The number of sustainably working companies in green Vienna is growing and growing. Just like the awareness of visitors to Vienna for the ecological and social aspects of their actions. Since 2018, the Austrian Ecolabel has also certified museums that undertake to comply with an extensive set of criteria. Some Viennese exhibition houses set a good example and make a determined commitment to their own environmental sustainability. They therefore contribute decisively to more sustainable tourism and can proudly call themselves a "Green Museum".

The following requirements must be met for certification:

• a publicly accessible sustainability concept,
• an educational offering that also deals with the subject of sustainability,
• use of 100% green electricity and, where possible, renewable heating energy,
• a waste separation concept for the easiest possible recycling,
• use of energy-saving bulbs and water-saving sanitary facilities,
• accessibility within the museum and diversity management,
• focus on regional and organic food in the museum's catering
• use of sustainable paper and avoidance of packaging in the museum shop,
• and so much more.

Vienna's museums with the Austrian Ecolabel

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The sustainable ideas of Vienna's museums

• Kunst Haus Wien. Museum Hundertwasser 

The Kunst Haus Wien. Museum Hundertwasser is increasingly dedicated to topic of sustainability – entirely in the spirit of Hundertwasser. It is no coincidence that the logo of the Austrian Ecolabel comes from the eccentric artist himself. The museum played an important part in developing the set of criteria for green museums in 2018 and was also the first certified business of its kind.

With its lavishly greened façade, the museum wants to set an example for other construction projects. Altogether, over 260 different kinds of plant grow on the already colorfully decorated building. The roof garden is home to two bee colonies, whose organic honey is sold in the museum shop. The busy insects get the nectar directly from the plants in and on the building.

© Imre Antal

• Wien Museum

The Wien Museum Karlsplatz is notable for its energy efficiency. The museum relies on geothermal energy to provide eco-friendly heating and air-conditioning. Other measures include electrochromic SageGlass and a solar panel installation on the green roof. The earthen plaster on the outer walls provides a natural means of maintaining a balanced indoor climate and also makes best possible use of the waste heat generated by the museum’s visitors.

• Vienna Museum of Technology

The Vienna Museum of Technology was the first federal museum to carry the Austrian Ecolabel. "Reduce, reuse, recycle" is the museum's motto: For example, it tries to reuse as many materials from its own storerooms as possible when setting up an exhibition. The museum generates a portion of the electricity required itself with several photovoltaic systems.

• Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna

Where is the topic of sustainability better addressed than in the Naturhistorisches Museum Vienna? The museum is striving to become CO₂-neutral by 2030, among other things by expanding its own photovoltaic system. The environmental concept includes many small measures, which make a big impact when taken together: The donating of unneeded computers to social projects is just one of many examples. The topic is also increasingly dealt with in terms of the content.

© NHM Wien, C. Rittmannsperger

• House of Strauss

The House of Strauss is a Strauss center at the original location (where Johann Strauss himself once played) with a comprehensive overall concept: All areas—the Strauss Museum, concerts in the revitalized Strauss Hall, dining at Restaurant Simon, and the event rooms—carry the Austrian Ecolabel. This means that the House of Strauss is certified in its entirety.

• ZOOM Children´s Museum

The Zoom Children’s Museum is an interactive space where children can ask questions, touch, experiment, feel and play to their heart’s content. The 1,600-square-metre space emphasizes participation, creativity and experimentation instead of the traditional museum approach. Here, children can explore the world with all their senses, while adults are welcome to join them and play an active part in the programs. The ZOOM Children’s Museum in the MuseumsQuartier offers exhibitions, workshops and a unique multimedia laboratory all year round.

• Jewish Museum Vienna

Apart from fulfilling the environmental criteria, the often neglected aspect of social sustainability is practiced in an exemplary manner at the Jewish Museum Vienna: equality and diversity are extremely important. With the Jobticket, all employees can travel to work on public transport free of charge. The museum is also completely accessible.

Enjoy eco-friendly and discounted visits to museums with the Vienna City Card

All environmentally certified museums in Vienna are participating partners in the Vienna City Card. That means: All holders enjoy the exhibitions with discounted admission. As all rides on public transport within in Vienna are already included with the card, journeys between the museums are also environmentally friendly. By the way: The Vienna City Card also bears the Austrian Eco-Label. It is available in the ivie app, on the website of the Vienna City Card or in our Tourist Info offices.

The Austrian Ecolabel

© Österreichisches Umweltzeichen

The Austrian Ecolabel is awarded to companies that work in a particularly eco-friendly way. This the most important of Austria's ecolabels is awarded by the Environment Ministry in four categories: Products or Services, Tourism and Dining, Educational and Cultural Institutions, as well as Green Meetings and Events. Many of Vienna's hotels also work in a particularly sustainable way.

Guidelines of the Austrian Ecolabel

The museums of Vienna with the Austrian Ecolabel