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The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology is one of the major winners of this year's ÖGUT Environmental Award: two projects from different areas of applied research received awards, demonstrating the broad spectrum of research with which the AIT supports key transformation processes in industry and society.
RecAL: New standard for aluminium circular economy
In the category ‘Research & Innovation for the Circular Economy’, the EU project RecAL, led by the LKR Leichtmetallkompetenzzentrum Ranshofen of the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, received an award. RecAL is developing new recyclable aluminium alloys, high-precision sensor-based sorting processes and the digital ‘RecAL Hub’, which links the material and data flows of European partners. The project is thus laying the foundation for a closed aluminium cycle that saves primary raw materials, reduces CO₂ emissions and strengthens the competitiveness of European industry.
Lienz focuses on data-based urban development
Another award went to AIT together with the city of Lienz in the “Sustainable Municipality” category. The award honoured a scientifically based transformation process that systematically aligns Lienz with the goal of climate neutrality by 2040, including an energy and GHG balance, scenarios and a detailed climate neutrality roadmap.
Applied research as an enabler of sustainable innovation
“This double recognition shows how crucial applied research is as an enabler of sustainable innovation”, says Dr. Brigitte Bach, Managing Director and Spokesperson for the Management Board of AIT. "With RecAL, we are strengthening the aluminium circular economy in Europe by developing new ways to reuse aluminium more efficiently and better connecting the companies involved via a digital platform. This creates a system that brings together materials, data and partners and significantly reduces the use of primary raw materials. At the same time, the collaboration with Lienz demonstrates how data-driven and participatory processes enable cities to implement ambitious climate targets. Both awards recognise the outstanding work of our teams and our role as a reliable partner for future-oriented development."
The two awards underscore the strategic importance of AIT in areas of transformation such as resource optimisation, climate-friendly energy systems and resilient cities. Research and innovation have a direct impact on economic applications and municipal decision-making processes, creating solutions that have a long-term ecological and social impact.
About the ÖGUT Environmental Award
The ÖGUT Environmental Award has been presented annually since 1988 by the Austrian Society for Environment and Technology (Österreichische Gesellschaft für Umwelt und Technik, ÖGUT) and is one of Austria's most prestigious sustainability awards.
It honours outstanding projects, organisations and individuals who, through their innovative spirit and commitment, contribute to a climate-neutral, fair and sustainable society.
In 2025, a total of 27 projects were nominated from 252 submissions in six main categories – ranging from research and business to municipalities and civil society initiatives. The prize money of €40,000 is donated by the Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure (BMIMI), the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Regional Affairs and Water Management (BMLUK), the FFG, the Austrian Association of Cities and Towns, as well as partner companies and foundations.
About ÖGUT
Further information on the two award-winning projects
AIT project RecAL wins ÖGUT Environmental Award 2025
AIT and the city of Lienz win ÖGUT award in the “Sustainable Municipality” category