New "Climate Relevance Tool" Helps Municipalities with Projects

In the future, municipalities will receive support in evaluating local projects for climate-relevant consequences before implementation. The federal government's "Climate Relevance Tool for Municipal Decisions" is designed to first assess whether a project is relevant through yes-no questions, and then provide tips for climate-friendly implementation. "Our municipalities have a special responsibility for the protection of the environment and climate," said Environment and Climate Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP).

Assess Projects for CO2 Impact in Advance

A traffic light system will indicate whether a project reduces CO2, is neutral, or needs improvement. "Especially in smaller municipalities, there is often a lack of experts for climate assessments. The tool is designed so that clerks can work with it even without prior knowledge," emphasized Heimo Bürbaumer, project manager at the Austrian Energy Agency. This is intended to prepare projects in a climate-friendly manner before they are presented to the municipal council. The provided implementation alternatives should also assist in discussions within expert committees.

Results Immediately Usable

The result of the assessment is immediately available and shows how a specific project impacts the climate or how it can be adjusted to avoid negative consequences.

The climate relevance tool from klimaaktiv, the federal climate protection initiative, is available to all municipalities free of charge at https://www.klimaaktiv.at/tools/klimarelevanztool. Additionally, klimaaktiv regularly offers webinars for training and consultation as well as explanatory videos.

(APA/Red)

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