Editorial

The first conferences in Rio, Kyoto and Johannesburg made everybody understand that nothing will ever again be as it was before.

These days, countries must map out an action programme, define objectives in order to promote reasonable consumption modes, but without harming economic development.

Business districts have to cope with these major challenges, and help make the solutions a reality.

For more than two years now, in connection with the renovation plan, La Défense has been following a bold policy to make the business district an international standard when it comes to the environment, living conditions and saving on energy.

The EPAD wants to promote internationalisation of construction standards, and is installing a uniform rating system making a common reading of the indicators possible.

Thus we have strongly urged our partners to work on the basis of the American (LEED) or British (BREEAM) standards.

As the developer of the leading business district in Europe, we want to follow an ambitious research policy in order to apply the best of technology to La Défense.

The architectural quality of the site, its town planning, its transport hub, the level of the companies and the highly technical nature of its jobs made this district an example of the new working and living spaces.

The World Summit of business districts and sustainable development has to lay down the basis for pragmatic and ambitious sustainable development aimed at encouraging the growth of an economic under control, respectful of the environment, and thus upgrading living conditions for people in the large dense urban areas.

 

Patrick DEVEDJIAN,
former Minister, President of the General Council for Hauts-de-Seine, President of EPAD