As the head office location of choice for major energy companies and leading energy research centers, the region also has its own very ambitious energy plan.

Paris Region’s Advancity competitiveness cluster – dedicated to developing dynamic and integrated sustainable strategies for cities, housing and transport – is one of the world’s first hubs of businesses, laboratories and training organisations specialising in urban development, mobility and sustainable development.

The current regulatory environment strongly encourages companies in Paris Region to make environmental issues a priority – and this has also led to the development of organisations providing the relevant B2B services.

In 2006 Paris Region agreed an “Energy Plan” promoting the use of renewable energies and measures to combat climate change, with the aim of becoming Europe’s leading eco-region. The plan set a target of increasing the production of solar thermal energy by the year 2010, with measures including the installation of 35,000 m2 of new solar panels each year. In order to achieve this goal the Region provides assistance to private individuals who wish to install photovoltaic systems.

In 2006, Paris Regional Council voted in an “Energy Plan” (CR 44 06) with the aim of becoming Europe’s first eco-region. Aim by 2010: to produce more thermal energy, in particular through installing 35,000 m2 of new solar panels annually, extending heat networks and connecting 30,000 new homes to these networks.

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines eco-industry as consisting of “activities that measure, prevent, limit, minimise or correct environmental damages”. The industry’s various segments encompass businesses devoted to water, air, waste, noise, soil and energy (construction/civil engineering and energy efficiency) with operations that are remedial or preventive in nature.

Paris Region is renowned for hosting a very large number of company headquarters - yet it is also home to a dense network of innovative, successful and highly dynamic SMEs which are generating wealth and employment.

The Paris Region is a great place to live and work… and one where sustainable development is taken very seriously. A quick snapshot of what’s going on.

Eco-business in the Paris Region is flourishing on a local market of 11.3 million inhabitants. The market’s growing needs for water and energy supplies, waste treatment, and air, water, and ground cleanup make it particularly dynamic. The market also has received significant impetus from the public’s desire to support initiatives that encourage sustainable development. In terms of both jobs and sales figures, eco-business in the Paris Region is seeing truly dynamic growth. Between 2000 and 2004, the environmental industry’s workforce increased by 15%.

The development of renewable energy is a priority for the Paris Region, which depends on external sources for 94% of its energy needs. In response to strengthened European and national environmental legislation, local authorities must take advantage of every potential energy resource in the area.

France is home to the greatest number of waste treatment plants in Europe, with 365 incineration plants (compared to 154 in Germany and 164 in Italy). They serve to minimize the hazardous effects of waste, to facilitate its management, and to encourage its reuse and recovery.

Society’s quest to improve the quality of life on earth combined with the growing awareness of sustainable development have paved the way for eco-friendly economic, industrial, and service activities. The Paris Region has always been home to a wide range of committed companies. In our region and throughout France, stronger national and European environmental legislation has led to more eco-friendly infrastructures.