Environment & Sustainability

Sustainability plays a big role in Klosterneuburg

The town of Klosterneuburg has been an official member of the European energy efficiency program for municipalities „e5“ since 2017. With its membership in Natur-im Garten (Nature in the Garden), Klosterneuburg is also active as a nature-friendly municipality. Numerous projects, such as the promotion of photovoltaic systems, a generation forest, e-mobility, energy-saving analyses, and the expansion of cycling routes, have already been implemented.

As a basis for sustainable energy planning, a comprehensive energy concept was created for Klosterneuburg in 2012. Since then, the focus on energy efficiency and sustainability has been a priority in all relevant city planning, such as the Urban Development Concept 2030 and Smart City planning for the barracks site. Another milestone was set in 2019 with the adopted „klimaaktiv Gold Standard“ for municipal construction projects.

Expansion of renewable energies

The expansion of renewable energies and the increase in energy efficiency have long been a concern for the Klosterneuburg municipality. An energy concept was already created in 2011, which has been consistently implemented since then.

The „Climate Star“ for the energy-independent wastewater treatment plant was the first success on this path in 2014. Joining the e5 climate protection program in 2017 was the logical next step.

Following renovation and expansion work, a 124 kW combined heat and power (CHP) unit was installed at the wastewater treatment plant to convert the generated sewage gas into energy. In 2018, a total of 387,346 m3 of sewage gas was produced. This generated over 700,000 kWh of electricity. The heat produced by the CHP unit covers the majority of the heating requirements for the wastewater treatment plant and the office building.

E-mobility

There are ten e-charging stations in Klosterneuburg. To achieve comprehensive charging infrastructure, the e5 team and a specialist company developed an expansion strategy.

At the E-Mobility Day, 10 electric cars and various e-bikes were on display. As part of this event, Klosterneuburg's first e-carsharing car was also presented to the public.

Climate Activ Gold Standard for Municipal Construction Projects

Ongoing thermal renovation and replacement of windows in municipal buildings save energy and real money. With the unanimous municipal council resolution to strive for Climate Active Gold status in new construction and renovations of municipal buildings, even greater emphasis will be placed on energy efficiency and sustainability in the future.

Energy accounting is of great importance in the planning of measures, which is why Klosterneuburg is a model community for energy accounting.

Public Green Space Maintenance

For public green space maintenance, without pesticides, synthetic chemical fertilizers, and peat, Klosterneuburg has already received the „Golden Hedgehog“ three times.
Bee pastures, beneficial insect hotels, bee refueling stations, snack gardens, and the „Edible City“ invite you to linger in the public green spaces.

In planting initiatives like the Generationenwald with 6,000 trees and the „1,000 Trees for the City“ project, emphasis is placed on regional and species-rich plant selection.

In addition to climate protection, adapting to climate change is also important. Events together with "Natur im Garten" and the energy and environmental agency are intended to inform citizens.