Vienna gives the first natural ganigarten - environmental protection in focus!

Vienna gives the first natural ganigarten - environmental protection in focus!

The city of Vienna has taken a significant step towards sustainable gastronomy with the introduction of a new badge for environmentally friendly managed catering businesses. Like wien.gv.at , the focus is particularly on natural gardens, such as the popular gianiges. This initiative aims to promote the variety of wild animal and plant species and to increase ergonomic enjoyment in the city.

The application deadline for the projects ends on May 2, and three projects are selected and supported by a jury from all submitted proposals. The pilot phase started in 2024, whereby the first award was awarded as a "natural manual garden" to "Das Schöneberg" in the country road. This restaurant is already based on sustainability by integrating a plant offer, a green wall, sustainable materials and insect hotels.

sustainability criteria

The criteria for the awarding of the badge are strict: companies have to use domestic, insect-friendly plants and do without synthetic crop protection and wood preservatives. In addition, peat -free earth and sustainable planters as well as furniture are mandatory. Synthetic fertilizers, heater and leaf blower are excluded. For additional points, nesting boxes or measures can be offered to seal the area.

In addition to the ecological aspects, the food and drinks must consist of organic products to a good level or the seal of approval "of course eat well" in bronze. The Schöneberg convinces with an organic share of over 90 % and bears the gold seal.

Promotion of sustainable gastronomy

sustainability in the catering trade is becoming increasingly important. Current trends show that consumers are increasingly paying attention to regional origin and sustainable production conditions. According to Resmio , 88 % of the guests have geared their purchase decisions more on environmental awareness. A good reason for restaurateurs to invest in sustainable practices to win both new customers and to reduce operating costs.

The increasing importance of sustainable gastronomy also results from the challenges such as food waste and the energy crisis. Gastronomy businesses that rely on ecological practices can not only reduce their costs through energy provision and sustainability strategies, but also show social responsibility, for example by offering fair wages and offering opportunities for further training for employees

On the project website and in the online city plan "Wien Environmental Gut", all excellent companies are listed. Initiatives such as the distribution of insect-friendly plants as part of the “Plant” campaign as well as action days on topics such as meadow care and biodiversity should further strengthen awareness of environmental and nature conservation.