The energy transition at the heart of Bordeaux’s development

The issue of ecology and environmental preservation has been on everyone’s lips for years. International organizations and meetings such as COP21 address climate-related issues. The common goal is to implement an efficient energy transition, a large-scale ecological goal. An ambitious but indispensable goal to turn to the use of “clean” renewable energy and resources.

The European Energy Transition Assizes, meet solutions

Bordeaux is part of this voluntary dynamic, eager to improve its ecological behavior and its footprint in the world. From 28 to 30 January 2020, it hosted the European Energy Transition Assizes at the Palais des Congrès. Bringing together European stakeholders who wanted to find solutions and present their initiatives, the event welcomed 3,500 people. It addresses central themes in debates and conferences open to the general public. Among the key themes, urban planning, housing, the economy, the environment and the social aspect are key issues. The theme “Together, let’s use the power to act” sets the tone: everyone’s efforts will enable them to carry out actions of scale. This theme is totally in line with the news, where events for the planet are multiplying around the globe.

For Bordeaux, as for all other European cities, the stakes are high. Gradually turning to green energy, to protect the planet is the main challenge. To do this, men need to rethink their use of energy to limit energy dependence. It is also a way to reduce all geopolitical tensions regarding energy consumption in transit. The energies are used in everyday life for all the activities of life: to move, to warm up, to communicate, to light up… Essential to everyday life, they are a base for the inhabitants of cities.

The energy transition is part of the daily exchanges of cities, in order to move towards a model of its own. Indeed, the efforts to be put in place are numerous, and cannot all be achieved in a short time. These resolutions must therefore be initiated gradually, with the support of all, in order to see first conclusive results. This is notably a gamble in which Bordeaux has chosen to launch itself, by multiplying the initiatives in the various sectors mentioned above.

Encouraging beginnings for energy change over time

Cities that are taking action to improve their ecological footprint are pioneers and examples for an entire country to follow. Bordeaux is part of this approach, putting in place actions that tend to facilitate this energy transition. For example, the city has self-serviced electric means of locomotion. Like self-service cars, scooters or some city buses, not emitting gas. The network is also served by tram lines, also electric, to limit the use of personal cars. The D line, inaugurated in December 2019, also extends the territory served on the municipalities of the CUB.

Mobility is essential, but not the only axis of development towards a greener energy model. Indeed, in a developing city like Bordeaux, it is easy to see that the demographics change year after year. This development stems in particular from the fact that the region is attractive, with a mild climate and a proven professional dynamism. Bordeaux has notably hosted large companies such as Betclic, OVH, which have chosen to leave their Parisian premises to develop in Gironde.

To accommodate businesses and new residents, the city has built or shaped green neighbourhoods everywhere. The first district, Ginko,is located in Bordeaux Lac. This eco-neighbourhood relies on partly wooden buildings, with wooded spaces for the inhabitants to breathe. The Hyperion and Silvatowers, inaugurated in 2019, are part of the city’s green construction projects and are a sensation. Indeed, these were the first buildings made entirely of wood, housing, shops and offices. Located in the Euratlanticdistrict, the towers are therefore part of an ambitious construction project respectful of nature.

A series of ambitious, not without limits

The new emerging neighbourhoods, as well as the city’s ongoing projects, want to change and revolutionize Bordeaux life. The optimization and regulation of certain daily actions are therefore at the heart of development projects. Euratlantic is made up of buildings made of huge windows, in order to capture as much light as possible. This avoids the consumption of artificial light during the day, or limits the expenditure on heating. This model is intended to be sustainable, to turn more towards natural energies, such as solar.

Known for its quality of life and comfort, belle Endormie has indeed woken up, and is greatly developing its infrastructure. Efforts must be implemented gradually, but the results will be felt over time. France wants to be one of the best European students in terms of ecology and the environment. It wants to give priority to renewable energies in the image of solar, wind or hydropower, to name but a few. However, efforts must be consistent, and applied by all, in order to truly perceive the changes over the long term. The holding of events such as the AETE is therefore perfectly part of this dynamic. Invite the general public to take part in current debates, to listen to conferences held by experts. To convey an impactful and strong message to future generations.

 

Audrey KOZACZKA – BORDEAUX Business

Sources:

European Energy Transition Assizes

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