Environment Protecting what‘s important to us

Clean drinking water and basic sanitation should be accessible to all people. This goal includes the protection of water resources and the promotion of efficient water utilisation. It is closely linked to people's health and quality of life.

Lake Zell is our flagship – therefore, water conservation is essential to us to ensure its quality and thus a livable natural environment. Strict water quality controls by the authorities, sustainable snow management systems in the ski areas, and innovative wastewater solutions by our purification organisations guarantee the responsible use of this valuable and vital resource. Clean and freely accessible drinking water is a precious commodity that we value. We are happy to share this privilege with our guests and raise awareness of it.

The goal is to provide all people with access to reliable, sustainable, and modern energy. The focus is on renewable energies such as solar and wind power to replace fossil fuels. At the same time, energy efficiency is to be increased worldwide.

The region relies on renewable energies: Thanks to VERBUND and the high mountain reservoirs with their pumped storage power plants in Kaprun, hydropower is a central component of the sustainable energy supply in Zell am See-Kaprun. The region also promotes sustainable mobility concepts and supports energy-efficient operations in hotels and leisure facilities. KEM (Climate & Energy Model) Tourism has significantly accelerated and accelerated this transition to renewable energy sources at all levels.

Inequality between and within countries should be reduced. This includes equal economic, social, and political opportunities. Special support is provided to disadvantaged groups such as migrants or people with disabilities.

Zell am See-Kaprun promotes inclusion and accessibility in tourism as part of a holistic approach to development. Numerous hotels, cable cars, and leisure activities are wheelchair accessible. Special programmes enable people with limited mobility to experience nature, for example through adaptive winter sports programmes.

The production and consumption of goods should be organised in a way that conserves resources. This includes the promotion of recycling, less food waste, and sustainable supply chains. The aim is to minimise the ecological footprint of production and consumption.

Our tourism businesses focus on regional products, zero-waste concepts, and environmentally conscious event planning. Programmes such as "Salzburg schmeckt," Green Events, and our financial support for certification with the Austrian Ecolabel support businesses in the region in their transition to sustainable operations. Furthermore, the Zell am See-Kaprun region is on the path to certification with the Austrian Ecolabel for tourism destinations.

This goal calls for action to combat climate change and its consequences. It promotes the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and adaptation measures to climate change. International cooperation and climate financing are crucial.

We are increasingly focusing on sustainable measures and innovative adaptation strategies to proactively shape the future of our destination. Through CO₂ reduction measures such as the phase-out of fossil fuels like oil and gas, the intensive use of renewable energy from water and solar energy, and efficiency improvements, we are making our contribution to a planet fit for our grandchildren. The successful collaboration with experts from the Climate & Energy Model Regions and the Climate Change Adaptation Model Region also plays a central role here for us as destination management.

Climate and Energy Model Region
KLAR! Pinzgau

The seas and oceans should be protected and used sustainably. This includes reducing marine pollution, protecting coral reefs, and combating overfishing. This goal supports an intact marine ecology for future generations.

Lake Zell is one of the cleanest lakes in Europe. Our water management in Austria, with the highest standards, protects the ecosystem through recreational use, strict environmental regulations, and awareness-raising measures for guests and locals. Together with local initiatives such as the Nature Conservation Association, we are committed to the conscious treatment of the animals in and around the lake. Our commitment to sustainability is also tangible during a tour of Lake Zell. Thanks to the new electric boat operated by Schmittenhöhebahn AG (commissioning in summer 2025), our commitment to sustainability is also tangible during a tour of Lake Zell.

The world's forests, soils and ecosystems should be conserved and used sustainably. Measures are aimed at combating desertification, protecting biodiversity, and restoring damaged habitats. One focus is on preventing illegal poaching and deforestation.

Nature conservation is a major concern for us in many ways; after all, our greatest treasure is the natural environment we live in. Collaborations with the Hohe Tauern National Park, carefully designed year-round hiking concepts, and the renaturation of landscapes demonstrate our commitment to protecting alpine nature and cultural landscapes.

Global partnerships should support progress in the implementation of the SDGs. This includes the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and financial resources between countries. Cooperation between governments, companies and civil society is essential.

Sustainability and long-term development can only be achieved together. Zell am See-Kaprun works closely with regional businesses and academic institutions such as the University of Innsbruck to develop sustainable tourism concepts.