A visit to France's first eco-district

Just a few kilometres from Paris, the "Quartier des Temps Durables" (Sustainable Times District), represents a showcase in terms of urban development and, by 2011 will offer around 1,000 homes to meet various requirements such as the need to create low energy consuming buildings and develop a densely populated district without as such renouncing the inclusion of a wealth of green public spaces. The designers' goal for this eco-district is to achieve zero fossil fuel usage. They are turning massively to renewable energy sources in order to convert their goal into reality, with focuses on biomass, solar heat or photovoltaic panels, green electricity, etc., in addition to water recovery systems, waste recycling and many green spaces as well as the banning of cars. The overall aim is to achieve the maximum possible reduction in the district's ecological footprint.

Finally, the eco-district's social dimension has not been neglected as social desegregation will be ensured by 30% of the accommodation being reserved for social housing.