Freiburg is often called the “environmental capital of Germany.”  In a country which has much to teach us in the application of many aspects of sustainable development, Freiburg has most of it in a city.  It has many parallels with Belfast – a similar sized population; a University city; an agricultural community in its hinterland.  Where it differs markedly, however, is in its approach to dealing with major urban issues like transport, waste management, energy use and housing, each of which can provide excellent models for Northern Ireland.

The purpose of this study tour was to demonstrate the application of those aspects of sustainable development which have been adopted and implemented in the city of Freiburg. 

Highlights of the study tour included a thorough examination into the environmental activities within Freiburg’s private sector, a practical study looking at the city’s new housing areas, a review of Freiburg’s planning and urban development policies from an innercity development perspective, an assessment of the impact of sustainable tourism, and a look at Freiburg’s transport and mobility infrastructure.