Nestled along the banks of the Loire River and just a short distance from the Atlantic coast, Nantes is a green gem in western France. As the sixth largest city in the country, Nantes is at the heart of a vibrant metropolitan area with a population of around 600 ,000 residents. Known for its commitment to sustainability and quality of life, Nantes was recogniszed by Time Magazine in 2004 as “‘the most liveable city in Europe”.’ Nearly a decade later, in 2013, it earned the prestigious title of European Green Capital, solidifying its reputation as a leader in environmental innovation and urban sustainability.
Over the past decade, Nantes has made remarkable strides in developing a sustainable transport policy that prioritiszes public transportation and cycling. The city’s urban planning strategy is designed to reduce reliance on cars, particularly within the city centere, and to create an environment where pedestrians can move safely and comfortably. Nantes was also a pioneer in France, becoming the first city to successfully reintroduce electric tramways – —a bold move that has become a cornerstone of its sustainable mobility strategy. The city plans to continue this momentum with ongoing investments in new tramway lines, high-quality bus services, and expanded bicycle infrastructure, all aimed at reducing traffic congestion and promoting eco-friendly travel options.
Nantes’ ambitious transport initiatives have had a significant impact on improving air quality and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The city’s air pollution levels, including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter (PM10), and ozone, consistently fall below the regulatory limits, reflecting the effectiveness of its environmental policies. Furthermore, the integration of sustainable transport with an ambitious climate action plan has led to a notable decrease in CO2 carbon dioxide emissions, bringing them down to just 4.77 tonnes per capita. This achievement highlights Nantes' commitment to environmental stewardship and its role as a model for other cities striving to balance urban growth with ecological responsibility.
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For more information on Nantes' sustainability efforts and achievements, you can explore Nantes' Presentation Nantes' presentation and Nantes' ApplicationNantes' application, which detail the city's green initiatives and strategic planning. The 1-Year Report Nantes and its version in French provide an overview of the city’s progress during its European Green Capital year. Key highlights can be found in the Winning City Leaflet 2013, while a more comprehensive look at Nantes' environmental projects is available in the Nantes EGCA Brochure 2013 in English and in FrenchFrench. For insights into the city’s long-term achievements, the Nantes 5-Year Report 2018 in English offers an in-depth reflection on its continued sustainability journey.