Samenvatting

"The transition to a sustainable energy system demands not only technical innovation but also social engagement and collaborative governance. This paper presents a case study from Zoetermeer, a mid-sized city in the Netherlands, where the number of citizen-led energy initiatives grew from four to fourteen over four years. The municipality’s approach centered on building trust, stimulating resident engagement, and incorporating real-world learning experiences for students. The findings highlight the
importance of soft skills—such as communication, co-creation, and empathy—in sustainable energy education and professional development."