The "climate-neutral city" mission with ten pioneering cities
The Austrian Ministry for Climate Protection (BMK) and ten major Austrian cities seal cooperation in the name of climate neutrality and pledge mutual support in research and development. Global urbanization is on the rise. Cities are responsible for around three quarters of global CO2 emissions and account for 78% of energy consumption. 75% of the European population lives in urban areas - and the trend is rising (source: EIT Climate-KIC 2019: 1). Cities therefore play a central role in the fight against climate change.
Ten pioneering cities
On November 20, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler and high-ranking representatives of Austria's ten pioneering cities signed an official declaration of partnership as part of the "Climate Neutral City" mission.
Vienna, St. Pölten, Graz, Innsbruck, Klagenfurt, Villach, Linz, Salzburg, Dornbirn and Wiener Neustadt want to show how a resource-conserving economy and lifestyle can be implemented in practice. In cooperation with the Climate and Energy Fund, the Ministry for Climate Protection (BMK) is supporting them in becoming climate-neutral more quickly through research and development.
"Today we have taken a particularly symbolic step on the road to climate neutrality. Ten major cities have officially committed to leading by example and actively supporting each other in this endeavor. Our ministry is at their side. It is a partnership of equals that benefits everyone - the ten cities, our climate and, above all, the people who live in these cities. Together, we will bring the agreement to life," said Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler.
The pioneering cities will develop a variety of practical measures, transform administrative structures and processes and share their knowledge. Climate neutrality will be firmly anchored in urban strategies and decision-making processes. In this way, these major cities are taking important steps towards sustainable development and making a significant contribution to achieving energy and climate targets.
Together through theory and practice
The BMK supports the necessary capacity and competence building in the cities within the framework of public-public cooperation (PPC) with two million euros per pioneering city. To this end, customized funding formats in the areas of research, technology and innovation are developed. In addition, targeted measures support the national and international transfer of transfer of knowledge in order to guarantee an optimal joint learning process. Other Austrian cities can benefit from the know-how and findings of the pioneers and adopt successful strategies and activities.
The first climate-neutral urban districts are to be built in the coming years. They offer a liveable, safe environment and are characterized by a high quality of life, renewable energy supply, attractive mobility options, good infrastructure, sufficient green and open spaces as well as participation and good social interaction.
About the "climate-neutral city" mission
With the "Climate Neutral City" mission, the Climate Protection Ministry (BMK), in cooperation with the Climate and Energy Fund, is supporting Austrian cities in becoming climate neutral more quickly through research and development. Pioneering cities are leading the way together and developing practical, climate-friendly solutions for the energy and mobility transition as well as the circular economy, which are to be implemented and disseminated quickly.
Comprehensive research activities and accompanying measures pave the way for the climate-friendly development of cities. This means better quality of life, health, safe care and social cohesion for city dwellers. The mission is supported by AustriaTech - the federal government's association for technology policy measures, the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG), the Austrian Society for Environment and Technology (ÖGUT) and the Salzburg Institute for Spatial Planning and Housing (SIR).
It is moving in the direction of "cities of the future" and smart cities. Find out more here:
