Austria’s towns and cities are undergoing a radical transformation. As centres for innovation, technology and social change, they have huge potential when it comes to actively shaping the path towards climate neutrality. Around 75 per cent of global CO2 emissions are generated in towns and cities. At the same time, urban areas consume around 78 per cent of global energy. These figures clearly show that climate objectives can only be achieved with the active involvement of towns and cities.
More and more large, mid-sized and small towns and cities in Austria are taking on a pioneering role and implementing innovative measures aimed at achieving climate neutrality as rapidly as possible. Their efforts are supported through the “Climate-neutral City” research initiative of the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI) and the Climate and Energy Fund, which accompany towns and cities on their path towards climate neutrality.
Pioneering cities show how it works
The public authorities of ten Pioneering cities with more than 50,000 inhabitants have already formed an official partnership with the BMIMI as part of the mission. This partnership is aimed at establishing additional resources, capacities and expertise, and developing strategies and climate-effective solutions for the energy and mobility transformation as well as the circular economy. The Pioneering cities are enshrining the objective of climate neutrality in their administrative structures, driving forward their climate, energy and environmental measures through research, technology and innovation, and implementing the first climate-neutral neighbourhoods. This is creating learning environments that other Austrian communities will be able to benefit from.1
Sharing knowledge – accelerating progress
Networking and exchanging knowledge are specifically being promoted as part of the accompanying process. The cities benefit from each other by sharing tried-and-tested technologies, experiences and insights, e.g. from their trial projects. They receive support in this from experts who offer practical guidance and formats for communication on topics such as mobility, buildings and energy, as well as developing urban structures and processes.
Greater quality of life for everyone
Climate-neutral cities are not just important players when it comes to social transformation. They also offer their residents a higher quality of life – with more green spaces, better air quality, lower energy costs, attractive mobility options, and new jobs in sustainable industries.
In this edition (continuing on from our 4/2024 edition), we present additional large, mid-sized and small pioneering Austrian cities that are developing and implementing different strategies and solutions for their specific challenges on the path towards climate neutrality.
www.klimaneutralestadt.at/en/
The “Climate-neutral City” mission is now going one step further: the Climate and Energy Fund is looking for ambitious (pioneering) cities for a partnership between multiple public authorities modelled on that of large cities through its call for proposals, “Pioneering City – Partnership for sustainable small and medium-sized Cities” 2. The objective is to accelerate efforts to implement climate protection, climate change adjustments and the circular economy in the municipalities. Around EUR 3.6 million in funding is available 2025 for this purpose from the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI). Small and mid-sized towns that have not yet participated in the Mission can also submit applications for this.
1 see eia 4/2024: www.energy-innovation-austria.at/issue/eia-2024-04-en/?lang=en
2 www.klimafonds.gv.at/foerderung/pionierstadt-partnerschaft/ Share
