The Federal Environment Agency will move to a new building on the Danube Canal in 2026

The Federal Environment Agency will move to a new building on the Danube Canal in 2026

The future of the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) in Vienna is taking shape. An important decision has been made: The UBA's more than 650 employees, who were previously spread across several buildings in the city, are expected to move to a central building in Vienna-Landstrasse in 2026. This announcement came on Wednesday from Environment Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens), who also announced that Art-Invest Real Estate had been selected for the renovation work.

The location, which is located at Erdberger Lände 40 on the Danube Canal and is known as “enna”, was used by ÖBB until 2023. The decision to renovate the existing property is in contrast to the original plans, which called for a move to Klosterneuburg. This idea, which was presented by the then federal government in 2017, received a lot of criticism from various quarters, including environmental organizations and the city of Vienna. In 2023, Klosterneuburg finally withdrew its offer of land for the new building.

Sustainable renovation

The new building is now being renovated according to ecological standards. Gewessler commented on the decision on the UBA's 25th birthday and emphasized the importance of a central location. “We are pleased that we have found a location that offers good connections to public transport and cycling infrastructure,” explained Vienna City Councilor for Climate Jürgen Czernohorszky (SPÖ). This arrangement reflects UBA’s goal of prioritizing sustainability and accessibility.

The new property will provide 150 bicycle parking spaces, while only ten parking spaces with e-charging facilities for cars are planned. In addition, the building will be extensively gutted and thermally renovated to ensure a positive ecological footprint. Old facade elements will be reused, which should further reduce environmental impacts. The building is also planned to be greened.

Spatial capacities and employee development

The new premises will offer a variety of rental space on approximately 12,000 square meters and three levels. Verena Ehold, the second managing director of the UBA, announced that laboratories and common areas including restaurants would be set up on the ground floor. This consolidation into one location will also help to only slightly increase operating costs while allowing moderate growth with space for up to 800 jobs. “Our goal is to move in in 2026, although we have a certain amount of leeway,” added Hildegard Aichberger, the managing director of the UBA, about the timing of the move.

The UBA plays a key role in developing scientific approaches to sustainable transformation in the economy and society. Minister Gewessler emphasized that the Federal Environment Agency has excellent scientific expertise and continues to act politically independently. She sees the UBA as a leading player for innovative impulses in environmental policy.

For more information on current developments and details about the UBA's upcoming relocation to Vienna-Landstrasse, see the report on www.5min.at.