Paris recently introduced its first zero-carbon neighbourhood, Îlot Fertile, in the 19th arrondissement. The neighbourhood includes four buildings with residential units, hotels, shops, offices, and sports facilities, but notably no parking spaces. Built on a former industrial site of 1.3 hectares, the small area demonstrates the potential for creating functional and sustainable urban spaces.
Every aspect of the neighbourhood adheres to sustainable and low-carbon practices, from the layout and design of the buildings to on-site energy production with bio-solar roofs and photovoltaic panels. Locally sourced materials and low-carbon concrete were used in construction, and buildings have an innovative heat recovery system that captures heat from gray water to supply hot water networks. A soft mobility track connects the neighbourhood to nearby train and tram stations, with the track owned by the municipality.
Îlot Fertile also includes a public garden, bio-solar vegetated roofs, vegetable gardens, and almost 30 fruit trees to provide habitat for local flora and fauna. To meet its carbon commitments, Linkcity, the property developer, plans to monitor consumption and heat pump operation in the neighbourhood for ten years and ensure compliance with social integration and sustainable development standards.
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