Freiburg’s Vauban district is one of the most famous eco-neighbourhoods in Europe. It focuses on energy-efficient housing, promoting passive houses and renewable energy. It is based on the city government’s aim of restoring an old military barracks based on ecological and social cohesion criteria, and creating a participatory process that would generate the NGO Forum Vauban and would have inter- and intra-administrative coordination structures to enable proposals emerging from the process to be implemented and permit a high degree of coordination between the public participation process and the local government.
The initiative focuses on building passive houses that require minimal energy for heating and cooling, extensive use of solar energy and community-driven energy initiatives, including shared renewable energy sources and strong community engagement in sustainable living practices, from housing to transportation.
Passive houses provide resilience against temperature fluctuations and reduce energy demand. Shared renewable energy sources increase energy security and reduce reliance on centralized power grids.
The focus on passive housing and renewable energy integration can serve as a model for mid-sized cities aiming to reduce energy consumption while enhancing climate resilience.
More information:
Inclusive Cities Observatory – « VAUBAN SUSTAINABLE URBAN DISTRICT »
