With its big picture "Lübeck's path to green heat supply," the Hanseatic City of Lübeck is making transparent how municipal heat planning is being strategically implemented. The visualization shows area-specific supply options and interrelated measures—and makes it clear how all paths lead to greenhouse gas neutrality in the heating sector.
topic
Municipal heat planning & decarbonization
industry
Public administration / Local government
format
• Big Picture (use in print & digital)
• Cutout package
area of application
• Citizen information
• Coordination between administration, municipal utilities, and partners
Target group
• Citizens
• Administration
• Public utilities
• Partners in change
special features
• Visualization of a multi-stage implementation and decision-making process for various stakeholders
Initial situation & challenge: Heat transition for an entire city
The Hanseatic City of Lübeck has set itself the goal of making its heat supply sustainable and climate-neutral. This is not just a matter of technical solutions, but rather a combination of infrastructure, urban development, and citizen participation.
The challenge was to make this complex change understandable for everyone: What options are available in each area? What assessments are necessary? And what measures should be taken, and in what order?
The solution: A structured transformation path
The big picture shows municipal heat planning as a clearly structured path to transformation: depending on area-specific supply options, economic feasibility studies, energy-efficient renovation, and the use of renewable heat sources such as wastewater and river heat.
The big picture provides orientation and shows all the paths that lead to the common goal: greenhouse gas neutrality, energy autonomy, and long-term price stability for Lübeck and its residents.
Individual scenes
In decentralized or mixed-supply areas, energy consulting and neighborhood-specific concepts are the first step toward the heating transition. Suitable solutions such as heat pumps or community models are discussed together.
Energy-efficient renovation is a key step in all supply areas. Measures such as insulation, window replacement, roof renovation, and photovoltaics reduce heat demand and lay the foundation for climate-neutral supply.
Regardless of the chosen supply route, all measures will lead to greenhouse gas neutrality. The aim is to achieve greater energy independence, security of supply, and long-term price stability for Lübeck and its residents.
This is how the big picture came about
The Big Picture was developed in close cooperation with the Hanseatic City of Lübeck. The aim was to present municipal heat planning in a clear, comprehensible, and citizen-friendly manner.
1. Structuring & visual design
Based on the existing sketch, the supply areas, decision-making logic, and measures were translated into a comprehensible visual narrative. The aim was to clearly guide the routes while at the same time recognizably hinting at Lübeck's cityscape in the background.
2. Development & iteration
In the design process, the paths were systematized by color and visually arranged in such a way that the sequence of measures can be intuitively understood. External influencing factors—such as regulatory or infrastructural conditions—were integrated as supplementary icons.
3. Feedback & Finalization
Finally, the big picture was adapted to the corporate design of the Hanseatic City of Lübeck. The color scheme and visual language were harmonized to create a consistent and professional communication tool for print and digital formats.
Effect & Results
The Big Picture creates transparency regarding the Hanseatic City of Lübeck's area-specific heat planning. It makes transformation paths comprehensible, organizes measures logically, and provides guidance for citizens.
"A useful communication tool"
"The Big Picture has helped us to make the energy transition in Lübeck tangible and understandable. It is a useful communication tool that helps us to motivate all stakeholders and work together to combat climate change."
Ben Colin Matthies, Climate Control Center, Hanseatic City of Lübeck
Additional formats & options
Cutouts were created from scenes in the big picture, which can be used flexibly across various channels—whether on social media, the company's own website, or for print information materials.
Get started today—schedule your free initial consultation!
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn how a big picture can simplify and strengthen your communication in a 30-minute conversation. We look forward to hearing about your challenges.
A Big Picture is a visual representation of complex topics such as corporate strategies, processes, or visions. It summarizes all the important information in a single, easy-to-understand graphic that clearly shows connections and processes.
For what purposes can I use a Big Picture?
Big Pictures are versatile: for internal communication (employee onboarding, strategy workshops), external communication (customer presentations, marketing), training, change management, and for visualizing complex projects.
In what formats is the Big Picture delivered?
We deliver your Big Picture in various formats: as a file for use in all digital channels, as a high-quality large print for your premises, as an animated video for presentations or online channels, and as an interactive Click Picture with info boxes for digital applications.
How long does it take to develop a Big Picture?
The duration depends on the complexity of the topic and the desired scope. After an initial consultation, we will create a detailed schedule and a transparent cost overview.
How is the Big Picture adapted to our company?
Every Big Picture is unique. We work closely with you to accurately reflect your specific content, corporate design, and corporate world. The process involves several coordination steps.
Do you also offer a free initial concept?
Yes, gladly. As part of a free initial consultation, we can also discuss the possibility of developing a non-binding initial concept for your specific topic so that you can get an idea of the possibilities.