On 27th June 2024, over 40 companies from Graz signed a historic climate pact to make the city climate-neutral by 2040. The city of Graz itself contributes only a small portion, around three percent, of CO2 emissions, while 40 percent come from businesses and industry. Therefore, the commitment of local companies is crucial.

Since the beginning of the year, various city departments have been working to engage decision-makers from the business sector in the climate pact. In five workshops, around 80 companies and organisations were mobilised for the Graz Climate Pact, and 41 of them have already signed it. These companies are not only role models as employers for about 40,000 people in Graz but also commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable practices.

The climate pact is not legally binding but represents a serious declaration of intent to achieve climate neutrality by 2040. The signatories are encouraged to minimise their carbon footprint and maximise their climate handprint by motivating others to rethink and take action. The City of Graz supports them through information sharing, public relations, advice, and funding.

We are also part of the climate pact and have signed it. By doing so, we commit to the goals of the pact and pledge to actively contribute to climate protection within our area of responsibility.

The climate pact is also supported by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection and the State of Styria. Interested parties can join at any time and will be listed as participants on the City of Graz website.

Important voices from the city administration, such as Deputy Mayor Judith Schwentner and City Councillor for Economic Affairs Günter Riegler, emphasise the importance of joint efforts and the exemplary role of the participating companies. They stress that climate protection and economic prosperity can and must go hand in hand.

(Copyrights: Foto Fischer)

You can find more information about the #bindabei Climate Pact Graz 2040 here.