Eco-Breakfast at the Terrassenhaussiedlung: Exchange, Participation, and New Impulses

On 13 September 2025, the first Eco-Breakfast took place at the Terrassenhaussiedlung in

Graz, carefully prepared by members of the core team. Around 70 residents joined and enjoyed a rich breakfast buffet with pastries, cheese, cold cuts, vegetables, fruit, coffee, cocoa, juices, water, and porridge. The event created a lively café atmosphere in both indoor and outdoor spaces in the style of a traditional Austrian coffee

house.

Beyond the culinary part, the focus was on science and participation. An interactive station provided a playful entry point to the topic of ecological footprints. Posters presented research insights and sparked lively discussions. In addition, The first questionnaire of the project was explained and distributed in the settlement. Furthermore, residents evaluated three different photovoltaic module layouts, with clear preferences emerging. This outcome represents an important step for the next dialogues with stakeholders. The event also highlighted the archive of the settlement. The ongoing digitization of approximately 3,000 plans was introduced and discussed, including concerns about cloud storage systems and questions of data access. Historical reflections on the planning and construction processes of the 1960s and 1970s added further depth to the exchange.

At a round table, participants addressed challenges of ensuring continuity in collaboration

within the resident community. Issues such as knowledge transfer, long-term organizational structures, and the need for stable cooperation were emphasized. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive: many were impressed by the professional implementation and transparent process design within the DeCO2 project. Some attendees even expressed interest in joining the core team of the THS, which is gradually moving towards greater self-governance in its second year.

A follow-up Eco-Breakfast in spring 2026 is also planned to share updates on the project’s progress.

The event was a great success, drawing new participants, opening the core team to broader involvement, and increasing the visibility of the Terrassenhaussiedlung within and beyond the community.