Vienna's know-how at the Zagreb conference on Climate-Neutral Cities

On 14 February, high-level international guests attended the conference "Developing Green Infrastructure towards Climate-Neutral Cities" at the Old City Hall in Zagreb. Experts, scientists, mayors and local governments' representatives from across Europe discussed the key aspects of sustainable urban energy efficiency. Ernst Woller, President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament, presented the city's efforts to combine climate protection and quality of life.

Tomislav Tomaševic, Mayor of Zagreb, Joško Klisovic, President of the City Assembly of Zagreb, Marija Vuckovic, Croatian Minister for Environmental Protection and Green Transition and Julije Domac, Managing Director of the North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency (REGEA) opened the conference. Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General of the European Commission's Directorate - General Climate Action, addressed the participants via video.

The Mayor of Zagreb emphasised the urgency of climate protection, as 2024 was the hottest year on record. The fight against climate change is not only an obligation, but also opportunity for new jobs and sustainable urban development. The President of the City Assembly of Zagreb emphasised the crucial role of cities in achieving climate neutrality and economic competitiveness. Cities are both the largest emitters of greenhouse gases and the main drivers of economic innovation.

Vienna as a role model for sustainable urban planning

Ernst Woller, President of the Vienna Provincial Parliament, represented the Austrian capital on the panel "Key elements of green infrastructure: a faster route to energy efficiency and climate neutrality". Vienna is known for its sustainable infrastructure, innovative urban planning and a leading role in energy-efficient buildings.

Woller said that Vienna is considered one of the most liveable cities in the world because it combines sustainable urban development with social justice. Thanks to a consistent climate policy, the expansion of renewable energies and sustainable infrastructure, Vienna remains a city with a high quality of life. At the same time, the city is focusing on affordable housing, innovative technologies and green infrastructure, to combine environmental and climate protection with economic growth.

The conference is a further step towards climate neutrality and demonstrates that green infrastructure is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity.