Corporate social responsibility
Corporate citizenship and the environment
Social and environmental responsibility a defining characteristic of the Hofburg Vienna.At the Hofburg Vienna the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) covers every aspect of the conference destination’s activities that go beyond its standard operating practices and involve business development, environmental and social aspects. CSR projects should always aim to initiate and promote elements of sustainability.
Business development
As a private commercial enterprise the Hofburg Vienna is committed to improving resource efficiency while minimising costs in the interests of its customers, business partners, owners, employees and other stakeholders.
Stakeholder benefits:
.. Every year the Hofburg Vienna induces around EUR 200 million in GDP, making a valuable contribution to the Austrian and European economy.
.. The yearly event mix secures numerous jobs within the tourism industry.
Employee benefits:
.. A strong focus on staff development and training
.. Commitment to maintaining and extending an employee-friendly working environment.
Environment
The Hofburg Vienna’s take on reducing its environmental footprint can be summed up as follows: “Avoid. Recycle. Dispose of as last resort.” In addition to measures aimed at reducing the conference centre’s ecological impact, CSR activities include developing future-proof meeting and event concepts. The Hofburg team provides event organisers with all the necessary assistance to secure green meeting certification.
Use of resources
.. Low energy consumption thanks to 95 percent natural light in the event spaces.
.. Energy-saving temperature regulation thanks to the fabric of this historic venue (thick walls etc.)
.. Low induced pollution from transportation thanks to its location in the heart of the capital’s historic city centre – 10,500 hotel beds within easy walking distance.
Current measures
.. Exclusive use of environmentally-friendly öko-energy
.. Energy efficient lighting (LED technology)
.. Introduction of water-saving measures (100% biodegradable toilet tissue in all rest rooms)
.. Use of energy-saving printers and PCs in office facilities
.. Carbon-neutral printing in office facilities
.. Energy-efficient server cooling system
.. Energy savings through the use of phase capacitors
.. Individually programmable room heating and ventilation systems
.. Fully optimised HVAC system with CO2 control in event spaces
.. Traditional porcelain crockery instead of disposal alternatives; focus on seasonal and locally-sourced produce by catering partners.
.. Waste separation
.. Biodegradable materials for room cleaning and during events
.. Helping customers to stage environmentally-friendly events
.. Implementation of a waste management concept
Social
Social responsibility underscores every aspect of the Hofburg Vienna’s daily operations – we believe that for a society to function properly, everyone has to play their part. The event centre’s social activities primarily focus on charitable and scientific projects.
Scientific:
.. Senior management give keynote talks at the Hofburg Vienna
.. The Hofburg Vienna supports post grads and external study and mentoring programmes
.. The conference centre runs an internship programme
.. The Hofburg Vienna supports trainees of the convention industry and offers education events for students at schools and universities. They are invited to attend a venue tour and receive practical know-how from our staff
Society:
.. The Hofburg Vienna supports two charity events in providing several rooms without charge.
.. At Christmas time the company sponsors a non-profit organisation.
ESG - Environmental Social Governance (environmental, social and corporate governance)
Describes criteria for the sustainable management of companies and is used as a broad term for corporate social responsibility.
Common ESG indicators include CO2 emissions, energy and water consumption, waste generation, diversity within the company, appropriate remuneration and other topics such as ensuring compliance with ethical working practices in supply chain processes. To this end, Hofburg Vienna works with transparent and comprehensive ESG analyses that help to continuously monitor and improve performance.
The inclusive design of the meeting location ensures accessibility for everyone so that interested parties can actively participate in events. In addition to accessibility for people with physical or mental/neurological impairments, this also includes aspects such as religion and culture, family situation, gender and age - to name just a few. Events should create an atmosphere in which all participants feel safe. Inclusion encompasses a wide range of aspects that need to be taken into account. The focus is on accessibility, i.e. the accessibility of an event for people with disabilities. It should be noted that the implementation of inclusive meetings is an ongoing process. It is important to take steps and thus continuously contribute to more inclusion in the meetings industry.
At Hofburg Vienna, all meeting rooms are barrier-free and tactile guidance systems (e.g. on handrails) also provide orientation. Rooms can be rented at the request of the organizers, which can be used as a retreat, among other things.
Information:
Hofburg ViennaHeldenplatz, 1010 Vienna
Austria
T +43 1 5873666,
F +43 1 5356426
E-mail: presse@hofburg.com