A windy affair

High energy costs particularly affect energy-intensive medium-sized companies such as Girnghuber GmbH. The company, which is now in the hands of the fourth generation of the Girnghuber family, has therefore decided to build and operate its own wind turbine. This will reduce operating costs and maintain international competitiveness in future while actively supporting the energy transition.

Despite its deep regional roots and the importance of the project for the municipality’s financial strength, opponents of the project obtained a referendum and jeopardised its implementation.

A targeted information campaign and proactive dialogue with citizens, designed and implemented by Engel & Zimmermann, provided citizens with factual information and dispelled false claims and rumours in the shortest possible time. In fact, the campaign motivated 60% of eligible voters to cast their vote, and the referendum was successfully concluded with 67% in favour of the project.