‘Freiburg’ city is set to be a benchmark for sustainability.

Freiburg is situated in the picturesque region of Southern Germany and is renowned as the capital of The Black Forest. It occupies a strategic location between the borders of Switzerland and France. Freiburg has gained a reputation as the leading city in sustainable urban development.

Since the 1970s, the city has taken a comprehensive approach to address various issues such as energy and climate change, transportation and land use, urban livability and safety, and democratic concerns. This integrated approach has been exemplified through two distinct learning cases, which highlight Freiburg’s commitment to sustainable development.

DID YOU KNOW :- Nearly 30 per cent of Germany’s electricity now comes from renewable energy sources.

Additionally, Freiburg has been recognized as a pioneer in renewable energy with its innovative concept known as Freiburg Solar Region. The city’s dedication to environmental protection can be traced back to 1986 when the city council publicly advocated for solar energy instead of atomic energy. Today, Freiburg serves as a model for sustainability, as every aspect of its design reflects a commitment to sustainable thinking. The Population of Freiburg City is around 230,241 as of (2019) census.

The Green Transportation Empire

Freiburg is renowned for its car-lite transportation system, which prioritizes walking, cycling, and public transport. The city has implemented various strategies to achieve sustainable transport, including restricting car usage, providing effective alternatives, and regulating land-use to support public transport, cycling, and walking. In addition, Freiburg has bucked the trend of removing trams to accommodate cars and instead has expanded its light electric rail network. This approach has resulted in numerous benefits such as improved air quality, quieter transportation, efficient use of space, and the ability to power transportation with clean renewable energy.

Freiburg’s city center has successfully implemented a pedestrian-friendly environment, which has had a significant impact on the city’s transportation patterns. Over a 15-year period from 1976 to 1991, the city witnessed a remarkable growth of 50% in public transport usage and a staggering 100% increase in bicycle traffic. In contrast, car trips only experienced a marginal increase of 1%. This approach aligns with the strategies adopted by other cities such as Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Zürich.

In 1999, walking and cycling accounted for an impressive 50% of all daily trips in Freiburg, showcasing the city’s commitment to sustainable transportation options. Despite being a small city, Freiburg boasts a high usage of public transit, indicating the effectiveness of their efforts. Moreover, The City has implemented innovative pricing strategies to discourage car travel. By reducing the price of public transport passes by one-third, the city witnessed a remarkable 23% increase in usage within the first year alone. This positive trend continued to soar, with public transport usage more than doubling over time, surpassing the 100% mark.

Best Urban Design

32% of the land is allocated for urban development, which includes transportation infrastructure. Forests cover a significant portion of the city, accounting for 42% of the land, while the remaining 27% is utilized for agriculture, recreation, water protection, and other purposes. Freiburg has implemented stringent urban design guidelines to regulate new development projects. Similar to many other European cities, Freiburg relies on master plans to ensure that the development adheres to high-quality standards.

The city has successfully created a compact urban environment by implementing spatial policies that prioritize the arrangement of services in a way that promotes sustainable transportation and discourages urban sprawl. This approach is reminiscent of cities like Portland and Vancouver. Impressively, around two-thirds of Freiburg’s land area is dedicated to green spaces, emphasizing the city’s commitment to preserving the environment. If you are interested to know further, Here is a detailed blog post on Eco Friendly Homes.

No Nuclear Power

The successful protests at Wyhl during the 1970s, initially led by students and farmers, played a crucial role in preventing the construction of a nuclear power plant. This pivotal event not only halted the potential risks associated with nuclear energy but also paved the way for the exploration of alternative and renewable energy sources. Fast forward to the present day, and Germany now boasts an impressive statistic – nearly 30 percent of its electricity is generated from renewable resources. This remarkable achievement can be attributed, in part, to the absence of nuclear power and the subsequent drive to find sustainable energy solutions.

The aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan in 2011 further solidified Germany’s commitment to phasing out all 17 of its nuclear reactors by 2022. This bold decision, while aiming to reduce the country’s reliance on coal due to its high carbon dioxide emissions, also showcased Germany’s determination to prioritize safety and environmental concerns. However, the impact of the anti-nuke movement in Germany extended beyond the realm of energy policy. It fostered a sense of community and unity among its participants, creating a powerful force that sought to reshape the nation’s energy future.

Local activists emphasize that the anti-nuke movement in Germany played a pivotal role in the subsequent renewable revolution. By bringing people together and igniting a collective spirit, this movement not only challenged the status quo but also inspired individuals to actively participate in shaping their energy landscape. The sense of community that emerged from the protests became a driving force behind the transition towards renewable energy sources. As a result, Germany’s anti-nuke movement not only achieved its initial goal of preventing the construction of a nuclear power plant but also sparked a broader movement towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious energy future.

Beautiful Places in Freiburg

Freiburg Cathedral which is located in Münsterplatz, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany and this cathedral was founded in 1200 AD. This place has around 14000 reviews in google & one of the most iconic places to visit.

Munsterplatz, This square is located around the cathedral of Freiburg. It is the centre of old town. It sits along the river and has spectacular views.

Mundenhof Zoo is a beautiful nature park attracting thousands of tourist every year The Zoo features domestic animals from around the world & a 19th-century farm with an eatery. This Zoo is located in Mundenhof 15, 79111 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.

Conclusion.

Freiburg is a wonderful city to visit and this city is a benchmark to set for many countries who are trying to maintain sustainability. Freiburg has lot to offer & inspire everyone about the impact that can be created through sustainability & sustainable living. Please Feel Free to visit our homepage wecareearth.com where we share many information & awareness focusing on sustainable living.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions and how can we forget to mention a youtube video by the channel Shenaztreasury which inspired us to prepare this article.