Austrian Federal Government Launches New Climate Relevance Tool for Municipalities

Federal Government Unveils Climate Relevance Tool

The Austrian federal government officially launched a new online instrument, the 'Klimarelevanztool für kommunale Beschlüsse' (Climate Relevance Tool for Municipal Decisions), on September 26, 2025. This tool is designed to empower municipalities across Austria to evaluate the climate impact of their planned projects before implementation, fostering more sustainable local development. The initiative is a collaborative effort involving the federal government, the Austrian Energy Agency (AEA), and klimaaktiv, the federal climate protection initiative.

Aiding Municipal Climate Decisions

The Klimarelevanztool operates through a user-friendly, two-step process. Initially, a series of yes-no questions helps determine whether a proposed project is fundamentally climate-relevant. Following this, a comprehensive criteria catalog assists in a more detailed assessment of the project's potential environmental consequences. A key feature is its intuitive traffic light system, which visually indicates whether a project is expected to reduce CO2 emissions, remain climate-neutral, or requires improvements to mitigate negative impacts.

The tool also provides practical tips and alternative solutions for climate-friendly project implementation, aiming to integrate climate protection considerations directly into municipal decision-making processes. The results of the assessment are available immediately, offering concrete insights into a project's climate effects and suggesting adjustments to avoid adverse outcomes.

Empowering Local Administrations

One of the primary objectives of the Klimarelevanztool is to support smaller municipalities, which often lack the specialized personnel for detailed climate assessments. Heimo Bürbaumer, project manager at the Austrian Energy Agency, emphasized that the tool is designed for use by administrative clerks even 'without prior knowledge.' This ensures that projects can be prepared in a climate-friendly manner before being presented to municipal councils, with the provided implementation alternatives also assisting discussions within expert committees.

Environment and Climate Minister Norbert Totschnig (ÖVP) highlighted the significance of local action, stating, 'Our municipalities have a special responsibility for the protection of the environment and climate.' The tool aims to advance federal climate goals at the local level while simultaneously reducing administrative burdens for smaller communities.

Availability and Support

The Klimarelevanztool is available free of charge to all Austrian municipalities via the klimaaktiv website at klimaaktiv.at/klimarelevanztool. To ensure effective utilization, klimaaktiv also offers regular webinars for training and consultation, alongside explanatory videos. This comprehensive support system is designed to facilitate the widespread adoption and successful application of the tool across the country.