German >

Our sustainability concept

Green Location

The Education Lab bears the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Locations – a seal of quality awarded by the Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, which assesses event locations according to strict criteria in the areas of energy, water, waste, mobility and catering.

For us, education and sustainability belong together. Both shape how the Education Lab works: in the programs that take place here and in the decisions we make about energy, purchasing, materials and waste. The Ecolabel confirms for us that this attitude is also reflected in everyday life.

Our commitment to sustainability

In the Education Lab, we create spaces where innovation, education and sustainability go hand in hand. Our co-working and support programs focus on:

  • Education (SDG 4)
  • Innovation & entrepreneurship (SDG 8 & 9)
  • Community involvement
  • Diversity, inclusion & social justice (SDG 5 & 10)

Our aim is to promote sustainable collaborations that achieve a lasting impact in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Management & Communication

  • A sustainability handbook provides guidance on environmental measures and standards within the company.
  • Members and guests can leave online feedback which is reviewed on a monthly basis.
  • Regular sustainability calls are held every 2-3 weeks to deal with current topics quickly.

Climate

  • We calculate our carbon footprint (Scope 1, 2 & 3) in accordance with the GHG Protocol in order to reduce and offset emissions.
  • To avoid emissions from the dairy industry, we use oat milk as standard in all our coffee machines.
  • Our air conditioning systems are serviced annually to prevent refrigerant loss and ensure efficiency.
  • No pyrotechnics or similar will be used at any event due to the resulting risk of waste, safety and pollution.

Water

  • Direct connection to the modern Viennese sewage system.
  • Water-reduced fittings (max. 6 l/min.).
  • Flush toilets in all toilets.

Energy

  • 100 % renewable electricity.
  • LED lighting throughout the building.
  • Smart thermostats ensure efficient heating and energy savings.
  • The room temperature is lowered at night.

Waste & circular economy

  • Daily waste measurement and regular evaluation.
  • No disposable products – instead durable materials (metal, ceramic, glass).
  • Superfluous items are donated or sold.
  • Extensive recycling stations (organic waste, residual waste, yellow bag, glass, paper, hazardous waste).
  • Many of the furniture and appliances are used or can be repaired.
  • Our standard printer paper is 100% recycled, CO₂-neutral, certified.
  • Mobile whiteboards reduce paper consumption.
  • Soundproof walls from Quiet Please (60% recycled PET) improve the acoustics.
  • Most cleaning agents are certified with eco-labels.

Barrier-free facilities

Barrier-free access to the building is via the main entrance using a ramp and a 170 cm wide, sensor-controlled sliding glass door.

Access to the second floor of the building is via an inclined platform lift.

The first floor of the Education Lab is largely barrier-free, as there are no narrow points that could be problematic for wheelchair users.

There is a wheelchair-accessible toilet on the first floor, in front of the “Ideenraum”. There is none on the second floor.
The barrier-free toilet on the first floor measures 195 x 173 cm, the door is 88 cm wide. The door closes automatically, but is operated by a button.

Our kitchen, the telephone booths on the second floor and the inner courtyard are not barrier-free. The inner courtyard is only accessible via steps and is therefore not wheelchair accessible.