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Vienna takes off: new strategy for a sustainable circular economy!
On October 22, 2025, Vienna will present the “Circular Vienna” strategy for resource conservation and circular economy with 33 measures.
Vienna takes off: new strategy for a sustainable circular economy!
The city of Vienna is presenting a new circular economy strategy. After a year and a half of development process, Climate City Councilor Jürgen Czernohorszky and other representatives present the initiative entitled “Circular Vienna – a well-rounded thing”. This strategy paper, which is almost 100 pages long, aims to conserve resources and promote the circular economy in Vienna.
The focus is on 33 key measures that serve as “levers”. These include reducing land use, careful food handling and reusing used materials, especially in construction. Vienna would like to act as an active procurer and intensify cooperation with companies. In addition, circular products and resource-saving services will be developed and new learning and training programs will be introduced for schools and various professional groups. The strategy is based on the “Smart Climate City Strategy” and the Vienna Climate Law, which underlines its relevance within urban planning. The strategy is due to be approved by the local council on October 22nd, where an intensive discussion is expected.
Criticism and approval
The Vienna Greens welcome the strategy and see it as an important step in the right direction. Nevertheless, they criticize the lack of concrete, measurable goals and implementation steps. Experts are positive about the strategy and see it as a solid basis for the future development of the circular economy in Vienna. “This concept not only strengthens companies, but also creates new jobs and prepares the city for a climate-neutral future,” adds NEOS councilor Stefan Gara.
Resource conservation as an urban goal
The importance of a functioning circular economy is undisputed. After all, 75 percent of global resources are consumed in cities, which makes the need to conserve resources and avoid waste all the more important. Implementing a circular economy in urban areas has the potential to improve the economic environment and create a healthy living environment. However, waste management is often viewed as weak, partly due to skills shortages and unclear responsibilities.
Vienna has a long tradition of communal use of resources - public transport and educational institutions are just a few examples. The circular economy should therefore act as the third pillar of Vienna's climate strategy alongside climate protection and climate adaptation. Five principles, including fairness in the use of resources and the promotion of social participation, are intended to ensure that the change towards greater sustainability is not only successful but also inclusive.
With this strategy, Vienna is taking an important step towards a more environmentally friendly and resilient future. The coming weeks will show how the plans are received by the local council and what concrete measures can be taken to implement them.