In synthetic chemistry, a catalyst accelerates a reaction without being consumed by it. As a year abroad student and research intern in a Viennese chemistry lab, this is how I view my international placement. My goal has been to experience a new culture whilst also acting as a catalyst for environmental sustainability, aligning my daily choices with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Vienna was my ultimate choice due to its pioneering social housing (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) and progressive climate neutrality targets.
Kinetics of Motion
Vienna is a masterclass in SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), engineering 30-minute transit access across the city. My transport equation excludes cars (made easier by the fact that I can’t drive!). Instead, I rely on my walking and cycling abilities, as well as the efficient U-Bahn and tram network using the WienMobil app. For longer distances, I refuse the high carbon footprint of aviation, choosing the slower routes and travelling exclusively via FlixBus to destinations as far as Strasbourg (14h), Geneva (14h), and Paris (19h). This directly supports SDG 13 (Climate Action), proving exploration does not require compromising atmospheric health.
The Neubau Ecosystem and Plant-Based Transitions
To combat fast fashion and support SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), I source my clothing and household needs from local second-hand institutions like HUMANA and Retroschatz in the Neubau district. Apps like Willhaben and Too Good To Go are daily staples on my phone.
My journey also evolved from what I wear to what I consume, aligning with SDG 15 (Life on Land). Transitioning to vegetarianism by expanding my culinary knowledge of bean recipes and mastering a mushroom-based “steak” has significantly reduced my personal agricultural and methane footprint.
Institutional Alignment at TU Wien
My efforts are reinforced by my employer, the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien), which embeds the SDGs into its operations. The university pioneers a systemic re-engineering of STEM curricula to ensure future engineers graduate with explicit training in environmental ethics (SDG 4: Quality Education). It also reduces its institutional carbon footprint by hosting country-wide lecture series on computational sustainability to target energy-efficient supercomputing (SDG 13).
Molecular Efficiency
My commitment is also embedded in my research. Working in a group focused on green chemistry, natural starch is modified for sustainable polymers. Mechanochemistry is employed, using mechanical force over hazardous solvents to reduce toxic waste. I personally optimised a literature reaction to improve its atom economy. Beyond the bench, I co-authored a paper analysing hydrogen strategies between Austria and the Czech Republic (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy and SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), highlighting zero-emission electrolysis to transition Central Europe away from fossil fuels.
Activating the Chain Reaction
Living sustainably abroad is about intentionality. By choosing buses over planes, trams over Ubers, second-hand over retail and green chemistry over traditional paths, I have minimised my footprint in Austria. Studying abroad doesn’t mean pausing your environmental ethics, you can expand them into a lifelong chain reaction!
