7 Acts - Austria Edition
These 7 Acts have been adapted to reflect Austria’s climate policies, energy landscape, food systems and transport infrastructure, offering practical, evidence-based actions tailored to the Austrian context.
Act 1: Move your Money
To A Bank That Doesn’t Invest in Fossil Fuels
Switching to a sustainable bank is one of the most impactful climate actions you can take.
In Austria, many mainstream banks continue to finance fossil fuel projects. While the sustainable banking landscape is still developing, there are ethical and community-focused banks offering greener account options and stronger sustainability commitments.
Sustainable Banking Options in Austria.
Bankhaus Schelhammer & Schattera
An Austrian private bank referenced in the research for its ethical focus and social responsibility orientation.
Genossenschaft für Gemeinwohl (Gemeinwohlkonto)
A cooperative banking initiative built around the concept of the “common good”, prioritising social and environmental impact over profit maximisation.
https://www.gemeinwohlkonto.at
Bank Austria – GoGreen Account
A sustainability-linked account option offered by one of Austria’s largest banks, referenced in the research as a greener account alternative within the mainstream banking system.
Why it matters.
Your money doesn’t sit idle. Banks use deposits to finance industries and infrastructure. Choosing a more sustainable banking option helps reduce financial support for fossil fuels and supports a shift towards projects that benefit people, communities and the climate.
Act 2: Move your Power Supply
To A 100% Renewable Resource
Austria already has a strong share of renewable electricity, particularly from hydropower. However, fossil fuels are still used across the wider energy system, especially for heating. Choosing a renewable electricity tariff and improving household energy efficiency remain important steps individuals can take.
Find Green Electricity Options in Austria.
Austria has a liberalised electricity market, meaning households can switch providers or choose greener tariffs that prioritise renewable energy sources.
E-Control – Electricity Price & Tariff Comparison
Austria’s official energy regulator provides an independent comparison tool to help households find electricity providers and renewable tariffs.
https://www.e-control.at/konsumenten/service-und-beratung/toolbox/tarifkalkulator
Topten Austria – Green Electricity Guide
Independent recommendations highlighting particularly climate-friendly electricity offers available in Austria.
Why Switch?
Lower your carbon footprint immediately
Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels
Improve energy security
Support Switzerland’s transition to renewable power
Often cost-competitive with mainstream suppliers
Act 3: More Plant Based Food
Shop Seasonal and Local Where Possible
What we eat plays a major role in our environmental footprint. In Austria, food production and consumption contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, land use and resource demand.
Shifting towards more plant-based meals, reducing food waste and choosing local, seasonal foods can significantly lower your carbon footprint.
What you can do.
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Plant-based foods generally require fewer resources and produce fewer emissions than animal-based products. Choosing meals with more vegetables, grains and legumes — even a few times a week — can make a meaningful difference over time.
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Eating seasonal and locally produced food helps reduce emissions from transport and storage, while supporting regional farmers and food systems. Austria’s strong local food culture makes this one of the easiest climate actions to adopt.
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A significant amount of food is wasted at household level. Planning meals, using leftovers and storing food properly all help reduce unnecessary waste and the emissions associated with producing food that is never eaten.
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Small changes in diet add up. By eating more plant-based meals, choosing seasonal foods and wasting less, individuals can reduce pressure on natural resources and support a healthier, more sustainable food system in Austria.
Act 4: More Green Travel
Choose Low Carbon Ways to Move Around
How we move around has a big impact on emissions. In Austria, transport remains a significant source of carbon output, particularly from private car use. Choosing cleaner ways to travel can quickly reduce your personal footprint.
What you can do.
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Austria has an extensive and reliable public transport network. Choosing trains, trams and buses instead of driving reduces emissions, eases congestion and supports a more efficient transport system. Even replacing a few regular car journeys makes a difference.
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Many everyday trips are short enough to walk or cycle. Active travel cuts emissions entirely for those journeys, improves health and often saves time in busy urban areas.
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Avoiding unnecessary car trips and choosing lower-carbon options whenever possible helps reduce overall transport emissions. Combining errands, car-sharing, or switching to public transport are simple ways to lower impact without major lifestyle changes.
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Transport choices influence how cities are designed and how infrastructure is funded. By choosing lower-carbon ways to travel, individuals help accelerate the shift toward cleaner, healthier mobility across Austria.
Act 5: More Pre-Loved
Choose Local Low-Carbon Brands
Choose Lower-Impact Consumption
What we buy, and how often we replace it, plays a major role in our climate footprint. In Austria, consumption of goods, clothing and household items contributes significantly to emissions through production, transport and waste.
Choosing pre-loved and longer-lasting options helps reduce demand for new materials and lowers overall environmental impact.
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Buying second-hand and extending the life of what you already own is one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental footprint. In Switzerland, high-quality goods circulate for years through reuse, repair and resale — making it easy to choose lower-impact options without compromising on quality.
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Before buying something new, check whether you already own something that works just as well. Reusing items saves money, reduces waste and avoids the emissions associated with producing new goods.
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Many everyday items — from clothing to electronics — can be repaired at low cost. Choosing repair over replacement keeps valuable materials in use for longer and reduces landfill.
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Switzerland has a strong culture of high-quality second-hand shopping, from clothing to furniture and electronics. Buying pre-loved items cuts emissions, saves resources and often offers better value than buying new.
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If you no longer need something, donating or giving it a second life helps keep useful items out of landfill and supports a circular economy mindset.
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When new purchases are necessary, choose durable, responsibly made products. Longer-lasting items reduce waste and make a meaningful contribution to lowering your environmental impact over time.
Act 6: Measure Your Carbon Footprint
And cut where you can.
Understanding your carbon footprint helps you see where your biggest climate impacts come from — whether that’s energy use at home, travel habits, food choices or consumption.
In Austria, household emissions are strongly influenced by heating, mobility and everyday purchasing decisions. Measuring your footprint gives you a practical starting point for reducing it.
Carbon Footprint Awareness in Austria
Austria does not rely on a single national household carbon calculator in the same way as some other countries. However, the same principles apply.
By reviewing how you heat your home, how often you drive or fly, and what you buy and consume, you can identify where your largest emissions come from — and where changes will have the greatest impact.
Focusing on just one or two high-impact areas is often more effective than trying to change everything at once.
Act 7: Motivate your loved ones
Your actions can influence others - sometimes more than you realise.
Share your journey or small climate steps with friends, family, or on social media.
Encourage colleagues in your workplace to be change agents.
If you’re hosting an event, make it low-waste and climate-conscious — your guests will notice.
Even simple conversations can spark bigger shifts.