KooWo – Volkersdorf

Starting point/motivation

Large parts of savings achieved in Austrian buildings (e.g.: reduced operation power, use of resource saving construction material) were compensated by the constant raise of square footage per capita, the increased mobility behavior and rising good consumptions. The Swiss type of a 2000 watt society takes this fact into account. It factors the energetic and ecological parameter and target value into the personal energy footprint. Now, first steps into the direction of a 2000 watt society will be forced in Austria by using the klima:aktiv’s settlement rating tool.

Contents and goals

Using the example of the collectively planned residential project “KooWo Volkersdorf” with it’s 27 residential units, sufficiency should be put into practice and the overarching target of a holistic reduction of CO2 should be reached. The residential project shifts the individual system border of the building to a collective living space of a settlement as a system. The common use of infrastructure, workshop, vehicle fleet, acreage, and so on generates a personal and societal added value.

Using the alternative residential project “KooWo Volkersdorf” as example it is attempt to show how to reach the targets of the 2000 watt society by using a package of measures particularly adjusted for the rural area.

Results and findings

A successful realisation of the project creates a demonstration site which can serve as archetype for housing in rural areas showing that resource and energy savings are not only possible in an urban context.

During implementation and the following evaluation it will be possible to use the demonstration project to test and enhance assessment methods, like the klima:aktiv tool under development for residential areas.

Moreover, the findings of the research project regarding per head balancing of sustainability factors (instead of relating to floor unit), can serve as important contribution to the Austrian climate and energy strategy.