The RENN network is part of the RNE network and plays an integral role in the Joint Action for Sustainable Development, which the RNE coordinates on behalf of the Federal Chancellery and in coordination with the Conference of Federal State Minister-Presidents. The Joint Action for Sustainable Development aims to boost visibility surrounding pre-existing sustainable development engagement in Germany, to further promote this commitment and networking and to empower actors who are yet to play an active role in the sustainability transition. After all, for the implementation of the UN’s 2030 Agenda to succeed, it must enjoy widespread societal support and active participation beyond the federal and Land level. Interested parties are now able to sign up for the Joint Action on the multifunctional online platform. As partners for regional implementation, the RENN will mobilise support and communicate information to boost the Joint Action.

The RENN offer a range of networking and interactive options for sustainability, including: 

• Events of various formats which are related to the 2030 Agenda, the 17 SDGs and sustainability activities and strategies at the federal, state (Länder) and municipal level – independently or in cooperation with other stakeholders.
• High-profile information and education work as well as happenings and/or campaigns
• Boosting and making sustainability projects, initiatives and their ideas more visible
• Initiator and partner of topical cooperations
• Organisation and realisation of "Project Sustainability" (de), a Germany-wide competition for a sustainable society
• Advice, training and coaching
• Development of information, education and training materials
• Development of and work on public reports

The actual RENN services vary from hub to hub, based on the regional situation and requirements.

The German Federal Chancellery initially funded the four Regional Hubs for Sustainability Strategies (RENN) for a first project phase from 2016 to 2021. In 2016, the German federal government commissioned the RNE with selecting four RENN hubs, with the RNE consulting the Länder for proposals. This was followed by an official application process. Existing, primarily non-governmental organisations that were already working in the area of sustainability were consequently selected to handle the task of regional networking. The aim here was to avoid creating structural redundancies. A total of 20 partners from the 16 Länder were chosen to make up the RENN network. The RENN Coordination Centre was then set up at the RNE to lead the network.