Category Local or regional associations promoting projects for Renewable Energies Winner Les Amis de l'EcoZAC (France) Project Engagement for the first "green" suburb of Paris Video Video Les Amis de l'EcoZAC (ram) www.ecoz.ouvaton.org

Since May 2005 the Friends of the EcoZAC fight for the construction of the first eco-friendly district of Paris. EcoZAC (zone d'aménagement concerté écologique) might emerge in the 13th arrondissement of Paris within a project of the town administration.

It is planed to build an office and living area with 20.000 m2 each, a 5.000 m2 park and some public buildings. The association claims to realize the project on the basis of principals of solar architecture. Low energy houses shall be built, Renewable Energy shall be used, and furthermore the quarter shall be conceived car-free and with an exemplary connection to the public transport system. Furthermore the project shall reintegrate social weak fellows and train local handcrafters in the field of Renewable Energy. Also an education center for Renewable Energy and ecologic building might emerge. Intensive public relations, information events and study trips for journalists, local politicians, civil servants and local well known persons stimulate a growing support of the project in the public. The Friends of the EcoZAC fight with dedication for a project that has high symbolic value for France and other urban metropoles. To dignify and support this engagement against all resistance, the Friends of the EcoZAC are awarded with the European Solar Prize 2006.