Ökoregion Kaindorf

Ökoregion Kaindorf is a non-profit organization and municipal association based in the Kaindorf area of eastern Styria, Austria. Founded in April 2007 by engaged citizens of the municipalities of Ebersdorf, Hartl, and Kaindorf, it operates as a model region for ecological circular economy, renewable energy self-sufficiency, and climate protection. The organization is structured around a charitable association (Verein) and a limited liability company (GmbH) as its supporting bodies, and since 6 July 2009 it has also been constituted as a municipal association (Gemeindeverband) within the Regionext small-region program of Styria. Since 2015, it has encompassed the three municipalities of Ebersdorf, Hartl, and Kaindorf in the Hartberg-Fürstenfeld district. The Ökoregion's core mission is to drastically reduce CO2 emissions, transition to alternative energies, and raise public awareness. It aims for CO2 neutrality across its member municipalities, originally targeting 2020. Its activities are organized into eight working groups covering energy saving, mobility, heating and electricity, housing and renovation, tourism, agriculture, purchasing behavior and awareness building, and wind and water. Notable initiatives include promoting humus buildup in agriculture as a CO2-binding measure, establishing electric charging stations, purchasing electric scooters for discounted local use, and developing a scientifically grounded CO2 balance model in cooperation with Joanneum Research. The organization also collaborates with the University of Graz and the Kapfenberg University of Applied Sciences. As a brand, Ökoregion Kaindorf represents a regional sustainability label and platform. It runs the Green Shop Kaindorf, organizes events such as clothing swaps, biodiversity markets, and ecological gardening courses, and offers free energy and funding advice. It has received numerous awards, including the Styrian Zukunftsgemeinde 2007, klima:aktiv federal recognition 2008, Klimaschutzpreis (2nd place) in 2009 and 2010, Fairtrade Region 2011, Green Brands Austria 2012–2013, TRIGOS Austria and European CSR Award 2013, and multiple Green Event awards. The organization is active in the public sphere through its website, Facebook, and the Humusakademie, promoting sustainable practices and ecological awareness in the region.

The Ökoregion Kaindorf was founded in April 2007 as a charitable association by engaged citizens of the municipalities of Ebersdorf, Hartl, and Kaindorf in the eastern Styrian district of Hartberg-Fürstenfeld. Its goal was to drastically reduce CO2 emissions, transition to alternative energies, and raise public awareness, with the ambitious aim of achieving CO2 neutrality in the region by 2020. The initiative was supported by the Styrian provincial government as a model region under the Local Agenda 21 framework, the United Nations climate protection program. The organization pioneered the implementation of Local Agenda 21 at the association level in Austria and was recognized by the Lebensministerium's klima:aktiv action. On 6 July 2009, the Ökoregion constituted itself as a municipal association (Gemeindeverband) within the Regionext program for municipal structural reform in Styria (2010–2015), formalizing its status as a small region. The association serves as a network coordinating cooperation between municipalities, businesses, working groups, and the population. Its board consists of representatives from all member municipalities, with the mayors, group leaders, and representatives of business and residents in the extended board. Over the years, the Ökoregion has undertaken numerous projects. It established eight working groups focusing on energy saving, mobility, heating and electricity, housing and renovation, tourism, agriculture, purchasing behavior and awareness building, and wind and water. Key achievements include the promotion of humus buildup in agriculture, the installation of electric charging stations, the purchase of electric scooters for local use, and the development of a CO2 balance model database in cooperation with Joanneum Research. The organization also collaborates with the University of Graz and the Kapfenberg University of Applied Sciences. Since 2015, the Ökoregion has comprised the three municipalities of Ebersdorf, Hartl, and Kaindorf. It has received numerous awards, including the Styrian Zukunftsgemeinde 2007, klima:aktiv federal recognition 2008, the Styrian Environmental Initiatives Recognition Award 2008, second place in the Klimaschutzpreis in 2009 and 2010, Fairtrade Region 2011, Green Brands Austria 2012–2013, TRIGOS Austria and European CSR Award 2013, and various Green Event awards. The organization continues to operate the Green Shop Kaindorf, organize events, and offer free energy and funding advice, maintaining its role as a pioneering sustainability brand in the region.

• 2016

  Best of Green Award Austria for 24-Stunden-Biken; nominated for Energy Globe Styria and Energy Globe Austria for the Humusaufbau project.

• 2015

  The Ökoregion expanded to encompass the three municipalities of Ebersdorf, Hartl, and Kaindorf.

• 2015

  Received SO:FAIR award for cloth bags and KEM Project of the Year.

• 2014

  1st place Green Event for 24-Stunden-Biken.

• 2013

  Won TRIGOS Austria and European CSR Award (Malerei Herbsthofer).

• 2013

  2nd place Green Event for 24-Stunden-Biken.

• 2012

  Received Green Brands Austria 2012–2013.

• 2011

  Recognized as a Fairtrade Region.

• 2010

  Awarded 2nd place in the Klimaschutzpreis again.

• 2009

  Constituted as a municipal association (Gemeindeverband) on 6 July within the Regionext program.

• 2009

  Awarded 2nd place in the Klimaschutzpreis (Climate Protection Award).

• 2008

  Received klima:aktiv federal recognition and the Recognition Award for Environmental Initiatives of the Province of Styria.

• 2007

  Founded as a charitable association in April by citizens of Ebersdorf, Hartl, and Kaindorf.

• 2007

  Won the Styrian municipal competition 'Zukunftsgemeinde 2007'.

A model region for ecological circular economy and climate neutrality, pioneering local Agenda 21 implementation in Austria.

• Green Shop Kaindorf

  A shop offering sustainable and regional products.

• Humus Academy

  Educational initiative promoting humus buildup in agriculture.

• Energy and funding advice

  Free consultation services for energy efficiency and subsidies.

• Ecological gardening courses

  Practical courses on environmentally friendly green space maintenance.

1. 1Ökoregion Kaindorf official websiteoekoregion-kaindorf.at
2. 2Ökoregion Kaindorf - Wikipedia (German)de.wikipedia.org
3. 3Ökoregion Kaindorf - Wikidatawikidata.org