Some awards look good on paper. Others make a difference in everyday operations. The Austrian Ecolabel for Green Locations belongs to the latter category. Festspielhaus Bregenz has recently completed its re-certification process, confirming what guests, event organisers and partners have experienced for years: sustainability is not an additional programme here, but an integral part of daily operations.
Reviewed Every Four Years
Any venue wishing to carry the Austrian Ecolabel must meet a wide range of criteria and undergo re-evaluation every four years. The assessment covers areas such as management and communication, energy, water, waste management, cleaning, buildings and facilities, mobility, and event catering.
Significant progress has been achieved through the extensive refurbishment projects completed in recent years. Festspielhaus Bregenz consistently invests in renewable energy and resource-efficient technology. Today, 70% of its energy requirements are covered through the use of lake water, geothermal heat pumps and in-house power generation. As Austria’s only event venue using lake thermal energy for both heating and cooling, the building plays a pioneering role in sustainable event organisation.
The green roof reduces indoor temperatures by up to four degrees Celsius, while heat recovery systems provide hot water for sanitary facilities and large-scale kitchen operations. The photovoltaic system, with a capacity of 292 kWp, supplies around 30% of the venue’s daily base electricity demand. Since 2019, waste volumes have been reduced by 21%, while energy consumption for lighting has fallen by approximately 40%.
Responsibility is also reflected in mobility and catering. Public transport, job bikes and regional, seasonal cuisine form part of the sustainability concept. Already, 23% of employees commute to work by bicycle.
Advancing Sustainability Together
The re-certification process is much more than a formal assessment. It also provides an opportunity to review existing measures and develop new ideas. One outcome of this process is a stronger internal focus on sustainability communication. Environmental responsibility is not created solely through technical solutions but also through the everyday actions of employees. Initiatives such as quizzes on correct waste separation help transfer knowledge and strengthen awareness.
A Benefit for Event Organisers
As a certified Green Location, Festspielhaus Bregenz already fulfils a substantial proportion of the requirements needed for Green Meetings & Events certification. Our exclusive catering partner, evenTZ by foodaffairs, also follows this path and holds the Austrian Ecolabel as a Green Caterer.
For event planners, this offers a clear advantage: many of the criteria for Green Meetings & Events are already met through the certifications of both the venue and the event catering provider. This reduces organisational effort and simplifies the implementation of sustainable events.
The renewed certification serves both as recognition and motivation. The team at Festspielhaus Bregenz views sustainability not as a destination, but as a continuous process of development and improvement.
Author, Manager Live Communication & Events
Ursula Kaufmann is a qualified Manager for Live Communication & Events with many years of experience in the MICE industry. Her passion lies in meaningful events that inspire, engage and enrich people.