ESG-STADTLABOR

The ESG-STADTLABOR project addresses the specific challenges that smaller towns face in implementing a transformation towards sustainability in line with ESG criteria. ESG criteria (environment, social, governance) are international standards for assessing the sustainability and responsibility of companies and organisations. Numerous smaller cities and municipalities are constrained by limited human and financial resources, which makes the systematic development and application of ESG criteria particularly challenging. Fragmented processes and limited data transparency further complicate long-term strategic planning.

ESG-STADTLABOR therefore aims to provide a practical framework for towns with populations between 5,000 and 15,000 inhabitants. A key element of the project is the development of an ESG-compliant process database as a best-practice-matrix. This matrix structures sustainable urban development projects, enhances their transferability to other contexts and identifies potential synergies.

The project follows an integrative approach, in which ESG is understood as an important steering tool. Workshops, empirical surveys and digital tools are designed to facilitate participatory and transparent decision-making processes. A key objective is to adapt successful models from larger cities to specific needs of smaller communities and to develop an integrated ESG-based assessment framework. In the long term, the project seeks to contribute to the structural embedding of sustainable processes to strengthen resilience, promote social justice and enhance sustainability in smaller towns and municipalities.

Future.lab supports ESG-STADTLABOR through scientific advisory services and evaluation. This includes reviewing and assessing the various project phases – from preparation to synthesis – in close collaboration with the project team and identifying potential for follow-up activities.

Project team
leveldrei Projektentwicklung GmbH (Lead)
future.lab Research Center TU Wien
FutureRoom Consulting
punktgrün e.U.
Partner cities and municipalities

Project team at future.lab Research Center
Christian Peer 
christian.peer@tuwien.ac.at

Ruth Höpler
ruth.hoepler@tuwien.ac.at

Further information
https://www.esg-stadtlabor.at/

The project is funded by the BMIMI and the ‘Klima- und Energiefonds’ as part of the third call for proposals for ‘TIKS - Technologien und Innovationen für die klimaneutrale Stadt‘. The project runs for 13 months (04/2025 – 04/2026).

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