A conscious approach to:

Environment & Sustainability

... at Schallaburg Castle
© Rupert Pessl

Whether privately or as a cultural organisation - every day we are faced with the decision to make a change and take responsibility for people and the environment. This is the only way we can contribute to the long-term preservation of our planet and make our coexistence more accessible and socially just.  

As an institution in the field of art, culture and science, we in particular create social awareness with our sophisticated content and its high-quality presentation and communication.  

We see it as an essential task to make a relevant contribution towards sustainable action, environmental protection and respectful coexistence without marginalisation and discrimination. For one thing, we want to achieve this through concrete measures in the organisation of our art, culture and science activities and in the implementation of exhibitions and events. On the other hand, we want to actively address sustainability in our communication with our audience. Last but not least, we also want to encourage the arts and sciences to engage with sustainability issues. 

© Rupert Pessl

To this end, the NÖKU Group created the "NÖKU Sustainability Standard" in autumn 2020 as a guideline for all its employees, its almost 40 artistic and scientific institutions and its operating locations, the staging of events and exhibitions and the NÖKU holding company itself. This standard is being implemented in a gradual and consistent manner by all companies. 

Through its sustainability strategy, the NÖKU Group is contributing to the implementation of the United Nations' Agenda 2030 and the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Art, culture and science, along with the promotion of creativity, contribute equally to the economic, social and ecological dimensions of the Agenda 2030.  

In the newly created NÖKU platform for sustainability, the sustainability officers of each individual company regularly exchange information to facilitate the transfer of knowledge and the exchange of experience. 

© Rupert Pessl

This involves a holistic view and evaluation of all key areas of activity in the planning and realisation of events and exhibitions: the event or exhibition venue, event or exhibition technology, general procurement processes and waste management, social aspects (such as accessibility), mobility/transport, catering/gastronomy, communication and accommodation.