// CLIMATE FUND PROJECTS
CLIMATE PROTECTION
in Linz.
The municipal climate fund provided financial support for innovative climate projects. The goal of these projects is to implement the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, or SDG's.
Currently, no new funding applications can be submitted.
for the Integration of Climate Adaptation, Biodiversity Promotion, and Quality of Life
in the Development of the State Capital Linz
Climate fund projects in the city of Linz
// OCTOBER 2019 TO END OF 2021
First sub-project of the Linz tree planting offensive on the following three streets: Leonfeldner Straße, Schubertstrasse and Kroatengasse
Mag. Martin Krammer and Dipl.-HLFL-Ing. Werner Münzker (Municipality of Linz, Department of Urban Greenery and Street Care)
The tree planting offensive is a central component of the 1st Linz Climate Strategy. The innovative sponge city principle is to be applied to a total of eleven streets and infrastructure facilities. Underneath the paved surface, the individual trees are given more space for root growth and storage of precipitation water in interconnected gravel bodies. During longer periods of drought, this not only improves the cooling capacity through evaporation. The shade cast by the formation of a spreading crown also increases the quality of stay in the streets for the residents. In the first subproject, a preliminary design for Leonfeldner Strasse was prepared by a landscape architecture firm. The Kroatengasse is at an advanced stage of design planning and is in the detailed planning phase. In Schubertstrasse, tree planting due to adjustments to the sidewalk and bike path would mean a more complete reconstruction of the streetscape. As a replacement for Schubertstraße, the Linz City Senate decided on Pfarrplatz.
Award of contract to:
3:0 Landschaftsarchitektur Gachowetz Luger Zimmermann OG Engineering Office for Landscape Architecture
Further information can be found in the media service of the city of Linz as well as on the website of architecture
// MARCH 2021 TO SEPTEMBER 2023
Analysis of wind data, the meteorological measuring station Linz City and their applicability for the Linz urban climate
Mag. Dipl.-Ing. Wolfgang Gepp and Maria Feichtinger, MSc (Weatherpark GmbH Meteorological Research and Services)
The Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics (ZAMG) has been collecting meteorological data at the Linz City station since 1992 in accordance with the guidelines of the World Meteorological Organization. The evaluation of the long-term wind climatology reveals conspicuous features with regard to an atypical distribution and significantly lower mean and maximum wind speeds. In the course of the project, the causes of the unusual values of the station Linz-City of the ZAMG are to be found. After first clarifications with the station operator ZAMG, a simulation of the wind field is to be carried out in order to find indications of the influencing factors and a suitable installation site for a comparison measuring station. At the same time, a station for measuring wind direction and speed over a period of 24 months will be set up at a nearby location and subsequently compared with the data from the Linz City station. Through this process, reasons for the unrepresentative evaluation of the Linz City station will be determined. Finally, measures will be developed to improve the validity of the measurements of the station Linz-City and to make them usable. Another goal is to raise awareness in the sense of informative signs, real-time displays of the measured values or even workshops for school classes or interested parties.
// NOVEMBER 2022 TO AUGUST 2023
On the way to climate neutrality - updating the energy flow diagram of the city of Linz
Judith Radhuber (Department of Urban Climatology and Environment, PTU)
In this city-owned project, the data of the energy efficiency program from 2011 is to be updated by means of an external assignment by a suitable company. This is necessary in order to be able to reliably identify the greatest levers for climate protection in the city's sphere of influence. Contents of the survey are the total energy consumption, the energy sources (such as natural gas, heating oil, coal, coke, renewable energy sources) as well as their purchase and use and the determination of a greenhouse gas reduction path. Following the data preparation and visualization as well as the presentation of the final report, the contents are to be made accessible to the public using various methods (press conference, social media contributions, lectures, etc.).
Cooperation with: State of Upper Austria and various departments of the Municipality of Linz
// AUTUMN 2021 TO JUNE 2022
Trees for the future for old and young in the senior centers of the city of Linz
Wolfgang Haudum
Seniorenzentren Linz GmbH would like to improve the quality of living, working and staying for residents, employees, especially in the nursing and kitchen departments, as well as visitors by means of targeted greening measures. Trees and large shrubs are to be planted at the ten locations in order, on the one hand, to provide a better climate and pleasant recreational opportunities for the people of Linz and, on the other hand, to protect the facilities to some extent from heavy weather events. The additional greenery improves the quality of life, especially for the residents of the senior centers, not only by providing shade and cooling through evaporation, but also by including them in activities and celebrations throughout the year. An important step towards raising awareness is also the involvement of the apprentices of the city nursery to provide them with important insights into the preservation of plants and their use with regard to the climate.
Cooperation with:
Municipality of Linz, Department of Urban Greenery and Street Care
Further information can be found on the website of the city of Linz
// SEPTEMBER 2020
Greening of the Linz Main Square
Ing. Günter Haderer (Municipality of Linz, Department of Gardening and Nursery)
Manmade climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in Linz. Inner city areas such as Linz's Hauptplatz are particularly affected by overheating due to dense development, a high degree of sealing and little vegetation in the open spaces. To improve the quality of stay at Linz's Hauptplatz, 30 winter lime trees were therefore planted in wooden troughs. In two to three years after planting, the littleleaf lime will grow and reach a crown diameter of up to 5 meters. The trees are also to be the starting point for further greening activities in the city of Linz. On September 17, 2020, the new trees were officially welcomed during a public event with several pop-up concerts and dance acts.
Award of contract to:
Kriegergut Garten- und Landschaftsdesign GmbH
Further information can be found on the media service of the city of Linz
// MARCH 2021 TO MAY 2022
Greening measures Goetheschule
Mag.arch Sandra Resch (Immobilien Linz GmbH & Co KG)
In the course of the project, building facades and the gym flat roof of the Goetheschule are to be greened. In addition, a redesign of the inner courtyard is part of the project plan. Ground plantings will also be implemented. The greening measures can counteract excessive summer overheating in the city and thus improve the microclimate. Subsequently, the planned plantings will contribute to a higher quality of stay and pollutant or fine dust pollution will also be counteracted. The pilot project is specifically intended to show the extent to which further properties owned by Immobilien Linz GmbH & Co KG can be greened in order to make them more attractive. To this end, the longer-term practicality of greening measures (e.g. maintenance requirements) will be investigated and, if necessary, differences between individual greening measures will be documented.
Cooperation with:
Department of Urban Greening and Street Maintenance
Department of Urban Climatology and Environment, Division of Planning, Technology and Environment
Climate department, business unit office of city government
Further Information can be found in the media service of the city of Linz
// MARCH 2021 TO DECEMBER 2021
Comparative study of the population of diurnal butterflies in the area of the flood protection dams on the Traun and Danube rivers in the Linz city area in 1993 versus 2021 and expected changes in the course of climate change
Mag.a Gudrun Fuß (Municipality of Linz, Botanical Garden and Natural History Station)
Flood dams are among the richest butterfly habitats. Their often dry and nutrient-poor meadows are suitable to host semi-arid and dry grassland species in addition to meadow butterflies due to flower supply, plant diversity and topoclimate. There are many indicator species among diurnal butterflies. Their presence or absence provides information about the condition and value of existing habitats and can provide clues to changes in species diversity as a result of man-made climate change. The aim of the project is, on the one hand, to obtain up-to-date data on the butterfly species present at the flood protection dams, which, on the other hand, will allow for comparisons with the old data that are as accurate as possible. Based on this investigation, a catalog of measures for the management and maintenance of the areas will be developed. With the implementation of these measures, an improvement for the butterfly fauna should be achieved.
Cooperation with:
Dr. Mag. Erwin Hauser (TB for Biology)
Further Information can be found on the website of the city of Linz
// DECEMBER 2020 TO JUNE 2021
"Closing the climate-action gap" - I didn't know that at all
Christian Neuwirth and Markus Kaiser-Mühlecker (ARGE Klimafilm)
A series of entertaining short films is intended to create awareness and courage for climate-friendly living in Linz and elsewhere. In addition, the aim is to show as broad an audience as possible the effects that everyday behavior has on the climate in order to stimulate motivation for behavioral change in the direction of climate protection. The serial format will feature repetitive elements such as street surveys, fact boxes, and case studies/best practice examples. The total of five encouragement films cover the following topics:
The so-called courage films were released in the summer of 2021 and distributed digitally via the social media channels of the city of Linz.
Cooperation with:
City of Linz
State of Upper Austria
Fridays 4 Future Linz
and many more
Further information can be found on the website of the city of Linz
// SEPTEMBER 2020 TO JUNE 2021
Crossing Europe goes Green - in the framework of Crossng Europe Filmfestival Linz 2021
Mag. Gerald Harringer and Mag.a Sabine Gebetsroither (Crossing Europe Filmfestival gem. GmbH)
CROSSING EUROPE Filmfestival Linz wants to fulfill not only its cultural mission but also its social responsibility towards people and the environment. Against this background, the project "Crossing Europe Goes Green" focuses on sustainable and climate-friendly festival work. Environmental and sustainability aspects, such as climate-friendly travel to and from the festival as well as nutrition or the conservation of resources by recycling and upcycling festival materials, were included in the festival organization. These many environmental and sustainability aspects have also been included in the briefing of the Crossing Europe festival team. After the festival, it will be analyzed which results have been achieved with the measures and how they have been implemented. In the long term, all essential organizational processes should thus be continuously optimized in terms of their climate and resource compatibility - also in cooperation with other film festivals in Austria and the partner festivals in the European festival network MIOB (Moving Images Open Borders).
Cooperation with:
various mobility partners (ÖBB, LINZ AG/TIM, Höglinger-Denzel, Lastenrad der Stadt Linz, u.a.)
various catering partners (Ahoi Street Food, Bar-Café SOLARIS, Café Bar Stern, Gelbes Krokodil, k.u.k. Hofbäckerei, MAKAvA delighted ice tea, Vöslauer, Wanderkoch)
various partners in connection with resource conservation (ARGE Trödlerladen, Print & Service, EUROPACK, Fatima Änderungsschneiderei und Nähküche, Dr. Hauschka, Papplab)
Further information can be found in the festival magazine
// SEPTEMBER 2022 TO DECEMBER 2023
Think globally, act locally - "Climate education offensive in the Municipality of Linz"
Florentina Girlinger-Feger (Personnel and Central Services, Municipality of Linz)
The project aims to raise the awareness of employees at the Municipality of Linz on the topics of climate protection and sustainability in connection with health. Together with the company Glacier, a platform will be set up to provide information in an online learning format for interested employees. Subsequently, employees will have the opportunity to attend lectures and workshops held by internal experts from various departments and external experts. The goal is to make climate protection a tangible experience and to make the importance of the topic perceptible. At the same time, tools are provided to enable participants to make their own contribution on a daily basis.
Cooperation with:
Various departments of the Municipality of Linz
Dr. Klaus Renoldner (Physician and sustainability researcher)
Mag.a Iris Huber (Nutritionist)
Glacier Climate Academy
// JANUARY 2023 TO SEPTEMBER 2023
Extension Stadtoase 2.0
Ana Zuljevic (Department for Economy, Climate Protection, Innovation and EU, Office of the City Government)
The Stadtoase on Hauptplatz, as a green space with seating and trees in troughs for shade, has been in existence since 2020. Demand and use is increasing with each passing year, especially since it is currently the only attractive place to stay on Linz's Hauptplatz without the need to consume. Against this background and in view of the recently published climate change adaptation concept, there is a need for further urban oases in the inner-city area. The Innovation Main Square Linz is therefore able to establish two additional locations for a green oasis with the project plan. When selecting the areas, particular attention will be paid to those where unsealing is not possible due to the prevailing conditions. An accompanying communication concept is also planned, which will draw attention to the opportunity to linger, but also to actively participate in the design and play of the urban oases. The goal of the project is to counteract the heat islands in the city of Linz and, in the process, to increase the quality of life for Linzers by expanding the city oases and offering them additional places to relax and cool off.
Cooperation with:
mmcite company
various departments of the Municipality of Linz
Further information can be found on the website of Innovationshauptplatz
// MARCH 2022 TO DECEMBER 2023
Effects of climate warming on the bat fauna of the city of Linz with regard to changes in species inventory, relevant abundances and their ecosystem services
Isabel Schmotzer and Guido Reiter (Coordination Office for Bat Conservation and Research in Austria)
In this project the current bat fauna in the urban area of Linz will be surveyed and compared with earlier data from 1987 and 2002 also regarding species composition. For the survey, on the one hand, net catches will be carried out, whereby the animals will be released immediately on site after collecting their droppings. The fecal analysis will provide evidence of insects spreading in the course of climate warming, which may act as vectors for pathogens. In addition, excursion observations will be made in the evening at dusk and swarming observations at dawn. Together with interested citizens, acoustic monitoring with recording devices will be carried out in order to draw conclusions about the species and way of life based on the bat calls. Finally, an information letter for housing developers and authorities on bat protection will be written.
Cooperation with:
Mag.a Gudrun Fuß (Natural History Station of the City of Linz)
Dr. Edwin Kniha MSc (Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine of the Medical University of Vienna)
Further information can be found on the homepage of the KFFÖ as well as on the website of the Botanical Garden of Linz (DE)
// 2021 TO 2022
"Against heat-islands in the city"
Greening and improving the open space quality infront of the Nordico Stadtmuseum
Dr. Gernot Barounig (Museums of the City Linz GmbH)
The Nordico Stadtmuseum in Linz is also affected by the man-made climate crisis. The resulting overheating of the museum and the forecourt can be mitigated by greening measures. This also helps to make the garden of the restaurant located there more attractive. Specifically, six amber trees, a leather pod tree and 14 umbrella plantains were added to the existing tree population. The planting provides additional shade and increases the biodiversity on site. In addition, the paving was broken up in places and transformed into planting beds approximately 50 centimetres deep. All the greening projects were the subject of a separate exhibition in the museum's 2022 programme.
Cooperation with:
various departments of the Municipality and companies of the city Linz
Further information can be found on the homepage of the Nordico Stadtmuseum
// JUNE 2023 TO JULY 2027
GUUTE-Trees
Gaby Mayrhofer (May-IT GmbH)
Forest owners have suffered massive losses in tree cover in recent years due to bark beetle infestation, wind and snow pressure. At the same time, forests serve as important carbon sinks and contribute to a pleasant microclimate. The project will target forest islands in need of reforestation. Together with elementary schools and with the support of experienced forest workers and forest educators, these areas are planted with trees. Over the next four years, these forest islands will be looked after by children who will always be accompanied by forest educators. In addition, the participating schools will be provided with a wide variety of documents and educational materials in order to integrate the topics of environmental protection and nature conservation into theoretical lessons.
Cooperation with:
WKO Upper Austria GUUTE Association
Chamber of Agriculture Upper Austria
Directorate of Education
// OCTOBER 2022 TO MAI 2023
Manageable solar energy for SMEs
Martin Dörsch (Media Design)
With various videos and blog posts, the handling of portable solar panels in private and professional everyday life is to be made clear. The aim is to raise awareness that each individual can contribute to climate protection in a simple way.
Further Information can be found on the homepage of #besserwerden
// SEPTEMBER 2022 TO OCTOBER 2024
Island of the Day Before
Julian Stadon
This Art & Science project aims to promote cyclical agriculture in the city of Linz by revitalising pre-industrial/urban ecosystems along the Danube. Specifically, two aquaponics systems will be developed, linked to a global network of similar projects via a TeleAgriCulture platform. Another goal of the project is to provide citizens with low-threshold and experimental access to the topic. Fermentation workshops are to be offered, in the course of which the products can be tasted at public dinner events. In addition, many other workshops on the topics of aquaponics, microbes and soil health as well as TeleAgriCulture will be offered in collaboration with the cooperation partners. At the end, a scientific publication will be created together with students.
Cooperation with:
Alluvial Land Association
Coalesce Center for Biological Art, University of Buffalo
KultArtHollaberer Association
and many more
// AUGUST 2022 TO JUNE 2023
Climate Axis Linz
Hannah Marlin Kordes
In the course of this project, a concept for a climate-friendly redesign of the axis from Linz's Main Square via Lederergasse to the commercial harbour is to be developed. The impulses of the population and the surrounding associations, organisations and other actors will be captured. In the course of monthly walks, interested citizens will be invited to discover and rethink the public space together. During an open design and construction workshop, pop-up elements will be created and placed along the axis. The Municipality of Linz will install a pop-up cycle path and implement various greening measures. A converted bicycle trailer as a "harbour star" will serve as a meeting point for passers-by to network and exchange ideas. Furthermore, a feedback box will be set up along the axis, where wishes for the design of the axis can be submitted. At the end of the project, 20 measures for the redesign of the axis were identified. The project manager presented the concept to the decision-makers and discussed possible implementation steps.
Cooperation with:
various departments of the Municipality of Linz
LINZ AG Hafen
Alluvial Land Association
Times up Association
University of Arts Linz
Architecture Forum Linz
Salt Office Linz
Natural History Station Linz
Further Information can be found in the Logbook
// JANUARY 2021 TO 2024
Climate Acre
Julia Schobesberger, MSc. BSc. (Climate Alliance Upper Austria) and Dr.phil. Christoph Musik, MA Bakk.phil. (VegetableAckerdemie Austria)
In this project, pupils together with teachers and other supporters in five Linz schools plant a climate garden directly at their school under the supervision of Climate Alliance Upper Austria and VegetableAckerdemie Austria. The school gardens are tended independently by pupils and teachers, who receive comprehensive support from the project team in the form of training. For example, the schools receive a starter package with vegetable bags and educational materials. Herb beds are planted in planting workshops. In total, up to 30 vegetable and 30 herb species are planted or sown. In addition, a sweet tooth hedge and, if there is enough space, a multi-grafted apple tree are planted. The children are thus gradually trained to become "herb and vegetable ambassadors" so that they can pass on their knowledge in their family and private environment. Teachers also receive a planting workshop per year and several further training sessions on the topic of arable knowledge in order to establish the climate field as a long-term place of learning, comparable to the gym or workroom.
// MAY 2023 TO JANUARY 2024
"Klimaeck - more knowledge about the climate" - information platform and hub for climate protection / climate adaptation and sustainable living at the Wissensturm public library
Heike Merschitzka (City Library Linz)
The project "Klimaeck" lets an existing publicly accessible library area in the Wissensturm develop into a place specifically dedicated to low-threshold information sharing, active exchange and the promotion of cooperation on the topics of climate protection and climate change adaptation as well as sustainable living. In the Klimaeck there will be space for about 8-10 people, which will allow workshops, discussion groups, actions, lectures and spontaneous exchange in a small format. Surrounded by current books and media on the topic, presentation possibilities for information material and small exhibitions in analog and digital form, a stimulating zone is to be created that brings together people interested in the topic. The service will be accessible to library visitors at all times and will also be disseminated via the information channels of the city of Linz and its cooperation partners.
Cooperation with:
Climate Alliance Upper Austria
ClimateCulture
Various associations and private institutions
// OCTOBER 2019 TO OCTOBER 2020
100 and 1 steps to a climate-friendly school
Margit Nader-Stütz, Edith Luger, Sigrun Kolar-Kniewasser, Kathrin Schaffer, Wilbirg Binder, Elena Wiesinger and Michaela Kaineder
The project team of the BG/BRG Körnergymnasium in Linz is planning a sustainable and climate-friendly greening of indoor and outdoor areas of the school building for learning and well-being. Specifically, the project will create a green classroom on the roof terrace of the school building. In addition, the pupils and teachers receive training and further education in climate-related areas with the help of experts. By imparting knowledge about climate-friendly plants and living environments, discussing, planning and building the roof garden together, as well as participating in excursions and courses, students are trained to become climate peers.
Cooperation with:
Federal Real Estate Company BIG
Linz University of the Arts and HTL 1
Educational Institute for Elementary Education Linz
Climate Alliance Upper Austria
and many more
// NOVEMBER 2022 TO END OF 2022
CLIMATE OASIS - Linz/ Lustenau
Climate protection garden for soil and environmental awareness education
DI Christoph Wiesmayr (Alluvial Land Association - Creating, conveying and preserving living spaces)
In the heart of Linz's industrial area, the Hollaberer estate is a relic from the former floodplain landscape. A climate protection garden is now to be realised on the western part of the estate and made accessible to visitors (guided bike tours and school classes). The garden is intended as an open classroom. A landscape furniture contains a soil learning path and is also the shelter for workshops. The workshops themselves focus on the role of soil in climate protection. The first Tiny Forest in Linz is also growing in the Climate Oasis. The miniature forest made of willow rods conveys the importance of near-natural places with a cool microclimate to ensure the quality of life in the city. As give-aways, visitors receive an environmental history booklet that tells about the special nature of this place.
Cooperation with:
DI Peter Sommer (Engineering office for landscape planning and landscape architecture boden.art.e.U.)
Richard Mahringer (Permaculture)
Bernhard Gruber (clay oven construction)
Sebastian Meyer (Collective LehmErleben)
Franz Wiesmayr (Hollabererhof Cultural Association)
Harald Rechberger (Hamerling School)
Norbert Rainer (Climate Alliance Upper Austria)
Linz Tourism Association
Michaela Sommer (Upper Austrian Farmers' Union)
Susanne Rossmann (4YOUgend Association)
// SINCE FEBRUARY 2021
KLIMALINZ
Assessment tool for climate-friendly planning in Linz
Dr. Denis Havlik
In order to predict the negative effects of the climate crisis on Europe's cities and identify appropriate countermeasures, new digital solutions and tools for climate experts and urban planners were developed in the course of the EU research project "CLARITY" under the leadership of the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT). The city of Linz was involved in this project as a focus region on the topic of heat stress. The KLIMALINZ project, which builds on this, is now intended to make this prototype applicable for use in urban climate planning for Linz. The KLIMALINZ tool is intended to support both experts in urban planning in their daily work and external partners in project submissions. This will make it possible to make well-founded statements about the expected urban climatological consequences as early as the official submission stage. In this way, the CLARITY models will be improved by supplementing the data sets used for this purpose with higher-quality data already available for Linz and existing expertise and measurements.
Cooperation with:
Municipality of Linz, Department of Urban Climatology and Environment
AIT Center of Energy / Digital Resilient Cities
SCC
ZAMG - Central Institute for Metrology and Geodynamics
For further Information visit the website of the Austrian Institute of Technology
// DECEMBER 2022 TO NOVEMBER 2025
Climate Social Linz
Christina Plank (Institute for Development Research, University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna)
In the course of this project, the understanding of different civil society actors and population groups in Linz for the multiple climate crisis is to be strengthened. Specifically, the project builds on the book "Climate Social Policy: Shaping a Just and Emission-Free Society". With diverse artistic interventions, the knowledge base and options for action are to be made tangible for the general population and specifically for different social groups. The aim is to make clear which social groups are confronted by the consequences of climate change and to what extent. For example, people with low incomes are more affected by heat waves. Interactive workshops, lectures, idea competitions for artists and much more are used as methods of communication. For the ongoing evaluation and documentation of results, there is scientific monitoring using social science methods.
Cooperation with:
University of Arts Linz, Dep. Mediatheory, Institute for Media
BRG Linz Hamerlingstraße
Volkshilfe Upper Austria
Attac Upper Austria
Further Information can be found on the website
// SPRING 2020 TO SPRING 2021
Climate Day-Auhof: "Plant for the planet"
Peter Wolfsegger and Thomas Wolfsegger
The pupils of the Europagymnasium Auhof organised an internal school climate day with the aim of gathering basic knowledge about the climate crisis and finding possible solutions. The first part of this project was the implementation of interactive workshops on climate change with eight first classes and a total of 280 pupils. The second part of the project is the climate-friendly reforestation of a forest of about 1 ha near the school, which has been destroyed by weather and bark beetles. This reforestation project is being implemented under the professional guidance and supervision of the Chamber of Agriculture (Forestry Department - Dipl.-Ing. Michael Reh), the pupils of the HBLA St. Florian (as part of a forestry internship), several students of the PH-OÖ and the teachers and above all the pupils of the Europagymnasium Auhof. The reforested area is to be a place of learning and networking for the pupils as well as for experts from outside the school. The common goal is to make dealing with climate protection something that can be experienced and experienced.
Cooperation with:
Climate Team-Europagymnasium Auhof
Upper Austrian Chamber of Agriculture, Dipl.-Ing. Michael Reh
HBLA St. Florian, Ing. Lanerl Andreas with students of the 2-3 classes
PHOÖ, Mag. Dr. Ute Sandberger with students of primary education
Europagymnasium Auhof, Magdalena Himmelbauer
// OCTOBER 2021 TO MAY 2023
CLIMATE ZONE. Sensory Theatre at Theater Phönix
Silke Dörner (Theater Phoenix)
CLIMATE ZONE is a project to develop an innovative mediation concept in the sense of climate change and the necessity of a rapid rethinking process. In the course of the project, a sensory theatre with a thematic focus on the climate crisis is to be conceptualised that opens up new methods beyond language. Instead, the sensory areas of hearing, seeing, smelling, touching, balance and many more are to be activated and integrated. The play should show that climate change can be felt physically. The play will thus be an individual experience for each visitor. Especially for school classes, pre- and post-processing on the topic of "climate protection measures" is offered.
Cooperation with:
Authors: Peter Androsch and Natalie Pichler
University of Arts Linz, CoLab for Acoustics
Schools and youth organisations
// JANUARY 2023 TO JANUARY 2024
Carbon Management in the Forests of the City of Linz - Baseline Study and Forest Inventory Survey
Ing. Günter Haderer (Municipality of Linz, Department of Gardening and Nursery)
The urban forests and woodlands with their carbon management play an essential role as a natural greenhouse gas sink on the way to becoming a climate-neutral industrial city in 2040. How great the carbon sequestration potential of Linz's urban forests actually is needs to be scientifically investigated. To this end, a forest inventory is to be carried out in advance in cooperation with the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences (BOKU), Institute of Silviculture, and an external company. Furthermore, it is to be clarified, among other things, what amount of carbon is currently sequestered in the urban forests and woodlands and can still be sequestered by 2040 with the current forest management. This will enable a sustainable and ecologically compatible forest management concept for the coming years to be drawn up and implemented on the basis of the baseline study.
Cooperation with:
Natural History Station Linz
BOKU Vienna, Institute of Silviculture
Climate Office of the City Linz
Further Informationen can be found on the website of the city of linz as well as in the bachelor's thesis (GER)>> by Lukas Sevcik on this topic.
// STEP BY STEP TO CLIMATE PROTECTION
"Linz on foot"
Mag.a Petra Pongratz (dieziwi association: Unabhängiges LandesFreiwilligenzentrum) and Mag. Hermann Rainer (Climate Alliance Upper Austria)
Walking is the most climate-friendly way of getting around. It is resource-saving, space-saving, low-noise, free, inclusive and possible for all social groups. It also keeps you healthy and promotes independent mobility for young and old. The project aims to increase the attractiveness of walking in the city of Linz in daily mobility (on the way to work, for shopping and errands, in leisure time, etc.) as a supplement to walking for recreational purposes. For this purpose, a comprehensive research for good practice models, a pedestrian check in several city districts and networking with people and organisations who are concerned about walking will be carried out. Based on these findings, a variety of measures and offers will be developed: the platform linzzufuss.at with a digital walking map, a wide variety of campaigns, event formats and volunteer initiatives for walking in Linz. Linz on Foot is based on participation. Engaged residents of Linz can participate in the entire project process.
Cooperation with:
DI.in Anna Sonnleitner (Municipality of Linz , Dep. Environmental management)
Maria Buchmayr, Johannes-Kepler-University Linz, Sustainability Unit
// MAY 2022 TO END 2023
Lock'N'Charge V3.0
Bernhard Schiesser
In this project, an offer is to be created that simplifies the switch from car trips to (transport) bike trips. Specifically, Lock'N'Charge systems are to be installed in the Linz city area as charging and secure locking facilities for (electrically powered) bicycles and cargo bikes. The project management will produce a prototype for this purpose, which will then be rolled out for series production by a Linz-based company.
Cooperation with:
Urfahr West Association
Traffic Club Austria
Departments of the Municipality Linz
Association Linzer Lastenrad
Association for the promotion of climate-friendly passenger and freight mobility
// OCTOBER 2020 TO MAY 2021
Pilot project Kaisergasse - Phase 1
Holistic energy concept for the climate-friendly renovation of existing residential complexes
Reinhold Helwin Prohaska and Julia Wiesinger
The Pilot project Kaisergasse Phase 1 is a project developed by committed citizens for the Climate City of Linz to sustainably improve existing residential complexes in terms of electricity generation, building air conditioning, electric mobility and urban climate. The aim of the project is to explore how holistic and climate-friendly energy concepts can be realised for majority-owned residential complexes in Linz. For example, the existing roof insulation in Kaisergasse was examined and a concept for the possible design of a photovoltaic system was developed. The possibilities of a green roof and a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles were also explored. Phase 1 culminates in a meeting of all owners to vote on the measures collected. In phase 2, the agreed implementations will be initiated. The pilot project aims to initiate the climate-friendly renovation of many other housing complexes in the Linz city area. The experience gained will therefore be disseminated to the public through various channels.
Cooperation with:
Prof. Robert Höller (FH Wels)
Martin Danner (Initiator of the PV Community in Gallneukirchen)
DI Wilfried Hager (Municipality of Linz , Dep. Planning, technology and environment)
Mag. Johannes Horak (Municipality of Linz , Dep. Planning, technology and environment)
Further Information can be found on the Homepage
// OCTOBER 2021 TO JULY 2023
Pilot project Kaisergasse - Phase 2 & 3
Accompaniment of new and continuing projects, as well as dissemination
After the successful completion of the evaluation project "Kaisergasse Pilot Project Phase 1", the insights gained were to be incorporated into concrete local implementation measures in phases 2 and 3, and follow-up or partner projects were to be supported in their implementation.
The following goals were defined:
Cooperation with:
City of Linz
AustriaTech - Society of the Federal Government for Technology Policy Measures GmbH
AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH
INTEGRAL Market and Opinion Research GmbH
LINZ AG
KEBA AG
Climate Fund project "Leibnizhof - a workers' housing estate from 1939 becomes "climate fit"
Scientists4Future Upper Austria
Further Information can be found on the Homepage of Energiewende Linz
// SEPTEMBER 2023 TO JUNE 2024
Beat electricity consumption
Mag.a Ulrike Singer (Climate Alliance Upper Austria)
In the project, pupils are given the opportunity to deal intensively with the topics of energy saving and energy efficiency. Workshops on the topics of fossil and renewable energies, climate protection, energy saving, etc., as well as school inspections will be carried out in a total of 10 schools. During the school inspections, the pupils and teachers will go on a guided search for energy consumers and possible savings potentials. In order to gain a better insight into the actual electricity consumption of various devices, the schools are provided with power bikes that can be used to generate the electricity that is consumed in everyday school life. An online training course for teaching staff is also planned, so that the content and documents can be integrated into lessons.
Cooperation with:
Eventmotion
// APRIL 2021 TO NOVEMBER 2023
Serious Games for Energy Transition
Assoz. Uniprof.in DI.in Dr.in Ingrid Graz
This project focuses on the playful teaching of technical and scientific skills to children between 6 - 14 years of age in order to promote their understanding of climate change and renewable energies as an instrument of climate protection. In addition, by dealing with the effects of climate change in cities, a reference to their own living environment is established, which strengthens the pupils' own possibilities for action. In the project, educators and scientists from the field of renewable energies work together to prepare the complex topic for primary and secondary school pupils. The aim of the project is in particular to provide adequate teaching materials and to integrate them into current teacher training. In addition to teaching materials on the topics of climate change, sustainable development, urban metabolism and renewable energies, the project uses the mathematics software "GeoGebra". The "Serious Game" itself will be based on a level design, with different modules covering the thematic framework and taking into account the needs of the respective target group. The pilot project will be tested together with partner schools, evaluated and revised in a further step.
Cooperation with:
PH Upper Austria
School of Education JKU Linz
JKU Open Lab
WIVA P&G
EI-JKU
ARS Electronica Center
Partner schools
// MARCH 2021 TO DECEMBER 2022
Urban Ecological Implementation Programme for the Integration of Climate Adaptation, Biodiversity and Quality of Life in the Development of the Provincial Capital Linz
Univ.-Lektor Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Harald Kutzenberger (TBK Office for Ecology and Landscape Planning), Dr. Friedrich Schwarz (Municipality of Linz, Botanical Garden and Natural History Station) and Dipl.-Ing.in Daniela Hofinger (Hofinger Landscape Ecology and Environmental Planning)
The central element of the project scheme is about 100 specific implementation projects throughout the Linz urban area. The existing basic data of the Linz urban biotope mapping after 30 years will be digitalised, updated and supplemented by the social aspects of quality of life and the urban ecological bases of life (soil, water and climate). Landscape development concepts are drawn up for each area under consideration and integrated measures for conservation, addition or renewal are worked out. The urban ecology implementation programme also sets important accents in awareness raising. A local Citizien Activity Group is to accompany the implementation in practice and raise public interest.
Cooperation with:
various departments of the Municipality and companies of the city Linz
Further Information can be found in the Mediaservice of the city Linz
// MAY 2023 TO NOVEMBER 2024
Urban Ecological Implementation Programme Linz - deepening measures on the surface to integrate climate adaptation, biodiversity and quality of life in the development of the provincial capital
Thomas Schiefecker, MSc (Botanical Garden and Natural History Station of the city Linz)
In the course of the first Urban Ecological Implementation Programme of 2021 - 2022, a catalogue of measures was drawn up on how urban areas should be ecologically upgraded and maintained. Some areas have already been implemented. For example, small animal habitats and nesting aids were built, biotopes were created and various areas were vegetated. In the course of the project, it also became clear that a more in-depth networking of all involved agencies with municipal institutions is necessary in order to be able to implement further measures. Through the already established citizen participation, the continuous involvement of the interested public is to be strengthened. The aim of this project is to extend the measures from the previous project in cooperation with a planning office and to anchor a broad-based and low-threshold implementation of the urban ecological goals in Linz. In this way, on the one hand, city-owned and partly private open spaces can be upgraded, and on the other hand, the quality of life, diversity of life and livelihoods such as soil, water and climate can be promoted.
Cooperation with:
various departments of the Municipality of Linz
GWG - Gemeinnützige Wohnungsgesellschaft of the city Linz
Nature Protection Association Linz
Initiative "Wiesennetz Univiertel"
Initiative "We are greening Linz!"
//JANUARY 2023 TO OCTOBER 2023
Temperature measurement locations in Linz
Dr. Mag. Johannes Horak (Urban Climatology and Environment, PTU)
A well-developed temperature measurement network not only improves the urban climatological data basis and the meteorological forecasts for Linz, but can also serve as a basis for raising awareness among the population. In this project, the Department of Urban Climatology and Environment, together with an external company, plans to survey potential locations for meteorological measuring stations in the city area with a focus on the parameter temperature. From all possible locations, the 50 most suitable sites are to be equipped with a measuring station. Finally, the external company will summarise the results in a project report.
Cooperation with:
Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics
Austrian Institute of Technology
Weatherpark GmbH
// APRIL 2022 TO NOVEMBER 2022
WeFair Goes to School
Wolfgang Pfoser-Almer (WeFair - Association for the promotion of a fair and ecological lifestyle)
As the organiser and initiator of Austria's largest fair for sustainable and fair consumption, the WeFair association would also like to offer a programme for schools in the course of the project. Upper-secondary schools in Linz will have the opportunity to book free workshops offered by the supporting organisations Südwind, Klimabündnis and Global 2000. The workshops will take place in the form of a project week on the topics of sustainable consumption, global inequalities, recycling and climate change. The aim of the workshops is to raise awareness among the students for climate protection and sustainability, but also for the complexity of the subject and the possibilities for action of each individual. When participating in the project week, the students receive a free ticket for the WeFair fair, where a programme especially designed for schools takes place.
Cooperation with:
Südwind
Climate Alliance
Global 2000
Upper Austria Directorate of Education
Design Center
// APRIL 2023 TO NOVEMBER 2023
WeFair / Repair - Turn old into new!
Wolfgang Pfoser-Almer (WeFair - Association for the promotion of a fair and ecological lifestyle)
As the organizer and initiator of the largest Austrian fair for sustainable and fair consumption, the association WeFair would like to organize a large REPAIR Festival in the course of the project in 2023. Lectures, keynotes and discussions will highlight various aspects of the topic of repair and raise awareness. Various exhibitors dealing with the topic of repair will be specifically recruited for the fair. There will also be a Repair Zone, where broken items can be repaired under supervision. To make the importance of the topic accessible to all age groups, Linz schools will be given the opportunity to book free workshops in the week before the WeFair fair. The goal of the project is to give people incentives as well as to sensitize them not to replace broken objects in the first step, but to test out the possibilities of repair.
Cooperation with:
Südwind, Climate Alliance, GLOBAL 2000
DORF TV
Johannes-Kepler-University
Volkshilfe Upper Austria
and many more
// MARCH 2023 TO OCTOBER 2023
Wiesennetz Univiertel - Scything in the city of Linz
Mag.a Hedda Malicky
With this project, the initiative Wiesennetz Univiertel would like to gradually convert the public areas of the city of Linz to extensive mowing. With the involvement of interested citizens, awareness can be raised with regard to biodiversity and species protection as well as climate-friendly behavioral change. By means of regular meetings in small groups, participants learn about scything as a sustainable option for land use. In addition, the maintenance of near-natural meadows leads to a real enhancement of the areas in terms of biodiversity and climate protection.
Cooperation with:
Various departments of the Municipality Linz
Architecture forum afo
Various cooperation partners:inside for the meadow areas
// START SUMMER 2022
WIST House "Barbara" - New paths for a climate-neutral city
Michael Cetinkan (WIST OÖ)
The WIST House "Barbara" becomes a lighthouse project by actively contributing to climate protection, energy cost reduction and an attractive feel-good climate. At the beginning of the project, two information events are planned with the residents, at which the managing director of WIST Upper Austria and an expert from LINZ ENERGIESERVICE GMBH will participate and present the project. The aim is to raise the awareness of the residents with regard to climate protection, but also to give them the opportunity to get involved and participate in the decision-making process. In addition to the information events, there will be two workshops and an open day for all interested parties. The entire awareness-raising process will be accompanied on various social media channels. The climate-friendly construction measures are, for example, the planning of a PV facade, its storage solution, a thermal insulation, the planning of an e-charging infrastructure and many more. The municipal climate fund finances part of the costs of this project, such as awareness raising and parts of the construction measures.
Cooperation with:
LINZ ENERGIESERVICE GmbH - LES (LINZ AG)
// SEPTEMBER 2021 TO OCTOBER 2022
Future Leibnizhof - A workers' housing estate from 1939 becomes climatefit
Katharina Kloibhofer MA and Dipl.-Ing. Christoph March
A small group of committed owners of the „Leibnizhof“ property, a workers' housing building built in 1939 in the Kaplanhof district, would like to actively promote modernisation with regard to energy and climate targets. Due to the age of the building fabric, there is a high need for renovation and modernisation. The following goals have been set:
Cooperation with:
Pilot project Kaisergasse - Helwin Prohaska from the Association Energiewende Linz
// JUNE 2023 TO MAY 2024
Climate Neutral Baking
Franz Rudolf Fenzl
With the "Climate Neutral Baking" project, the Fenzl bakery wants to develop a holistic concept for a climate-neutral bakery operation, especially with regard to production processes. Specifically, a package of measures consisting of energy efficiency measures in production and one for zero-emission delivery logistics are to be developed. Employees are also to be integrated into the development and implementation of the climate-related measures. The project is intended to serve as a role model for other commercial sectors in Linz in order to pursue a climate-neutral path. In the course of the project, a "blueprint" for a climate-neutral production process for other bakeries in Linz will be developed and made available.
Cooperation with:
Krawinkler Solutions e.U. (KSOL)
Energie Ingenieure Consulting GmbH (EIC)
AREBER GmbH (AREB)
// JUNE 2023 TO NOVEMBER 2024
Climate Protection against Energy Poverty
Mag.a Jasmine Chansri, MBA (Volkshilfe Upper Austria)
Climate change has significant social consequences, disproportionately affecting vulnerable groups who often have limited means to protect themselves from its impacts. Specifically, households affected by energy poverty spend more on energy than the average household in Austria. The reasons for this include the poor condition of residential buildings, rising energy costs, inefficient behaviors, and outdated, energy-intensive household appliances. In addition to financial relief, these households often need low-threshold, easily accessible information on possible energy-saving measures.
The goal of the project is to support 30 households affected by energy poverty through social energy counseling provided by a social worker over the course of one year, empowering them to take action. The households will receive concrete and effective assistance, such as replacing inefficient, outdated appliances with new energy-saving ones, as well as help in understanding their energy bills. As a result, these households will benefit not only financially but also socially and in terms of their health. Education on proper ventilation and heating can help alleviate health issues related to living conditions. One year after the consultation, an evaluation will assess whether the households were able to successfully implement the energy-saving tips.
In cooperation with:
LINZ AG
For more information, visit the Volkshilfe website.
// MAY 2023 TO DECEMBER 2023
H2 Convention - Development of the Hydrogen Economy for Climate Neutral Industry in the Greater Linz Area
Edward Strasser (Innovation in Politics Institute)
The CO2 pollution from energy-intensive industrial production poses major challenges, especially to large cities like Linz. The use of fossil fuels (e.g. coal or petroleum) contributes significantly to the release of greenhouse gases that accelerate climate change. However, industry in the Linz metropolitan area plays a key role in securing jobs and ensuring the prosperity of the entire population. Thus, new solutions must be developed quickly to guide the transition to an ecologically sustainable approach in various industrial sectors. In order to achieve the climate targets, the industry in Linz relies on the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Green hydrogen production or the import of green hydrogen from renewable energy sources represents a climate-friendly solution. The H2 Convention is intended to provide a platform for international multidisciplinary exchange between a wide range of decision-makers with regard to the use of hydrogen. For this purpose, a 2-day event is to be organized in the fall of 2023, which will promote the community building of the hydrogen economy in the greater Linz area, but also give citizens the opportunity to inform themselves about the developments and to get to know various projects.
Cooperation with:
Province of Upper Austria
City of Linz
Association of Upper Austrian Industry
LINZ AG
Div. energy companies and large consumers of hydrogen
// SUMMER 2022 TO SPRING 2023
Bicycle Strategy Linz
Roman Minke (Municipality of Linz, Dep. PTU, Mobility planning)
The city of Linz is embarking on the path to becoming a cycling city with its cycling strategy. In the course of this project, a concept for the promotion of cycling in Linz is to be developed by an external company. On the one hand, target values such as modal split, air quality, noise, energy balance, etc. are to be defined, but on the other hand, necessary measures and fields of action are to be identified, such as bicycle infrastructure, bicycle parking, awareness raising, multimodal approaches, living bicycle culture in politics and administration. The strategy should lead to concrete key projects for the next three years. Since the beginning of the project, several cycling forums have taken place to which representatives of the Linz city administration, the province of Upper Austria, as well as the cycling lobby, the ÖAMTC and ARBÖ were invited for joint discussions. The publication of the concept is planned for autumn 2023.
Cooperation with:
Land OÖ
Various climate fund projects
Further Information can be found in the Mediaservice of the city Linz
// JUNE 2023 TO DECEMBER 2023
Bike-Benefit
Roman Minke (Municipality of Linz, Dep. PTU, Mobility planning)
Being rewarded for daily cycling is the motto of the digital Bike Benefit Linz campaign. The bonus programme for cycling has been available in Linz since June until 30 November 2023. For every bike ride recorded in the Bike Citizens app, participants receive bonus points that can be redeemed at selected partner businesses throughout the city. More than 20 partner businesses from all over Linz provide numerous benefits. The mobility planning department also benefits from the anonymised data of the cyclists in future planning projects. The aim of the project is to create an offer that motivates people to switch to cycling.
Cooperation with:
bike citizens by Smettly GmbH
// MAY 2023 TO DECEMBER 2023
Climateguides
Stefanie Rödhamer, BSc. (Refugee and Migrant Care Ltd.)
The "Climate Guides" project aims to empower refugees in supported housing projects by enhancing their sense of self-efficacy regarding energy and climate awareness. Key aspects such as financial relief through energy savings, potential future career opportunities, and participation in climate protection initiatives are addressed. Five employees will be trained as climate coaches as part of this project and will deliver these topics through interactive and accessible workshops.
In cooperation with:
Sustainability Management of Volkshilfe Upper Austria
Climate Puzzle
Wohnen im Dialog by Volkshilfe - Refugee and Migrant Care Ltd.
// JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2024
Nature in the City
Mag.a Maria Zamut (Grünschnabel - Association for the Promotion of Quality of Life)
The project "Nature in the City – Nature Workshops for Children in Schools and After-School Care" aims to help elementary school-aged children discover nature together and develop an awareness of the importance of protecting habitats. Four certified nature educators will conduct interactive and engaging workshops with the children, both outdoors and in the classroom. For example, they will collect and identify animal and plant specimens around the school grounds and create small animal habitats in nearby forests.
For more information, visit the association's website.
// JANUARY TO DECEMBER 2024
Climate-Resilient City of Linz – Education and Public Awareness with a Global Perspective
Lisa Aigelsperger (Südwind Upper Austria)
The project "Climate-Resilient City of Linz – Education and Public Awareness with a Global Perspective" aims to raise awareness among primary school students and youth about key topics such as climate, urban life, daily habits, consumption, and lifestyle through existing and two newly designed workshops. Together, participants will explore actionable solutions for making Linz a climate-friendly city. This approach allows them to reflect on both their personal lifestyle and consumption patterns as well as broader societal conditions from a climate justice perspective. Simultaneously, the exhibition "Global Perspectives for Climate Justice" will be made publicly accessible at the Wissensturm in cooperation with the Climate Fund project "Klimaeck," along with guided tours. The project aims to engage over 1.000 people from different age groups in Linz.
In cooperation with:
Kinderuni
VHS Wissensturm
Climate Social Linz
Pädagogische Hochschule Upper Austria
Time's Up, and others
For more information, visit the Südwind website.
// DECEMBER 2023 TO APRIL 2025
Climate Axis Linz – Phase 2
Hannah Marlin Kordes and Peter Arlt
The project "Climate Axis – Phase 2" aims to implement concrete measures for improving Lederergasse, the area between the city center and the harbor, based on the implementation agenda developed in Phase 1. Several expert workshops will focus on redesigning key problem areas, while hands-on workshops with citizens will be held to create wildlife habitats and insect-friendly meadows through traditional scythe mowing techniques. Additionally, climate stations, forming part of an educational trail along the Climate Axis, are planned.
These climate stations will serve as multifunctional urban furniture, providing spaces for resting, learning, sharing information, and exchanging ideas. The educational trail will highlight emission reduction strategies and inform residents about the city's climate adaptation efforts. To conclude the project, a "Climate Axis Festival" is planned, celebrating both the achievements so far and future improvements with the involvement of local initiatives, associations, and engaged citizens.
In cooperation with:
various Departments of the Linz Magistrat
LINZ AG Hafen
University of Arts Linz
Architecture Forum, etc.
More informations are available in the Logbook
// MARCH 2024 TO MAY 2025
Hydrogen World Made Visible
Judith Mairhofer (WIVA P&G)
The project "Making the Hydrogen World Visible" aims to explore existing hydrogen technologies, the entire value chain, and the use and storage of hydrogen through an interactive model, engaging students from the Linz Technical Institute, apprentices, and experts from LINZ AG. The results of this project will be made accessible to the public in Linz at the Ars Electronica Center (AEC).
In the application area, the project will focus on local energy supply, industry, and mobility applications that are difficult to decarbonize.
In cooperation with:
AEC
LINZ AG
Linz Technical Institute - HTL-Paul-Hahn-Straße
Robert Bosch AH
WIVA P&G
// 2024
H2 Convention - Developing the Hydrogen Economy for a Climate-Neutral Industry in the Linz Area
Edward Strasser (The Innovation in Politics Institute GmbH)
The project "H2 Convention – Developing the Hydrogen Economy for a Climate-Neutral Industry in the Linz Region" is set to take place for the second time in 2024. This two-day major event will bring together citizens, businesses, industry representatives, and policymakers to discuss green hydrogen as an essential component of a climate-neutral industry. Following a successful inaugural event last year, the H2 Convention aims to establish itself as an annual gathering, promoting dialogue and exchange on green hydrogen.
In cooperation with:
Land Upper Austria
City of Linz
LINZ AG
WIVA P&G
// APRIL 2024 TO SEPTEMBER 2025
Development of a Heat Emergency Plan for the City of Linz
Nora Niemetz-Wahl (Magistrat Linz, Department of Planning, Technology, and Environment)
The project "Development of a Heat Emergency Plan for the City of Linz" addresses the increasing occurrence of heatwaves due to human-induced climate change and the associated risks to human health. The heat emergency plan will include measures to protect the population of Linz to the greatest extent possible. Through accessible communication, comprehensive training programs, and public outreach efforts, the contents of the heat emergency plan aim to reach all affected individuals and vulnerable groups.
More information can be found in the media service of the City of Linz>>.
// 2024
Conversation Climate Talk
Julia Neubauer
The project "Conversation Climate Talk" employs professional moderation of discussion panels featuring artists, journalists, caregivers, educators, sustainability managers, and others to create an innovative form of climate communication. The goal is to bring the challenges, commonalities, and solutions related to climate change, as well as the associated emotions, to the broader population in Linz. The topic of climate change and the necessary transformations will be examined from the perspectives of various sectors. Events will take place in public locations and will also be accessible online via streaming for free. Special attention will be given to including women in the selection of panelists, providing them with a platform to share their voices.
For more information, visit the website
// AUTUMN 2024 TO AUTUMN 2025
Nature-Based Revitalization & Climate Change Adaptation at the Urfahr Collecting Channel
Fabian Holzinger
The project "Nature-Based Revitalization & Climate Change Adaptation at the Urfahr Collecting Channel" aims to protect and preserve the aquatic ecosystems of the Urfahr Collecting Channel, which was artificially created and consists of numerous streams from the Mühlviertel, against the impacts of climate change. The project outlines various actions that serve both as a natural sink for climate protection and as measures to support biodiversity and species conservation, as well as climate change adaptation.
Additionally, the affected area will be further researched, and the implemented measures will be evaluated. This information will be communicated to the public to raise awareness and foster understanding of the project's significance.
// AUTUMN AND WINTER 2024
We Are Here! - Platform Theater and Workshop on Climate Justice
Daniel Floss
The project "We Are Here! - Platform Theater and Workshop on Climate Justice" aims to raise awareness about climate justice through theatrical performances and workshops while also highlighting concrete action options. The initiative creates an accessible entry point that stimulates educational processes to promote a climate-just society. The play, along with the workshops, will be advertised through various educational institutions and partnerships to reach a broad audience.
// 2024 TO 2027
Participatory School Council to Reduce Emissions from School Air Travel
Florian Kaltseis
The project "Participatory School Council to Reduce Emissions from School Air Travel" at Ramsauergymnasium Linz involves the establishment, support, and evaluation of climate-conscious decision-making through a school council. This initiative aims to engage parents, students, and teachers in making decisions regarding the climate-damaging emissions associated with school trips. The project includes data evaluation, awareness-raising, problem analysis, and a participatory democratic voting event.
In addition to addressing the logistics of arriving at and departing from school trips, the project encourages reflection on personal mobility behavior and its impact on climate and the environment. Through this initiative, students, parents, and teachers will be sensitized to climate protection behaviors, prompting them to redefine their roles as responsible citizens and role models.
// 2024 TO 2025
Energy Garage – the Energy Awareness Lab of the GRAND GARAGE
Katharina Kloibhofer, CAP.future GmbH (GRAND GARAGE)
The project "Energy Garage" aims to create an interactive learning and experience space for renewable energies through the design of an "Energy Awareness Lab." This initiative seeks to advance the energy transition within the existing GRAND GARAGE framework by offering interdisciplinary educational programs. A space of 3,000 square meters will be developed into a workshop for education and innovation, incorporating both digital and analog formats. By networking with various experts, the project will establish educational and training offerings that will engage participants in understanding and promoting renewable energy solutions.
// 2024 TO 2026
work on biodiversity
Christoph Wiesmayr (Schwemmland association)
The project "Work on Biodiversity" by the Schwemmland Association aims to develop a biodiversity strategy through a participatory co-creation process for an area in the eastern part of Linz. This initiative will involve investigating species pools and habitat potentials. In alignment with the climate change adaptation goals of the city of Linz, the project will specifically promote adaptation and biodiversity through targeted measures.
The co-creation process will connect various stakeholders and experts, incorporating climate protection measures to ensure a comprehensive approach to enhancing biodiversity in the region.
More informations can be found in the action guide published by the Schwemmland Association.
// 2024 TO 2026
Linz is(st) Climate-Friendly
Christoph Wiesmayr (Schwemmland association)
The project "Linz is (eats) Climate-Friendly" by the Linz Adult Education Center (Volkshochschule Linz) aims to establish an extracurricular educational program focused on healthy and climate-friendly nutrition in Linz. Over a two-year period, the initiative seeks to engage at least 600 participants. Successful program formats will be integrated into the regular offerings of the Volkshochschule Linz, ensuring the continuation and expansion of education on sustainable eating practices within the community. The project aims to empower residents with knowledge and skills to make informed dietary choices that benefit both their health and the environment.
// 2025 - 2026
Blooming Heat Experts
DI Dr.in Michaela Köpl
Due to increasing periods of heat and drought, new knowledge about climate-resilient flowering areas is in demand. The project “Blooming Heat Experts” aims to familiarize the people of Linz with innovative methods for climate-adapted greening through participatory workshops. “Light planting packages” are being developed as so-called “Blooming Heat Experts for Linz” and will be planted together on model sites. Guided tours and social media will further support the project.
// 2025 - 2026
LAMESEL - Living Learning
Ruth Mauhart
The project “LAMESEL – Living Learning” by Ruth Mauhart aims to inspire young people through hands-on experiences with animals and plants. It demonstrates how nature conservation, animal welfare, and environmental protection have a positive impact on all living beings. The project fosters awareness and understanding of ecological connections through direct experience, observation, and hands-on activities in learning fields and workshops for children and adolescents at the paddock “Lamesl – Animal-Assisted Education – Seidelstraße Linz.”
Over the years, childhood has changed, and so has the connection to nature. Knowledge of various meadow flowers, native bird species, and the natural curiosity about small creatures on and in the soil has often diminished, as children today have fewer opportunities to experience these things. The project is already up and running and is now seeking support to expand its reach.
// 2025 - 2026
Power Playground Linz
Helwin Prohaska (Verein Energiewende Linz)
The submitted project “Power Playground Linz” uses real-world examples to demonstrate how people can pursue careers that actively contribute to the energy transition and climate protection.
Ambitious climate protection projects require well-trained professionals.
In cooperation with Linz-based companies and initiatives, the project aims to highlight the unique career opportunities available in this industrial city. Building on basic knowledge about energy and the energy transition, the project introduces young people to concrete and attractive career paths in Linz’s future-oriented industries, using local flagship projects as examples.
Existing Power Playground educational content will be expanded to include new topics specific to Linz, and partnerships with local project partners will be strengthened. The developed materials will be made available to other educational initiatives, and suitable funding models for further development and use after the project’s completion will be evaluated.
// 2025 - 2027
Think Green
Elisabeth Wasicek (Klimabündnis OÖ)
As part of the Think Green project, children and young people with a migration background are to be reached in a low-threshold way and involved in shaping their living environment through participatory methods. With the support of local community centers and within the framework of open social work, their interests and wishes will be identified. Workshops, activities, and excursions on the topic of sustainable living will be organized. The project will culminate in public events with the participating young people, giving them the opportunity to share their ideas for a climate-neutral city. The main focus is on climate-adapted urban open and green spaces. The final events will see the young people present their ideas for climate-adapted open and green spaces to representatives of the City of Linz.
// 2025 - 2026
The Driftwood Plateau
Tanja Brandmayr (Stadtwerkstatt Kulturvereinigung F6)
As part of the project “The Driftwood Plateau,” a movable platform made from driftwood will be constructed between the Donaulände and the Maindeck. Serving both as a sculpture and a stage, this mobile Danube floodplain will be able to travel through the city on wheels. By bringing the otherwise hidden natural cycle of river wood into public view, the project creates a tactile space for experience and sparks conversations about the relationship between urban development and ecology. In this way, “The Driftwood Plateau” makes climate discourse accessible and tangible, combining artistic intervention with awareness-raising.
// 2025 - 2027
You got the POWER
Heike Merschitzka (VHS Wissensturm)
The applicant, VHS Linz, plans to set up an open participation station in the entrance area of the Wissensturm, where library visitors can use two bicycle generators to power light bulbs, fans, or chargers with their own muscle power. This hands-on physical effort makes the energy consumption of everyday devices tangible, illustrates the difference between energy-efficient and energy-intensive appliances, and encourages people to reflect on their own actions in terms of sustainability.
