Our Environmental Measures and Goals
As one of Europe’s leading congress and event venues, we take our responsibility seriously – toward our guests, our partners, and the City of Vienna. We recognize that events consume energy, water, and resources. That is why we are continuously developing our environmental and sustainability management and implementing measures in areas such as energy, mobility, waste, procurement, and accessibility. Our organization is committed to meeting all environmental regulations and going beyond them – we set ourselves even higher standards.
“Our goal is to systematically record and gradually reduce the environmental impacts of site operations that are directly within our control.”
Susanne Zehntner
Head of Sustainability
Officially Certified with the Austrian Eco‑Label
- Since 2016, we have been a license holder of the Austrian Eco‑Label for Green Meetings & Green Events (UZ62), which entitles us to certify events as sustainable.
- In 2024, we have additionally been awarded the Austrian Eco‑Label for Conference & Event Venues (UZ200).
These officially recognized certificates confirm that VIECON meets the applicable criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel UZ 200 and, as a licensee, is authorized to certify events in accordance with the criteria of UZ 62.
“Vienna is more than a stage for international events – we see ourselves as active contributors to a sustainable meeting culture. Together with our local partners, we support organizers in designing congresses and conferences that drive scientific progress, strengthen social responsibility, and set new ecological standards. This creates lasting value – for the economy, the environment, and the people of our city.”
Anita Paic
Director B2B Management & Vienna Convention Bureau at the Vienna Tourist Board
Our Ongoing Environmental and Sustainability Measures
For us, sustainability is not a project with an end date, but an ongoing process. We integrate measures to reduce energy consumption, prevent waste, ensure separate collection, and promote lower-emission mobility into our operational processes.
Our Action Program Through 2028
- Systematic advancement of sustainability management across all business areas
- Establishment of an internal environmental team
- Transition to 100% green electricity
- Full conversion to LED lighting throughout the venue
- Installation of a PV system with approx. 2,000 kWp
- Energy monitoring through the implementation of an energy management system
- Recertification with the Austrian Eco‑Label
- Strong focus on Green Meetings & Events (UZ62)
- Evaluation and expansion of accessibility
- Optimization of waste and recycling rates
- Resource-conscious procurement and product selection
- Complete transition to reusable beverage containers
- Event Sustainability Reports for every event
- Communication of Vienna’s high‑quality drinking water to international guests
Current Initiatives at VIECON
Sustainability in Action
For us, sustainability means not only defining ambitious goals, but also creating tangible change today. That’s why we implement a range of concrete initiatives that make ecological responsibility visible and directly accessible to our guests, partners, and employees. From the beehive on the rooftop to the photovoltaic system on Hall A – each of our sustainability projects contributes to our specific goals in the areas of renewable energy, energy efficiency, biodiversity or climate adaptation.
Our Initiatives at a Glance
Biodiversity
Five new beehives on the roof of the Congress Center produce regional honey and support biodiversity in the Vienna Prater. The “BEECON” project makes sustainability tangible – and even tasteable – for our guests.
Photovoltaics with Power
The planned rooftop photovoltaic system, with a peak output of 2.32 MWp, can generate approximately 2,347 MWh of electricity annually, depending on weather conditions and actual output. This is equivalent to the average annual electricity consumption of about 670 Austrian households with three people.*
Greener Forecourt
More nature, less heat: The greening of our forecourt creates shade, improves the microclimate, and enhances the experience for visitors and local residents.
Expansion of E‑Charging Infrastructure
We are expanding the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, thereby making it easier for guests to arrive in electric vehicles.
Energy Efficiency in Everyday Life
From LED lighting and a managed printing system to the procurement of green electricity from hydropower, we are implementing various technical and organizational measures to manage energy and resource consumption.
Systematic Waste Management
Through separate collection systems and continuous monitoring of waste generation and recycling rates, we establish a reliable basis for the transparent recording and analysis of our waste streams.
* The results were determined using a mathematical model developed by Valentin Software GmbH (PV*SOL algorithms). The actual energy output of the solar power system may vary due to fluctuations in weather conditions, the efficiency of the modules and inverters, and other factors.
Calculation of the number of households that can be supplied: Average consumption: 3,500 kWh/year, 2,347,000 kWh ÷ 3,500 kWh/year = 670.57 households, Source: WKO
Welcome at Beecon
Since Earth Day 2025, VIECON Center has hosted five beehives on its roof. The bee colonies gather nectar in the Vienna Prater and produce our own BEECON honey. With this project, we aim to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators and biodiversity. We tend to the hives on-site together with master beekeeper Thomas Zelenka.
Waste Management and Circular Thinking
A responsible approach to resources is a core element of our sustainability strategy:
- Waste management plan including monitoring of waste generation and recycling rates
- Separate collection systems for office and event areas
- Use of FSC-certified paper
- No plastic promotional giveaways
- Collection bins for the separate collection of recyclable materials in all areas
- Collaboration with local waste disposal and recycling partners (e.g., MA 48)
- Ongoing review of measures to reduce waste generation
- "Managed printing system" for controlling and analyzing printing processes
“Sustainability is not an add‑on, but part of every decision. When we design events responsibly, we create experiences that truly matter – for people and for the environment.”
Silvia Hiller
Technical Administration Manager
Energy, Water and Mobility
- Electricity sourced from 100% hydroelectric power under the energy supply contract
- Use of LED lighting
- Heating via district heating and use of an energy management system
- Use of well water for toilet flushing
- Fixtures and systems to reduce water consumption
- Direct connection to the U2 subway line; bicycle parking and a WienMobil station on-site
- Information on Vienna’s drinking water quality for international guests
Accessibility at VIECON
Accessibility is a key aspect of our facility design. Numerous accessible amenities are available for visitors and event participants:
- Level-access entrances, wide doorways, and elevators
- Wheelchair access to meeting rooms
- Accessible restrooms on every floor (Euro-Key system)
- Tactile guidance systems in the foyers and Braille signage in elevators
- Designated parking spaces for people with disabilities near the entrance
- Access for assistance dogs and guide dogs
Head of Sustainability at VIECON
Susanne Zehntner
Head of Sustainability
T: +43 1 72720 2301
susanne.zehntner@vieconcenter.at
Your contact person for:
Follow VIECON’s Sustainability Journey
Would you like to learn more about our sustainability efforts, new initiatives, and the progress we are making at VIECON? Our newsletter keeps you informed about the latest developments.
If you have not yet subscribed to our newsletter, you can sign up here. If you are already part of our community, we look forward to continuing to share relevant updates with you.
