From PLU to Eco-PLU : strategies for a sustainable city in Dijon, France

Résumé En

Capital city of the region of Burgundy, Dijon, like many French cities, has now embarked into a strategy of ecodevelopment, putting sustainability in the center the public discourse of urban planning. City planning is run by the Communauté d'agglomération Dijonnaise, " Grand Dijon ", with competencies in transportation, housing and land use planning. According to French laws, a greater emphasis must now be given to " solidarity " in the governance of urban areas, which implies requirements for social housing in all municipalities, but also to sustainability and " green " urban policies. The PLU " Plans Locaux d'Urbanisme " must become " eco-PLU ", reflecting the increasing importance of environmental concerns in the development of cities.A strong linkage must be established between housing and building programs on one side, public transportation on the other side. New neighborhoods must be planned with good public transport access, and transport routes must be reorganized to foster maximal ridership. Dijon, after about 20 other French cities, is rediscovering the virtues of street cars (tramways), considered as a cleaner way to carry population than automobiles or fossil fuel-powered city buses. The implementation of a 2-line streetcar scheme will mean a reorganization of urban centralities in the Dijon area. The city is also encouraging the use of bicycles, with bike-rental programs, in the downtown area and around the university campus. Construction sites must be as " green " as possible, As a mid-size city in France, Dijon appears as a good example of the current trends in city greening around Western Europe. The label of " green city " has in fact become essential in the promotion of urban areas for tourism and job creations, as is shown by the city rankings published in mainstream magazines.