Page 72 - Waste-to-Energy in the Danube Strategy Region. Challenges and Prospects

and 60 jobs indirectly in the region. Around 85% of the workforce comes from the immediate

area. Hiring locals has other benefits too. Hiring local staff one year prior to the start of operations
and providing them all necessary training not only results in highly qualified and motivated staff,

but local staff also act as spokespeople by ensuring fellow citizens about proper management and

efficient operation with respect to environmental standards (Alfons 2018, EVN 2010).

Based on a policy of transparent dissemination of information, the company set up an

information office from the start of the project planning phase. The company also organized
workshops, discussions with the experts, and other public events to raise awareness about WtE

technologies and their impact. For example, a newsletter for local residents called “Bürger-info”

was regularly published. Moreover, to ensure easy access to information, the company created a
website where the public can find not only basic information about the plant and its technology

but also about its environmental impact, such as regularly updated and detailed information

about emissions production. To emphasize the transparency of all procedures, the company even

offers the option to visit and observe the facility’s daily operations (EVN Abfallverwertung 2015,
2018e).

A high level of social acceptance was also achieved thanks to economic benefits for local

services (such as hotels and restaurants) stemming from the employed workforce and plant

visitors (about 38,000 visitors in the past five years). In addition, EVN supports the local
kindergarten, various clubs and associations, and local activities such as the Zwentendorfer

Hauskalender (EVN 2010). Last but not least, ownership plays an important role in community

engagement. Citizens perceive a level of stability due to the local government being the majority

stakeholder. Moreover, locals, employees and other interested parties have the possibility to
purchase free float shares. Currently, the free float accounts for 17.96% of shares, including shares

held by employees (Alfons 2018, EVN 2018).

Thirdly, this case shows the immanent importance of communication. Thanks to previous

experience with WtE technologies in Austria, the discussions with citizens, local authorities and
the national government were not exacting, but rather fruitful. A citizens’ council has accompanied

the plant during all phases of the project since 1994. This citizens’ council creates the foundations

for open dialogue in two directions: information from EVN reaches residents as soon as possible

Project co-funded by the European Union
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