VIENNA

nce considered the jewel in the Habsburg crown, Vienna remains a city of culture, famous for its opera, magnificent palatial buildings, exceptional art and classical music and, in more recent years, its status as a sustainable city. While most new visitors to Vienna are surprised to discover the European city has a green side, those who stay long enough to scratch the surface of Vienna's veneer will understand why the modern-day capital regularly ranks as the world's greenest metropolis. With more than 50 per cent of its total area accounted for by green spaces, the Austrian capital was also voted the world's most liveable city in June 2022 for the third time in the past five years. Austrians are known for embracing a greener way of life: 73 per cent of Vienna's denizens take public transport to work; 30 per cent of the city's energy requirement is covered by renewable sources; and there are more than 6000 beehives dotted around the city. The Viennese also value the great outdoors: the city treasures its pristine public spaces such as the Danube wetlands and Vienna Woods, which was designated a biosphere in 2005. The Vienna Tree Protection Act plants one or more new trees for each one felled (depending on its circumference); and more and more inner-urban projects are weaving nature into the city's fabric. Vienna's city council is also ahead of the curve: it has had a climate protection program in place since 1999, and is dedicated to cutting greenhouse gas emissions through initiatives such as subsidies for energy-efficient renovation, further investment in the extensive public transportation network and renewable energy initiatives for the city. There are also more than 1000 drinking fountains around Vienna where visitors can fill their reusable water bottles with Alpine spring water for free.