The sewage system in Treptitz, Saxony, has a special history: it was built by 140 village residents. By 2015, says the EU, all rural sewage systems in Germany have to be up to date. This is putting a financial burden on many property owners. But the work done by the Treptitz residents cuts costs for everyone. When the new sewage pipes were laid, a district-heating pipeline was installed along with them. As a result, the homes are now connected to a biogas facility and save around 130,000 litres of heating oil a year. Life in the village has become less expensive and more attractive for future residents.