KlimaStadtLinz2030: Linz and its path to climate neutrality by 2030 - Preparation for the EU - Mission “100 Climate-neutral Cities by 2030”

Starting point / motivation

Cities are particularly effective at combating climate change. They cover only 3% of global land mass but are responsible for 71-76% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To adhere to the goals set out by the Paris Agreement, ambitious reductions in GHG emissions are necessary. The city of Linz is a typical European city with regards to number of inhabitants and size.

Therefore, measures carried out here may be employed as blueprints by other cities. The research project investigates if and how Linz can reach climate neutrality by 2030. Over the years, Linz has often shown its transformative powers – to a clean industrial city, to a European Capital of Culture – so why not to a climate neutral city?

Contents and goals

The project investigates the current situation in Linz with regards to climate relevant data, relevant stakeholders, existing climate mitigation measures and control instruments in the direct sphere of influence. Furthermore, it will calculate a GHG budget and conceive additional mitigation measures. In an impact assessment, all mitigation measures will then be investigated with regards to their GHG reduction potential.

Performance indices will be defined for each measure to quantify the progress towards set reduction goals. Overall, the project aims to highlight the improvements to the quality of life of citizens that are expected to arise from applying the mitigation measures. Together, these improvements are part of a common vision of the citizens of how a climate neutral Linz will look like.

The local industry (particularly the steel manufacturer voestalpine) is not part of the project. This is due to the requirements of the call, but also justifiable by the magnitude of energy required to produce the current production capacity of steel sustainably.

Methods

First, the status quo is surveyed by collecting and reading relevant literature such as GHG budget calculation methods or studies with regards to reduction potentials of mitigation measures. Additionally, climate relevant data is identified and collected, existing mitigations measures are catalogued, and promising GHG budget calculation methods are selected.

In a next step, new mitigation measures are conceived and potential options for financing are investigated. In parallel, a participative process for citizens is set up the results of which will eventually yield the common underlying vision of a climate neutral Linz. In addition, the requirements for an application to the EU-Mission are investigated and a capacity plan for an application is prepared.

Expected results

Results of the project are a remaining GHG budget of Linz, a set of mitigation measures that may be adjusted in intensity, a roadmap to climate neutrality, which, in addition to performance indices, will define measurable milestones. While these aspects constitute the factual basis, the overarching theme is the vision of a climate neutral Linz as conceived with citizens of Linz.

Here, the improvements to the quality of life brought on by the mitigation measures are the core of the common vision. Moreover, the project delivers an important foundation for an application to the EU-Mission "100 climate neutral cities by 2030 by and for the citizens".

Project management

Johannes Horak, Umweltmanagement of the municipality of Linz

Johannes Horak
Stadtklimatologe
Umweltmanagement
Planung, Technik und Umwelt
Hauptstraße 1-5
A-4041 Linz
Tel.: +43 (732) 7070 3974
E-Mail: Johannes.horak@mag.linz.at
Web: www.linz.at/stadtklima.php