Cities are not only the economic, cultural and social engines of our world, they are also responsible for around three quarters of global CO2 emissions. Cities and municipalities therefore play a central role in the fight against climate change.
Together with the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology and Forschung Burgenland, Eisenstadt wants to take the path towards climate neutrality in the Klima.Eisen.Stadt project. ‘As a pioneering small town, Eisenstadt has the opportunity to develop innovative approaches and solutions that can contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable lifestyles in the long term,’ explains Mayor Thomas Steiner, who goes on to emphasise: ’Our commitment shows that even smaller towns can and want to make a significant contribution to climate protection.’ Eisenstadt is the first city in Burgenland to join a group of 25 other Austrian cities that are taking part in the ‘Klimaneutrale Stadt’ (‘Climate Neutral City’) mission. The initiative supports cities and municipalities on their path to climate neutrality.
Tanja Tötzer, expert for resilient urban development at AIT: ‘The Klima.Eisen.Stadt project is developing a climate neutrality roadmap that shows Eisenstadt the path towards becoming a climate-ready city. We are delighted to be able to support the city as a research partner with practice-orientated tools and methods!’ These roadmaps should then also serve as a model for other cities and municipalities. Along the way, the selected municipalities will support each other with lessons learnt, experiences and tips and tricks.