Climate and Energy Model Region Lainsitztal - Stage 5

Klima- und Energiefonds

Verein Gemeindekooperation Lainsitztal für Klima- und Energie

Gemeinde Bad Großpertholz

Gemeinde Großschönau

Gemeinde Moorbad Harbach

Gemeinde St. Martin

Gemeinde Unserfrau-Altweitra

Gemeinde Weitra

The climate and energy model region Lainsitztal is one of 100 climate and energy model regions (abbreviation: KEM) in Austria. Their goal is to save energy, take measures towards exiting nuclear and fossil-fuel energy and use regional, sustainable resources to cover power demand. Region Lainsitztal is a cooperation of the municipalities Bad Großpertholz, Großschönau, Moorbad Harbach, St. Martin, Unserfrau-Altweitra und Weitra, who are working to increase energy efficiency and supply through renewable energies.

Measures included in the continuation phase:

• The successful pilot “Raus aus dem Öl/Exit fossil fuel” was being continued, in order to replace as many existing oil heating units with environmentally friendly pellets stoves and wood-fired ovens. The goal was an overall transition of all public buildings and units within the region, as well as all municipalities achieving the title “oil-free region”.
• In the area of renewable energy sources, photovoltaics remained the main focus. Here, the goal was to increase photovoltaics generating plants on public, private and business objects and areas within the region, especially by cultivating awareness, consultation and the continuation of the PV citizen participation model with HELIOS Sonnenstrom GmbH. Additionally, a pilot project of a regional, renewable energy community, consisting of all 6 municipalities mentioned earlier, was accompanied in cooperation with the EZN. Power storages were intended to increase self-sufficiency ad blackout-safety.
• Within the area of mobility, mobility by foot and the usage of bicycles were being intensified, for instance, by making the net of biking trails within the region more attractive. Additionally, municipalities are aware of their role model effects and are thus establishing electric vehicles.
• Further factors included the incorporation of climate protection into the local areas of procurement, fleet, further education, construction and events within the municipalities; the acceleration of climate-friendly consumer habits via shorter transport and purchase routes and in turn an increase in regional added value and an improved modernization rate and/or the implementation of energy efficient and sustainable construction projects.

www.kem-lainsitztal.at (in German)