We are consistently pursuing our sustainable path and continuing to invest in an environmentally friendly future. In addition to switching to an innovative heat pump solution and expanding the photovoltaic system, the entire staff area has also been redesigned.
Refurbishment
January - April 2025
Luftburg – Kolarik im Prater
CO₂ neutrality as a declared goal
A central component of the project was decarbonization by replacing gas as an energy source. Instead, a modern groundwater heat pump now provides heating and cooling. The heat pumps, with a total heating capacity of 362.2 kW, extract heat from the groundwater and use it to heat the building and provide hot water. In summer, a reversal of the process also enables environmentally friendly cooling of the buildings.
This change will result in annual CO₂ savings of over 135, 223 metric tons. The sustainable energy plan is complemented by an expansion of the PV system to 75 kWp, in order to further increase the share of self-generated electricity. “These measures bring us a big step closer to our goal of becoming CO₂-neutral at this location,” explains Paul Kolarik, Managing Director of Kolarik im Prater GmbH.
"Renewable energies are important factors in achieving climate neutrality by 2040," emphasizes Vienna's Climate Councillor Jürgen Czernohorszky. "In recent years, we have made great progress in the expansion of solar power, thanks in part to targeted municipal subsidies. The Luftburg is setting a particularly good example here: we will therefore also include the innovative conversion in our "100 projects out of gas" so that it serves as a role model for other companies!"
Investment in a modern working environment
In addition to ecological sustainability, the focus is also on the well-being of the employees. A new team lounge and a prayer room create an appreciative working environment for the workforce of around 15 nationalities. "We want our employees to feel just as comfortable as our guests," emphasizes Kolarik. "Motivation and a good working atmosphere are the basis for genuine hospitality."
In addition, new checkrooms, office space, a modernized sink, new kitchen appliances and optimized delivery structures were created to enable more efficient processes and further reduce energy consumption.
7 million euros for a sustainable future
The entire project has a budget of 7 million euros. A considerable investment in the Prater location and the future of the family business. With this step, Luftburg - Kolarik im Prater is sending a strong signal for sustainability, social responsibility and modern entrepreneurship - in the heart of Vienna's Wurstelprater.
"We make the world the way we like it. And we like it best when it's sustainable and fit for the future! That's why we have taken another big step towards CO₂ neutrality. As with all our decisions, we not only took economic aspects into account, but also ecological ones. It is important to us to make a contribution to our environment, both within our company and with regard to the Prater and Vienna as a business location as a whole," says Paul Kolarik.
