26,000 tons of CO₂ saved – the Klimaberg Katschberg region is setting a clear example for sustainable tourism in the Alps – through sensible local offsetting measures.
The Klimaberg Katschberg region combines a variety of responsible environmental and climate protection projects and promotes sustainable tourism in the Alps. The idea for this vision stems from the two managing directors of the Klimaberg Katschberg Academy, Wolfgang Hinteregger and Anton Aschbacher. The goals of carbon neutrality by 2030 and sustainability in Alpine tourism are intended to create a balance and demonstrate the effectiveness of active environmental and climate protection for a region.
Tangible sustainability thought holistically, using the example of the Katschberg climate mountain region
Through local projects, approximately 26,000 tons (t) of CO₂ were already saved or stored locally between 2021 and December 31, 2024. The climate certificate documents how much CO₂ was avoided, saved, and offset through the offsetting measures. Innovative mobility concepts, active climate protection on the plate, and the use of e4f-klimaerde (e4f climate earth) make an important contribution to protecting the natural environment in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Salzburger Lungau & Kärntner Nockberge. Sustainable and social business practices include the preservation of habitats for people, animals, and nature and promote cooperation with local businesses in accordance with the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations).
The compensatory measures in detail
approx. 26,000 tonnes (t) CO₂ savings =
20,000 t in the bioheat sector (on-site production)
4,000 t in the green electricity sector pa (on-site production)
100 t for 10 electric cars (20,000 km)
100 t e4f climate soil and biochar
50 t use of e4f climate soil for roofs and facades
120 t of climate, flower and bee meadows through e4f-klimaerde
12 t raised beds with e4f climate soil (approx. 70 raised beds at Katschberg)
3 t e4f-klimaerde, climate hops in climate beer production
30 t cascade use in the horse center, use of feed and bedding biochar
2,000 t: currently 1,000 trees planted with 2 t savings per tree in the e4f climate earth
These are sustainable measures that benefit environmental and climate protection. "We don't buy our way out of the climate crisis with CO₂ certificates anywhere in the world, but rather implement projects locally. The climate certificate documents how much CO₂ we avoid, save, and offset in the Klimaberg region," says Managing Director Wolfgang Hinteregger.
e4f-klimaerde – “valuable soil and biochar”
With e4f holding gmbh, the Klimaberg Katschberg region has a partner in the biochar sector with 20 years of experience. "e4f-klimaerde is biochar that helps counteract climate change," says Anton Aschbacher, Managing Director of e4f holding. It binds carbon dioxide and prevents its re-entry into the atmosphere for hundreds of years. Our partners use e4f-klimaerde in various areas: in agriculture to reduce fertilizer use and natural water storage, to improve plant growth; as a feed additive in animal husbandry; as an adsorbent in industry; and in construction and high-tech applications. Biochar provides high-quality heat, sound, and building insulation, regulates humidity, and absorbs odors and toxins. Biochar also improves the drying and curing process of concrete mixes, thus increasing the strength of the concrete. Biochar is used both in the food sector (here in the Klimaberg Katschberg region for “climate food”) and in the pharmaceutical sector, as a biological product.
The Austrian Ecolabel
The Katschberg Climate Mountain region is a pilot partner region for the Austrian Ecolabel for tourism destinations. Our goal is to certify as many partner businesses as possible in the Katschberg Climate Mountain region with the Austrian Ecolabel for tourism businesses and the EU Ecolabel. All events in the Katschberg Climate Mountain region are organized according to the criteria of the Austrian Ecolabel for Green Events.
There are currently 22 companies that have joined the Klimaberg Katschberg concept and are actively working to meet the criteria.
Of the 22 companies, 11 have already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. The efforts of the Klimaberg team were rewarded in 2024 with a nomination and recognition for the Carinthiacus and Energy Globe awards.
The measures taken over the past four years demonstrate that the sustainability concept in tourism works. Yet this is only a first step.
Numerous challenges still lie ahead, such as the traffic concept for the Katschberg climate mountain, which has been necessary for many years, traffic calming in the town center, and public transport connections on the Carinthian side. But 26,000 tons of CO₂ savings are a good start. www.klimaberg.at