- Solution area:Organisations ,Processes ,Regulations and compliance ,
- Аdministrative level:District ,State ,Federation ,
- Solution process:Digitization and technology ,Energy ,Environment and sustainability ,Public service ,
- Technology:Information technology ,Platform technology ,
Electronic environmental data management (EDM)
The digital hub for environmental reporting obligations
Whether it’s a waste balance sheet, an emissions report, or proof of reusable quotas – complying with environmental laws entails numerous reporting and documentation obligations for both companies and authorities. The Electronic Environmental Data Management (EDM) system provides a central digital platform that consolidates, automates, and transparently maps all these processes. Developed by the responsible ministry in cooperation with the Environment Agency Austria and other partners, the system is accessible at edm.gv.at.
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Quick Facts
How it works
EDM is a comprehensive e-government system made up of a wide range of specialized applications – from electronic waste reporting and consignment notes for hazardous waste to emissions reporting. At the heart of it lies the Central Plant Register (ZAReg), which manages nationwide master data on persons, locations, and facilities and serves as a shared data foundation for all EDM applications.
Companies can fulfill their legal reporting obligations using standardized input forms – securely, transparently, and around the clock. Authorities receive structured, uniformly processed data to support their monitoring and approval duties. The public also benefits from transparent access to information on environmentally relevant activities in Austria.
A particular focus lies on automation and digital traceability: the fully electronic consignment note system (VEBSV 2.0) replaces paper-based processes, increasing efficiency and reducing error rates. Additionally, EDM supports specific environmental goals – for example, through the Biomass Energy Register, which documents greenhouse gas (GHG) savings, or applications for tracking reusable packaging quotas and food redistribution.
The Big Picture
EDM plays a key role in simplifying and modernizing environmental administration. It reduces administrative burden, increases legal and data security, and enables transparent, seamless communication between companies, authorities, and the public.
At the same time, the system strengthens the implementation of environmental policy goals: data on waste, emissions, and packaging is made available more quickly and accurately, forming the basis for evidence-based environmental management at all levels. Climate protection also benefits – through paperless processes and reliable data for national GHG accounting.
EDM is thus not just a technical solution, but a key building block for a future-ready, coordinated environmental administration system that combines digitalization with sustainability.
