11 February 2009

In towns and cities, the density and diversity of residents, users and activities makes for a territory that is complex in terms of the way it functions, the way it changes and its links with other territories. 80% of the French population lives in an urban environment. The Grenelle de l’Environnement (the French government’s environment round table) has set a new agenda and promotes innovation in the design, construction and management of towns and cities. The legal and regulatory work in progress sets objectives and establishes a framework for activities, governance provisions, and renewed assessment tools. Public policies encourage sustainable development that reconciles the protection and promotion of the environment, economic development, and social progress. Construction, urban planning, transport, energy, biodiversity, water, and risk management – essential elements that make up a city – are all areas that, from now on, will be dealt with in a different way._

In accordance with the Grenelle environment forum the Certu will become a resource centre for everything to do with cities and urban life, and will constitute a "meeting point" between a number of key actors in the field of urban development.