Living better together
The post-carbon business district must also be a place where people live better together, in terms of land use, diversity, mobility and quality of life. To achieve this, Paris La Défense has set the following objectives:
Nurturing nature in the city
Planters of the Esplanade de La Défense 2021 © Paris La Défense Sabrina Budon
Paris La Défense is going even greener, aiming to better incorporate nature into the urban environment while promoting biodiversity and reducing heat islands. Several projects are already underway. In 2023, the works of a modernized and landscaped Place de La Défense will be completed. In addition, a project to create the largest platform-based urban park in France, spanning five hectares (12.3 acres) of the esplanade, will soon be finalized and construction will begin in 2024. In the Les Groues neighborhood, construction is about to begin on the Jardin des Rails. To go even further, all investment projects for the 2018-2027 period will be reconsidered on the basis of environmental criteria. Finally, unused parking lots will be re-purposed.
Encourage eco-friendly mobility
Cycle paths in La Défense 2021 © Paris La Défense Sabrina Budon
The cycle paths and infrastructures dedicated to ecological mobility (parking spaces for bicycles, recharging stations for electric vehicles, etc.) and established in 2021 will be perpetuated. New features will supplement existing infrastructure, with the aim of ultimately covering the entire district, in particular with a new Vélib bike-sharing station just outside the business district. In collaboration with the Hauts-de-Seine Departmental Council, Boulevard Patrick-Devedjian and the riverbanks will also be redeveloped as peaceful urban thoroughfares accessible to all. Finally, development work is already being undertaken to facilitate travel for local residents and employees, in preparation for the arrival of the RER E in La Défense and Nanterre.
Promote eco-friendly entertainment and cultural events
Garden Parvis 2021 © Paris La Défense Sabrina Budon
Entertainment and cultural events organized by Paris La Défense will become more environmentally friendly : no disposable utensils, more recyclable materials, environmental awareness-raising initiatives targeting the general public and much more. In addition, an incentive-based approach will be implemented to encourage district companies and property managers to engage in environmentally responsible practices, with a particular emphasis on reducing food waste. Paris La Défense also seeks to support all local initiatives that help users live better together.