The City of Graz, representing Austria’s pioneering climate-neutral major cities within the federal initiative “Climate-Neutral City”, assumes—together with the Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMIMI)—the chairmanship of the EU Mission Action Group “Cities” and plays an active strategic role in implementing the EU Missions in Austria.
In the national context, Graz is one of a total of ten climate pioneer cities that, since 2023, have been developing and implementing innovative approaches and strategies in a public-public partnership with the BMIMI to achieve local climate neutrality as soon as possible. Through measures such as reducing emissions in the transport sector (Mobility Plan 2040), promoting renewable energy (PV Master Plan), and implementing energy-efficient building methods in municipal facilities, Graz has set itself ambitious goals. The city’s Climate Action Plan defines a clear roadmap outlining specific greenhouse gas reduction pathways for both the municipal administration and utilities (collectively referred to as “House of Graz”), as well as for the entire urban area. The target for climate neutrality is set for House of Graz by 2030 and for the entire city area by no later than 2040.
The urban development area Graz Reininghaus—a major conversion site and currently the largest inner-city district development project—serves as a flagship example of integrated, resource-efficient urban development and thus makes a key contribution to the city’s local climate goals.
On the former brewery grounds, a new district has been emerging since 2010, distinguished by innovative mobility concepts such as car-reduced neighborhoods and excellent public transport connections. Minimum provisions of public and semi-public green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and the use of waste heat from a neighboring steel plant are integral elements of the development, all helping to minimize its ecological footprint. Furthermore, a high mix of residential, work, commercial, educational, and leisure uses reduces private motorized transport, fosters social sustainability, and ultimately enhances the overall quality of life.
The Reininghaus Grounds demonstrate how urban transformation can harmonize environmental objectives with quality of life and offer considerable potential for replication in other European cities.