Each ECT development project transforms a site over the long term for the benefit of the region and its inhabitants. At the heart of this initiative is the Development Department, where project managers play a key role: they conceive, implement, and coordinate these practical, non-construction projects—which address environmental or social issues—in close collaboration with local communities.
Intersecting portraits of three committed professionals: Barbara Decaudin, Florie Pozzi and Sophie Alcotte.
A job with meaning
It’s no coincidence that they chose this profession. All three share the same conviction: to take concrete action for projects at the crossroads of development, the environment and the circular economy.
“ What’s gratifying is to imagine the transformation of a place into a space appreciated by its inhabitants ” – Sophie Alcotte
“ It’s very satisfying to return to a site a few years later and see how the landscape has changed. We feel that all the work we’ve done has really served a purpose. “Barbara Decaudin
A key role at the heart of projects
Within the Development department, ECT project managers are involved at every stage, from the initial idea to final realization.
“ We specialize in the design and development of green spaces, agricultural areas, recreational facilities, and biodiversity habitats. It’s very varied. ” – Florie Pozzi
Their goal:
- Responding to the needs of communities: transforming neglected spaces into places that are useful to the region and pleasant for residents,
- Design environmentally-friendly projects that preserve and enhance biodiversity while blending into the landscape
- Use inert soil from construction sites as a resource to finance the project
” It’s not always an easy job to explain, because people are often unaware of the resource that is inert soil ” – Sophie Alcotte
From idea to concrete project
A project may arise from local demand… or from an opportunity identified on a neglected site. Each plot of land is thoroughly analyzed.
” Each site is unique. We have to take into account the surface area, the nature of the soil, the risks… but also the issues related to biodiversity. “Barbara Decaudin
The project managers then coordinate a multitude of in-house expertise, including landscape architects, a biodiversity consultant, the operations department, the development department and external consultancies, for hydrogeology, for example.
” Our role is to coordinate this expertise so that the final project is coherent and feasible ” – Florie Pozzi
Next comes a key stage: applying for administrative authorization for the project.
” There ‘ s often a lot of to-ing and fro-ing… It requires rigor, precision and a real ability to adapt ” – Sophie Alcotte
Their commitment lasts over time. Once the project has been authorized, a new phase begins, that of soil input and development work. And their missions continue. The project managers remain key contacts, even after the project has been completed.
” Throughout the project, we remain the reference persons ” – Sophie Alcotte
Organization, writing skills, technical mastery… the job demands versatility and agility. And the ability to accept unexpected events.
” Projects may not come to fruition… What counts is to have proposed a relevant solution ” – Florie Pozzi
Projects recognized by local communities
” Communities know that our projects add real value ” – Barbara Decaudin
Over the years, ECT has built a relationship of trust with local governments. Today, in regions such as Île-de-France and Hauts-de-France, projects have been identified and recognized.
Being a project manager at ECT means contributing to the sustainable transformation of territories, breathing new life into forgotten sites and creating useful spaces designed for local residents.
A committed, hands-on profession… with an eye to the future.
The projects they are most proud of
Barbara Decaudin – Au pied du Terril 49 in Mazingarbe (62)
For my part, I would cite the Mazingarbe project. Soil was added to confine polluted soil from former settling basins, located at the foot of terril 49 and linked to the site's historical industrial activities. The site was also invaded by Giant Hogweed, an exotic invasive species whose sap can cause skin burns when exposed to the sun, which we were able to eliminate. The final project, integrating a seed orchard and an urban forest, contributes to the development of the Local Plant sector for nurserymen, while being particularly favorable to biodiversity. The transformation of the site has been remarkable, allowing the slag heap to be fully showcased.
The project that impressed me the most was the one in Iverny. We transformed a derelict plot of land, which had previously been squatted, into a park - the very first in the commune. We laid out a sports trail equipped with weight-training equipment, much appreciated in particular by the local sports club. Furniture was also installed, including an orientation table offering an unobstructed view of the plain, which inspired the park's name. Various landscaping features have also been added, including tree planting on the slopes, shrub and flower hedges at the entrance, and the creation of a small wetland area. The Iverny school was involved in the project, helping with the planting, and a drawing by the pupils is now on display near the welcome panel. It's particularly gratifying to see local residents taking full ownership of the park.
Sophie Alcotte – My first ecological rehabilitation projects
After six months at ECT and through the projects I'm currently working on, I'm particularly interested in and enthusiastic about the development of derelict sites or sites formerly used as landfill sites. ECT's intervention in these areas enables genuine ecological restoration and contributes to their long-term preservation. In my opinion, these projects perfectly illustrate ECT's core business: transforming degraded sites, sometimes with little value added and marked by the presence of waste, into spaces with high ecological and environmental value, while at the same time restoring them to a use consistent with their territory. It's a particularly satisfying process, and as a project manager, contributing to their development is very rewarding.
