More and more residents’ groups in the Netherlands are undertaking collective initiatives for sustainable energy optimalisation. This is the result of growing environmental awareness, decreasing government intervention and increasing civil initiative. However, the contribution to the national move towards sus-tainability is, according to the transition theory as well, still too small. It is therefore necessary to make the conditions more favourable for residents’ initiatives of this type. In the context of this urgent need, research was carried out into cohesion in residents’ groups, the required conditions and the attitudes of professionals. A qualitative approach to the research was chosen in order to clarify the underlying reasons and motivation of the parties involved. Three obstructing dilemmas and three perspectives for development were found. The limited motivation on the part of residents to take part in sustainability initiatives, either individually or as part of a group, and the fact that professionals have their own agenda, are an obstacle to sustainable development. On the other hand, ‘pull’ factors and ‘leaders’ – including impassioned professionals – and social cohesion among residents facilitate the transition to sustainability in a positive way. The ‘There & Later’ approach of professionals and the ‘Here & Now’ approach of residents can, however, be aligned at city-district level. This is possible if themes that do not relate to sustainability (e.g. the secure feeling of ‘knowing each other’) and the liveability of a residential area are incorporated in sustainability activities. In this way the use of renewable energy in residential areas in the Netherlands can be taken to a higher level.