Vienna Climate Guide (Wiener Klimafahrplan)

The Vienna Climate Guide (Wiener Klimafahrplan) is a strategic framework developed by the City of Vienna aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2040. This initiative, presented in 2022, replaces the previous Climate Protection Programmes (KliP I and KliP II) that have directed Vienna’s climate policy since 1999. It represents a significant redesign rather than a mere continuation, incorporating more ambitious targets to address pressing climate challenges.

Vienna's initial Climate Protection Programme (KliP I) was launched in 1999, with a goal to prevent 2.6 million tonnes of annual CO₂ equivalent emissions by 2010. This target was successfully met ahead of schedule in 2006. KliP II was introduced in 2009, extending the targets up to 2020, aiming for a reduction of 1.4 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually. Following its extension through the end of 2021, the city opted to develop the Klimafahrplan as a more ambitious framework to align with the climate neutrality goal set in the 2020 coalition agreement.

The framework’s central focus is on transitioning away from fossil fuel heating, particularly through the "Raus aus Gas" (Out of Gas) initiative. This program aims to shift residential and commercial buildings from natural gas dependency by expanding renewable-powered district heating networks and promoting heat pump installations. In terms of buildings, the framework emphasizes energy-efficient renovations of existing structures while establishing strict performance standards for new constructions. The significant social housing sector in Vienna, managed by organizations like Wiener Wohnen, plays a pivotal role, with initiatives such as THEWOSAN providing funding for thermal renovations.

Transport in Vienna is also set to become climate-neutral by 2040. Planned measures include the expansion of public transport infrastructure, encouragement of cycling and walking, development of e-mobility charging stations, and a gradual reduction in car-dependent urban planning.

The Klimafahrplan integrates climate objectives into Vienna’s broader urban development strategy, building on the Urban Development Plan (STEP 2025) and the Smart City Wien Framework Strategy. Nature-based solutions such as urban greening, water-sensitive design, and the creation of new green spaces are prioritized. Since 2021, Vienna’s green space offensive has successfully created or redesigned over 222,000 square meters of park areas and committed to planting 25,000 trees.

The city has reinforced the Klimafahrplan with the establishment of a new Vienna Climate Law, which enshrines the 2040 climate neutrality target into legislation. This law is built on three pillars: climate protection, climate adaptation, and the circular economy. It mandates that the entire city administration work towards minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and creates monitoring structures to track progress.

The Vienna Climate Guide aligns with the Smart City Wien Framework Strategy 2019–2050, the EU Covenant of Mayors commitment, and Austria’s national climate objectives. Vienna’s approach underscores that the low-carbon transition must uphold social equity, reflecting the city’s enduring commitment to social housing and accessible public services. Implementation of these initiatives is coordinated by the City of Vienna's Director's Office for Climate Affairs across various municipal departments and public enterprises.