4.1.4 Urban Sustainability - Freiburg, Germany - Case Study

Why do Urban Areas need to be more sustainable?

Sustainable Living:

• Doing things in a way that meets current needs without compromising future generations.
• Behaving in a way that doesn't irreversibly damage the environment.

Resource Management:

• Big cities use many resources, making complete sustainability challenging, but improvements can be made.

What makes Freiburg sustainable?

• Local Communities:
  • Involvement in sustainability efforts and employment opportunities.
• Fossil Fuel Reduction:
  • Decreasing reliance on fossil fuels and rethinking transport options.
• Green Spaces:
  • Providing more green spaces.
• Brownfield Sites:
  • Minimising use of greenfield sites by repurposing brownfield sites.
• Recycling Water:
  • Conserving supplies by recycling water, including grey water.

• Conservation:
  • Protecting cultural, historical, and environmental sites and buildings.
• Solar Valley:
  • Large cluster of solar manufacturers located in the city.

What has Freiburg, Germany done to become sustainable?

Green roofs and solar panels in Freiburg.

Cycle Lane in Freiburg.

• Recycling:
  • More than 88% of packaging is recycled.
• Waste Reduction:
  • Annual waste disposal reduced from 140,000 to 50,000 tonnes in 12 years.
• Community Collection Points:
  • 350 points for recycling.
• Employment**:**
  • Over 10,000 people employed in 1,500 environmental businesses.
• Renewable Energy:
  • Investments in solar, windmills, and hydroelectric resources.
  • Energy conservation scheme at local school.
• Green Spaces:
  • 40% of the city is forested.
• Green Roofs:
  • Attractive roofs used to harvest rainwater.
• Solar Energy:
  • 10 million kilowatts of electricity per year from solar energy (400 solar panels).
• Cycle Paths:
  • 400 km of paths with 9,000 parking spaces for bikes.
  • "Bike and ride" facilities at railway and bus stations.
• Car Restrictions:
  • Car parking spaces in the city centre cost $£20,000$ per year.