The Master Programme for Spatial Planning in Luxembourg, known as “Programme directeur d’aménagement du territoire” (PDAT) 2023, is the central element of the country’s spatial planning policy. Serving as a framework for a sustainable development of the national territory and for enhancing the quality of life of all citizens, the PDAT defines an integrated strategy for sectorial policies with a territorial impact and defines guidelines, objectives and measures for the government and municipalities. The newly adopted PDAT (21 June 2023), which was prepared by the Department of Spatial Planning in cooperation with an interministerial working group, builds upon a large public participation process in 2018 and the international consultation “Luxembourg in Transition” in 2020—2022.

Structure and objectives

PDAT 2035 (Source: Département de l’aménagement du territoire (DATer) 2023)

In order to frame the strategy, objectives and measures, the PDAT was developed in accordance with the following four guiding principles:

  • Increasing the resilience of the territory
  • Safeguarding territorial, social and economic cohesion
  • Ensuring a sustainable management of natural resources
  • Accelerating the transition of the territory to carbon neutrality

Based on those guiding principles, three policy objectives and a cross-cutting objective have been identified, addressing the development issues highlighted in the spatial analysis as well as the challenges imposed by climate, environmental, geopolitical and health crises:

1. Concentration of development in the most suitable places: Central to the PDAT’s mission is guiding sector policies and supporting municipalities in locating essential functions and services in the most suitable places. This aims to facilitate access to services, anticipate and reduce mobility needs as well as plan for critical infrastructure.

By guiding future development, the PDAT enables efficient infrastructure planning and a cost-effective implementation of sector policies. The territorial strategy encompasses an urban hierarchy based on Central Places (centres de développement et d’attraction, CDA), which is supposed to steer the spatial distribution of population (i.e. development) and employment growth (i.e. attraction) in a sustainable manner.

2. Reducing land take: The PDAT focuses on limiting the process of converting natural, agricultural or forest land into built-up areas. Decreasing land take offers several benefits, including mitigating the effects of climate change, preserving natural and semi-natural areas, minimising flood risks, protecting biodiversity, and fostering carbon sequestration. The goal is to gradually reduce land take from by 2035 and tend towards no net land take (zéro artificialisation nette du sol) by 2050.

Dynamics of soil artificialisation 2007-2018 (Source: Département de l’aménagement du territoire (DATer) 2023)

To achieve this, the PDAT puts forward a planning culture that promotes urban regeneration, multifunctionality and efficient land management.

3. Cross-border spatial planning: Taking into account the functional linkages between Luxembourg and its cross-border functional region, the PDAT recognises the need for a concerted territorial development in the Greater Region (Grande Région). To address ecological and climate transition challenges, the Master Programme promotes territorial development strategies for cross-border functional areas, consultation with neighbouring regions in the framework of planning processes, and cross-border resource management.

4. Collaborative Governance as a cross-cutting objective: In the PDAT, governance is considered to be a cross-cutting objective, emphasising the coordination required for effective spatial planning. This is meant to happen horizontally across sector policies, vertically between the State and municipalities, as well as through public participation.

Time Horizon

The PDAT2023 is meant to unfold in two phases: 2023-2035 and 2035-2050. The first period until 2035 will act as a transition phase, which contributes to reversing the current development trends. Actions will focus on identifying and adopting instruments for the implementation of the Master Programme as well as initiating pilot projects and stakeholder connections.

The second phase, from 2035 to 2050, will ensure a steady transition and reverse the trends in question by the implementation of the strategies, while monitoring the developments as well as adapting approaches as needed.

Programme directeur d'aménagement du territoire 2023 - Stratégies territoriales - Portail de l'aménagement du territoire - Luxembourg
Vision 2050 in the PDAT (Source: Département de l’aménagement du territoire (DATer) 2023)

Implementation

In order to achieve the above-mentioned policy objectives in the given timeframes, two territorial strategies have been developed at different scales. First, the national territorial development strategy “Leitbild 2050” envisions a carbon-neutral and resilient territory, emphasising green, yellow and blue networks, the concentration of development in accordance with the urban hierarchy, and a sustainable mobility. This national territorial development strategy has also been broken down to so-called action areas (espaces d’action) at a functional-regional level. In this context, territorial visions for the three urban agglomerations have also been developed. Second, the territorial development strategy at the level of the Greater Region promotes cooperation in cross-border action areas, in accordance with the Interreg VI Greater Region programme. This cooperation fosters integrated territorial development in cross-border functional areas, complementing previous approaches by addressing challenges linked to the environment and natural resources. The implementation of strategies will be fostered through the adaptation of existing regulatory instruments and the potential creation of new ones.

Conclusion

The Master Programme for Spatial Planning in Luxembourg sets a forward-looking and ambitious territorial vision. By addressing climate change, resource preservation and sustainable growth, the PDAT paves the way for the ecological transition of the territory. Through clear strategic objectives and cross-sectoral coordination, Luxembourg is taking a further step towards sustainable development and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.

References

Master Programme for Spatial Planning in Luxembourg – “Programme directeur d’aménagement du territoire” (PDAT) 2023 (French): https://amenagement-territoire.public.lu/content/dam/amenagement_territoire/pdat-programme-directeur-damnagement-du-territoire-4072023.pdf

Spatial planning portal (French): https://amenagement-territoire.public.lu/fr/strategies-territoriales/programme-directeur.html

The 3D model featured on the National Geoportal of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg provides a comprehensive and detailed representation of Luxembourg’s landscape. This digital rendering aims to serve as a robust and accessible source of geospatial data, facilitating informed decision-making for policymakers, local administrations, and private individuals. The 3D model strives to encapsulate the intricate details of the country, from individual trees and buildings to streets, offering a dynamic platform for diverse applications and insights into Luxembourg’s terrain.

3D scale model of a section of Luxembourg city (https://www.geoportail.lu/en/)

In a groundbreaking move towards comprehensive data representation, the Luxembourgish Geoportal has expanded its services from traditional two-dimensional maps to an immersive three-dimensional model. The meticulous creation of this 3D model involved the precise measurement of Luxembourg from above, capturing 82 billion reference points that define every tree, building, and street in the Grand Duchy. The extensive data collection for the 3D model included aerial imagery, ground elevation, and detailed information about buildings and vegetation.

The general dataset within Geoportail.lu forms the basis for various thematic sections, covering topics such as water management, agriculture, energy, and the recently introduced section dedicated to nature parks. The digital platform proves instrumental in the effective management of nature parks, allowing stakeholders to access pertinent information effortlessly. For instance, those engaged in agriculture can utilise the platform to streamline data retrieval, consequently reducing delays in negotiations related to the management of these critical natural areas.

3D scale model of a section of Luxembourg city with vegetation (https://www.geoportail.lu/en/)

The platform’s significance extends beyond nature conservation, reaching into the realm of spatial planning and policy advice. The Geoportal can simplify complex decision-making processes in the development and sustainability of Luxembourg’s landscape, e.g. aiding in the identification of optimal locations for tree planting, particularly crucial in mitigating the impact of rising heatwaves. With a substantial user base of around 5,000 daily visitors, Geoportail.lu is a helpful tool, catering to the diverse needs of individuals, governmental ministries, and local administrations.

Moreover, the integration of the 3D model into the Geoportal serves as a powerful tool for urbanism, offering urban planners and architects a nuanced understanding of spatial dynamics. This enhanced spatial insight aids in optimising city layouts, infrastructure development, and the creation of more sustainable and liveable urban environments. It can also act as a catalyst for fostering collaborative initiatives. Through facilitating stakeholder engagement, the model allows urban planners, policymakers, and community members to collaboratively envision and refine development projects.

Generation of a map section in STL format on Geoportail.lu (https://3dprint.geoportail.lu/commande)

For those interested in specific data details, the Digital Building Luxembourg website (see below) provides further insights into the creation process of the 3D model. Additionally, the OpenData portal of the State (see below) offers downloadable files and resources related to the 3D model, including terrain models and surface models that can be printed in 3D or utilised in professional drawing or rendering software. The Administration du Cadastre et de la Topographie (see below) offers a detailed breakdown of available formats, use cases, and specific data sources, ensuring transparency and credibility in the utilisation of 3D geospatial information. Adding to this, the act2bim.geoportail.lu, a platform where georeferenced or local 3D files in Collada, IFC, or Sketchup formats can be ordered is set to launch end of January 2024.

Preview of the ACT2BIM Website (Geoportail.lu)

The integration of the 3D model into the Geoportal not only elevates the user experience by offering a more immersive representation of Luxembourg’s landscape but also significantly enhances the platform’s utility across various sectors. This advanced spatial visualisation proves invaluable for urban planning and architectural simulations, providing a three-dimensional perspective that aids in optimising spatial development. Additionally, the 3D model enriches the Geoportal’s functionality for environmental conservation, allowing conservationists and policymakers to make more informed decisions regarding biodiversity preservation and sustainable land use. The synergistic integration of the 3D model into the Geoportal underscores its role as a dynamic and comprehensive tool, fostering improved decision-making processes and contributing to the holistic understanding of Luxembourg’s diverse terrain.

Contact

Geoportail: support@geoportail.lu

Digital Building Luxembourg: contact@crtib.lu

CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References and further information

National Geoportail of the Grand-Duchy Luxembourg: https://www.geoportail.lu/en/

Digital Building Luxembourg website (FR): https://www.digitalbuilding.lu/fr/actualite/maquette-3d-du-territoire-national-luxembourgeois/

OpenData portal of the State: https://data.public.lu/

3D Print Export generation: https://3dprint.geoportail.lu/

Administration du Cadastre et de la Topographie: https://act.public.lu/fr/cartographie/export-print-3d.html

The second workshop organised by the CIPU office on the 18th of October narrowed down the annual topic of multifunctionality in the city by focusing on the integration of production and crafts in the city. The participants had the chance to delve into the concept of the Productive City from the different perspectives of municipal strategy development, the technical implementation and the regulatory framework.

The event was hosted in the former fire station barracks in Luxembourg city. The afternoon began with introductory presentations by the City of Luxembourg and the Chambre of Crafts (Chambre des Métiers). These included the Schluechthaus project in Hollerich and the development of the site around the fire station barracks and the former stadium. The focus here was on the technical conversion work on the barracks and the old Schluechthaus in order to bring the buildings up to the current safety regulations for public buildings for interim use. The third presentation dealt with the survey results of the Chambre des Métiers regarding the property requirements of craft businesses in the country.

Source: Ville de Luxembourg

The workshop began with an introductory presentation looking back on the previous thematic workshop in June and the excursion to Brussels in August facilitated by the CIPU. The tasks of the three discussion tables were then introduced. This was followed by a phase of group work in which all participants were assigned to a discussion group, each of which dealt with different aspects of the realisation of the productive city. The results of the discussions are explained in more detail in this documentation.

The first group focused on developing a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the “Productive City” concept in municipalities. The discussion emphasized the need for both national and municipal-level actions, with the proposed national strategy serving as a guide for municipalities, linking them through centralised elements like a registry of businesses and potential mixed-use areas, as well as a crafts agency. The strategy identified the importance of clear goals, typologies in a national register, and the establishment of cross-sector working groups and a national crafts agency to ensure a multifaceted and coordinated approach. Key actors include a National Crafts Agency, municipalities, the Ministry of the Interior, the Crafts Chamber, and Luxembourg, each playing crucial roles in coordination, financial support, local implementation, and regulatory oversight.

Source: Ville de Luxembourg

The second group delved into the technical implementation of the “Productive City” concept, examining two projects within the current regulatory framework. The first project focused on a productive ground floor in an urban setting, aiming to divide 2,600 m² into flexible modules for various tenants, posing challenges related to flexibility, compatibility, and efficient building planning. The second project involved repurposing historic industrial halls for productive use, facing challenges concerning compatibility with other uses, heritage preservation, and operational concepts. The group identified challenges such as stakeholder coordination, urban integration, and flexibility of building structures, proposing solutions like national-level frameworks, internal building concepts, and zoned programming to address these concerns and make these projects feasible and adaptable over time.

The third group focused on the regulatory framework, aiming to identify obstacles and problematic provisions within existing municipal regulations (PAG/PAP QE/RBVS) related to the implementation of mixed-use areas combining residential and artisanal activities. The discussion revealed that challenges extend beyond local regulations, requiring national-level interventions. Key obstacles included the PAG zones’ strong emphasis on functional separation, parking space regulations, and the absence of a national definition for artisanal activities. Proposed solutions included national-level adjustments to the Règlement Grand-Ducal, standardised parking regulations, and clear definitions for artisanal activities to facilitate local implementation. Additionally, the group advocated for enabling densification in existing activity zones, securing existing businesses, and addressing the impact of the current real estate market on the attractiveness of various functions. The need for collaborative decision-making involving municipalities was emphasised throughout the discussion.

Source: Ville de Luxembourg

The workshop shed light on the urban challenges of blending housing and craftsmanship, emphasising the need for collaborative and holistic solutions. Group discussions pinpointed obstacles like technical requirements for buildings, zoning restrictions and parking norms, stressing the call for centralised coordination and requirement analyses. Overall, the workshop underscored the importance of a united effort to craft practical, flexible strategies for fostering dynamic, mixed-use urban spaces.

Contact

CIPU: cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References

CIPU website (French and German): https://site.cipu.lu/

“Luxembourg in Transition” (LiT) can be characterised as an innovative process with the aim of rethinking and reshaping the territorial transition of Luxembourg and its neighbouring regions across the border by developing visions for a desirable future until 2050. The territorial visioning approach is innovative in the sense that it goes beyond traditional planning culture and instruments in an interdisciplinary manner and the spirit of coopetition.

Aim

The main objective of this innovative process is to develop different territorial visions, based on ecological transition scenarios, strategic spatial planning solutions and demonstration projects, for a decarbonised and resilient cross-border functional region of Luxembourg until 2050. The ecological transition refers to achieving the objectives of zero carbon emission while:

  • reducing land take;
  • enhancing biodiversity, improving ecosystem quality;
  • integrating the aspects of housing, transport, energy and digitalisation;
  • creating concepts and models for a territory resilient to climate change;
  • promoting an economic development that is stable, equitable and solidarity-based; and
  • strengthening territorial and social cohesion.

The territorial visions are based on the long-term horizon of 2050. By comparing the visions with the business-as-usual scenario, it becomes possible to identify the changes required for achieving the objectives and design a roadmap.

source: Luxembourg in Transition, 2020: Logo

Partnership

The LiT process was initiated by the Department of Spatial Planning of the Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning. The consultation was accompanied by different committees: The Scientific Committee provided expertise from research and planning practice; the Advisory Committee incorporated the interests of partner and stakeholder organisations from Luxembourg and the Greater Region; the Interministerial Committee engaged all relevant sector ministries and steered the process; and the Citizens’ Committee (Biergerkommitee Lëtzebuerg 2050) introduced the population’s perspective and addressed recommendations to political decision-makers. An external service provider was tasked with the scientific management of the process and overseeing the work of the expert teams.

Activities

The international consultation within the framework of the LiT process was designed as a three-stage cooperative competition (“coopetition”), aiming to engage international experts from various disciplines and stimulate cross-fertilisation among teams. The consultation brought together practitioners, universities and other research organisations and gathered knowledge in the fields of regional and urban development as well as architecture, environmental and social sciences. The initial ten teams started working in October 2020 and the four final teams presented their results in January 2022. The three stages of the consultation aimed to refine and concretise the so-called “transition visions” developed in each preceding phase.

Stage 1: In this stage, the expert teams were tasked with developing a quantitative approach to assess the effectiveness of measures in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The metrics needed to quantify various aspects related to land use, energy consumption, waste management, food production, water resources or biodiversity.

Stage 2: Building upon their work in Stage 1, the expert teams were required to apply their metrics to the territory and show how innovative concepts in spatial planning could be implemented. The focus was on the cross-border functional region of Luxembourg, exploring the potentials and challenges of implementing measures in a cross-border context.

Stage 3: The final stage called for the expert teams to develop concrete strategies and exemplary projects to anchor the vision both within Luxembourg and across borders. This stage emphasised topics such as energy efficiency, the protection of biodiversity, resilience and climate change adaptation, resource scarcity and food security.

University of Luxembourg et al., 2021: Representation of a converted commercial area

For instance, the team led by the University of Luxembourg presented measures for regenerating industrial parks and commercial areas through conversion, multifunctional usage, the use of local products and renaturing. The experts developed their vision using the example of the commercial area Foetz in Mondercange, Luxembourg.

Further projects and detailed information about the entire LiT process can be found on the website: https://luxembourgintransition.lu/en/

Outlook

The LiT process represents an innovative approach to shaping the future of Luxembourg. By engaging a diverse range of actors, implementing a multi-stage competition, and incorporating cross-border aspects, the process aims to develop a sustainable and resilient Luxembourg in a sustainable and resilient manner. The vision’s long-term horizon of 2050 provides a framework for setting goals, identifying necessary changes, and establishing a roadmap for this development. The next step is to shift from theory to practical implementation, which consists of pilot projects and demonstrating the ability of the functional region Luxembourg to transition towards a carbon-free territory. Additionally, the transferability and application of the LiT process in other territories – cross border or not – is illustrated in the Guidance Note “Cross-Border Spatial Planning: A vision for a cross-border functional region” which is a Pilot Action of the Territorial Agenda. It demonstrates the applied methodology and discusses the implications of decarbonisation and sustainability for spatial planning and its cross-border dimension. Find out more about the pilot action here: https://territorialagenda.eu/pilot-actions/cross-border-spatial-planning/

Contact

Luxembourg in Transition: https://luxembourgintransition.lu/en/contact-2/

References

The European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation (EGTC) Alzette Belval plays a vital role in fostering collaboration between the French and Luxembourgish communities in the Alzette-Belval region. By facilitating cross-border projects and initiatives, the EGTC promotes sustainable development and positions Alzette-Belval as a transnational agglomeration.

Aim

Imagine a world where geographical borders do not limit collaboration between regions but facilitate it. That’s the objective of the EGTC Alzette Belval. By establishing a sustainable framework for cooperation and joint projects, it aims to bridge the administrative borders between Luxembourg and France to develop a shared vision for the future of Alzette Belval and stabilise the cross-border relationship. Additionally, the EGTC enables the transferring of local findings and perspectives to higher administrative levels and informs according regional, national or European institutions about the cross-border challenges.

Inauguration of the Cross-border Steel Curcuit in September 2022
Copyright: GECT ALZETTE BELVAL

Genesis and Composition

After first selective collaborative approaches between the French and Luxembourgish communities in the 1990s the need for a more effective and solid legal framework emerged. Therefore, the EGTC was established on March 8, 2013, with the support of the French and Luxembourgish governments and local authorities. It operates within the regulatory framework of the European Union, specifically the EGTC Regulation (No 1082/2006), which makes it a legal body.

The EGTC is compiled of a Luxembourgish delegation consisting of representatives from the state Luxembourg as well as from the four municipalities Esch-surAlzette, Mondercrange, Sanem and Schifflange. From the French side, representatives from the national level and Communauté de Communes du Pays-Haut Val d’Alzette, Région Grand Est, Conseil départemental de Meurthe-et-Moselle and Conseil départemental de la Moselle are involved.

Discovery of the ABACTIV pedestrian cycle track linking Micheville (F) and Belval (L) in September 2022. Copyright: GECT ALZETTE BELVAL

Activities, Measures, and Current Strategy (2021-2027)

A strategy is an essential instrument for an institutional body to function sustainably and effectively. The EGTC Alzette Belval developed a first strategy in 2014 for the timeframe until 2016. It was updated for the second phase 2017-2020 and the current version accounts for 2021-2027. It builds upon its previous successes and focuses on the following key areas:

  • Health
  • Mobility
  • Everyday life without borders and limitations
  • Alzette Belval: Maintenance and use of green landscapes
  • Alzette Belval: Shared and resilient future
  • Alzette Belval: Laboratory for education
  • Alzette Belval: Symbolic space of French-Luxembourgish collaboration

The EGTC Alzette Belval undertakes various measures and assumes roles to strengthen cross-border collaboration:

  • Information hub: The EGTC serves as a valuable information resource, providing updates on transborder initiatives, projects, and opportunities to the residents and institutions in the region.
  • Local link: Operating independently, the EGTC effectively represents the local interests of the Alzette-Belval community.
  • Facilitator: The EGTC facilitates exchange between stakeholders in the region, strengthening the cross-border network.
  • Project initiator: The EGTC takes the lead in developing and implementing transborder projects, often financed by European funds, e.g. through the Interreg Greater Region programme. These projects contribute to the region’s development and enhance cooperation between neighbouring communities.

A standout project within the EGTC’s portfolio is “Alzette Belval, vivons ensemble!”, which ran from 2014-2020. This initiative was developed to promote the concept of a cross-border agglomeration, aiming to cultivate a sense of belonging and regional identity. Through collaborations with several authorities from France and Luxembourg, the project facilitated cross-border projects in domains like sports, tourism, culture, and agriculture.

Games without borders between the youth centres of Belvaux (L) and Rédange (F) in summer 2022. Copyright: GECT ALZETTE BELVAL

Outlook

The EGTC Alzette Belval is dedicated to cross-border collaboration and sustainable development. By facilitating cooperation, implementing joint projects, and engaging local stakeholders, the EGTC strives to create a dynamic, interconnected, and resilient Alzette Belval that benefits residents, businesses, and institutions. Looking ahead to 2021-2027, the EGTC focuses on integrating cross-border projects and fostering a harmonious cross-border agglomeration. This strategy underscores the transformative power of collaboration, envisioning a future where borders no longer limit progress but instead facilitate collective development.

Contact

EGTC Alzette Belval: contact@gectalzettebelval.eu

References

The “National Platform for Urban Policy” (CIPU) enables cooperation between national, regional/intermunicipal and local level and initiates the debate around urban planning and development in Luxembourg. In addition to that, it raises awareness in the international context and informs about ongoing urban spatial planning trends and relevant topics in Luxembourg.

Aim

CIPU works on two levels: the European and the national level. While increasing awareness about spatial planning in Luxembourg in the international context, the platform simultaneously supports the cooperation between the local and the national level in Luxembourg. The central objective of CIPU has always been to provide a platform for exchange between the various urban policies and a multitude of municipal, national and European actors and enable cooperation – an objective which remains valid today. However, the practical topics have evolved across the years. The convention applies a focused and cooperative approach for its implementation.

Partnership

CIPU is based on an agreement between the Luxembourg Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning, the Ministry of Housing and Ministry of Home Affairs as well as the cities of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Differdange and Dudelange. These partners constitute the core network of the CIPU. It is managed and organised by the CIPU which is run by Zeyen+Baumann in cooperation with Spatial Foresight. Depending on the subject, the platform’s activities are implemented in close cooperation with external partners, e.g. the Klima-Agence.

Patty Neu, November 2019: Presentation of CIPU publications during the press conference in November 2019, Claude Turmes, Minister of Energy and Spatial Planning and Henri Kox, Minister of Housing

Genesis

CIPU was developed in 2010 to support the integration of the recommendations for urban development from the European level in Luxembourgish spatial planning policy. In Luxembourg, the debate on spatial development since the beginning of the 2000s has been marked by the adoption of the second Master Programme for Spatial Planning (PDAT) in 2003, the Integrated Transport and Territorial Development Concept (IVL) in 2004 and the revision of the laws on urban (2004) and spatial planning (2013, 2018). CIPU initially aimed at transposing the objectives from the “Leipzig Charter on Sustainable European Cities” from 2007 at the national level while involving Luxembourgish municipalities in the implementation of a national urban policy, and – at the same time – considering the objectives of the PDAT which has a guiding function for national and local authorities.

Zeyen+Baumann, September 2021: CIPU excursion on Revitalising city centres in September 2021

During 2017-2021, a thematic focus was set for each year: In 2017/2018 the activities were focused on affordable housing. The year 2019 revolved around the topic of major urban development projects, the years 2020/2021 focused on both climate change adaptation in urban development and the revitalisation of inner cities. Furthermore, in the course of 2021, CIPU addressed the changing framework conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and work was carried out under the overarching title “City in Transition”. In addition to workshops and events, which were dedicated to concrete issues and enabled a direct exchange between the participants, the results of the discussions were processed in numerous publications for Luxembourgish and European planners. These were produced in close cooperation with the partners involved in the CIPU and the actors participating in the workshops. The CIPU documentation is thus a significant output that actively contributes to informing and developing the expertise of Luxembourgish planners. In order to finalise this phase of CIPU and to provide space for other important topics in the future, the “Journée de la Politique Urbaine” was organised with Luxembourgish planners and experts in January 2022. In a world café-like setting, the future perspectives for a “City in Transition” were elaborated as a summarizing statement of the CIPU 2020/2021.

Patty Neu, October 2019: CIPU workshop on innovative urban development projects in October 2019

Outlook

The main topics and activities for the next two years are described in an ambitious programme. It was developed in close cooperation with all involved partners by means of in-depth discussions about relevant topics. This action programme will cover the following topics:

  • multifunctional urban areas
  • energy concepts for large-scale urban projects
  • climate resilience and climate change impact in urban development
  • building cooperatives and alternative models for housing and working

Activities for 2023 were launched in May with the online lecture series (colloque) consisting of four presentations on energy concepts in the district “Roud Lëns”, the projects “NeiSchmelz” and “Wunne mat der Wooltz” as well as the energetic renovation of existing buildings in Differdange and a low-emission district in Strasbourg. Further steps in the implementation include interactive thematic workshops, an excursion and a concluding conference on the second thematic focus of multifunctional urban areas. For external communication, and awareness-raising, CIPU will inform about ongoing activities, publications and provide a collection of funding opportunities for municipalities on its website and social media. Furthermore, this blog will inform continuously about ongoing urban planning and development trends and projects in Luxembourg – so stay tuned during the next months.

Contact

Cellule nationale d’Information pour la Politique Urbaine (CIPU): cipu@zeyenbaumann.lu

References

CIPU website (German and French): https://site.cipu.lu/

CIPU blog (English): https://blog.cipu.lu/blog/

Conclusions of CIPU 2020/2021 (German): https://site.cipu.lu/images/2022-03_publications2022/CIPU_Conclusions%202020-2021_2022-03-30.pdf

Frequent extreme weather events in Luxembourg in recent years have pushed climate change higher up the public agenda. The call for more public action has become louder in view of the devastating effects of recent tornados and torrential rainfall, followed by flooding and extended drought in the summer noticed by residents and visitors.

Preparing and adjusting to current and future effects of climate change, ‘climate change adaptation’, is one pillar next to climate action that governments around the globe are working on to limit the impact of climate change on societies.

Despite progress made during past years, there are critical gaps in implementation of climate action, where policy ambitions have not yet yielded necessary action. This highlights the need for clear information and guidance to streamline actions to progress towards a shared agenda for practitioners and planners. The ‘Climate Change adaptation strategy’ comprehensively promotes climate change adaptation in Luxembourg.

Rationale for action

According to IPCC scenarios, by the end of the 21st century, Luxembourg will experience today’s climate of Milan. What sounds positive at first glance has serious consequences with average annual temperature rising from 8.8 to 13.1° Celsius and rainfall increasing by 30% over the next 80 years.

These numbers should not distract attention from expectations of more frequent extreme weather events including heat stress, rainfall variability, less available freshwater, lower crop yields, lower soil quality, uncertain energy supply, increasing conflicts of use and less biodiversity. These show the current system is not yet ready to cope with climate change.

Despite these observations, climate change adaptation still appears to be a side note in Luxembourg spatial planning. With municipalities responsible for planning, state institutions depend on municipal decision makers and planners being informed and willing to work towards climate change adaptation. To become more resilient to a changing climate, more attention needs to be given to climate-change adaptation to prepare for inevitable impacts as the current system is not yet prepared.

Objective

Preventing harm to humans and natural ecosystems from climate change requires adapting the built environment. The fundamental assumptions on which local planning and developments have been based for decades have changed, especially for water availability and amount of rainfall.

Much more than simple adaptations are necessary. With changing fundamental assumptions on climate, new techniques and methods are needed. This means new methods to cope with the new reality and to adapt existing systems.

Transition is very complex. It requires modifications to the way we have planned for decades. So planning guidance is essential, along with a national reference framework to detail and measure the effectiveness of actions to induce significant change. The Climate Change Adaptation Strategy provides this guidance. It gives information from Luxembourg planners for Luxembourg planners about climate change adaptation.

Time frame

The strategy has been updated frequently since the first edition in 2012. New planning laws and regulations made an update necessary in 2016 and a new edition was published in 2018 which remains valid today. To assist local decision makers and planners, the new edition also has an implementation strategy.

Key players

The strategy has been developed by the Department for Environment of the Luxembourg Ministry of Energy and Spatial Planning, which is also responsible for implementation. It works towards the Paris Agreement and has been adopted by the Government so it applies to all government institutions.

Cover page of the C-Change strategy. Source: MEV, 2021.

Implementation steps and processes

The climate change adaptation strategy offers a comprehensive catalogue of measures. It covers construction and housing, energy, forestry, infrastructure, civil protection, spatial planning, agriculture, human health, ecosystems and biodiversity, tourism, urban development, water management and the economy. There are also specific recommendations on cross-cutting measures.

There are several measures for each topic and every measure is described in a factsheet. These detail the objective, the type of measure, necessary steps, additional information, stakeholders and success indicators.

With the detailed factsheets, the strategy also offers guidance and information on responsibilities. Municipalities can identify measures based on the desired effects of their actions.

Required resources

The resources used to create the strategy are not known.

Results

The strategy has been developed in a participative process, involving municipal and national planners. Recommendations respect the national and local planning regulations.

Every recommendation is explained in a table format (see below). It comes with a detailed description, ensuring that a measure follows the climate change adaptation strategy. Key stakeholders to implement recommendations are also detailed.

Despite the comprehensive guidance, measures still need to be translated into the local context by municipalities. This ensures that decisions respect local specificities. It also ensures municipal planning autonomy, a valuable commodity in the Grand Duchy.

The strategy has been adopted by the Luxembourg Government. All public institutions are asked to consider the document in the planning of public projects.

Example of a recommendation in table format from the strategy. Source: MEV, 2021.

Experiences, success factors, risks

Adapting spatial planning to climate change is a difficult task. The strategy contains much useful information for planners and experts, helping to inspire national and local action.

Conclusions

The strategy is a reference document for climate change adaptation from 2018 to 2023. After 2023 it will be revised and updated again, to incorporate new knowledge and new planning legislation.

Contact

Contact: https://environnement.public.lu/fr/support/contact.html

References

Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Sustainable Development, Strategy and action plan for climate change adaptation:

German: https://environnement.public.lu/content/dam/environnement/documents/klima_an_energie/Anpassungsstrategie-Klimawandel-Clean.pdf

French: https://environnement.public.lu/content/dam/environnement/documents/klima_an_energie/Strategie-Adaptation-Changement-climatique-Clean.pdf

Public participation has become an essential part of any public planning endeavour. Many citizens actively seek to be involved in planning processes, to remain informed, provide their knowledge. or to advocate their interests.

To facilitate future public participation, the Luxembourg government has published an online participation portal and the ‘National Portal for Public Inquiries’ can be used free of charge by Luxembourg public institutions.

Rationale for action

Participation is important to increase acceptance of projects. Citizens can be involved at an early stage, enabling mediation and information. So, participation has become an integral part of planning and for many processes it is even required by law.

Participation however is often costly for project implementors as no one solution fits all. Procedures need to be developed from scratch for each endeavour, the scope of participation must also be defined, participants invited, workshops held and results incorporated in the planning process. Participation is sometimes also seen as a risk with unexpected results or even resulting in deadlock.

The unique demographics of Luxembourg also require a special approach to guarantee the democratic legitimacy of public participation. About half the population are not Luxembourg citizens and spoken languages include Luxembourgish, Portuguese, French, German and English among others. Local participation is often organised in Luxembourgish and hence can be exclusive. The spoken language and sometimes also the timing of participation workshops in the evening exclude a large number of citizens.

Objective

Digital approaches to public participation can address this. Informing citizens is easier and feedback in different languages can be sent at any time. Digital platforms can cover larger target groups, potentially increasing the number of informed citizens and the amount of feedback.

To be successful, a digital approach needs to respect citizen involvement. So, the user-perspective needs to be at the very centre. A simple layout, streamlined processes, clear indications for why feedback is required and information on processing the data are key.

A new approach was required to address the weaknesses and to harness the strengths of current participative procedures. To simplify public services and offer more digital services to citizens, the online platform ‘National Portal for Public Inquiries’ was created.

Time frame

The idea for the platform came up in 2018. Since then, it has been developed in close cooperation between two government institutions.

Overview on the menu and pieces of information for each public inquiry. Source: CFUE, 2022.

Key players

Development of the portal was entrusted to the Ministry of Digitalisation, CFUE (“Cellule de facilitation urbanisme et environnement”, French for ‘Urban Planning and Environment Facilitation Unit’). This unit supports exchange and coordination in planning projects between stakeholders. CFUE was created in 2013 and integrated into the Ministry of Digitalisation at the end of 2018.  The portal is also refined continuously by CFUE and is also hosted by the Government IT Centre (CTIE – Centre for information technology of the Luxembourg State).

Implementation steps and processes

The idea came from CFUE. The benefits and added value of a digital participation platform became apparent during its coordination of many planning projects.

Since 2018, the layout and structure of the platform has been developed by CFUE, involving important players from different government institutions. As the idea matured, it became more and more important to design the portal around citizens’ needs. The portal design and processes are modular to enable players from different levels and institutions to post and host participation procedures and notices.

After the design was concluded, the platform was implemented together with CTIE. Since its launch in early 2021, the portal has been an official government service.

Required resources

The resources used to create the portal are not known, but came entirely from CFUE and CTIE.

Results

Since its launch in 2021, the portal has been accessible to the Luxembourg public. In addition to public participation procedures that can be launched and organised through the portal, it informs citizens on planning endeavours through public notices, enables information meetings to be scheduled and held and provides guidance on implementing participation procedures, complying with the applicable laws. 

The portal provides factsheets on different procedures, along with the regulatory background and required public participation delays, which ensures standardised procedures. The portal also offers guidance documents.

A unique feature is that individuals can register for a territorial newsletter and an E-mail is automatically sent notifying any participation procedure in a selected municipality

Overview on the geographical location of ongoing public inquiries in Luxembourg. Source: CFUE, 2022.

Experiences, success factors, risks

Right from its official launch, the portal is already widely used with more than 200 procedures registered in November 2021. Most of these are environmental participation processes, which in Luxembourg are complex and difficult to run. So, the portal already brings administrative simplification for authorities and citizens.

CFUE is a neutral coordinator in planning projects, connecting with a large network of local and national planning experts and decision makers. The neutrality and connectedness of the institution ensure impartiality and proper use of the portal.

Conclusions

With the ‘National Portal for Public Inquiries’, the Government has developed a new instrument that facilitates public participation. The portal is easy to understand, and the modular design enables inclusion of participation procedures from all fields and levels in spatial planning.

The possibility to quickly locate planning projects, the customisable newsletter, an ability to switch languages and to easily submit an opinion showcase that the user-dimension has been successfully integrated into the design of the portal.

Contact

A contact form is accessible on: https://enquetes.public.lu/en/support/contact.html

References

Luxembourg Government 2021: National Portal for Public Inquiries: https://enquetes.public.lu/en.html

Luxembourg Ministry of Digitalisation, 2021: Press dossier on the National Portal for Public Inquiries (in French): https://gouvernement.lu/dam-assets/documents/actualites/2021/01-janvier/07-enquetes-publiques.pdf

Many firms and jobs in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg are centred around the capital city. Municipalities beyond Luxembourg city and its immediate surroundings have difficulties attracting firms and providing local employment. In addition, the many international companies in Luxembourg mean that prices for office space are challenging for start-ups.

The municipality of Dudelange in the south of the country has initiated ‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’. This incubator is a first step to supporting a new eco-innovation cluster within the municipality and providing affordable office space for start-ups.

Rationale for action

With an ever-increasing number of enterprises and jobs around the capital city, some recent developments have caused difficulties, including the many cross-border commuters working in Luxembourg city. Territories between Luxembourg city and the borders to Belgium, France and Germany have turned into a ‘drive-through country’. With a low municipal business tax rate, Luxembourg city continues to be an unrivalled player in the competition for businesses in the Grand Duchy, leaving little chance for other municipalities to attract firms.

Many international firms rent offices in Luxemburg city, so it has become difficult for start-ups to find affordable office space in the capital area. Start-ups often rely on cheap office space, so where space is expensive less of them can emerge.

Objective

The ‘Dudelange Innovation Hub’ aims to attract and support eco-technology start-ups that will help to establish a new economic cluster in the municipality and the country. Eco-technology approaches, practices and technologies developed in the new cluster can eventually be transferred to municipal departments to improve their services.

This will contribute to local economic development and new jobs. The incubator also aims to shape economic activities towards sustainable and ecological activities in the future ‘NeiSchmelz’ eco-district, a brownfield development within the municipality.

Time frame

The decision to set-up ‘Dudelange Innovation Hub’ in the ‘NeiSchmelz’ district was taken in July 2017. Two months later, the project was presented to the public. With support from several national players, implementation of facilities for the incubator started soon after. In July 2018, just one year after the decision was taken, the incubator opened its doors and welcomed the first enterprises. In 2019, the Incubator welcomed seven start-ups. Three start-ups cooperated closely with the municipality for testing and introducing their products and services in the city of Dudelange.

Key players

‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’ is an initiative of the municipality which chairs and administers the incubator. The provision of facilities and their operation is in cooperation with national players, namely Luxinnovation and Technoport S.A. This innovation agency and business incubator assist the municipality in selecting businesses. Another player is the ‘Fonds du Logement’, the national fund for housing, which owns the land.

Implementation steps and processes

The availability of financial and organisational resources required for the project and the limited number of players involved meant progress on ‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’ was quick. The concept was developed and approved in 2017 and the incubator started operation in July 2018.

Operation of the incubator is ensured by the municipality together with the national innovation agency and the national technology incubator. Start-ups looking to rent office space apply to the national innovation agency. After a pre-selection, a final choice is made by a selection committee of all three key players.

Once the start-ups are welcomed in the ‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’, they receive support in the form of contact building, fundraising and other services provided by the national innovation agency and the business incubator.

Required resources

The municipality rents office spaces from the national fund for housing ‘Fonds du Logement’. In addition to the rent, implementation of the facilities cost EUR 175,000, which was covered up to 80 % by the state.

Results

‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’ includes 14 furbished offices available to eco-technology start-ups. Additionally, the 500 square meters of newly built office space include conference rooms and shared facilities.

Companies can rent the offices for up to five years at a reduced rent. Start-ups less than two years old pay EUR 15 per square meter each month, all other companies pay EUR 20.

At the end of 2019, one year after inauguration, seven of the 14 workplaces were already let. The start-ups cover specialisations including smart irrigation systems, smart LED street lighting systems and active mapping of flood zones using innovative drone technology. Products of these eco-technology firms are transferred to the local administration and will improve the public services provided by the municipality.

Facilities of the ‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’. Source: Municipality of Dudelange, 2018.

Experiences, success factors, risks

‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’ is an innovative approach offering start-up support to a specific sector in a specific location. The instrument also helps to foster innovation in eco-technology. Although this is frequently in the media, it is not frequently addressed by entrepreneurs.

The instrument is also suitable for interim uses. While the eco-district is developing at full speed, ‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’ was based in a building of a steel mill that halted production in 2005. Occupation of the offices by start-ups is for up to five years, so winding-up the incubator should involve little effort when the services are no longer needed.

Conclusions

‘Innovation Hub Dudelange’ shows that relatively little finance is required to set-up a business incubator. Such initiatives are thus suitable for smaller municipalities with limited human and financial resources. Relying on support from national agencies, the municipality benefits from local economic development incentives from the start-ups as well as from the emerging eco-technology cluster, enabling innovations to be transferred to the municipal administration.  

Contact

Contact address: innovationhub@dudelange.lu

References

Municipality of Dudelange, 2019: ‘Innovation Hub – 3 startups réinventent la ville de demain avec Dudelange!’ (in French):

Innovation Hub – 3 startups réinventent la ville de demain avec Dudelange !

Luxinnovation, 2019: News – Innovation Hub – one year of supporting eco-technology: https://www.luxinnovation.lu/news/innovation-hub-one-year-of-supporting-eco-technology/

Celebrating the accession of the city of Differdange to the CIPU convention, we interviewed Laura Pregno, alderwoman for urban development and Manuel Lopes Costa, chief planner for the City of Differdange. Differdange is the third-largest city in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The interview covered climate change adaptation and climate action in Luxembourg urban areas.

Interviewer: Measures addressing climate change can reduce hazardous emissions, or deal with the consequences of climate change. What role does local development play in adapting to climate change?

Alderwoman Pregno and chief planner Lopes Costa: Urban development is important to climate change adaptation with municipal measures aligned to broader objectives. The city of Differdange directly contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 11 ‘Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable’ through a municipal guideline.

Sustainable Development Goal 11. Source: UN, 2021.

The 2018 guideline lays out principles and objectives for renovation and construction of public buildings in Differdange (available here in German). It directly refers to the Sustainable Development Goals, linking municipality measures to global climate change adaptation and climate action. When implementing local measures, it is important to consider these overarching objectives and strategies as this ensures that players at all levels are working towards the same objectives creating synergies and avoiding conflicts.

Linking municipal efforts to broader global policies still leaves municipalities free to adapt their own visions, strategies and objectives. We develop our own visions and strategies for climate change adaptation and climate action through urban and district development in our city. Referring to the global objectives helps us to use monitoring, with measurable effects that are visible for Differdange residents.

Differdange uses municipal planning to involve citizens, associations, public institutions and services as well as businesses. In addition, our starting point for climate change adaptation differs from other places. In Differdange we have different pre-requisites than elsewhere, calling for territorially integrated actions and measures. Urban and district development instruments help us to incorporate local specificities in policy making.

Interviewer: Where do you see priorities and opportunities to use existing or new spatial planning and urban development instruments for climate change adaptation in Luxembourg?

Alderwoman Pregno and chief planner Lopes Costa: Luxemburg municipalities already have a range of instruments to hand that enable climate change adaptation and climate action to be integral in urban development. From our point of view, these instruments are sufficient for such measures.

However, climate change adaptation and climate action often lack clearly defined objectives and measures at municipal level in Luxembourg. In Differdange and other municipalities instruments could not be used to their full potential to carry out projects as there were unclear overarching objectives. These ambiguities have their origin in political disputes or a lack of climate-related strategies at municipal level.

This is why we, the city of Differdange, are working on clear politically approved objectives. An urban strategy is currently under development which will align all urban development projects in Differdange to contribute to climate change adaptation and climate action. The strategy will complement the existing guideline and is being developed jointly with citizens and across political parties, ensuring that all parties will work on its implementation.

Once these clear and politically approved objectives are defined at local level, we can use urban development and planning to their full potential to implement concrete measures. Our strategy will ensure that climate change adaptation and climate action objectives are addressed in urban development. The local zoning plan, PAG (Plan d’aménagement general) will influence land-use in favour of climate change adaptation, with specific land-use plans (Plan d’aménagement particulier)and urbanistic concepts for vacant land (Schémas Directeurs) enabling measures for private or public development projects, such as building layout and even construction materials.  

Interviewer: What role should climate change adaptation play in a sustainable urban development?

Alderwoman Pregno and chief planner Lopes Costa: In Luxembourg, impacts of climate change have become more visible in recent years. More frequent torrential rains, droughts and hazardous events have put climate change back into the population’s awareness. The most important instrument we as the city of Differdange have to counter these changes is sustainable urban development. Changing our urban landscape and making it more fit for the future will guarantee that our city remains liveable. Nevertheless, to make sure that we are all moving into the same direction we need joint visions and strategies. With our climate strategy, we increase leverage of our measures as we commit all political parties to shared objectives and measures.

Master plan for the ‘Plateau du Funiculaire’ in Differdange. Source: Dewey Muller, 2020.

Interviewer: Can converting urban brownfields help climate change adaption?

Alderwoman Pregno and chief planner Lopes Costa: We have brownfield conversion experience with the large development project ‘Plateau fu Funiculaire’ in the centre of Differdange. Since 2004, we have been developing this district together with many stakeholders. The brownfield was a former dumpsite for the nearby blast furnace and was developed in a way that connects the city districts of Differdange, Differdange, Oberkorn and Fousbann. We also re-naturalised the river Chiers with special attention on providing natural flooding surfaces.

This large-scale brownfield development has much more freedom compared to developments in existing urban areas. We discussed and balanced measures before they were realised in detail. This has helped to avoid conflicts. Also, planners optimally balance the three pillars of sustainable development; economy, ecology and society at project level.

However, this process takes time. It is important that concerns on climate change adaptation and climate action are considered in the planning process from the very beginning. Only then can the different needs and requirements be balanced through iterative discussions and negotiations between sector experts, so operational concepts can be developed and implemented.

In addition, brownfield development projects such as ‘Plateau du Funiculaire’ serve as testbeds for new approaches and technologies. Its size meant we faced challenges that could not be solved with existing planning approaches. An example is providing heat to the 600 units in the district. The area was planned with a centralised district heat system as early as 2007 to reduce infrastructure costs and to save energy. The idea could only be adopted later, but time is available in such large-scale brownfield developments.

‘Plateau du Funiculaire’ from above during construction. Source: Dewey Muller, 2020.

Interviewer: Thank you and we will definitely cover the ‘Plateau du Funiculaire’ project in our upcoming descriptions of good practices from Luxembourg. What is the role of the CIPU for climate change adaptation in Luxembourg?

Alderwoman Pregno and chief planner Lopes Costa: The National Information Unit for Urban Policy (CIPU) is a platform to liaise partners and other players in Luxembourg on climate change adaptation. In addition to our measures in Differdange, all cities and municipalities across Luxembourg develop and implement climate change adaptation and climate action measures. CIPU events, workshops and related activities help bring this knowledge and experience together to create new knowledge. CIPU also facilitates discussion on difficulties encountered when implementing measures to support climate change adaptation and climate action. Critical reflection in the framework of CIPU events is crucial to designing and implementing changes to improve urban development in the country.

For any questions on the article, please refer to the author: sebastian.hans@spatialforesight.eu