa,
Sønderborg
10 minute walk from Sønderborg Station.
10 minutes drive from Sønderborg Airport.
3 hour road trip from Copenhagen.
