If most business districts only show concrete, Paris La Défense wants to stand out by making way for vegetation. In recent years, the neighborhood has multiplied tree planting projects, urban parks and shared gardens. In the years to come, it will intensify this approach in new real estate programs in order to promote islands of freshness and biodiversity.
Like most business districts in the world, Paris La Défense is characterized by concrete constructions. All infrastructure rests on the slab. There is therefore no access to natural soil, which does not allow nature to prosper. But, faced with the ecological emergency and the climate challenge, we must take up the challenge of greening public spaces.
Paris La Défense lets nature prosper
Paris La Défense tackled this project in 2019. Today, there are 37.35 ha of green public spaces (35% of the pedestrian space), 7 parks (Diderot park, Terrasses Boieldieu, Terrasses de Nanterre, Chemin de l’Île park, etc.), more than 1000 trees with around forty different species, and 343 plant species. Thanks to this revegetation, 124 wild animal species have reappeared in the area, notably the bat, the dragonfly, the Peregrine Falcon and the Cini Serin.
Development of a Nature in the City action plan
In 2021, Paris La Défense has set itself the objective of halving its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and becoming the first post-carbon business district of global scale. In order to realize its ecological ambitions, it has developed a Nature in the City action plan, taking into account the technical constraints of the district, following two main objectives. On the one hand, give a significant place to nature in all areas of the territory (esplanade, parks, cemetery squares, roadsides, buildings, etc.).
Paris La Défense also raises awareness
On the other hand, provide users with daily well-being by improving the comfort of public spaces, via cooled or shaded spaces, for example. The neighborhood also wants to create strolling spaces dedicated to walking or resting. But Paris La Défense doesn’t just grow plants. It also raises awareness, for common efforts because “nature is everyone’s business”. The region organizes activities and events around urban ecology in order to engage local employees, local residents and students.
Preservation of biodiversity included in land use planning programs
In the years to come, Paris La Défense will intensify its actions. There will be more tree planting, creation of new urban parks and shared gardens. The district also intends to deploy the green and blue network, an approach which aims to include the preservation of biodiversity in land development projects. Paris La Défense plans in particular the systematic greening of roofs and terraces in new real estate programs. Objective: better integrate nature into urban space to improve the living environment and tourist attractiveness.
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