Inspiration From Abroad

Inspired by a recent trip to Germany’s environmental capital of Freiburg, Northern Ireland’s Sustainable Development Commissioner John Gilliland has called on business and government to learn from this vibrant and inventive model.

The innovative sustainable neighbourhood of Vauban, which had formerly been a derelict military base, took up the mantle of creating a city district in a participatory fashion which also met its ecological, social, economical and cultural goals.

The key target areas addressed were:

• Energy
• Building
• Public spaces
• Participation
• Social interaction
• Transport

 Low energy housing

The initiative has successfully created a residential area with as little motorised traffic as possible, low-energy buildings, affordable housing, public green spaces, a balance between social groups.

Mr Gilliland stated: “Vauban has many parallels with Belfast, it has a similar sized population; a university city and an agricultural community in its hinterland. Where it differs markedly, however, is in its approach to dealing with major urban issues like transport, energy use and housing. Seeing the various aspects of sustainable development being implemented was both educational and inspirational and could provide excellent models for Northern Ireland.”

He concluded: “The success of building the new district of Vauban from scratch lies within the strength of its planning process. From the very beginning best practice in community planning was incorporated. Vauban is definitely a fine example of how we should be looking at planning in the future.”

The sustainable development study tour consisted of 17 delegates from the four Northern Ireland social partner sectors as well as the statutory sector. It was organised by Concordia, a social partnership which brings together the local business, agricultural, trade union and voluntary sectors in Northern Ireland, and WWF.


Recycling bin initiatives are a natural part of the culture throughout Vauban.The whole Concordia party travelling to Freiburg.