GOOD PRACTICE

Vienna Climate Team is an initiative of the City of Vienna that encourages the participation of residents in shaping their environment and implementing climate-friendly ideas.

OBJECTIVES

The Vienna Climate Team aims to address the climate crisis through joint action and collaboration. It is an innovation in governance and participation that seeks to initiate cross-cutting and thematic projects for climate change protection and adaptation, ultimately creating a liveable, carbon-neutral Vienna.

DESCRIPTION OF ACTIONS CARRIED OUT

The participatory Vienna Climate Team project has a duration of two years (2022 and 2023) and seeks climate-friendly ideas for three districts each year. A budget of approximately €20 per inhabitant is allocated to implement the projects. The process involves submission of ideas by residents, evaluation by experts from the City of Vienna, co-creation workshops, evaluation of project outlines and final selection by a citizen jury. Implementation of the winning projects is carried out by the City of Vienna within two years. The initiative has administrative structures and a support network, and continuous evaluation is carried out to improve its effectiveness. The evaluation results will support the transition of the pilot project to regular operation after the two-year trial period.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

Resident participation, diversity of ideas and knowledge, and collaboration between the city’s political and administrative bodies and residents are the key success factors of the Vienna Climate Team. By empowering residents and promoting their participation, the initiative seeks to generate innovative ideas, promote community involvement, and implement selected projects that contribute to a more sustainable and climate-resilient future in Vienna.

MAIN RESULTS ACHIEVED

During its pilot year in 2022, the Vienna Climate Team achieved significant results. More than 1,100 ideas were received, resulting in the development of 102 projects. Currently, 19 winning projects are being implemented. In addition, strong organizational structures were established, and a support network was built. In the current pilot year of 2023, more than 1,300 ideas were submitted, and plans are being developed for the implementation of additional projects starting in 2024.