KH-30-12-626-EN
-C
doi:10.2779/53814
European Green Capital 2013NANTES
An initiative of
European Commission
Nantes — European Green Capital 2013
Luxembourg: Publications Offi ce of the European Union
2012 — 70 pp. — 21 x 21 cm
ISBN 978-92-79-25017-0
doi:10.2779/53814
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Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2012
ISBN 978-92-79-25017-0doi:10.2779/53814
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European Green Capital 2013
NANTES
Photos: © Christian Konig (front cover, pages 11, 15, 44, 48, 58, 65), © Stephane Menoret (pages 18, 39),
© Christiane Blanchard (page 28), © Benjamin Juhel (pages 12, 14, 24), © Patrick Garçon (pages 8, 16, 27, 32, 40,
43, 51, 52, 54, 60, 62), © Balanca Erwan (pages 21, 56), © Valery Joncheray (pages 22-23, 35, 69),
© Giangrande (page 36), © François Delarozière (page 46), © J-D Billaud/Nautilus Nantes (page 47),
© Gino Maccarinelli (page 50), © Jordi Bover (page 64), © Cécile Leroux et Yannick Gourvil/ “Et alors” (pages 66, 68)
Table of contentsForeword 5Making cities pleasant places to work and live 5
Message from Nantes 7
Nantes is European Green Capital 2013 9
Nantes at a glance 13
Why is Nantes special? 17
A city in the vanguard of sustainable development 25
How Nantes promotes sustainable development: best policies and method 37
Nantes’ social and cultural dimension 41
Voyage à Nantes: promoting nature and culture 45
Local economic innovation on the global stage 49
International networks 53
What impressed the experts 57
Growing up green 61
The programme for 2013 63
So, imagine Nantes in 2030 … 67
5NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Making cities pleasant places to work and live The European Green Capital Award is a celebration of cities that are rising to the challenge of
successfully combining respect for the environment, excellent quality of life and economic growth.
As last year’s winner Vitoria-Gasteiz has shown, winners are committed to improving their
environmental performance, but winning is not an end in itself. The European Green Capital Award
is not just about a trophy, it is about valuable experiences, opportunities to evolve and incentives
to do more and better.
With three out of four Europeans now living in cities, meeting the urban environment challenge
has become vital. Sound urban planning and an integrated, innovative approach to environmental
management are essential to building a sustainable urban environment, but citizens’ involvement
and commitment are crucial to its success. This is why I am delighted to see that Nantes is already
using a range of initiatives to reach citizens and encourage ‘green’ living.
In 2013, air quality will be a special focus of the European Commission’s environment policy. While
the award focuses on 11 other indicators as well, each of the fi ve winning cities to date have had
strong commitments to improving air quality, through extensive green spaces, sustainable transport
and awareness-raising campaigns.
I am certain that the European Green Capital Award will help Nantes build on its progress to date,
further develop its effi cient and clean transport network and help mobilise the city to bring more
people and organisations together to the benefi t of the environment and Nantes’ citizens. Nantes
will host the 10th international Ecocity conference and the 5th World Forum on Human Rights that
will focus on sustainable development and will off er a great opportunity to present the European
Green Capital Award’s benefi ts to an international audience.
I strongly encourage everyone to see for themselves what Nantes is doing to make Europe’s cities
better places to live in. It will pass the title to Copenhagen in 2014, but before that we have a
promising year ahead of us to discover and learn from Nantes.
Janez Potočnik
European Commissioner for the Environment
7NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Message from NantesFollowing Stockholm, Hamburg and Vitoria-Gasteiz, Nantes is the
European Union’s Green Capital for 2013. This distinction rewards all our
eff orts in favour of the environment and rational development. It is also
an incentive to mobilise our forces to take a new leap forward: involving
public and private players, associations, and above all the citizens of
Nantes themselves who have made this progress possible and are also the
chief benefi ciaries. This European recognition shows that the ‘Nantaise’
route towards long-term development, realised collectively and founded
on good-quality public services, social cohesion and valuing natural
assets, is also a useful example for others. It is possible to choose optimism
rather than doing nothing. We must innovate, act, and decide together on
our common future.
Take the lead: to enable all citizens to get involved in this exceptional
year, be aware of the issues, express their aspirations, contribute to a
broad debate and achieve progress for our metropolis, from now to 2030.
Our city has to grow, and it is up to us to decide how.
Be infl uential: we want to share our experiences, our successes and our
quality of life with other European cities: coordinated transport networks
(Tramway, Navibus, Busway, Chronobus), air quality, waste management and
recycling, urban planning, our Climate Plan, protection of biodiversity, water
quality ... It is through working together that we will build tomorrow’s cities.
Contribute: for many years, Nantes has been committed to action to
safeguard biodiversity and combat climate change. In 2013, Nantes will host
major events like the Ecocity world summit and the World Forum on Human
Rights: crossroads for ideas and initiatives that will generate forward-
looking policies and activities capable of building sustainable cities.
Gilles Retière
Mayor of Rezé
President of Greater
Nantes
Patrick Rimbert
Mayor of Nantes
9NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Nantes is European Green Capital 2013In 2013, the French city of Nantes holds the prestigious title of European
Green Capital.
Europe is becoming an increasingly urbanised society. Three out of four European citizens already
live in towns and cities, and that proportion is expected to grow to four out of fi ve by 2050.
Cities have to deal with many of the toughest environmental challenges facing our society today: air
quality, noise, transport, protecting ecosystems, waste management, water and energy supply, and
so on. Yet they also foster the know-how and innovation required to meet them.
Municipal authorities play a key role in protecting the environment while at the same time off ering
the best possible quality of life. More and more European towns and cities are showing real creativity
in achieving these objectives. The European Commission launched the European Green Capital
Award in order to recognise and reward these eff orts, and encourage policy-makers across Europe
to aim higher, and to share and benefi t from examples of good practice.
The Rings (Les Anneaux) by Daniel Buren is a work of art within a richly historical setting, which today forms part of an ambitious urban development scheme
The Award provides real-life examples of how respect for the environment, excellent quality of life and economic growth can be successfully combinedJanez Potočnik, EU Environment Commissioner
10 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
How it started
In May 2006, the former Mayor of Tallinn Jüri Ratas – now Vice-
President of the Estonian Parliament – held a meeting at which
15 European cities, plus the Association of Estonian cities, signed
the Tallinn Memorandum. It called on the European Commission
to establish a scheme to reward outstanding eff orts to improve
the urban environment.
The European Green Capital Award was offi cially launched on
22 May 2008. The competition is open to all European cities of
at least 200 000 people (or the largest city in countries with small
populations).
The two-tier selection process
An independent panel of environmental experts assesses all
the applications on 12 technical criteria: climate change, local
transport, green urban areas incorporating sustainable land use,
nature and biodiversity, quality of local ambient air, quality of
the acoustic environment, waste production and management,
water consumption, waste-water treatment, eco-innovation and
sustainable employment, environmental management of the
local authority, and energy performance.
A jury then makes the fi nal selection from a shortlist of cities,
with special emphasis on candidates’ overall commitment,
communication strategy, and ability to act as a role model to
inspire other European cities.
Award-winning cities must:❙ Have achieved consistently high
environmental standards;
❙ Be committed to ambitious goals for further environmental improvement and sustainable development;
❙ Act as a role model to inspire others and promote best practices to all other European cities.
Previous winners: Stockholm 2010, Hamburg 2011, Vitoria-Gasteiz 2012.
Other 2012/2013 fi nalists: Barcelona (Spain), Malmö (Sweden), Nuremberg (Germany) and Reykjavik (Iceland).
11NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Reaping the benefi ts
Promoting a green agenda and sustainable development helps cities to boost local growth and job
creation. Winning the title of European Green Capital also brings other advantageous side eff ects
such as increased tourism, more investment and an infl ux of young professionals. All in all, going
green can help to make cities more prosperous and desirable places to live and work.
The strategy behind the award is not merely to highlight the achievements of a few outstanding
cities. It aims to build a growing movement, encouraging all Europe’s urban areas to off er ever-
better living conditions for their inhabitants.
Europeans have a right to live in healthy towns and cities. Local authorities need to adopt policies
that improve residents’ quality of life, and reduce their own impact on the global environment. This
message is summarised in the EGCA slogan: ‘Green cities – fi t for life’.
The Eric Tabarly bridge, opened in 2011, is named after the round-the-world sailor, born in Nantes
13NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Nantes at a glance Nantes was known as the ‘Venice of the West’ until the 1930s, when
major works put an end to fl ooding and created new transport
infrastructures. The city is located on the confl uence of the Loire,
Erdre and Sèvre rivers, 55km from the Atlantic coast, and forms the
core of the urban area of Greater Nantes. Today, it is internationally
recognised for its quality of life.
Nantes can trace its roots back to pre-Roman times. From the
19th century onwards, it became an important industrial base.
Together with the downstream coastal town of Saint-Nazaire,
it was the largest port in France – a major trading centre,
especially across the Atlantic. The river is still accessible to ocean-
going ships. In 1975, Nantes was home to some 60 000 industrial
workers – many of them in the shipbuilding sector.
With the closure of the shipyards in the late 1980s, Nantes
faced a diffi cult social climate tinged with disappointment and
despondency. The new majority had to rethink development
strategy and restore hope, confi dence and pride among Nantes’
population. This required creativity: embracing possibilities for
change and redefi ning a collective vision for the city. Believing
culture to be essential to social cohesion, Nantes made it the
central and cross-cutting focus of all its plans.
The transformation of the Île de Nantes adds a new layer of urban history, while preserving traces of the past
Facts and fi gures
❙ France’s sixth largest city with a metropolitan population of some 600 000 inhabitants
❙ France’s third city for employment
❙ Urban area: 534.9km2
❙ 24 municipalities
❙ Temperate climate with cool winters and mild summers
❙ Predicted growth to 700 000 by 2030
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This approach entailed confronting the past and consciously
relating it to the future. Planners linked the city’s heritage to
their development project: converting shipyard into public
places, attracting new, high-tech industries, making culture
and art a hallmark of the city, and adopting a long-term plan for
environmentally friendly, sustainable development. The arrival
of the fast ‘TGV’ train, putting Nantes just two hours from Paris,
helped the city’s renaissance. Nantes was transformed into the
“green wonder of western France”, with a steady rate of carefully
managed growth.
Green facts and fi gures
❙ 60% of natural and agricultural areas
❙ 57m2 of green space per person
❙ 100 000 trees in the city
❙ 15% of residents use the transport system daily
❙ Winner of the Civitas Award in 2009
❙ An ambitious Climate Action Plan to reduce CO2 emissions by 30% per capita by 2020 in three sectors: residential, transport and tertiary (baseline 2003)
❙ Everyone lives within 300m of a green area in the city
City planners have set out to restore pride among Nantes’ citizens
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Nantes is recognised throughout Europe for its quality of life
Nantes has adopted a long-term plan for environmentally friendly, sustainable development
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Why is Nantes special? Nantes is a dynamic, forward-looking city, in which greening the
environment is one important element of a policy approach focused
on improving the overall quality of life for residents. This principle
underlies all city decision-making.
Together: ‘le jeu à la Nantaise’
Above all, policy-making is based on citizen and stakeholder involvement. At every step of the
way, the people of Nantes are consulted, in order to generate a collective spirit, and to empower
them to feel they can make a diff erence in improving their urban environment and living standards.
This applies equally to public ownership of the preparations for 2013, with local associations and
enterprises taking part through calls for projects and demonstrations of good practice.
This is ‘le jeu à la Nantaise’ – a term derived from the local football team, but now widely adopted to
signify a collective approach embodying intelligence, simplicity, determination and savoir faire – an
approach which successfully reaches its ‘goals’!
A ‘collective art work’ at the opening of the Fabrique cultural and artistic centre in September 2011
Nantes must be the most liveable place in all of EuropeTIME Magazine, 2004
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Public services for social cohesion and sustainable development
In Nantes, 25% of accommodation is social housing. A high density of public services and utilities,
including good-quality transport, energy and waste management, enables the population to live
more sustainably, whatever their income.
Services are designed to encourage social solidarity – with communal family gardens, collective
composting, and community heating systems using renewable energy. Environmental protection,
improving air and water quality and safeguarding green spaces, increases the enjoyment of life for all.
The Navibus crosses the Loire
in six minutes and links the old fi shing village
of Trentemoult (Rezé) to Nantes
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Dynamic growth
Nantes is a very dynamic city. The population of the metropolitan area grew by 100 000 over the last
20 years, ranking Greater Nantes as the sixth biggest French city with 600 000 residents. The same
trend is forecast over the next 20 years, with up to 100 000 more people.
The challenge is therefore to guarantee both the quality of life and sustainable land use. Maintaining
balanced development between nature and the city means fi ghting urban sprawl.
To this end, Greater Nantes has worked on integrated policies, and housing policy is coordinated
with transport policy. An ambitious transport network already allows 15% of commuters to use
public transport daily. Since the 1990s, 5 000 new homes per year have been built, especially for
lowe-middle-class households, in order to limit urban avoidance.
To tackle the urban-sprawl challenge more effi ciently, Nantes designed a common urban
planning framework for Nantes/Saint-Nazaire, called ‘Scot’ (Schéma de coherence territoriale). This
document, adopted in March 2007, set out a plan of settlement for business zones, housing zones
and infrastructure, while protecting agricultural land and natural spaces, especially the Loire estuary
and other green and blue corridors.
These integrated policies have eff ectively reduced urban sprawl. Compared with the 1990s, the
take-up of land for urban residential and mixed spaces (housing, facilities, etc.) shows a fall of
22%, whereas the construction
of housing units increased
during the same period from an
average of 4 981 per year in 1999-
2004, to 6 212. Thanks to these
policies, the Nantes/Saint-Nazaire
metropolitan area has preserved
more than 15 000 hectares of
natural and farmland spaces:
80% of its surface area.
Nantes is the fi rst French city to have reintroduced a tramway network, in 1985
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Natural pioneers
As a striking symbol of Nantes’ green creativity, the Aérofl orale II
plant expedition (expedition végétale, created by François
Delarozière) will be a European centrepiece of the city’s year as
Green Capital. With its crew of scientists and explorers, the giant
craft plays host to biological experiments and discoveries.
Nantes is an ‘ambitious and growing city’, thanks to ‘the growth of research-based and high-tech jobs and prescient long-term urban planning’New York Times, September 2011
Unique selling points
In a survey, residents identifi ed three outstanding things about Nantes:
❙ The Loire River
❙ The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, where the Edict of Nantes, bringing religious freedom to France, was signed in 1598
❙ Les Machines de l’île – the gallery housing the fantastic, giant creations dreamed up by La Machine Nantes-based production company
21NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Biodiversity is a key asset
The Loire, France’s longest river, crosses Nantes, and connects the city to the Atlantic port of Saint-
Nazaire. Through the years, it has played a fundamental role in the city’s history and evolution,
and in forging its character. Where once shipyards and docks dominated the waterfront, industrial
change means that the people of Nantes have been able to re-appropriate the river for their own
use: building new communities and protecting and restoring the special ecosystems of the Loire
estuary. The estuary is a unique environment, where citizens can connect directly with their territory
and see and ‘feel’ it in a new way. The waterways, wetlands, parks and agricultural land that make up
Greater Nantes put green and blue spaces at the heart of the urban area.
Nantes’ green spaces are home to many animals, birds, plants and insects
The Peage Sauvage observatory at the heart of the Little Amazon nature reserve is an The Peage Sauvage observatory at the heart of the Little Amazon nature reserve is an impressive wooden sculpture, built for the Estuaire 2012 contemporary art projectimpressive wooden sculpture, built for the Estuaire 2012 contemporary art project
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A city in the vanguard of sustainable developmentNantes has established its green credentials over time. As industry
declined towards the end of the 20th century, city decision-makers
had the prescience to look towards another kind of urban model.
“Because we anticipated and planned over the last 20 years, Nantes
is now the kind of city that attracts people,” says former Mayor Jean-
Marc Ayrault.
Greater Nantes’ Climate Action Plan
Globally, 70% of greenhouse gas emissions come from urban areas. Nantes has made reducing its
contribution to climate change a strategic priority.
Greater Nantes’ council unanimously adopted the territorial Climate Action Plan in 2007.
The objective is to go beyond the EU’s energy and climate package and the Covenant of Mayors’
targets, to cut emissions by 30% per capita by 2020 (baseline 2003) for three sectors: residential,
transport and tertiary. It also comprises adaptation measures to limit the threat of damage from
climate change.
Nantes’ courthouse is on the opposite side of the Loire, facing the commemorative pathway of the memorial to the abolition of slavery
26 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Residents can call a dedicated ‘hello climate’ (Allo climat) number for advice and support on ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions
A big commitment
The Climate Action Plan aims to align public policies and spending with climate-friendly principles.
But the target will not be reached without the commitment of all the metropolitan area’s nearly
600 000 inhabitants, and all sectors of society, including scientists, business, and local administrations.
A Climate Workshop, involving 150 households over one year, was just one way of drawing people
in. Greater Nantes also supports training and research to raise awareness and identify sustainable
sources of energy. It brings together companies, associations and other stakeholders to promote
action and exchange good practice. Climate counsellors give advice on how to save energy in the
private residential sector.
New eco-building techniques help to save resources, and the development of heating networks
using biomass is under way. Partners in France’s emerging off shore wind-farm market are also based
in Nantes.
The Climate Action Plan, together with an ambitious transport policy, have improved air quality in
the city, bringing all pollution indicators – NO2, PM10 and ozone – down below limit values, and
reducing CO2 output to 4.77 tonnes per capita in 2009.
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Projects
Nantes and Saint-Nazaire are currently co-operating on three major research programmes on
alternative energy sources, focusing on marine hybrid propulsion, generating energy from
household waste (PREVER), and harnessing wave power (SEAREV).
From 2006 to 2010, Nantes was a partner – with the German city of Hanover – in the European
Commission’s Concerto-act 2 programme, designed especially to promote innovative ways to
generate renewable energy and manage demand.
During the Climate Workshop (June 2010-June 2011), Jean-Marc Ayrault, former Mayor of Nantes, with the 150 households who took action to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
28 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
A city on the move
Transport is playing a vital role in Nantes’ commitments to lowering carbon dioxide emissions and
evolving a better quality of life for its citizens.
Nantes was the fi rst French city successfully to reintroduce electric tramways. Closed in 1958, the
Tramway network reopened in 1985 and today covers 42km – making it one of the longest in France
– and facilitates some 65 million passenger journeys a year. However, overall, Nantes’ inhabitants
make some 2 million journeys a day – 15% of them by public transport. So to encourage more of
its citizens to leave the car at home, Nantes is progressively introducing new, high-quality public
transport infrastructure.
The Tramway network,
reopened in 1985, is one of the
longest in France
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Better buses
Launched in 2006, the Busway is one such innovation. The
Busway uses dedicated bus lanes and has right of way over
normal traffi c at junctions – thus it combines the speed of a
dedicated tramline with the lower cost of a bus system. With
15 stations spread over 7km, the Busway carries over 25 000
passengers a day and complements the 72 standard bus routes
that link the municipalities of Greater Nantes. The latest project
is the Chronobus – a next-generation public transport system
which builds on the Busway concept with structural alterations
such as road widening and roundabouts that will guarantee
rapid journey times between the city centre and its surrounding
suburbs. With four lines launched in 2012 and a further six
planned, the Chronobus will carry some 100 000 passengers a
day and more than double the size of Nantes’ transport network.
Sustainable mobility
Nantes’ objectives for a better and cleaner transport network are
set out in the Urban Mobility Plan for the metropolitan region.
The 2010-2015 plan, with targets for 2030, aims for a harmonious
balance between the private car and other, greener means of
getting around the city and region: on foot, on a bicycle, on a bus.
It also incorporates into the mix solutions such as car-pooling,
car-sharing through the ‘marguerite’ service, park and ride, river
transport, self-service cycling and experiments with folding
bikes, taking sustainable mobility as a global objective.
Sustainable mobility for all
Nantes: Urban Mobility Plan objectives for 2030
Mode of transport Today 2030
Walking 24% 30%
Bicycle 2% 12%
Public transport 15% 16%
Car passenger 10% 9%
Car driver 47% 31%
Motorcycle 2% 2%
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The plan sets out a wide-ranging strategy around four axes: to
organise a city of ‘short distances’ by encouraging better spatial
balance between work, home, shops and leisure; to coordinate
public transport modes to link these activities more effi ciently;
to create high-quality public spaces that favour pedestrians and
cyclists; and to encourage and guide environmentally friendly
changes in the way people choose to move around the city.
Nantes is France’s leading city for mobility for disabled people.
Green spaces for greener lifestyles
Located on the Loire, Erdre and Sèvre rivers and close to the
Atlantic seaboard, Nantes is blessed with a variety of natural
environments, such as wetlands and forests, which extend into
the city itself.
As Nantes transforms itself from an industrial city to an eco-
metropolis, its policy of uniting the town with its rivers and
countryside – the blue and the green – is centred on preserving
this ecological heritage. The number of green and blue spaces
has grown over the last decade.
Nantes’ nature in numbers
❙ More than 250km of rivers and 53km of riverside walks
❙ 27km2 of water
❙ 47 protected plants
❙ 127 rare or threatened plants
❙ 19 protected animals
❙ 15 rare or threatened animals
❙ 4 IBAs (Important Bird Areas)
❙ 33 ZNIEFFs (Natural Areas of Ecological, Faunistic and Floristic Interest)
❙ 4 Natura 2000 areas
❙ 1 400 jobs in agriculture
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Little Amazon
The Natura 2000 site ‘Petite Amazonie’, situated centrally next to
the railway station, is a prime example of this policy. Originally
a water meadow isolated from urban development by rail
infrastructure, Petite Amazonie is now a protected wetland
environment and home to a rich variety of birds, plants, aquatic
life and insects – which can be seen and enjoyed on guided tours
starting a few steps from the city centre.
Closer to nature
Some 15% of the city area is made up of 99 formal gardens,
parks and squares which are integral to the city’s lifestyle and
host a variety of horticultural and social events throughout the
year. From these green spaces, 250km of waterways link the city
to the countryside, hosting fl ora and fauna ranging from the
most common to the very rare. Management plans ensure the
preservation of wetlands and special areas like the four Natura
2000 sites. In this way, urban development along the banks of the
Loire takes account of the protection of emblematic species like
the Angélique des estuaires (Angelica heterocarpa) and the Scirpe
triquétre (Scirpus triqueter).
The à la Nantaise lifestyle
❙ 60% of land area is either agricultural or a natural or offi cial green area
❙ Nantes has four Natura 2000 sites and 33 natural zones of fl oral, faunal or ecological interest
❙ 200km of waterside walks
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A ring of forests
All too often, growing cities encroach on surrounding woodland. In Nantes, it is the other way
around – the city is encouraging its surrounding woodland to move inwards and link people
more intimately to nature. The ‘Urban Forests’ project protects three woodland sites from building
development, while at the same time extending them, through land purchases and co-operation
with existing owners. By managing these diverse woodland sites – for example by reforestation and
ecosystem preservation – the project is opening ecological corridors inwards to the city to off er its
citizens wooded green spaces close by for leisure and adventure.
Farmlands are protected against urban
encroachment, and farmers get
help to fi nd land and investment
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Suburban agriculture
As a metropolitan region, Greater Nantes sees agriculture as
essential to striking the right balance between urban growth and
the need to preserve natural spaces. In this, it is helped by the
diversity and productivity of regional agriculture which includes,
among other sectors, cattle rearing, dairy production, market
gardening and, of course, the vines that produce Muscadet wine.
Greater Nantes has 330 farms, providing 1 400 jobs. As well as
supporting the commercial success of local producers, it also
protects farmland and farmers against urban encroachment.
Nantes actively brings abandoned farmland in suburban areas
of the city back into use by helping potential farmers and co-
operatives fi nd the fi nance and land they need to set up as
agricultural producers.
An island of vision for the city
Nantes is developing old industrial sites in the city centre using
state-of-the-art principles for a sustainable urban ecology,
which combines energy-effi cient housing with green spaces and
leisure facilities to accommodate its growing population.
The Île de Nantes is an island in the River Loire, at the core of
the city. Originally the western end was home to the port and
shipyards, but these activities have moved further downriver
to the mouth of the Loire, leaving behind an industrial
brownfi eld site available for new and innovative sustainable and
environmentally friendly uses.
The island in fi gures
❙ 337 hectares
❙ 18 000 inhabitants
❙ 22 000 jobs
❙ 280 000 daily journeys
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Culture is one of the elements transforming the island. Among the main attractions is Les Machines
de l’île (Machines of the Isle), bringing to life the astonishing imaginary and mechanical creations of
Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. It is housed in the former shipyard warehouses, opened to the
public in 2007.
Today, an ambitious urban sustainable development project is under way to create an ‘eco-quarter’
on the island, including housing, gardens, leisure spaces, shops and workshops. It represents a
microcosm of Nantes’ innovative and creative vision of sustainable urban living, incorporating state-
of-the-art approaches to construction, collective transportation, recycling and renewable energy
technologies.
Urban ecology guidelines
The work that began nearly 10 years ago has profoundly changed the urban landscape of the Île de
Nantes. The project aims to provide around 1 million m2 of additional living space, including some
7 500 new housing units for 15 000 to 20 000 people – thus doubling the current population of the island.
‘Urban ecology’ principles are being applied to the whole island, and particularly brownfi eld
sites, for example by reusing the existing topsoil, installing rainwater collection and natural water
treatment systems, avoiding automated watering systems in green spaces, and ensuring biodiversity
is protected in the river. Furthermore, with an eye to promoting European energy effi ciency,
systemically reducing energy consumption and loss in housing, public and commercial buildings is a
priority. Communal hot-water networks and the installation of wind and solar electricity-generation
facilities are just some of the sustainable solutions under construction.
A will to innovate
In regenerating the Île de Nantes, the city and region are open to experimental projects that can
provide best-practice solutions for sustainable lifestyles. One such is the ‘Rubbish Villa’, the brainchild
of a local architect which, with the help of 200 volunteers, was built entirely of urban waste during
the European Week for Waste Reduction in 2010, and was used to highlight the need to avoid over-
consumption and preserve natural resources.
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By 2020, the Île de Nantes project aims to:
❙ Improve the quality of life of its citizens
❙ Promote sustainable economic development
❙ Reconnect the city to its river
❙ Build 7 500 energy-effi cient homes for more than
15 000 people
❙ Create 15 000 new jobs
❙ Create and rehabilitate 150 hectares of green public spaces
❙ Improve accessibility by public transport and car-free paths
A green heart for the city
Brownfi eld sites have been transformed into recreational areas
37NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
How Nantes promotes sustainable development: best policies and method Dialogue with citizens is fundamental to preparing and implementing
environmental policies, because imposing ‘top-down’ decisions does
not get results.
Living and acting collectively
Only 6% of greenhouse gas emissions come from local public
services (drinking-water production and distribution, household
waste treatment) whereas 94% come from other activities on the
territory (heating of buildings, mobility, etc.). So making residents
more aware of how they use energy, and encouraging them to
change their day-to-day behaviour, is vital to cutting output.
Local people also have a say in the provision and orientation
of essential services, such as water, and in city planning and
land use.
Local people work together to implement Nantes’ green policies
To fi nd the right tools to raise awareness about the environment, the authorities surveyed 2 500 people on climate change:
❙ 98% had heard of it, but not all were clear about its causes
❙ 72% could identify one or more of the consequences
❙ 68% were “quite worried” about it
38 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Climate Workshop
In 2010, Greater Nantes launched its experimental Climate Workshop (Atelier Climat), bringing
together 150 representative households to test out public policies, tackle obstacles, and put forward
new initiatives to help local people adapt their way of life. Nantes aims to be a pioneer in involving
residents in achieving the ambitious objectives of the Climate Plan, creating a ground-breaking
relationship between public policy and individual action. In 2013, the authorities will launch even
closer co-operation with citizens.
Greater Nantes also supports local projects and networks of associations:
❙ Ecossolies, launched in 2004, brings together all the actors involved in the social solidarity
economy, to co-operate in developing products and services in sectors ranging from environment
and agriculture to culture and employment.
❙ Ecopôle – the permanent centre for environmental initiatives – is a network of some
250 companies, associations and individuals working on sustainable development. It also
functions as a multimedia information source, helping to raise awareness and give advice on
environmental issues across the territory, with presentations and exhibitions targeting diff erent
audiences.
The Climate Workshop is a citizens’ brainstorming aimed at meeting the environmental challenge of, notably, reducing greenhouse gasesDavid Parpaillon, Climate Workshop participant
39NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Family business
Greater Nantes is a partner in the ‘Families for Positive Energy’ competition in the Pays de la Loire,
showing how households can work together to reduce their carbon footprint through practical,
measurable and sociable activities. The principle is simple: teams made up of a dozen families get
together to represent their neighbourhood and confront the challenge of cutting their domestic
energy use – including heating, hot water and household appliances – as much as possible. Each
team pledges to consume at least 8% less energy than the previous winter – in line with the Kyoto
Protocol targets. What matters is working and making progress together. By the end of the 2011-2012
competition, the seven participating teams had reduced their energy consumption by about 20%.
In 2011, Greater Nantes also launched a new citizens’ initiative to cut waste. It invited volunteer
households, including single people, families with children and pensioners, to take part in a three-
month trial aimed at exploring ways to reduce domestic rubbish. Since January 2012, 90% of Nantes
citizens are able to sort their rubbish at home and get it collected from the doorstep.
The ‘Soft Mobility Plan’ (Plan de déplacements doux), adopted in December 2009 with a budget of
€40 million, aims to double the proportion of city journeys by bicycle by 2015. Nantes tries to encourage
its citizens to adopt more environmentally friendly modes of travel through informing and advising
them on diff erent options to suit their needs, for example during the annual European Mobility Week.
The food and culinary festival ‘Goûts Uniques’ invites the public to discover new taste experiences through its unusual and exciting events
41NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Nantes’ social and cultural dimension Social cohesion, diversity and creativity are key to Nantes’ approach
to improving the environment and quality of life for residents. Social
housing has always been an integral part of town planning, and
projects for the rehabilitation and regeneration of run-down areas aim
to generate social solidarity and a collective spirit.
On the Île de Nantes, for example, the former Larivière industrial site is being transformed into a hive
of development for social enterprise and solidarity, opening its doors in 2013, with the support of
Ecossolies. Here, people will be able to get information, training and advice on setting up a company.
They can buy and sell sustainable products, and take part in debates and events.
Inspired creators
The city of Nantes is permeated by art and the artists who have chosen a shared popular culture
– the foundation of sustainable creativity. As a living entity, Nantes has developed over 20 years
to become one of the great cultural cities of Europe. Opportunities for dialogue between citizens,
including café-clubs and meeting places, enable everyone to get to know their cultural heritage and
have a voice in shaping their future.
The huge programme of action to restore the port, river, estuary, coast and the Île de Nantes has
allowed for the development of a new area at the heart of Nantes dedicated to art, creativity and
innovation, in harmony with the city’s history and its river.
Art and artists form an integral part of the city of Nantes and its dynamic, creative spirit
42 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
The Île de Nantes’ Creative Arts District (Quartier de la Création) is transforming the former site of
the manufacturing company Alstom into a cluster of creative industries: communication, design,
theatre, architecture and visual arts. It will also provide a new home for the school of fi ne arts, plus a
range of support services and public facilities, including training, research and mediation. It will be
a beacon of imagination and cultural innovation bringing new life to the city.
Creativity and innovation
In the space of 20 years, Nantes has stepped into the limelight by promoting the talents of its
creative artists and through successful events and cultural centres, including Lieu Unique, Estuaire,
Folle journée, Royal de Luxe, the Machines, Journey to Nantes, and much more. New contemporary
music venues and art laboratories like the Fabrique off er opportunities to explore emerging trends,
with networks spanning the entire city. There is a vibrant art scene and artists travel the globe,
supported by programmes promoting mobility.
Cultural diversity
Nantes is acutely aware of the role played by culture in everyday life, integration and well-being.
Nantes’ history makes it a melting pot of diversity. It fosters street cultures (Hip’obsession festival),
infl uences from abroad (Tissé métisse, European fi lm festivals, Aux Heures d’été, etc.) and supports
a major non-profi t association sector.
The city-backed project, l’Art en partage, with shared creative projects, cultural events and street
festivals in every district, has become very popular with local residents. Nantes’ Royal de Luxe street
theatre company takes its ambitious shows around the world.
It is diffi cult to think of playing a role in today’s global economy without putting the emphasis on creativity and imagination
43NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Indeed, Nantes is a city of wondrous creations, the birthplace of Jules Verne – just one of its
distinguished citizens, together with others such as fi lm-maker Jacques Demy, cartoonist Claire
Bretécher and sailor Eric Tabarly.
The remarkable Machines de l’île helps to promote the city’s image and associate it with the power
of dreams and fantasy in the service of change. Artists François Delarozière and Pierre Orefi ce
visualised a universe freed of the boundaries of space and time, navigated by vehicles inspired by
Verne, the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci and the eccentric British illustrator Heath Robinson.
‘Made in France’ is already an established cachet, but in future, ‘Made in Nantes’ could also be a
unique distinguishing mark.
Beside the Loire, opposite the Jules Verne Museum, the Carrousel des Mondes Marins – a giant, 25m-tall roundabout created by François Delarozière – is like a 360° theatre
45NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Voyage à Nantes: promoting nature and cultureThe Voyage à Nantes (Journey to Nantes) is a framework for grouping
the metropolis’ tourist attractions and developing high-quality,
environmentally friendly tourism and cultural services.
Nantes off ers plenty to see and do: Les Machines de l’île, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, the
memorial to the abolition of slavery, the Loire estuary, a selection of restaurants to suit all tastes …
The Journey to Nantes grew out of the idea that bringing these elements together and mapping a
coherent 8.5km itinerary would make the city even more attractive, not only for visitors but also for
residents eager to get to know their environment better.
Green Passport
To encourage eco-tourism in particular,
Nantes is a partner in the ‘Green Passport’,
a tool for promoting hotels, inns, campsites
and restaurants that pursue sustainable
practices. The authorities are working with
the United Nations Environment Programme
(UNEP) as well as the region/department of
Loire-Atlantic and local bodies, including
the Chamber of Commerce and Industry and
other stakeholders. The partners sign a charter
committing themselves to the principles of
sustainable tourism.
Nantes’ residents are the best ambassadors to the outside worldValérie Demangeau, vice-president, Greater Nantes
On the Martinière canal at Le Pellerin, Erwin Wurm’s ‘soft boat’, entitled ‘Misconceivable’, is part of the Estuaire project
46 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
The Green Passport has four aspects: governance, solidarity,
quality and infl uence. Its aim is to make Nantes/Saint-Nazaire
a role model for sustainable tourism, by linking diff erent actors
and using innovative means to protect the environment, make
the region more attractive and increase the economic benefi ts,
thereby promoting social cohesion and quality of life.
Look again
Estuaire is an artistic adventure uniting landscape, art and the River Loire, around Nantes and Saint-Nazaire. It was designed to offer a fresh perspective on the natural environment. From 2007 to 2012, works of contemporary art were placed along the 60km stretch of water between the two cities. Some of them are now permanent features of the landscape.
Aérofl orale II, the enigmatic
plant vessel built by the La Machine
company, is the emblem of Nantes
European Green Capital 2013
© F
ranç
ois
Del
aroz
ière
47NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Art and nature
The Journey to Nantes brings
together nature and culture. In
2012, it launched a culture trail
with the subtitle: ‘The city turned
upside down by art’. According
to Director Jean Blaise, the aim is
to “off er unusual points of view
and perspectives” on the urban
environment. “Over the past
20 years, the city has undergone a
renewal,” he points out. “Today we
benefi t from a cultural panorama so
rich and diverse that other regional
capitals envy us.”
Nymphéa: spectral images from Ange Leccia, projected on to the canal waters are a feature of Estuaire
49NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Local economic innovation on the global stage Nantes’ social solidarity economy creates an area for research and
development in socio-economic innovation.
The social solidarity economy policy (l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire) forms part of a development
approach that goes beyond basic free-market logic to incorporate both social justice and
environmental protection. An SSE cluster will open on the Île de Nantes in summer 2013, occupying
an area of about 4 000m² on a renovated industrial site. This cluster, led by the Ecossolies association,
aims to foster stakeholders’ ideas and innovations and develop jobs and services. There are plans
for 20 organisations from various business sectors, plus 20 start-ups. In all, 120 people will work
permanently on the site.
Nantes supports and co-operates with national and international research programmes on the
environment, energy and climate change, including the Aquasim European centre for research on
the water cycle.
A view over the city centre from the Brittany Tower
Higher education and research are vital elements of the spirit of dynamic innovation
50 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
From heavy industry to high-tech
Manufacturing now makes up only 11% of jobs in Nantes, with aviation and agro-food among
the biggest employers. To compensate, the city has developed greener jobs in research and new
technologies, with early investment in citizens’ access to online services – now being upgraded.
As part of the ‘Investment for the Future’ government-backed spending programme (Grand Emprunt),
Greater Nantes is joining forces with other economic partners to take part in major strategic projects.
The Jules Verne IRT (Technological Research Institute) is working to make Nantes a world benchmark
in advanced technology for complex structures and composite materials, particularly in terms of
green processes and recycling by-products and composite waste.
Canadian artist Angela
Bulloch created ‘The Zebra Crossing –
Regulations and General
Directions’, an artwork featuring
in Estuaire 2012
51NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
There are also ambitious projects in
innovative sectors of marine bio-resources
and renewable energy, adding to a signifi cant
energy infrastructure network.
❙ The new Renewable Marine Energy
(RME) sector brings research, economic
development, job creation along with an
enhanced international reputation for
Nantes/St-Nazaire.
❙ The Alstom group is setting up two nacelle
and generator plants, creating 500 direct
manufacturing jobs and 2 000 indirect jobs,
plus an R&D centre with 200 people. Alstom
is already operating out of the Nantes area,
and launched its marine energies subsidiary,
Alstom hydro, in December 2010.
Greater Nantes is the biggest funder of the
Atlanpole partnership, supporting young
enterprises in the fi eld of sustainable
development and green technology. Atlanpole
and the MER Bretagne competitiveness cluster
have signed a partnership agreement to foster
synergies and step up collaborative research
projects on marine bio-resources.
Greater Nantes and its partners are investing in advanced technologies for building complex structures
53NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
International networksGreater Nantes’ environmental success is based on openness to Europe
and the world. Thanks to its involvement in numerous exchange
networks, its support for joint action and its participation in European
projects, Nantes is helping to make the European Union a concrete
reality, shared and lived by all its inhabitants.
It is active in many European and global networks, with the aim of promoting Nantes’ model for
growth, and raising awareness of the contribution major urban centres can make to fostering fair
and sustainable development in the EU. Its international activities have three strands: cultural and
creative industries, climate and sustainable development, and social cohesion and public services.
Local government networks:
❙ Eurocities: In 2013, Nantes will be vice-president of this important network bringing together
more than 140 European cities representing a total population of 130 million. Nantes is co-chair
with Copenhagen of the climate change working group.
❙ Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR): Nantes is a member of the European
policy committee.
❙ United Cities and Local Governments (UCLG): advocating democratic local self-government.
Nantes is climate spokesperson for this global network.
Environment networks:
❙ ICLEI local governments for sustainability: an association of over 1 220 local authorities committed
to sustainable development.
The Saint Nazaire bridge spans the Loire estuary. Greater Nantes and Saint-Nazaire form the capital of western France, at the heart of the dynamic Pays de la Loire region
54 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
❙ The Covenant of Mayors: the mainstream European local government movement voluntarily
committed to increasing energy effi ciency and use of renewable energy sources.
❙ Energy Cities: with members in 30 countries, dedicated to sustainable energy.
❙ Climate Alliance: the European network of local authorities committed to the protection of the
world’s climate. Nantes is a member of the European committee.
Other signifi cant networks:
❙ International Association of Public Transport (UITP): bringing together all key players in the fi eld of
transport, including operators, industry and local authorities.
❙ CIVITAS/CIVINET network: exchanging best practice in the fi eld of mobility among European and
French cities. Nantes is a founder member.
❙ CEEP: represents general interest service providers in Europe. All Nantes’ public companies are
members.
❙ European Interest Group on Creativity and Innovation: Nantes is a founder member.
Nantes Events Centre is a space for conferences, exhibitions and
concerts
55NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Just imagine
Nantes/Saint-Nazaire comprises an area of 1 660 km2, with a population of 800 000. In 2011,
the local authorities together launched the International Agency entitled ‘Nantes, Just Imagine’.
Their objective was to raise the territory’s profi le on a worldwide level, and to communicate its
special characteristics of off -beat creativity, controlled development and co-operation, so as to
attract international students and researchers, tourists, companies and event organisers, and to
persuade investors, business leaders and new talent to move to the area.
The Manny building is a landmark of the creative quarter, embodying two essential aspects of modern society: creativity and eco-responsibility
57NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
What impressed the experts Nantes gained its highest mark for its local contribution to combating
climate change. The city also secured good scores on the nature and
biodiversity, air quality, noise pollution and waste production and
management criteria.
The European Green Capital Award judges praised its “pioneering transport achievements”
over the last 10 years, including the new tram system, quality bus schemes, bike rental and car-
sharing facilities. In 2009, Nantes beat 57 other cities to secure the Civitas ‘City of the Year’ award in
recognition of its transport policies.
An excellent record
On noise, the judges praised the “excellent record of measures taken by the local authority to
improve the acoustical environment”. Nantes has been a pilot city since as far back as the 1980s,
and in 1993 secured the Golden Decibel Award from the French National Noise Council. Measures
include education and awareness campaigns, and integrating noise prevention into other public
policies.
In 2010, Nantes spent €14.48 per inhabitant on conserving green spaces. The city emphasises the
social and educational value of these areas, as well as their environmental importance. Some of
the initiatives include cutting down on chemical pesticides through biological pest management,
encouraging bee-keeping in the inner city – with bees acting as bio-monitors for air quality –
creating green and blue corridors, and recovering ecosystems to clean and store water. The city also
monitors its bird population, and is carrying out research on light pollution.
In 2009, Nantes launched a study of European hedgehogs in cities. This little animal – an excellent biodiversity indicator – survives in urban areas thanks to green corridors
58 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Cutting waste and water use
Greater Nantes has a well-functioning waste-management
system, with only 11% of rubbish going to landfi ll – none of it
biodegradable. Household waste production has fallen over
the last 10 years or so. Recycling accounts for 35% of municipal
waste disposal, and energy is recovered from incineration plants.
Greater Nantes also takes part in national waste-prevention and
recycling projects.
Sustainable land use
The evaluators found a very high awareness of the problems associated with urban sprawl, with moves to increase population density and protect virgin land from development, for instance by consolidating the city centre area within the ring road, and redeveloping former industrial sites.
A lone fi sherman near Coueron on the
Loire estuary
59NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Water consumption in Greater Nantes has been
falling per capita through a targeted water-
pricing policy and awareness campaigns. The city
has action plans for the detection of leaks and for
upgrading the water supply network and water
metering. It benefi ts from an ample water supply
from the River Loire, and so it has focused eff orts
on improving quality and expanding water-
protection zones to supply drinking water.
Original and dynamic
The experts also found much to impress in
Nantes’ dissemination programme. “Nantes’
communications proposal clearly outlines specifi c
objectives, such as publicising and sharing the
city’s innovative actions, creating networks, linking
experts from various fi elds of European research
and involving the citizens, amongst others.” It
employs a good range of communication tools
including a website, journal, fi lm shows and
posters. The judges highlighted the Aérofl orale
project as being particularly original and dynamic.
The city shows that it is eager to act as a role model
A standard price for water, agreed through negotiations with the three major providers, is evidence of equality and solidarity between all the inhabitants of Greater Nantes
61NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Growing up greenLearning to live in an environmentally sustainable way is easier from
an early age. So Greater Nantes uses a range of initiatives to reach its
citizens early and encourage green living.
The Exhibition Centre (Centre des Expositions) is at the core of these eff orts, off ering a range of
teaching resources and activities for students from primary schools.
‘My life, my town, my planet’ is a programme based around six themes – each of them related in turn
to the global context, the local setting, and the life of the individual child. The aim is to demonstrate
the link between what is happening to the planet and to the place where they live, and their
everyday behaviour.
Greater Nantes runs additional programmes, enabling
students to visit a water-treatment plant, waste disposal
unit, or photovoltaic energy centre.
From primary school upwards, children learn to take a global perspective and care for their environment
My life, my town, my planet
63NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
The programme for 2013Nantes is planning a full year of activities throughout 2013, including
the presence of the French President at one highlight of the year, plus
international conferences, themed weeks, workshops and visits.
Two major events will be of special signifi cance:
The fi fth World Forum on Human Rights
The forum, entitled ‘Sustainable Development/Human Rights: a common struggle?’ takes place in
Europe, in Nantes, on 22-25 May 2013. Almost a year after the United Nations Rio+20 summit in
Brazil, adopting a path towards Sustainable Development Goals, the meeting will aim to keep up
the momentum, and refl ect the need for human rights to be an integral part of any sustainable
development strategy, with expanding freedoms as the foundation for transparency, better
regulation and good governance.
The ‘expedition végétale’ created by Fançois Delarozière will amaze visitors around Europe
We want to unite people around a new way of living on the planet that provides the best possible cities for people to live in while enhancing, not destroying, the biosphereEcocity Builders’ mission
64 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
The forum will examine how to achieve progress ‘Towards more
justice: for social progress, fair development and protected
environment’, and ‘Towards more social and environmental
democracy: for strengthened democratic governance’, covering
themes ranging from combating poverty and discrimination to
access to information and continuing education.
A fl ying start
The iconic expedition végétale will also help to spread the Green Capital message as it embarks on a tour of European cities, including Brussels, the home of the EU. Touching down in the heart of urban areas, it is bound to astonish and fascinate visitors wherever they fi nd it. A fl ying greenhouse? Well, why not believe in the impossible! That is Nantes’ slogan for a green future for coming generations.
Tomorrow’s cities need to unite people
around a sustainable way
of living
65NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Ecocity 2013
It will be the fi rst time in the EU for the 10th Ecocity conference, taking place in Nantes on
25-27 September 2013. This important event brings together highly motivated, experienced and
eff ective decision-makers from around the globe to discuss the key actions cities and citizens can
take to rebuild the human environment in harmony with living systems. In the process, the aim
is to slow down and even reverse climate change, loss of biodiversity and wilderness habitats,
agricultural lands and open spaces, as well as social and environmental injustices.
The Ecocity Builders movement was created by Richard Register in Berkeley, California in 1990, and
since then conferences have taken place in countries like China, India, Brazil, Australia and Senegal.
The last one was in Montreal, Canada, in August 2011. In 2013, Nantes will host the third world
meeting of Mexico’s pact-signing cities.
The former stone quarry of Roche Ballue, Bouguenais, has become a popular spot for bathers, while also preserving its history in the collective memory
67NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
So, imagine Nantes in 2030 …Nantes is a dynamic, forward-looking city committed to experimentation
and creativity – as demonstrated by the development of the Île de
Nantes. But with the population expected to rise by 100 000 over the
next 20 years, it is crucial to involve people and bring everyone along
together on the journey towards sustainable living.
Ask the people!
In late 2010, Greater Nantes launched on an unprecedented bid to gather citizens’ opinions on
their environment and its evolution. The mayors of the 24 municipalities making up Greater Nantes
launched a dialogue with the population entitled ‘Ma Ville Demain’ (My City Tomorrow). It invited the
entire community to ‘Imagine Nantes in 2030’ (Perspectives 2030), and to participate – collectively
and proactively – in reinventing the metropolis’ project for the next 20 years. Throughout 2011 and
2012, people were invited to express their ideas, aspirations and fears – on the net (mavilledemain.fr)
or by answering questionnaires or taking part in interviews, public meetings, workshops and debates.
Card games and democracy walls
The Nantes 2030 kiosk in a city square opened on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as a centre for
inquiries and feedback, and an information kit in card-game format and a dedicated website helped
to spread the word. Every individual and institution was encouraged to participate. For instance,
at the University of Nantes, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011, students wrote their
opinions on a special wall.
‘My City Tomorrow’ invited citizens to use their imaginations to reinvent their own living space
68 NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
During 2011, nine main topics emerged out of residents’ input,
including the economy, climate and energy, work and training,
issues surrounding land use, households and urban planning,
solidarity, local democracy, and the life of the city. The organisers
published a leafl et on each individual topic, aimed at the general
public. In order to encourage participation, people were invited
to present their ideas on a poster, or in a song or poem, or to plan
a city walk through their favourite locations.
Five key questions for the citizens of Nantes:
❙ What do we want to keep?
❙ What don’t we want any more in 2030?
❙ What developments would we like to see?
❙ How do we imagine 2030?
❙ How do we think our lives will be in 2030?
A new plan for Nantes for 2030
Throughout Greater Nantes,
conservation and sustainable
exploitation of waterways is a
priority
69NANTES | European Green Capital 2013
Answers from all ages
More than 22 000 people took part in discussions focusing on
everything from mobility and building technologies to culture and
ageing. From primary school level upwards, citizens expressed
their vision of the Nantes of the future. All this input was analysed
during the early months of 2012, building up to the moment
for presentation, explanation and an exhibition, in the autumn,
revealing what people said and presenting possible perspectives
for Nantes. By the end of 2012, Nantes’ elected decision-makers
pledged to agree on a new plan for the metropolis.
Key numbers
❙ 50 000 students
❙ 18% of the population over 60, rising to 25% by 2030
❙ 36 000 companies
❙ 312 000 jobs
❙ 10 000 associations
❙ 84 000 come into Greater Nantes every day to work
Residents put forward their own vision of active ageing
Further informationFurther informationEuropean Commission DG Environment EGCA: European Commission DG Environment EGCA:
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/http://ec.europa.eu/environment/europeangreencapital/winning-cities/2013-nantes/index.htmlwinning-cities/2013-nantes/index.html
Nantes 2013:Nantes 2013: www.nantesgreencapital.euwww.nantesgreencapital.eu
International agency: International agency: www.nantes-just-imagine.comwww.nantes-just-imagine.com
A journey to Nantes:A journey to Nantes: www.levoyageanantes.fr/en/ www.levoyageanantes.fr/en/
European Commission
Nantes — European Green Capital 2013
Luxembourg: Publications Offi ce of the European Union
2012 — 70 pp. — 21 x 21 cm
ISBN 978-92-79-25017-0
doi:10.2779/53814
More information on the European Union is available on the Internet (http://europa.eu).
Cataloguing data can be found at the end of this publication.
Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2012
ISBN 978-92-79-25017-0doi:10.2779/53814
© European Union, 2012Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged.
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