Navigation path

Sustainability - Austria

Updated 01/2011

Legal requirements

Standards

Environmental management standards

The EMAS (‘Eco Management Audit Scheme’) environmental management system was created to promote adherence to voluntary standards for improving sustainability in business. The Austrian Environmental Management Act provides the legal foundation for the implementation of EMAS.

  • Environmental Management Act Deutsch
  • Environmental management system (EMAS) Deutsch

Companies which have achieved certain environmental objectives can apply for ISO 14001 environmental certification.

The City of Vienna offers an ‘Environmental Service Package’ to help businesses become more efficient and economical.

The Austrian eco-label encourages people to become more environmentally-friendly. It is awarded to environmentally-friendly products, tourist businesses and education institutions.

  • Overview of the eco-label guidelines Deutsch
  • umweltzeichen.at portal for Austrian eco-label Deutsch
  • The Austrian eco-label Deutsch

The law requires businesses to comply with minimum social and environmental rules.

Administrative procedures

Certification of standards

Environmental management standards

The introduction of environmental management systems on a voluntary basis helps to continually improve the environmental performance of organisations and companies. The following tools are available for this purpose:

Applications for the award of the Austrian eco-label must be submitted to the Consumers’ Association of Austria (VKI). Applicants may include any individual persons or corporate bodies residing in Austria or providing a service in Austria. Products must fulfil a number of environmental criteria and pass a compliance inspection in order to be awarded the eco-label.

  • Award of the Austrian eco-label Deutsch

Other authorisations and procedures

Applications for environmental impact assessments must be submitted to the relevant authority. This must include the documents specified in the administrative regulations (e.g. layout plan, approval of land owner). The Environmental Impact Declaration must be attached to the application.

  • Environmental Impact Declaration Deutsch

During the course of the Environmental Impact Assessment (UIA) it is possible for the authority to adjourn the process in order to start mediation proceedings should this be requested by the solicitor of the project. The results of the mediation procedure can be submitted to the authority and taken into consideration (within the bounds of legislation) when the environmental compatibility procedure is resumed and a decision is made.

  • Environmental mediation Deutsch

Resources

The Federal Environmental Agency (UBA) publishes studies and reports and provides an online database covering various topics (e.g. air, water, contaminated sites).

ARGE Network Nature Conservation provides information about the scope and implementation of nature conservation measures in rural development. This promotes uniform interpretation and smooth execution of the measures, as well as the exchange of experience between countries and provinces.

  • ARGE Network Nature Conservation & Rural Development in Austria Deutsch

Useful information for people living and working in Austria is available from HELP, the Austrian government help service, or the Business Service Portal USP.

The Environmental Service distributes information about current environmental initiatives and projects.

  • Environmental Service Deutsch

Programmes

The Austrian Programme for Rural Development 2007–2013 was adopted and approved by the Rural Development Committee.

  • Austrian Programme for Rural Development 2007–2013 Deutsch

Check also the legislation on this topic in:

  • References

    Legal texts

    • Environmental Impact Assessment Act 2000 — Federal Act for Environmental Impact Assessment (Umweltverträglichkeitsprüfungsgesetz 2000 — UVP-G 2000) Deutsch
    • Austrian Civil Mediation Act — Federal Act for Mediation in Civil Cases (Zivilrechts-Mediations-Gesetz — ZivMediatG) Deutsch
    • Regulation on Training for Mediation in Civil Cases — Federal Ministry of Justice Regulation for Registered Mediator Training (Zivilrechts-Mediations-Ausbildungsverordnung — ZivMediat-AV) Deutsch

Living and moving in Europe

Still need help?

Still need help?

Enterprise Europe Network - Contact points

The Enterprise Europe Network provides businesses with information and advice through its local contact points. 

Choose your nearest contact point for personalized help and advice:

Further help

The Federal Environmental Agency provides consulting services and decision support in specific sub-areas.

The Austrian Federal Economic Chamber provides members with information and advice about subjects such as labour law, professional development, legislation applying to specific sectors, etc.

The Service Centre of the Federal Ministry for Economy, Family and Youth (BMWFJ) is the central point of contact for any questions which may arise.

  • Service Centre Deutsch

Queries that are relevant to the area of responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management will be answered by the ombudsman.

  • Ombudsman at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management Deutsch

The Citizens’ Service of the ministry provides assistance to people seeking contact persons in the department. It also provides information about agriculture, forestry, the environment, water management and food.

  • Citizens’ Service of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management Deutsch

The consumer protection section of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection (BMASK) offers personal consulting sessions.

  • Consumer protection section Deutsch
  • Federal Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs and Consumer Protection Deutsch