Leogang Reduces Co2 Emissions By 98.7 Percent

Zero emissions are getting closer: The Leogang mountain lifts report a further reduction in CO₂ emissions for the winter of 2024/2025. Thanks to the complete switch to the renewable fuel HVO100, CO₂ emissions were reduced to less than 8 tons last winter season. In other words: Since implementing the decarbonization strategy, the Leogang mountain lifts have reduced CO₂ emissions by 98.7% in two winters.

Thanks to fuel conversion, the mountain railway fleet is almost emission-free and ahead of the requirements.

The Leogang cable car company has set itself the ambitious goal of generating zero emissions from its operations. And it aims to achieve this even before the deadlines set by Austria's climate protection law, which mandates greenhouse gas neutrality by 2045. The Leogang cable car company is well on its way; it was the first cable car company in Austria to convert its entire fleet (snow groomers, company vehicles, tractors) to the renewable fuel HVO100. While 605 tons of CO₂ were emitted in the winter of 2022/2023, this figure was reduced to just 24 tons by the switch. A year later, it was even lower, at only 8 tons. The 96 percent reduction in emissions for the 2023/24 season has now been further improved to an impressive 98.7 percent.

Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leogang Mountain Lifts, is understandably proud of what has been achieved: “The Leogang Mountain Lifts are already powered by 100 percent green electricity. However, we also wanted to implement further measures in the ski area and have therefore completely converted our entire fleet of vehicles to HVO100. The switch to HVO100 had the greatest impact on reducing CO₂ emissions.”

All figures and analyses are based on sustainable.de, one of the leading management consultancies with many years of expertise in the field of sustainability.

Commitment to energy efficiency, sustainability and resource conservation

The Leogang mountain lifts are active and committed to sustainability in many areas. Since 2006, they have been investing in projects for energy efficiency, sustainability, and resource conservation. Their participation in flagship projects such as "Clean Energy For Tourism" (CE4T) and their role as the first cable car partner for the "Salzburg 2050 Climate and Energy Strategy" initiative demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

The remaining company-generated emissions primarily result from the use of biogenic energy sources for generating space heating (wood chip combined heat and power plant). The cable cars and snowmaking systems already use 100% renewable electricity.

Extensive range of options for climate-friendly travel fulfilled

Saalfelden Leogang has also addressed the issues of climate-friendly travel and sustainable mobility, creating a comprehensive range of local options. The Loigom-Soifen Shuttle, with its on-demand service, complements the existing public bus network with electric buses and serves various stops in Leogang, perfectly complementing the new Guest Mobility Ticket from the state of Salzburg. In addition, regional ski bus lines have been established by the mountain lift companies. Furthermore, a total of 20 electric vehicle charging stations (including two fast chargers) are available at the Asitzbahn and Steinbergbahn valley stations.

Austrian Ecolabel as one of the first regions

Sustainability is a high priority throughout the region. Accordingly, Saalfelden Leogang was awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for Destinations in 2023 – one of the first regions in the country to receive this distinction. The Ecolabel is a testament to the destination's efforts to make Austrian tourism more sustainable. The independent certification process evaluates measures in areas such as sustainability, waste management, mobility, and resource management.

The steps taken are showing positive results. "With the measures already implemented, the Leogang mountain lifts have already achieved a great success. We are constantly working to make efforts in the area of ​​sustainability in order to achieve the European goals early," states Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leogang mountain lifts.