OekoBusiness Wien - Programmes for sustainable business management

Taking into account the diversity of enterprises in the city, OekoBusiness Wien offers a number of different programme modules for large and small enterprises in a variety of industries. The common denominator is to promote sustainability by applying efficient and economical management practices. Consultancy services are provided to businesses in different programmes, which have been developed to foster environmental best practices and projects:

1. The OekoBusiness Check offers companies support in deciding whether it is worthwhile participating in one of the consulting services offered by OekoBusiness Vienna. The companies are analyzed by experienced environmental professionals for one day. The result is a documented estimate of the potential savings in energy, waste and resources.
   Consultancy and Information
2. The programme Küchenprofi[t] (German) offers individual support in reducing food waste in kitchen operations - from analyzing the causes of waste to developing saving measures.
3. EcoBonus targets businesses with up to 50 employees; its objective is to reduce operating expenses and support the environment through waste prevention and waste management, energy saving and climate protection.
4. OekoWin is tailored to manufacturing companies which aim at a rapid reduction of resource inputs; the way to achieve this is the efficient use of resources and input materials, optimisation of production processes and waste prevention.
5. OekoBusiness Wien offers independent consulting for businesses who want to obtain the Austrian Ecolabel. The Ecolabel for Tourism specifically addresses the hospitality industry. It focuses on the economical and efficient use of cleaning agents, waste prevention and waste separation, as well as reduction of heating costs. Other labels included in OekoBusiness are:
   • Ecolabel for Schools and Teacher Training Colleges
   • Printed Products
   • Green Meetings and Green Events
   • Museum
   • Green Producing
   • Theatres
   • Cinemas
   • Green Locations
6. ISO 14001 is an international environmental management system which integrates environmental protection measures systematically into operational processes. Enterprises are supported in introducing the system, which offers them an instrument for the systematic measurement and subsequent reduction of emissions and pollutants that are damaging to the environment.
7. EMAS is a complete environmental services package, including introduction of an environmental management system according to the ISO 14001 standard, which also prepares the enterprise for active communication in this field. The perfect basis for the development of environmental statements and reports on sustainability.
8. Sustainable Development supports small and medium-sized enterprises in developing sustainable management methods which are economically, environmentally and socially balanced. The process is documented in a sustainability report.
9. In the Pilot Project on Sustainable Products/Services the products and services of enterprises are analysed for potential improvements. New approaches benefit the enterprises, the customers and the environment.
10. The EMAS easy enables small and micro companies to develop internationally recognised environmental management systems in compliance with EMAS.
11. Energy efficiency is a significant factor in most businesses. Specifically directed measures, even without costly investments, can help lower energy consumption and thereby reduce energy costs.
12. The aim of "Natürlich gut essen" is to support the Viennese food service industry in becoming more sustainable. Businesses are consulted in regards to the purchase of organic, seasonal and regional food as well as animal welfare. They are then are rewarded with a golden, silver or bronze label upon completing the programme.
13. OekoBusiness’ "Firmengrün" supports businesses with the creation of green spaces, with positive effects on the environment as well as the budget by reduced cooling costs in summer.
14. At SDG!fit companies take part in a series of workshops, as well as individual consulting. Upon completion of the programme, businesses have a defined improvement plan based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that were formulated by the United Nations in 2015. Businesses can identify and realise SDGs, which helps them ensure a high company value, win new costumers and increase their attractiveness for all stakeholders.
15. The SME Sustainability Compass supports companies and organizations in dealing with their own sustainability in accordance with the European CSRD. Climate, environmental and social impacts are analyzed, improvement measures are derived and strategies are developed in order to be prepared for future market requirements.
16. SolarFit!: In this program, the possibility of a photovoltaic system at the company location and the expected savings potential are determined and information on current subsidies is provided.