Nachhaltigkeits-Reifegrad bei oberösterreichischen Gemeinden

Abstract

This master's thesis deals with the sustainability maturity of Upper Austrian municipalities and examines how Upper Austrian municipalities implement and evaluate their own measures in the area of climate neutrality and sustainability. The municipalities represent a central level of action for the implementation of global climate and sustainability goals. International regulations such as the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Climate Agreement and the European Green Deal call for concrete local measures at municipal level, which face major challenges. A mix of methods was used for the development: On the one hand, a comprehensive literature research was conducted on the legal framework, strategy models of public administration and change management processes. On the other hand, an online survey of Upper Austrian municipalities was carried out, in which mayors, heads of office and environmental officers provided information on the current status, the target design and the challenges in the area of climate neutrality and sustainability. The results show a very differentiated picture: While some municipalities are already pursuing sustainability strategies, many lack human and financial resources or internal control mechanisms. At the same time, it is clear that the active involvement of stakeholders, digital transformation and inter-municipal cooperation still need to be optimized. According to the survey, major challenges exist in the areas of (financial) resources and climate change itself. However, positive examples - such as Altenberg near Linz or the city of Klagenfurt - show that measurable progress can be made through targeted strategic work, political leadership and change management. In the discussion, it became clear that sustainability at municipal level requires a crosssectoral, strategic approach that is characterized by political will and leadership competence, organizational change and cooperation between a wide variety of actors. The recommendations for action derived from the theory and online survey, such as the introduction of sustainability controlling or the implementation of quick, visible measures (quick wins), are intended to provide municipalities with practical support in actively shaping change processes. The central insight remains that sustainable development can only succeed if it is strategically managed, widely supported and anchored in the long term.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	German (Austria)
Supervisor	Johannes Kriegel (Supervisor)