Let’s talk about carbon footprint: individual steps for a sustainable Austria

As climate change becomes one of the defining challenges of our time, understanding and managing our carbon footprint is crucial. It is true that the largest generators of carbon footprints are industrial activities but our choices can make a difference too. The choices we make everyday about what we eat, how we clean, how we travel and how we live can get us closer to the individual carbon footprint goal of 48% emission reduction compared to Austria’s 2005 levels.

In this blog, we’ll explore what a carbon footprint is, why it matters, and some small, actionable steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint.

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) generated by our actions, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). These emissions are categorized into direct emissions, like burning fossil fuels in vehicles, and indirect emissions, such as the energy required to produce and transport goods.

According to Austria’s Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology, “The ecological footprint of a person or a country is given in global hectares (gha). Dividing the biologically productive area available (2022: 12,4 billion hectares) by the global population indicates that there are about 1.6 gha per person on the planet. Meanwhile, an average Austrian consumes as much as 6 gha per person to satisfy personal needs.

The Paris Agreement of limiting the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees also states that every individual in the world should limit their ‘lifestyle carbon footprint’ to less than 2.5 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (tCO2e) per year by no later than 2030. By making small changes to the way that we live our lives, we can definitely make a difference to meeting emission targets

Why does reducing carbon footprint matter?

Reducing our carbon footprint is one of the most effective ways we can contribute to mitigating climate change. Austria has set ambitious targets as part of the European Union’s Green Deal, aiming for climate neutrality by 2040, ten years ahead of the EU-wide goal. While government policies and green technologies play a vital role, individual actions can also make a difference.

Let’s delve into small but impactful steps we can take in various areas of our life to reduce our carbon footprint. We’ll explore five areas in which we can individually reduce our individual carbon footprint: Energy, Transport, Food, Waste and Consumption.

Reduce energy consumption at home

Homes in Austria account for a significant portion of national emissions due to heating, electricity, and cooling. Heating alone contributes over 30% of Austria’s energy-related CO2 emissions.
Actionable Steps

  • Optimize heating: Set your thermostat to a lower temperature and consider insulating your home to keep the warmth inside. Even lowering your thermostat by 1 degree Celsius can reduce your heating bill by 6%.
  • Use energy-efficient appliances: Invest in appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. Austria’s appliance market provides EU energy labels to help you choose the most eco-friendly options.
  • Switch to green energy: Many Austrian households can switch to renewable energy sources from providers like Oekostrom or Wien Energie. Renewable energy accounts for about 77% of Austria’s electricity mix, so choosing green energy providers supports the nation’s transition to 100% renewable electricity.

 

 

Opt for eco-friendly transportation

Transportation is a leading source of emissions in Austria. The average car in Austria emits about 127 grams of CO2 per kilometer driven. If you commute daily, those emissions can quickly add up.
Actionable Steps

  • Public transport: Austria has an excellent public transportation system, including trains, trams, and buses. Switching to public transport, even for a few trips per week, can significantly reduce your emissions.
  • Bike or walk: For short distances, consider walking or biking. Not only is this a zero-emission option, but it’s also great for health. Cities like Vienna have extensive bike lanes, making it easier to bike to work or run errands.
  • Carpool or switch to electric: If driving is necessary, try carpooling with friends or colleagues to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Alternatively, consider an electric vehicle (EV) if you’re thinking of purchasing a new car. Austria’s EV infrastructure is expanding, with over 5,000 charging points available across the country.

 

 

 

Choose sustainable food options

The food we eat contributes significantly to our carbon footprint. Meat and dairy production, for instance, are carbon-intensive due to land use, feed requirements, and methane emissions from livestock.
Actionable steps

Reduce meat consumption: Consider incorporating more plant-based meals into your diet. Austria has seen a rise in vegan and vegetarian options in recent years, with plant-based restaurants and food products widely available.

Buy local and seasonal: Transporting food from distant places adds to its carbon footprint. By choosing local and seasonal foods, you reduce emissions associated with transportation and storage.

Avoid food waste: The average Austrian wastes about 150 kilograms of food annually. By planning meals, storing food properly, and using leftovers creatively, you can help cut down on this waste.

 

 

Cut down on waste and recycle

Waste management is another critical area. While Austria has an effective waste management system—recycling nearly 60% of all waste—reducing waste at the source is even better.
Actionable steps

  • Bring reusable bags and bottles: Using reusable bags, bottles, and containers reduces the demand for single-use plastics, which are energy-intensive to produce and recycle.
  • Recycle properly: Austria has designated bins for paper, plastic, metal, and organic waste. Sorting your waste correctly ensures that it can be efficiently recycled.
  • Compost organic waste: Organic waste in landfills produces methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Many Austrian households have access to composting services or can compost in their gardens to reduce methane emissions.

 

 

Practice Conscious Consumption

Every product we buy has an associated carbon footprint, from production to transportation to disposal. Practicing conscious consumption means thinking about the impact of our purchases and opting for more sustainable choices.
Actionable steps

  • Buy quality over quantity: Purchasing higher-quality items that last longer reduces the need for frequent replacements. This applies to clothing, electronics, and home goods.
  • Support eco-friendly brands: Look for brands that prioritize sustainability, use eco-friendly materials, and have transparent supply chains. Many Austrian brands are increasingly committed to sustainable practices, and by supporting them, you encourage more businesses to adopt similar approaches.
  • Reduce, reuse, recycle: Before buying something new, consider if you can repurpose something you already own, buy it second-hand, or borrow it from a friend.

 

 

 

Get Involved and Educate Others

Awareness and education are key components of reducing carbon footprints. The more people understand the impact of their actions, the more they can contribute to a collective change.
Actionable steps

  • Join local initiatives: Austria has numerous environmental groups and initiatives where you can get involved, like Fridays for Future Austria or Global 2000. These organizations often have local chapters where you can participate in clean-up events or awareness campaigns.
  • Educate yourself and others: Learning more about carbon footprints and climate change helps you make informed decisions. Share what you learn with family and friends to inspire them to take action, too.

Small steps create big impact on our carbon footprint

Reducing your carbon footprint doesn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul. By taking small steps, like opting for public transport, eating more plant-based meals, and reducing waste, you contribute to a more sustainable future. Collectively, these changes add up and support Austria’s journey toward becoming climate-neutral by 2040. Let’s work together to create a cleaner, greener future for Austria and the planet.

If you want to learn how to start a journey towards net zero in your business, check out these principles!

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