ZEGG (community) - Ecology and Energy

Ecology and Energy

ZEGG is an eco-village and is a member of the Global Ecovillage Network (GEN).

The community aims to take as much of its energy supply as possible from CO₂-neutral, renewable and regional energy sources. The lignite-fired power plant on the site was modernised and converted to run on woodchips soon after taking over the site. The woodchips are sourced from forests in the surrounding region. With this fuel ZEGG generates 100% of its heating needs on-site. ZEGG’s first measure to convert its electricity supply came in 2003 with the installation of the first photovoltaic plant (24 kWp). In 2010, three gas-powered combined heat and power plants (cogeneration plants) were installed and commissioned. This measure increased the proportion of ZEGG’s electricity needs generated on site to 65%. Additional electricity is purchased from a utility company that ensures the supply comes from renewable sources. ZEGG has also taken steps to ensure the reduction of its energy consumption – a measure which complements these conversion measures well. Thermal insulation measures since 1991 have resulted in savings of approx. 40%.

ZEGG has also developed a closed water cycle. Its water comes directly from groundwater through three wells, it is then treated in a filter, used, cleaned naturally and then seeps back into the ground. A constructed wetland sewage treatment system was built in 1992, which purifies all the wastewater from the site in a specially planted marshy area, which also provides a new habitat for animals.

Permaculture is a guiding principle for ZEGG when it comes to developing and using its site. For example, mulch and green fertilisers ensure the sandy soil benefits from long-term improvements in fertility and soil structure. This created a humus layer, which began to regenerate itself. Then, as the soil became healthier, higher-order creatures followed, such as birds, hedgehogs, martens, toads and squirrels. The site also now boasts an edible landscape with indigenous fruit and leaves, as well as apricots, peaches, grapes, kiwi fruit, mulberries and figs growing in sheltered areas.

The ZEGG garden (1 ha) follows organic gardening guidelines. Vegetables, salads and flowers are all thriving there, including pumpkins, carrots, leeks and kale. There are various sorts of fruit as well.

Food provided for residents and guests at ZEGG is vegetarian and partly vegan. In the summer, the food comes from daily harvests in the garden, prepared in the large kitchens and served fresh to the guests. Additional food required is purchased from organic wholesalers, regional producers and/or fair trade sources.

In 2004 ZEGG was awarded the second prize in the Agenda 21 competition in the local government district where it is located, Potsdam-Mittelmark, because of its woodchip-fired heating system and constructed wetland sewage treatment. In 2011, the community once again won the second prize in the district’s Agenda 21 competition, this time for its new, innovative energy concept.