‘Zero Net Artificialization’ Indicator in Focus. How Environmental Bureaucracy Shapes Policies and Institutions in Toulouse, France
摘要
This chapter examines the implementation of the ‘Zero Net Artificialization’ (Zéro Artificialisation Nette—ZANZero Net Artificialization (ZAN) in French) policy in Toulouse, France, highlighting the institutional and political challenges of integrating environmental goals into urban development. ZANZero Net Artificialization (ZAN), introduced as part of France’s environmental strategy to limit soil consumption by 2050, has sparked diverse reactions among local actors. While some see it as an opportunity for sustainable land management, others, particularly within growing urban centers like Toulouse, view it as a constraint on economic and infrastructural development. The study reveals a fragmented institutional landscape, with varying levels of support and resistance across regional, metropolitan, and state bodies. These tensions are exacerbated by differing perceptions of ZANZero Net Artificialization (ZAN)’s impact on local competitiveness and land-use planning. Additionally, the policy underscores deeper issues of legitimacy and governance, as local institutions grapple with balancing environmental objectives against the realities of economic growth. This chapter concludes that ZANZero Net Artificialization (ZAN) is not just a technical or regulatory tool but part of a broader narrative on ecological transition, requiring coordinated governance and enhanced cooperation between institutions. As such, it calls for a rethinking of local governance structures to better integrate sustainability into future urban planning strategies.