In October 2024 the first ever Wien Energie Wärmedank-Fest, a “Thanksheating” festivity of sorts, was celebrated in the Markterei Vienna. The event was all about the Vienna district heating provider Wiener Fernwärme and its role for the urban heating supply. We oversaw the conception and implementation, inspired by the idea to link regional agriculture and sustainable energy supply. One way of underlining this symbiosis was Wien Energie’s very own food stand, run by the renowned restaurateur Haya Molcho (NENI). The food stand, set up right in the center of the market hall, was a real attraction. Made from wood and decorated with vegetable plants and fresh vegetables, it not only offered culinary delights, but also inviting hang-out space.

The dishes were prepared with fresh vegetables sourced directly from the Simmering vegetable gardens. This was driven by the idea to help visitors understand how district heating contributes to growing regional vegetables year-round. Haya Molcho and her team prepared and served hundreds of “Thanksheating snacks“ to the guests of this celebration.

Influencers and Wien Energy clients could also participate in a food styling workshop hosted by the well-known food blogger Foodblogger Kevin Ilse. The participants learned how to arrange regional ingredients from the Simmering vegetable gardens in a creative way.

After the official opening of the market day at 2 pm, guests could buy fresh vegetables at the stalls of the Simmering farmers and talk about vegetable farming and the cooperation with Wien Energie throughout the afternoon.

We developed the idea in collaboration with the project partner INNER. Championing the values of sustainability and social responsibility, the vegetables were after the event donated to Chancenhaus Rossauer Lände.