“How can I…?” – Resident Engagement in Climate Action at the Terrassenhaussiedlung Graz, Austria

Between January and June 2025, the Terrassenhaussiedlung in Graz hosted the five-part event series “How can I…?” as part of the DeCO2 Living Lab. The series engaged residents in practical climate protection and decarbonization topics, combining lectures, discussions, and services to support everyday action.

Each session focused on a key theme:

• Saving electricity costs (Jan 30) covered smart energy use and photovoltaics.

• Conserving resources (Feb 27) emphasized waste prevention and upcycling.

• Saving heating costs (Mar 27) explored ways to improve heating efficiency through smart valves.

• Greener living (Apr 24) included a plant market and discussions on eco-friendly gardening.

• The final session, Climate-fit mobility (Jun 5), addressed sustainable transport, including charging, cycling infrastructure, and public transit.

The series raised awareness, gathered input, and fostered community exchange, key pillars of DeCO2’s approach to transforming Austria’s largest owner-occupied and self-managed housing estate into a climate-fit, socially sustainable neighborhood by 2040. The announcement of the events reached approx. 1,300 people, with 120 participating actively and 10 external experts contributing. Some sessions were livestreamed to broaden access.

Organised by two resident-led working groups, Culture, Social Affairs, Sports & Health and Environment, Green Spaces & Waste Management of the estates management board (IG THS), the series illustrates the power of participatory formats to embed sustainable behaviors and strengthen community engagement. It reflects DeCO2’s core principle: co-creating climate solutions through the integration of technical innovation and social participation.