Climate protection as a driver of innovation

Karin Tausz, Managing Director, FFG
Bernd Vogl, CEO, Climate and Energy Fund (KLIEN)
Julia Weber, Head of Sustainability, Doka

The discussion highlighted how climate protection can serve as a catalyst for innovation. Bernd Vogl emphasized that investments in sustainable projects not only contribute to climate protection but also promote economic growth. Karin Tausz pointed out that 75 percent of funding is already being invested in projects focused on climate protection, but that even greater efforts are needed to overcome barriers to innovation. Jörg Reinold highlighted the lack of networking as a barrier and spoke about the need to use funding in an integrated manner. Julia Weber confirmed that sustainable measures are essential, even if they require a lot of work.

Sustainable measures as an opportunity

The speakers emphasized that sustainable measures should not be viewed as a burden, but as an opportunity. Jörg Reinold remarked: “I actually feel a sense of enthusiasm because we can make a difference.” Julia Weber agreed and added: “We know it’s a lot of work, but it’s simply essential.” Bernd Vogl summarized that companies have recognized the relevance of sustainability, but also emphasized the challenge of overcoming the vague sense in society that something is being lost.

Networking and exchange: Insights into innovations and green business models

Following the panel, participants had the opportunity to network over coffee and pastries and exchange their impressions and ideas. These informal conversations are often just as valuable as the official program items, as they provide space for deeper discussions and the building of partnerships.

A special opportunity arose for participants when they had the chance to meet three innovative startups that participated in the Climate and Energy Fund’s Greenstart initiative. Greenstart is a startup initiative that seeks innovative green business models through a two-stage competition and supports their development and implementation. Three companies from the top 10 of last year’s initiative were invited to present at the Climate Leaders Circle.

2nd Cycle is developing a fully automated system that cost-effectively recycles used photovoltaic modules and prepares them for a second life cycle. www.2ndcycle.at

cobee combines open data and AI to quickly provide comprehensive analyses of buildings and neighborhoods for renewable energy and renovation projects. https://cobee.solutions

co2ol catalyst recycles CO₂ emissions into methanol using a robust catalyst that is particularly resistant to impurities. https://co2ol-catalyst.com/

These exciting presentations demonstrated how innovative startups contribute to sustainability and offered participants valuable insights and new networking opportunities.

A successful event as part of the Climate Hours Initiative

The latest Climate Leaders Circle once again demonstrated how important the exchange of knowledge and ideas is for advancing climate protection. As part of the Climate Hours Initiative, we are committed to ensuring that companies and their employees are equipped with the necessary skills to support a sustainable transformation.

We thank all participants, and especially our partner Kurier and the co-hosts, the Climate and Energy Fund and Wienerberger, as well as our keynote speaker Kilian Kaminski for their inspiring contributions. Together, we can make a real difference.

What is the Climate Leaders Circle?

The Climate Leaders Circle is aimed at all corporate leaders engaged in sustainability and the transition to net-zero emissions. “The Climate Leaders Circle is invaluable because it offers a unique platform for exchanging ideas on forward-looking topics. These regular meetings not only provide valuable insights into best practices and innovative solutions but also foster interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration for a more sustainable future,” says Ulli Vielhaber of Asfinag.

The event offers participants a supportive and motivating platform to advance sustainability efforts within their companies and minimize environmental impact, as Daniela Fritz from A1 reports: “The meetings are not only inspiring and motivating, but have also shown me how important it is to think across companies and work together on possible solutions.”

Be part of the change Education plays a crucial role on the path to a more sustainable future. The Climate Hours Initiative offers precisely this essential educational approach by equipping companies, stakeholders, and employees with the knowledge, awareness, and skills that are indispensable for a sustainable transformation. The goal is not only to embed climate protection in everyday business operations but also to preserve a livable world for future generations.

For more details on the Climate Hours Initiative and how you and your company can participate, visit www.climatehours.com