Marcel Haraszti, Board Member of Rewe International AG: ‘As a Group, we are determined to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 - and this new BILLA store shows that we don't just talk the talk, we walk the walk. With certified wood building materials, innovative greening elements and the use of renewable energies, we are setting new standards in terms of sustainability and actively shaping the future of Austrian retail as a pioneer. Five certifications confirm the success of our measures and make this market a real role model for the industry.’
Josef Taucher, SPÖ Club Chairman, was on site for the opening: ‘I congratulate BILLA on realising this innovation project. Vienna should be climate-neutral by 2040, which will require a wide range of measures in all areas - in transport, industry and the economy. As a city, we are pulling out all the stops in the public sector to achieve our climate and sustainability goals. It is all the more pleasing when private businesses also support us on this path and, like BILLA, take responsibility for a good, grandchild-friendly future. The new shop in Pilotengasse is a prime example of sustainability and one of many individual stepping stones that are needed for a future worth living.’
The ‘greenest’ BILLA in Austria - inside and out
In order to make the measures taken objectively assessable, five certifications were realised and implemented at the highest levels: ÖGNI in platinum, Greenpass in gold, Klimaaktiv in gold, PEFC (as the first store in the retail sector) and GreenBuilding. Certified wood from sustainable forestry was used for the wall and roof construction. Some walls and ceilings had to be made of concrete for fire safety reasons and due to the high mechanical load. This concrete was produced in CO2-reduced quality and concreted on site to ensure the greatest possible material efficiency.
Not only is the construction method impressive, the outdoor area was also redesigned with a clear focus on sustainability. Robert Nagele, BILLA Management Board member for Real Estate: ‘A third of the former car parks were converted into green areas, and instead of four trees, 23 trees now grow on the site. By reducing the sealed area by half, rainwater can seep away better. At the same time, the new flowering areas provide valuable habitats for insects and animals. These measures are based on the guidelines of the BILLA greening manual, which sets out ecological standards for the design of sites and was developed in collaboration with experts.’
‘Sponge city principle’ for more water storage
A highlight of the greenery is the use of the so-called ‘sponge city principle’, in which a special substrate is used. This stores rainwater, enabling the plants to be watered with minimal effort. An innovative system channels the rainwater specifically to the trees, thus contributing to environmentally friendly water management.
Energy supply from photovoltaics and heat pump
The new BILLA store in Vienna's Pilotengasse is largely powered by the photovoltaic systems installed on the roof and the carport with an output of 141.5 kWp. If additional electricity is required, it is sourced exclusively from 100% green electricity. An energy storage system balances out power peaks. Heat is provided in the sales area via heat recovery from the refrigeration system or a heat pump system with concrete core activation.
Diverse product range with a focus on regionality and sustainability
The sales area was expanded from 630 m² to 990 m² in order to offer customers an even larger selection of fresh, seasonal and regional products. A particular focus is on products from Vienna and the surrounding area as well as a wide selection of plant-based products and meat products in animal welfare quality. BILLA offers 100% fresh meat from Austria at all locations, including here. BILLA store manager Maja Antic and her 20 employees are happy to provide advice on the wide range of products on offer.
Another highlight is the unpackaged station, which offers a wide range of unpackaged, organic products in collaboration with LUNZERS Maß-Greißlerei from Vienna's Leopoldstadt district. ‘Customers can buy everything from flakes and nuts to spices in the exact quantity they need. This not only saves packaging material, but also minimises food waste,’ explains BILLA store manager Maja Antic. In addition, an Ottakringer draught beer station invites customers to pour their own beer into reusable bottles. Potatoes and onions, for example, are available in open tubs.
Local commitment from BILLA Pilotengasse and food donations to Caritas Aspern and Food Point
In 2023, BILLA donated goods worth a total of 50 million euros. Every BILLA and BILLA PLUS store in Austria has at least one charitable cooperation partner to which food is donated. This is also the case here in Pilotengasse - donations are made to Caritas Aspern and Food Point. In addition, BILLA supports the ObstStadt Wien organisation, which preserves orchards to harvest free fruit for local residents. In the nearby Madam D'Ora Park in Seestadt, a workshop was held with children from the Lieselotte Hansen Schmidt primary school on the proper care of fruit trees and the planting of a fruit tree. A contribution not only to healthy nutrition, but also to a healthy urban climate. Also in Donaustadt, the BILLA Foundation Blühendes Österreich is co-financing a wetland biotope to enhance the butterfly meadow in Donaupark as a partner of the City of Vienna/City Gardens and the Vienna Environmental Ombudsman's Office.
