Sustainability meets economy: Investments in the upswing in Vösendorf!

Sustainability meets economy: Investments in the upswing in Vösendorf!

On April 9, 2025, an event took place in the Westfield Shopping City Süd in Vösendorf under the topic of "Sustainability versus economic challenges". Among other things, the Governor Johanna Mikl-Leitner and State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner, as well as representatives from the real estate industry, took part in this discussion. [noe.gv.at] reports that Mikl-Leitner pointed out the serious economic challenges that Austria burden Austria in the third year. Although an income plan of 3.5 % was recorded in 2024, private consumption only rose by 0.1 %.

The governor emphasized the need for courage and optimism to strengthen trust in the economy. She called for investments by the public sector, especially in times of a weakening economy. In 2024, 3.4 billion euros have already been invested in infrastructure, residential construction, healthcare, schools and kindergartens. Investments of a total of 4.2 billion euros are planned for 2025, with the focus on innovation, digitization and science. These include investments in the ISTA Klosterneuburg and the AIT Institute of Technology.

ecological challenges and investments

A central topic of the discussion was the reduction in bureaucracy, which is considered necessary, especially at European level. Lower Austria plays an important role in the production of renewable energies and produces over 40 % of renewable electricity in Austria, supported by 800 wind turbines and 120,000 photovoltaic systems.

The high costs for network expansion, however, represent a significant challenge, which requires a fair distribution of these costs. State Secretary Zehetner emphasized the Westfield Shopping City Süd as a showcase project for the connection between business and sustainability, since 60 % of the electricity for general areas is generated. In addition, the need to expand the memory infrastructure was discussed in order to secure the energy supply.

role models and the future outlook

The tourism sector is identified as an essential "economic-locomotive", with the aim of expanding quality tourism. Paul Douay from Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield reported on various sustainability projects and investments in photovoltaic systems. As part of the event, the "Better Places Certificate" was awarded, which distinguishes sustainability initiatives in shopping centers. The discussion about the role of sustainability in the real estate industry and its challenges illustrates the urgent need for action.

According to [Helaba-invest.de], the infrastructure is increasingly attractive as an asset class due to the low dependence on economic cycles and stable returns for investors. According to official estimates, the future investment needs in infrastructure will be estimated at $ 2.4 trillion by 2029. Core and core plus segments are particularly strong in the focus. The geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic conditions already lead to increased volatility on the financial markets.

in 2025 is expected to recover the real estate markets. The decline in interest rates in 2024 could increase the attractiveness of real estate investments. The increasing occupancy rates in the commercial real estate market show positive developments, while the shortage of offer stabilizes the rental prices by a decline in construction.

sustainability in the focus of the company

according to [lbbw.de], the importance of sustainability will continue to increase by 2025 despite existing hurdles. Higher CO2 prices and stricter regulations drive the transformation towards energy-efficient technologies. The introduction of corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) from 2025 will increase the requirements for companies and promote transparency in the area of sustainability.

companies are required to develop new technologies and to establish sustainable business models. Topics such as the consideration of biodiversity and the change in the labor market are crucial for the success of the transformation. These developments underline the growing importance of sustainable investments and the need to meet the challenges of the economic framework.