Ecolabel Day 2025

June 5 is Ecolabel Day throughout Austria - this year under the motto: "Put an end to plastic waste - recycle instead of throwing it away." The Vienna State Opera is part of this movement - on, off and behind the stage.

Since January 2025, the opera has been officially certified with the Austrian Ecolabel for Cultural Institutions (UZ 209). In practice, this means using energy-efficient stage technology, switching to resource-saving materials and a conscious procurement policy that takes environmental standards into account.

Two further major steps are currently being taken: The new NEST venue is also in the process of being certified. And for the first time, the traditional Opera Ball is also to be held as an official green event - a challenging but important step towards a more sustainable event culture.

In line with this year's focus - the reduction of plastic waste - the introduction of a deposit box is also currently being prepared. In future, employees will be able to hand in deposit bottles and cans. The proceeds will be collected and donated to a social initiative - a simple contribution to resource conservation and social commitment.

This commitment is particularly visible in a project with the Viennese initiative Wert:stoff: an inflatable spatial structure is being created from an old PVC film from an abandoned production facility, which will be presented at a Viennese festival in June. An example of how creative reuse creates new perspectives in the art world.

For us, sustainability doesn't just start with the applause. It is part of our day-to-day operations - and an expression of our aspiration to create art in a responsible and future-oriented way.