Vauban -the world's most successful model for sustainable urban development

The Freiburg’s neighborhood was purposefully planned in a way that was environmentally, economically and socially sustainable

This small progressive district was created to be a sustainable place for people to live. The neighborhood was purposefully planned in a way that was environmentally, economically and socially sustainable. The district was planned around green transportation.  When designing Vauban, the city council had a number of goals in mind. Their primary goal was to design the place in such a way where the city center was completely free of cars. All in all, 70% of the inhabitants live without a car in Vauban.

Pedestrian and bicycle paths form a highly-connected, efficient, green transportation network with every home within walking distance of a tram stop, and all schools, businesses, and shopping centers located within walking distance. All buildings must meet minimum low energy consumption standards and every building in Vauban has solar panels on its roof. Waste levels have been reduced by almost 2/3 since 1988 with waste minimization, increased recycling, anaerobic digestion of organic waste and the residual waste burnt for energy.

Source: Smart Cities Dive