Study visits

Study visit 1: Site 11/19, a benchmark for sustainable development

Discover the heritage and historical wealth of the Nord-Pas de Calais region by exploring Site 11/19, a former mining extraction area. The conversion of this abandoned industrial land, since its closing in 1986, has made it a reference point of eco-planning.

Meet representatives of organisations based on the site, including the CD2E, which supports the creation and development of local eco-businesses, the CERDD, which promotes sustainable development on a private and public level throughout the Nord-Pas de Calais region, and also from the local centre for environmental initiatives the “Chaîne des terrils”, which will organise a guided tour of the site on this occasion. Climb one of the two local landmarks: slag heaps (piles of mining by-products) nearly 200 meters high. From your high position, admire and learn about the landscape and the hills of Artois, and the surrounding urban areas of Lens and Liévin. 

Study visit 2: Industrial ecology: the Dunkerque example 

Visit the DK6 (Dunkirk 6) plant, France's first large independent Combined Cycle- plant which was created by ArcelorMittal in cooperation with Gaz de France (now GDF SUEZ).  The technological innovation used at the DK6 plant is unique in France for its power generation, and unique in the world for its design. The plant harnesses electricity through a unique concept and technology: capturing metallurgical gas-fuelled waste heat with a combined-cycle gas turbine. Part of this energy returns to ArcelorMittal, the other part is sold on the market by GDF SUEZ.

Familiarise yourself with the plant and its technology and learn about the SAECREE project, established in 2008, through which company employees play their part in reducing its ecological footprint. Its main objective is to help employees invest into capital goods with a high ecological value, thereby allowing the company to reduce its environmental impact.

Study visit 3: Explore the aluminium lifecycle: from production to recycling

Explore the site of Rio Tinto Alcan, global leader in the aluminium industry and one of the top French electricity and gas consumers. The significant amount of energy required is a key resource for the production of raw aluminium.

During the visit you will be able to understand the energy issues faced by this industry and understand its need to constantly evolve and advance. The visit will also compare initial energy consumption of aluminium production demonstrating the significant progress when it comes to energy efficiency and reduced emissions.

Study visit 4: Discover the “Grand Large”, Dunkerque’s new seaside eco-district 

Cruise through the Grand Large district, Dunkerque’s former shipbuilding docks, which are being transformed from abandoned harbour land into a new energy-wise district. The Metropolitan Council’s initiative aims at estabilishing a new sustainable district with social and private housing and other public institutions, and an overriding emphasis on energy performance of the buildings and the energy supply of the district.

Also discover the unique example of a zero carbon emission house, based on the BedZED (Beddington Zero Energy Development) model in London. Open to the public, it increases public awareness of “sustainable” lifestyle, and also serves as a research laboratory for the future ecological district of the city.

Study visit 5: Sustainable communities: construction, renovation, and information

Take an educational trip through the Maison3d (“3D House”), an original and hospitable information and education centre on sustainable development. From the ecological garden through to the kitchen, the 1500 m2 space includes a variety of pedagogical tools including exhibitions, workshops and recreational spaces. The awareness campaign aims to help both children and adults understand the global environmental issues on water, waste, energy and transport, and assist them to act locally and sustainably.

Continue your tour of sustainable educational and community activities in Dunkerque with a visit of  two other Metropolitan Council sites: the Technical Community Centre and the Wemaere Farm. These two places have drawn attention in particular with regard to the construction of the former and the refurbishment of the latter due to its high environmental standards et energy performance.

Study visit 6: Biodiversity and differentiated management of green spaces

Visit two towns in the vicinity of Dunkerque that have successfully integrated differentiated green spaces management to harmonize biodiversity conservation with human activities. You will have the opportunity to discover three management strategies implemented in one community and the awareness campaigns held in parallel. The visit will highlight horticultural management that achieves not only a more beautiful and flourishing setting to the pleasure of its citizens, but also a more « natural » and ecological management of the towns and its parks.

Various trials, measurements, and impacts & benefits will be presented and you will understand the necessity for an integrated approach, and the importance of a coherent management model on different scales.

Study visit 7: Water in Dunkerque – a sustainable approach

Water is an important part of Dunkerque’s heritage, and this study visit allows you to learn about the multifaceted importance of water in the Dunkerque region. Discover the region’s unique hydrological system, resulting from its location on the delta of the Aa river, and why its preservation is an important concern for the future. Learn about the Aa delta’s Development and Management Water Plan and understand how the district aspires to care for the needs of consumers while protecting the natural environment and ensuring good water quality for all uses (fishing, hunting, recreation, etc.).

You will trace the progression of drinking water from the source to the treatment facility, and increase your understanding of the mechanisms linked to management of fresh and salt water.

Study visit 8: The Dunkerque heritage, a catalyst for sustainable development

As part of its sustainable development initiatives, the Urban Community of Dunkerque has resolved to bolster the attractiveness of the region for tourists and residents, by accentuating the value of its historical, cultural, and coastal heritage. Through this visit, explore the sites which strengthen the creation of a sustainable city: the Citadelle maritime quarter, the beaches and seaside, the train station district and the city center. Find out how the linkage between these sites is an important component for sustainable development promotion in the metropolitan area.

Also learn about the “Neptune” projects, the “heart of the metropolitan area” and the “marine station centre”. As such, you will understand how the Urban Community of Dunkerque aims to manage its waterfront, organise the spread of the city centre, and transform the train station into a multipurpose centre.

Study visit 9: The Greater Metropolitan area – territory of innovation and contemporary creation

The Greater Metropolitan area of Dunkerque has placed contemporary art at the heart of its sustainable development strategy. Art and contemporary creation are key elements for the creation of a local identity: it highlights local memory and heritage and is ingrained in the processes of urban renewal. This study visit will allow you to discover the symbolic locations where memory, heritage, and contemporary art intersect.

A first visit to the “cathedral”, former warehouse for production of ships (called AP2) which will host the regional contemporary art collection (FRAC), followed by a stroll through the gallery “Lieu d’Art et d’Action Contemporaine” (LAAC), and lastly a visit to the “Coeur de lumière” (meaning “Heart of light”), a noteworthy work of art by British artist Anthony Caro which places Dunkerque at the forefront the international art scene.

The Metropolitan Council of Dunkerque was pleased to offer 3 additional study visits:

Study visit 10: The paths of biodiversity

Take a stroll along the: “paths of biodiversity”, a tour developed by ArcelorMittal through the intricate steel production sites of Dunkerque and Mardyck. The preservation of this heritage is a new step in the development of a structured environment in the Dunkerque basin. This initiative contributes to the creation of an ecological corridor in the urban area of Dunkerque. As it is the year of biodiversity, the “paths of biodiversity” were developed by ArcerlorMittal to further explore this ecological wealth.

Study visit 11: Global district Energy Climate Award : « From Copenhague to Dunkerque »

Discover the district heating networks of Dunkerque and Saint-pol-sur-mer and follow the process from heat capture to heating distribution. In November 2009, Dunkerque and Saint-pol-sur-mer were awarded the Global District Energy Climate Award by the International Energy Agency, in recognition of their local district energy leadership.

During this visit you will explore a network that is fueled in part by a heat recovery operation run by ArcelorMittal and co-managed by SICURD (Syndicat intercommunal de chauffage urbain de la région Dunkerquoise) and Dalkia.

Study visit 12: « Biodiversity and environmental education»

In the 70’s, an industrial complex was developed at a port in the outskirts of Dunkerque. Its development was complemented with the creation of a vast woodland, consisting of 400 hectares, known as “the greenbelt”. Since 2007, the municipality of Coudekerque–Branche has invested in green development, exemplified by its dedication of 15 hectares for sustainable development projects.   

Explore the Vernaelde farm as well as a Dunkerque neighbourhood undergoing urban renovation, where the main challenge is to create a symbolic space through the creation of temporary ephemeral gardens. These two operations aim at improving the standard of living for citizens and increasing awareness for environmental protection via participatory processes that bring together nature, food science, and community initiatives.