Conclusions

Abstract

The chapter presents the conclusions of the “Symbiotic Neighbourhoods” research project. In general, two main levers for action can be identified: mobility (type of vehicle and international mobility) and the heating needs per resident (strongly influenced by the energy-related reference surface area per resident). These results emphasize that, from the energy point of view, the urban densification issue is not so much a matter of built-up density but rather of the increased population density. The research also emphasises the low potential of strategies embodying a strict ideological vision of sustainable development: far from being contradictory, the technological, behavioural and symbiotic visions are complementary. The hybrid scenario shows that the pragmatic blending of these different strategies allows for the formulation of a concept that is relevant and adapted to the local context.