Shaping sustainable neighbourhoods in Luxembourg

Together with LSC360, LIST aims to transform urban planning in Luxembourg by developing a label to enable the streamlined assessment and promotion of healthier, and more resilient and environmentally sustainable neighbourhoods. Funded by the FNR under its BRIDGES programme, the aim of the newly launched SERENE project is to empower urban planners and stakeholders to drive meaningful change in the built environment.

A tailored approach to Luxembourg’s urban transition

This initiative seeks to balance the environmental, economic and social dimensions of urban development. It will offer Luxembourg-specific indicators to evaluate health benefits, sustainability qualities and resiliency potential. SERENE’s main approach involves engaging local stakeholders in a consensus-driven process to ensure the label meets the country’s unique needs and aspirations.

“Urban development is a key driver of Luxembourg’s environmental transition,” said Sylvain Kubicki, head of the Sustainable Urban & Built Environment group and Principal Investigator of the SERENE project. “Our goal is to create a robust, scientifically sound label that supports urban planners and all public and private stakeholders in designing neighbourhoods that are healthier, more sustainable and better equipped to face future challenges.”

Innovative methodologies and tools for urban planners

To develop the label, researchers will create urban planning scenarios and identify the relevant domains and indicators. The REGEN project’s Assessment Framework for Urban Regeneration will provide a strong foundation. In Luxembourg, a consensus-driven methodology will gather expert input through iterative discussions to reach agreement on key indicators. A software environment will be developed to automate calculations based on these indicators, using open data and geographical datasets to simplify the process for urban planners. Additionally, the team will explore optimization techniques to provide actionable recommendations for neighbourhood designs. Two case studies  developed by  LSC360  will validate the label and refine its applications in real-world contexts.

"As a major Luxembourg player committed to the planning and design of neighbourhoods and buildings, LSC360 has a responsibility to act and influence actions in favour of the resilience and sustainability of tomorrow's neighbourhoods, in order to adapt them to the challenges that lie ahead", declared Caroline Drouard, Division Director - spatial planning at LSC360.

Broad engagement for long-term impact

Throughout the research project, strong support from Neobuild will foster collaboration by animating an active community of stakeholders. An Advisory Group will provide strategic input, while a Working Group will ensure the label is both technically sound and feasible for Luxembourg’s urban planning sector.

“With SERENE, we’re not only developing a label but also fostering a culture of sustainable urban planning in Luxembourg. This initiative bridges research and practice, and spans from the EU to the national level, helping to create neighbourhoods that prioritize both people and the planet,” concluded Sylvain Kubicki.