Background/Motivation

The City of Leoben is one of the 37 Austrian pioneer small cities participating in the mission "Climate-Neutral City 2040." The exploratory project focuses on the Fichtlplatz–Kärntnerstraße district, an ensemble of ten multi-story residential buildings constructed between 1949 and 1968 and owned by the municipality.

The building stock shows significant need for refurbishment: many apartments no longer meet current standards, some units are vacant, the building envelopes are energetically inefficient, and heating is mainly provided by outdated gas boilers.

At the same time, the district offers considerable potential for forward-looking development. Its urban structure, generous open spaces, and good access to public infrastructure make it well suited for a model transformation towards climate neutrality, social diversity, and urban resilience.

Contents and goals

The aim of the project is to develop a holistic and transferable transformation concept for the district. The approach combines minimally invasive building renovation, renewable energy supply, sustainable cooling strategies, green-blue infrastructure, and socially balanced usage concepts.

The project deliberately focuses on improving energy performance with minimal structural intervention, for example through the targeted upgrading of individual building components while considering embodied energy, lifespan, and CO₂ balance.

A central innovation element is the development of an integrated district energy system that couples electricity and heat while efficiently utilizing local renewable energy sources such as photovoltaics, solar thermal systems, and shallow geothermal energy.

In addition, the use of reversible systems and intelligent storage solutions will be evaluated to increase flexibility and supply security. At the same time, a portfolio of renewable cooling technologies will be developed and combined with a climate-responsive open space concept.

Methodical Approach

The project's innovation lies in the systemic integration of technical, ecological, and social transformation factors. Transform:LEoben2040 develops a scalable, transdisciplinary methodology for the sustainable transformation of existing urban neighborhoods.

The approach deliberately focuses on resource-efficient strategies instead of extensive structural interventions, combining CO₂ reduction, social compatibility, and economic feasibility.

Furthermore, new financing and operational models as well as target-group-oriented usage concepts for living and working will be explored. Planning follows gender- and diversity-sensitive principles, with a strong emphasis on social participation, inclusion, and the prevention of displacement.

Expected Results

Expected project results include:

• a comprehensive analysis of the current situation and transformation potential,
• an integrated transformation concept with concrete measures and recommendations,
• a viable financing and business model for socially balanced implementation,
• and an implementation roadmap for a subsequent demonstration phase.

Through these outcomes, Transform:LEoben2040 contributes directly to achieving the 2040 climate goals and develops transferable approaches for the sustainable transformation of existing urban districts.

Project management

Municipality of Leoben

Project or cooperation partners

4ward Energy Research GmbH

Municipality of Leoben
Erzherzog Johann-Straße 2, 8700 Leoben
Tel.: +43 (3842) 4062 280
E-mail: Laura.bischof@leoben.at
Web: www.leoben.at