Description

Context

A culture of responsible consumption can have a positive impact on the local economy, society and the environment.  For instance, choosing to buy products that are manufactured locally and with sustainable methods helps reduce emissions and waste, while simultaneously creating local jobs. Extending the life cycle of goods that are unsellable or that still retain value after usage can reduce storage costs, decrease waste and create economic value. Some examples of conscious consumption practices: consuming less, reusing goods beyond their designated lifespan, choosing locally sourced goods and reducing waste.
 
The City of Vienna is committed to helping its citizens adopt more sustainable consumption patterns. In 2015 the mayor of Vienna Dr. Michael Häupl signed the 17 goals Sustainable Development Goals: a very committed international agenda that should be achieved over the next 15 years.
 
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #12: Ensure Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns, is one of the targets the municipality has committed to. According to SDG #12, Sustainable Consumption and Production refers to “’doing more and better with less’, increasing net welfare gains from economic activities by reducing resource use, degradation and pollution along the whole lifecycle, while increasing quality of life”. 
 
By 2030, we must substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse (SDG target 12.5) and ensure that people have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles (SDG target 12.8).

 

Challenge

So here is our challenge to you: help Vienna reach SDG #12 through innovative market-driven approaches. We are looking for young businesses that offer sustainable goods, services, or products in a manner that is appealing, accessible and cost-effective and ensures a durable uptake of conscious consumption practices. 


About EcoBusiness Vienna


“Municipal Department 22 – Unit Sustainable development” works to improve the quality of the local environment as well as the general quality of life in Vienna. 


The purpose of the unit´s program “EcoBusiness Vienna” is to help enterprises generate "green and clean" profits through ecological management practices that benefit the environment, the enterprises, its employees and all other stakeholders. It aims to improve the competitive position of Viennese businesses while sustaining employment over the medium term.

 

With more than 70 environmental/sustainability consultants, EcoBusiness Vienna supports businesses in:

  • Developing sustainable management methods that are economically, environmentally and socially balanced. The process is documented in a sustainability report.
  • Analyzing the products and services of enterprises for potential improvements, developing new approaches that benefit the enterprises, its employees, the customers and the environment.


OUr Commitment 


Recognizing the immense potential of Vienna’s growing startup ecosystem to shape consumption patterns via bottom-up innovation, the municipality is increasingly looking to give its support to early-stage businesses:

  • Access to its pool of consultants and experts
  • Pro-bono consulting by EcoBusiness in sustainable development, energy efficiency, the development of sustainable products and services, ecolables and management systems
  • Introductions to relevant stakeholders
  • Sharing further project and funding opportunities offered by the municipality
  • Access to relevant events organized by the municipality 


The City of Vienna’s Unit for Sustainable Development primarily works in the service of Viennese residents, companies and organizations. The unit is also active in different national and international networks and has the capacity and willingness to support the roll out of successful solutions into other regions and cities in Austria.

The Challenge Owner

EcoBusiness Vienna