The construction of the Village was spearheaded by various groups selected through a consultation process initiated by SOLIDEO (Société de Livraison des Ouvrages Olympiques) in March 2019. The winning project underscores an innovative environmental approach, designed to meet the immediate needs of athletes while providing long-term benefits to local communities. This initiative illustrates the broader objective of Paris 2024 to create a legacy of sustainable and community-focused urban development.

The Village was designed with direct input from athletes worldwide, ensuring their unique perspectives and experiences shaped the final layout. Spanning three municipalities—Saint-Denis, Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, and L’Île-Saint-Denis—the Village will host 14,500 athletes and their staff during the Olympics and 9,000 during the Paralympics. Following the Games, this area will transform into a vibrant community, featuring 2,800 new housing units, extensive green spaces, and numerous amenities designed to foster sustainable urban living.

This large-scale project focuses on sustainability and environmental responsibility, incorporating wood as a primary construction material, enhancing biodiversity, implementing efficient water management systems, reducing energy consumption, and embracing low-carbon construction techniques.

Innovative construction techniques have been employed to maximize the use of wood. For instance, in the eco-neighborhood on L’Île-Saint-Denis, prefabricated wooden modules are delivered directly to the site via barges, minimizing the carbon emissions associated with transportation. These modules are then assembled on-site, demonstrating an efficient and eco-friendly construction process.

Biodiversity: Rooftop Gardens, Green Spaces & More

Significant efforts have been made to preserve and enhance the natural environment, particularly along the banks of the Seine. The project includes the development of green corridors that connect different parts of the village, providing continuous habitats for wildlife. Additionally, specific structures like green roofs and living walls are implemented to promote urban biodiversity, offering nesting and foraging opportunities for birds and insects.

Water Management: Reusing Wastewater and Innovative Systems

Moreover, permeable surfaces and green infrastructure are extensively used to manage stormwater runoff. These features help to reduce the risk of flooding and improve water quality by filtering pollutants through natural processes. The Seine’s proximity has been leveraged to facilitate water transport and logistics, further enhancing the project’s eco-friendly credentials.

Energy Consumption: Renewable Sources

Energy-efficient appliances and smart building systems are also employed to monitor and reduce energy usage. For example, the installation of energy-efficient lighting, heating, and cooling systems ensures that the buildings operate sustainably. These measures are part of a broader strategy to achieve a low-carbon footprint and provide a sustainable living environment for future residents.

Low-Carbon Construction: Universeine and Ecoquartier Fluvial

The “Universeine” sector, features ultra-low-carbon concrete for its foundations and floor slabs, significantly reducing the carbon emissions associated with construction. The logistical approach to construction also reflects the project’s low-carbon ethos. Materials are transported to the site via the Seine, reducing the reliance on road transport and the associated emissions. This river-based logistics strategy has already resulted in the removal of nearly 500,000 tonnes of construction waste by barge, avoiding approximately 25,000 truck journeys and significantly cutting down on carbon emissions.

The mobility center in the Ecoquartier Fluvial, designed by architect Martin Duplantier, is a key component built with low-carbon concrete to support sustainable transportation and enhance the functionality of the eco-district. It includes parking provisions for residents and visitors, dedicated delivery spaces for efficient logistics, and electric vehicle charging stations to promote eco-friendly transportation. The center also integrates facilities for bicycles, such as bike racks and shared bike systems, encouraging cycling as a green alternative.