Helping elected officials and local decision-makers transform their communities: that is the purpose of our on-the-ground meetings. In 2026, our teams participated in 10 trade shows and conferences across 4 regions. At the heart of these discussions was a concrete solution: the redevelopment of brownfields, at no cost to local governments.
Reaching out to local communities and their elected officials
Every region has its own needs, projects, and constraints. That is why we choose to reach out directly to the people who bring it to life: mayors, intermunicipal association presidents, directors general of municipal services, and local decision-makers. These opportunities for dialogue allow us to listen to their expectations and discuss challenges related to land use, redevelopment, and urban planning. They also provide an opportunity to present concrete projects—whether already completed or currently underway.
How can we put neglected land back to use without using public funds?
Former industrial zones, brownfield sites, and unused land: all across France, plots of land remain neglected. For local governments, transforming them often represents a financial burden that is difficult to bear. Our model addresses this challenge through the circular economy of excavated soil from the construction industry. Specifically, inert soil from local construction sites is reused directly on the sites to be developed, thereby helping to finance the development projects. This approach is based on two key commitments:
- a short supply chain, since the soil comes from local construction sites,
- full traceability, from the soil’s origin to its use.
Through this model, abandoned land is transformed into agricultural, natural, sports, or recreational spaces. Local governments are thus able to foster new uses without drawing on their budgets. Furthermore, they enhance the value of a local resource and contribute to the environmental, climate, and societal transitions in their region.
Tangible Achievements in Our Regions
In the field, many sites have already been repurposed.
- In Alsace, ECT is developing natural and recreational areas in Eckwersheim and Steinbourg.
- In the Hauts-de-France region, the Mining Basin is home to several landmark projects. In Houdain, the Éclipse Park now welcomes visitors in a natural setting. In Mazingarbe, a seed orchard and a peri-urban forest have taken root at the foot of Slurry Pile 49. In Loison-sous-Lens, Henri-Bernard Park, at the entrance to the Berges de la Souchez Park, adjoins the Pierre Bleue Park. Finally, in Harnes, the redevelopment of an underutilized urban park is underway.
- In Île-de-France, the diversity of development projects is just as striking. In the Yvelines department, the Carrières-sur-Seine site combines the safety measures implemented at former quarries with the revival of market gardening. In Plaisir, Buchelay, and Épône, sports facilities, recreational spaces, and restored ecological habitats come together. In Seine-et-Marne, projects range from the Parc de la Plaine in Iverny to the Parc de l’Arboretum in Moissy-Cramayel, including agricultural revitalization efforts in Grisy-Suisnes and Roissy-en-Brie. And Jacques-Chirac Park in Chelles.
Each of these sites provides a solution tailored to the needs of its local area.
2026 Tour: 10 meetings with elected officials in 4 regions
From May through October 2026, our teams traveled throughout four regions to present our approach to brownfield redevelopment to elected officials. This outreach is supported by a strong regional network. In each region, a branch manager and their team work closely with local governments to support their projects. A look back at a year of meetings.
ECT Île-de-France
In the Île-de-France region, Sofiane Chick, Director of Development at ECT Île-de-France, traveled through five departments with Clara Didier, Sophie Alcotte, and Florie Pozzi:
- Seine-Saint-Denis Mayors’ Fair, May 19 and 20 in Le Bourget
- Val-d’Oise Mayors’ Fair, June 12 in Cormeilles-en-Parisis
- Essonne Mayors’ Fair, July 1 in Massy
- AMF Seine-et-Marne Conference, September 25 in Dammarie-lès-Lys
- Western Paris Mayors’ Conference, October 7 in Port-Marly
ECT Hauts-de-France
Julien Golazewski, director of the ECT Hauts-de-France office, and his team—Guillaume Lemoine and Barbara Decaudin—met with elected officials from the Nord and Pas-de-Calais departments during three events:
- Congress of General Secretaries of the Pas-de-Calais and Nord Departments, June 3 in Cambrai
- Conference of the Association of Mayors of the Nord and Presidents of EPCIs, on September 24 in Douai
- AMF62 Conference, October 1 in Longuenesse
ECT Alsace
In Alsace, Didier Haffner attended the mayors’ conferences for both departments:
- Haut-Rhin Mayors’ Convention, June 18–19 in Mulhouse
- Bas-Rhin Mayors’ Convention, October 6 in Strasbourg
ECT Occitanie
Finally, Anne Mondy met with stakeholders from Haute-Garonne:
- Haute-Garonne Regional Conference, October 8 in Toulouse
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the elected officials, partners, and visitors who came to meet with us. Thank you for the valuable discussions and for the trust you have placed in our teams. Are you leading a brownfield redevelopment project in your area? Contact the director of the ECT office in your region to discuss it.
