Sustainability and Responsibility

With Schönbrunn Palace, the Vienna Furniture Museum, the Sisi Museum in the Vienna Hofburg and Schloss Hof Estate, the Schönbrunn Group (Schloss Schönbrunn Kultur- und Betriebsges.m.b.H.) administers the foremost attractions of Austria's imperial heritage.

Find out how we take on environmental, social and economic responsibility to create must-see sights that rank among the world's top cultural tourism destinations.

Schloss Hof Estate
Events and Hospitality

We find ourselves on the cusp of pivotal changes driven by environmental and social shifts. The future will be decarbonised, nature-focused, socially diverse and inclusive. At the same time, however, the changes brought about by the accelerating climate crisis will confront us with significant headwinds. One thing is clear: the only way to successfully drive the upcoming transformation is by working together.

Sustainability is core to our strategy, our mission statement and our corporate values. Across the board, we aim for a long-term, future-fit orientation.

The environmental dimension 
We are reducing our environmental footprint by using renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies and resource-saving materials. Our waste management is based on systematic waste sorting and recycling. In addition, we promote the use of eco-friendly forms of transport and rely on a fleet of EVs, as well as electric golf carts.

The economic dimension 
Sustainability is a key part of our corporate strategy. We integrate environmental and social aspects into our long-term planning and decision-making processes. Through this strategic focus, we ensure our own competitiveness, minimise risks and create stakeholder value.

The social dimension 
We are committed to fair working conditions, equal opportunities and an open corporate culture. Our employees benefit from professional development opportunities, study trips, discounts, health promotion in the workplace, and a positive work-life balance. We are actively engaged in our local region, supporting social projects and working to raise sustainability awareness among our visitors and partners.

We invite our visitors to take an active role in the preservation of our valuable cultural assets. From treating our historical rooms and gardens with respect, through sustainable mobility solutions, to our commitment in support of heritage conservation, together we create a bridge between past and future.

Even the smallest contribution counts! Here are just some of the simple ways in which you can support us:

• Show consideration during your visit: Follow our guidance on building and garden preservation in order to avoid causing any unnecessary damage.
• Support waste separation: Use the on-site recycling stations to help save resources.
• Travel sustainably: Opt for public transport, travel by bicycle, or use one of Vienna's car-sharing facilities.
• Be a conscious consumer: When attending events, look out for Green Event certifications.
• Raise awareness: Share your experiences and motivate others to appreciate and value cultural heritage.

A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO HERITAGE, GLOBAL AND NATIONAL

The Schönbrunn Group is responsible for preserving Austria’s most important cultural monuments and its imperial heritage.

The additional information below sets out relevant strategies linked to the topics of sustainability, biodiversity and tourism in Austria:

UNESCO World Heritage and Schönbrunn

In December 1996, at the 20th session of the World Heritage Committee, Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens were added to the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, first established in 1972. Awarding of this world-renowned accolade underlines the significance of the Palace and Gardens as a unique Baroque ensemble.

UNESCO promotes sustainable development worldwide through education programmes, the protection of cultural heritage, and a commitment to environmental awareness with the aim of securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

• UNESCO Environmental Sustainability Report, 2024: 
  https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000391656
• https://www.unesco.at/en/culture/world-heritage/world-heritage-sites-in-austria/palace-and-gardens-of-schoenbrunn[CC1] 

Good-Practice-ProjeCTS

• https://www.unesco.at/kultur/welterbe/good-practice-beispiele/restaurierung-der-schoenbrunner-schlosskapelle
• https://www.unesco.at/kultur/welterbe/good-practice-beispiele/erfassung-und-simulation-von-besucherbewegung-im-schloss-schoenbrunn
• https://www.unesco.at/kultur/welterbe/good-practice-beispiele/schoenbrunn-akademie
• https://www.unesco.at/querschnittsthemen/article/good-practice-beispiele-in-den-welterbestaetten

Austria's national sustainability strategy

The Austrian strategy for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development 

Overview of national sustainability policies and implementation of SDGs in Austria

• Federal Ministry for Climate Action, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK):
• Platform for sustainability in Austria: www.nachhaltigkeit.at

https://www.bmk.gv.at/themen/klima_umwelt/nachhaltigkeit/strategien/agenda2030.html

National Biodiversity Strategy 2030+

Objective: Protection of species diversity in Austria, sustainable use of natural resources, and strengthening of ecosystems.

• BMK Biodiversity Strategy 2030+: https://www.bmk.gv.at/themen/klima_umwelt/naturschutz/biol_vielfalt/biodiversitaetsstrategie/biodiversitaetsstrategie_2030.html

Austria's tourism strategy & sustainability

• Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) – Tourism and SDGs: https://www.bmaw.gv.at/Themen/Tourismus/tourismus-sdg.html
• Federal Ministry of Labour and Economy (BMAW) - "Plan T – Master Plan for Tourism": https://www.bmaw.gv.at/Themen/Tourismus/plan-t.html
• Tourism strategy of the Austrian National Tourist Office: https://www.austriatourism.com/nachhaltigkeit/nachhaltigkeitsstrategie/
• Vienna Tourist Board - Strategy for a Sustainable Visitor Economy in Vienna: https://b2b.wien.info/en/strategy-brand/sustainability/sustainability

These resources provide additional insights into national and international sustainability strategy, as well as cultural and tourism strategies relevant to Schönbrunn.