The “Goldener Boden” initiative was launched in 2007 by the Styrian Economic Chamber. Up to now, the “Goldener Boden” quality seal has been awarded to municipalities and cities that act particularly business-friendly. Starting from 2024, with new criteria and reference to the SDGs, the aspect of sustainability will also be included in the evaluation, and a new platform is available for submission and sustainable location development.
Status quo evaluation & long-term management of sustainable business locations
On behalf of the Styrian Economic Chamber, the “Goldener Boden” ESG portal has been developed. It is accessible at https://goldenerboden.esg-portal.at and offers the following functions:
Managing „Goldener Boden” submissions
Styrian municipalities can submit their overall performance as a municipality via this portal (main submission) and thus apply for the ‘Goldener Boden’ quality seal.
They can also present individual projects, the evaluation of which may be included as a bonus in that of the main submission, for example, projects in which municipalities and businesses cooperate in a win-win situation to achieve their goals.
The deadline for submissions this year is September 8, 2024. The award ceremonies will take place in fall.
The submission considers 13 categories of municipal development/ business location factors, including new categories in the fields of sustainable technical and social infrastructure.
Categories so far:
Service for businesses
Cooperation with businesses
Procurement
Economic development
Grant management
Land and vacancy management
Additional new categories:
Mobility solutions
Water management
Energy infrastructure development
Telecommunication network expansion
Healthcare provision
Childcare
Social cohesion and openness
Advancing sustainable location development
Functions for data collection and analysis, not only text-based but also in the form of graphics, quickly make the strengths and open potential of municipalities visible.
A spider diagram illustrates the status of municipal development.
The interconnections between the categories of municipal development and the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations are also depicted to show the potential impacts of local actions on global sustainability objectives.
Communication of quality
Get to know the “Goldener Boden” ESG portal and apply to be awarded as a golden municipality! The quality seal can not only strengthen perception within the local economy but also among business entities planning to relocate to a forward-looking region.
