Starting small, thinking green
Sustainability at our Rivergate headquarters
Sustainable building: Rivergate’s green credentials
The Rivergate building in Vienna, home to our headquarters, is supplied with 100 percent clean energy and is the first office complex in Austria to receive a golden LEED certificate. The building’s energy concept includes renewable energy sources, optimized heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, and unique sun and glare protection. These features result in a 35 percent reduction in primary energy costs and a reduction in CO2 output by approximately 280 tons per year. This sustainable construction method not only benefits the environment but also provides significant cost savings for all tenants.
Fotocredit of the building (c) Architekturfotografie Wien | Romana Fürnkranz
A shift to oat milk: Small changes, big impact
In the past two years, we have halved our dairy milk consumption, embracing oat milk as our go-to alternative. In 2023, we purchased nearly 500 dairy milk cartons in comparison to 276 oat milk cartons. As of mid-2024, our oat milk and dairy milk consumption are roughly at the same level, with around 200 units each. This change isn’t just about dietary preference; it’s about making a positive environmental impact. Producing oat milk requires significantly less water and land compared to dairy milk and emits fewer greenhouse gases. By making this switch, we are reducing our environmental footprint and supporting more sustainable farming practices.
Embracing the circular economy: Coffee capsule recycling
Our sustainability efforts extend to waste management as well. At our headquarters, we collect coffee capsules in special waste baskets and return them to the supplier for recycling. This practice is part of our commitment to the circular economy, which aims to keep resources in use for as long as possible and regenerate products at the end of their life. This approach helps us minimize waste and promotes sustainable resource use, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility from the office to our production plants.
Looking ahead: Our ongoing commitment to sustainability
These initiatives at Rivergate are just the beginning. We are constantly exploring new ways to enhance our sustainability practices. From reducing waste and promoting recycling to supporting sustainable agriculture, we are dedicated to making a positive environmental impact. We believe that by continually improving and expanding our efforts, we can contribute to a healthier planet for future generations. Our journey towards sustainability is ongoing, and we are excited about the steps we will take next.