Outdoor heating systems have become a crucial element of the restaurant experience in Vienna, allowing consumption of food and drink even in the cooler seasons. Since the associated energy consumption was a recurring topic of discussion, this project, funded by the City of Vienna, brought together experts to identify the advantages and disadvantages, as well as options for communal action, in the light of urban sustainability.
Electric radiant heaters are often used to heat outdoor catering areas, even when the outside temperature is low. Their use in the famous so-called Schanigärten (private gastronomy that uses public spaces to put tables) requires official approval in Vienna. BESCHAK focused on the use of outdoor heaters in Vienna and how these systems relate to urban sustainability.
In 2025, a series of 14 expert interviews was conducted. The results identified crucial issues related to the use of outdoor heaters and specific options for action. Based on the interviews, a summary of all relevant perspectives was distributed to all interviewees. Main aspects thereof were consequently discussed and evaluated during a roundtable discussion with stakeholders, experts, and representatives of the City of Vienna (e.g., City Councilors for Finance, Urban Renewal, Urban Development, and Climate, the Office of the Mayor, and relevant municipal departments).
In times of energy crisis and global warming, such inter- and transdisciplinary discourses are particularly important for responding effectively and in a timely manner. When it comes to climate change and its consequences, technologies can play a role both as a cause and as a source of hope. The aim was to analyze outdoor space heating systems and their contradictory perceptions among consumers, and to discuss them at a roundtable with stakeholders, experts, and representatives of the City of Vienna.
-> Outdoor dining areas increase the physicalspace of restaurants and
bars. The Austriansmoking ban further boosted their appeal.In addition,
since the COVID-19 pandemic,outdoor dining areas have been regarded
assafer spaces to avoid virus transmissioncompared with indoor dining.
->
In winter, outdoor dining areas are oftenheated to increase comfort,
which isassociated with significant electricityconsumption.
-> In
2023, the City of Vienna approvedpermanent winter outdoor dining
areas.At the same time, however, the City ofVienna is committed to
ambitious climategoals. How can these objectives bereconciled?
-> Schanigärten erhöhen die Geschäftsfläche von Gastronomiebetrieben.
Das in Österreich eingeführte Rauchverbot steigerte ihre Attraktivität
weiter. Zudem gelten Schanigärten seit der COVID-19 Pandemie auch als
Schutz vor Virenübertragung in Innenräumen.
-> Im Winter werden Schanigärten oft beheizt um den Komfort zu erhöhen, was mit erheblichem Stromverbrauch einhergeht.
->
Im Jahr 2023 bewilligte die Stadt Wien Winterschanigärten dauerhaft.
Gleichzeitig bekennt sich die Stadt Wien aber zu ambitionierten
Klimazielen. Wie kann das funktionieren?
