Ungersheim: A model of sustainable community transformation

The Alsatian municipality of Ungersheim [1] (France) represents an exemplary case of local sustainable transformation. Since 2009, this town has implemented the program "21 actions for the 21st century," integrating renewable energy, food sovereignty, and circular economy. This approach articulates public policies, citizen participation, and management of local resources, demonstrating that community resilience emerges from simultaneously addressing ecological, economic, and social challenges (Folke et al., 2016).

Solar field on the outskirts of Ungersheim (photo: Javier Trespalacios)

History and context

Ungersheim is a municipality of approximately 2,000 inhabitants whose economy historically depended on potash mining, a key mineral for fertilizer production. The closure of the Rodolphe mine [2] in 1976, marked a turning point for the local economic model (BRGM, 2003).

Rodolphe potash mine (photo: Javier Trespalacios)

The transformation toward sustainability formally began in 2009, under the leadership of Mayor Jean-Claude Mensch [3], motivated by three factors: concern about climate change, the pursuit of local autonomy following the 2008 economic crisis, and the opportunity to reinvent the municipality's post-industrial identity. That same year, Ungersheim joined the international Transition Towns movement [4] and developed its program "21 actions for the 21st century" [5] (Walker et al., 2004). The process has gone through three main phases:

Initial phase (2009-2011): Participatory planning, first energy efficiency measures, introduction of organic food in school cafeterias, and citizen consultations.
Expansion phase (2012-2015): Implementation of structural projects such as the Hélio-Parc 68 photovoltaic plant, establishment of the municipal agroecological farm, initiation of the eco-neighborhood, and launch of the local currency "Le Radis."
Consolidation phase (2016-2019): Expansion of renewable energy, development of passive housing, consolidation of short food supply chains, and strengthening of educational programs.

Strategies and implemented initiatives

Ungersheim's model is based on participatory governance [6] that integrates various mechanisms for citizen action: thematic councils (energy, food, biodiversity), deliberative assemblies, collaborative projects such as the "Shared Gardens," and an ecological participatory budget. This system, reinforced by transparent communication and citizen training, overcame initial resistance through co-decision making and co-implementation [7] of projects (Fischer, 2012).

Despite challenges such as budget limitations and regulatory complexity, the municipality consolidated its transition through strategic alliances, demonstration of concrete benefits, and an incremental approach. The coordination of structures such as the Transition Steering Committee and Volunteer Brigades resulted in 60% of households actively participating in 2018, a figure that reflects a culture of co-responsibility recognized with awards for innovation in environmental democracy (Moulaert et al., 2013).

Local energy transition

The transition toward energy autonomy was structured around three key axes:

Renewable production: Notable examples include the Hélio-Parc 68 photovoltaic plant [8] (2.2 MWp, equivalent to the consumption of 800 households), the Ecomusée d'Alsace solar plant [9] (2.5 MWp), a municipal biomass boiler, and solar thermal energy for the municipal swimming pool.
Energy efficiency: Systematic program for renovating public buildings, modernization of lighting with LED technology (decreasing energy expenditure by 40%), and advisory services for households.
Sustainable mobility: Network of trails and bike paths, shared electric bicycle system, and public procurement policy that prioritizes low-emission mobility.

By 2019, these initiatives covered 60% of municipal energy demand, reducing dependence on external and fossil sources (Geels, 2011).

Hélio-Parc 68 photovoltaic plant (photo: Javier Trespalacios)

Agroecology and food sovereignty

Food sovereignty was consolidated as a strategic pillar through a system that articulates local production, processing, and consumption:

Les Jardins du Trèfle Rouge: Municipal agroecological farm established in 2011 on 8 hectares, employing local farmers, producing certified organic food, and supplying school cafeterias.
Central municipal kitchen: Inaugurated in 2014, it prepares 500 meals daily using up to 70% local and ecological ingredients.
Ecological municipal bakery: Established in 2015, it grows its own wheat, completes the production cycle with its mill, and distributes products locally.
Community gardens and local seed conservation program.
Training in agroecology: Regular workshops open to the community on ecological farming techniques, composting, and food preservation.

By 2019, the majority of the food consumed in municipal public services came from local and organic sources, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation and strengthening the rural economy” (Gliessman, 2018).

Example of shared meal (photo: Javier Trespalacios)

Circular economy and waste management

The municipality prioritized the transition to a circular economy through an integrated system that combines reduction, reuse, and citizen education:

"Zero Waste" Program: With awareness campaigns, elimination of single-use plastics, and promotion of composting.
Creative recycling center: A space where discarded materials (textiles, furniture, electronics) are transformed into useful products, extending their lifecycle.
Advanced system of selective collection, municipal composting, and a network of repair workshops that reduced the generation of electronic and textile waste by 25% between 2015 and 2019.

Between 2011 and 2019, a 35% reduction in the generation of non-recyclable waste per inhabitant was achieved (Ghisellini et al., 2016).

Biodiversity and conservation

Biodiversity protection was addressed through the following strategies:

Differentiated management plan for green spaces (since 2012).
"Zero Pesticides" Program [10] in public spaces, allowing the natural regeneration of pollinator species.
Urban ecological corridors, wetland restoration, and community planting (more than 10,000 trees between 2010-2019).

An inventory conducted in 2018 in collaboration with the League for Bird Protection documented a significant increase in species diversity (Berkes et al., 2003).

Local currency "Le Radis" [11]

Launched in 2013, this local currency (equivalent to the euro) strengthens the local economy, supports businesses and producers committed to sustainable practices, reduces the ecological footprint of transportation, and creates awareness about the impact of consumption (Martínez-Alier, 2012). The system, supported by educational workshops on financial sovereignty, achieved a situation where 40% of households prioritized local suppliers.

Sustainable housing and Eco-Neighborhood

Ungersheim transformed its housing model through an approach that combines energy efficiency, ecological design, and community cohesion:

Passive housing program: With excellent insulation, optimal orientation, and efficient systems, achieving a 70% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional housing. By 2019, 50 units had been built or renovated under these standards.
Eco-Hameau [12]: Ecological neighborhood initiated in 2015, with passive or positive energy homes, communally managed common spaces, and a rainwater harvesting system. This model reduced the residential carbon footprint and fostered neighborhood interdependence.
Municipal sustainable construction regulations: Requires the use of local materials and A+ energy efficiency in all new buildings. Additionally, a rehabilitation program offers subsidies to modernize insulation or install renewables.

Model of energy-efficient houses in Ungersheim (photo: Javier Trespalacios)

Social cohesion and community Well-being

The social dimension of sustainability has been systematically cultivated through various initiatives:

Sustainable community center: Multifunctional space inaugurated in 2017, built with bioclimatic criteria, which hosts cultural, educational, and community activities.
"Ungersheim Solidaire" Program: Formalized neighborhood help network that facilitates exchanges of services, knowledge, and resources among residents.
Seasonal festivals: Community celebrations linked to natural cycles that combine local traditions with environmental awareness.
Intergenerational training: Workshops where traditional knowledge about crafts, gardening, and cooking is transmitted between different generations.

Community participation and exchange event (photo: Javier Trespalacios)

Employment and sustainable economic development

Sustainability policies drove an inclusive and resilient economic model, generating 40 direct jobs and between 80-100 indirect jobs in key sectors according to the Regional Chamber of Social and Solidarity Economy (2018). These jobs were concentrated in flagship initiatives: green building cooperatives, solar panel installation companies, and tourism circuits based on agroecology and cultural heritage (Pike et al., 2016).

The town attracted 15 enterprises aligned with circular principles, such as textile repair workshops, crafts with recycled waste, and rural accommodations certified with low-impact standards. This business ecosystem reduced capital flight by retaining 70% of tourism and commercial spending within the local economy, according to the Municipal Economic Impact Report (2019).

Professional training was key: courses in renewable energy, regenerative agriculture, and waste management qualified 25% of the active population, facilitating their insertion into emerging job niches. As a result, unemployment decreased from 12% to 6% between 2012 and 2019, positioning the municipality as a reference in just transition [13] (French Observatory of Green Employment, 2019).

Results and impact

The municipality demonstrated transformative advances in sustainability and social cohesion [15]. In the environmental sphere, the installation of 6.7 MWp in renewable energy stands out, reducing municipal consumption by 40% since 2009 and avoiding 3,000 tons of annual CO₂ emissions. Parallel to this, it promoted agroecology with 23 hectares under cultivation, achieving 65% of food in public services from local or ecological sources and recovering 15 traditional vegetable varieties. These efforts were complemented by a 35% reduction in non-recyclable waste and the adoption of domestic composting in 65% of households.

In the socioeconomic sphere, it generated 40 direct jobs, strengthened the local economy through the circulation of 30,000 Radis, and allocated 70% of its budget to local suppliers. Citizen participation reached 60% of households, correlating with 85% satisfaction in quality of life, according to 2018-2019 surveys.

Residents highlight four transformative achievements: the recovery of a sense of community, the improvement in food quality, the collective pride in being recognized as a model of sustainability, and the economic opportunities generated through green jobs.

The model was recognized with the Sustainable Cities and Towns Award of France (2015) [16], the European Rural Innovation Award (2017) [17], and the "Positive Energy Territory" label (2018) [18]. Its success attracted delegations from 20 countries, consolidating it as a global reference in inclusive ecological transitions (Ministry of Ecological Transition of France, 2018; European Commission, 2017).

Conclusions

The analysis of the Ungersheim case allows us to identify determining factors that have contributed to the success of its model:

Visionary and persistent leadership: Mayor Jean-Claude Mensch drove the transition with a clear vision of local autonomy and pragmatic execution.
Holistic and integrated approach: The "21 actions" program articulated sustainability as an interdependent system, combining flexibility with synergies between environmental, social, and economic dimensions.
Effective citizen participation: Citizen involvement evolved from consultations to an active driver, building a culture of co-responsibility with transparency.
Territorialization and local appropriation: Solutions adapted to the heritage and endogenous resources integrated tradition and innovation, forging a renewed local identity.
Strategic alliances and networks: Connection with global movements, academic networks, and public-private alliances expanded resources and legitimacy.
Innovative and sustainable financing: Combination of grants, citizen investment, and reinvestment of savings ensured the viability of the project.
Pragmatism and strategic incrementalism: Gradual advances with demonstrable projects generated credibility, while constant monitoring allowed for adjusting strategies.

Among the lessons learned, the importance of capturing the big picture and acting with a practical approach stands out, as does the value of projects that demonstrate real benefits and the effectiveness of having organized governance structures at different levels.

The story of Ungersheim teaches us that true success is measured by a community's ability to prosper economically, flourish socially, and live in balance with the planet, through participation and shared vision...

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Notes

[1] Ungersheim is an Alsatian village in France that has become a laboratory for ecological transition, standing out for its innovative models in energy, food, and social cohesion.

[2] The Rodolphe Mine is a former potash mining complex (1911-1976) that today serves as industrial heritage and tourist attraction, showcasing historical exploitation techniques.

[3] Jean-Claude Mensch, former mayor of Ungersheim, was key in implementing the municipality's ecological transition model.

[4] International Transition Towns Movement: It is a global network of communities, both urban and rural, that are taking a proactive approach to building resilience in the face of climate change, resource scarcity, and economic instability challenges. Inspired by the work of Rob Hopkins, the movement is based on local action, community creativity, and the pursuit of sustainable solutions in areas such as energy, food, transportation, and economy. Ungersheim is a notable example within this movement.

[5] The 21 actions for the 21st century constitute a comprehensive strategic plan encompassing initiatives in renewable energy, agriculture, waste management, environmental education, and citizen participation, oriented toward sustainable transformation.

[6] Participatory governance strengthens public policies by actively involving citizens, ensuring legitimacy and adaptation to local needs. This approach is complemented by the circular economy, which optimizes resource reuse, and agroecology, which promotes ecological and fair food systems.

[7] Co-implementation of projects involves the joint development of initiatives, where all parties actively participate in planning and execution to achieve collaborative results.

[8] Hélio-Parc 68 is a photovoltaic solar park in Ungersheim that drives energy transition, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, and reaffirms the local commitment to renewable energy production.

[9] The Ecomusée d'Alsace, an open-air museum in Ungersheim, preserves and exhibits Alsatian rural culture through the reconstruction of traditional buildings, offering an immersive experience in regional heritage.

[10] The "Zero Pesticides" program eliminated the use of synthetic pesticides in Ungersheim's public spaces, protecting health, biodiversity, and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

[11] "Le Radis" is a complementary local currency in Alsace that strengthens the regional economy by promoting short production and consumption circuits and responsible trade.

[12] Eco-Hameau is an ecological village project in Ungersheim that promotes sustainable communities through ecological materials, energy efficiency, responsible water and waste management, and local production, fostering social cohesion.

[13] Just transition is an approach that ensures a shift toward a sustainable and inclusive economy, protecting labor rights and supporting vulnerable communities in favor of social equity.

[15] Social cohesion is manifested in the sense of belonging, the sharing of values, and mutual trust, which fosters equal opportunities and collective well-being.

[16] The Sustainable Cities and Towns Award of France (2015) is a national recognition that highlights commitment to sustainable development. The award to Ungersheim highlights its achievements and innovative approach to sustainability.

[17] The European Rural Innovation Award (2017) recognizes initiatives that drive economic, social, and environmental development in rural areas, highlighting the originality and effectiveness of Ungersheim's projects.

[18] The "Positive Energy Territory" label (2018) is awarded to communities that generate more renewable energy than they consume. This recognition highlights Ungersheim's success in energy transition.

[I] Environmental democracy is based on ensuring informed and effective participation in environmental decisions, providing access to information, participation in decision-making processes, and environmental justice, as reflected in Ungersheim's local initiatives.

[II] Holistic sustainability integrates the environmental, economic, and social dimensions in an interdependent manner, promoting interventions adapted to each context through the use of local resources and an equitable distribution of power.

[III] Socio-ecological transitions involve profound reconfigurations in key systems such as energy, food, and mobility, combining technological, institutional, and cultural changes. They are based on innovation niches that allow experimenting with solutions to achieve a balance between stability and adaptation in the face of complex challenges.

[IV] Social innovation drives transformations in relationships and behaviors to address unmet needs, based on complex systems theory. This approach highlights the synergy between diverse actors and facilitates adaptive solutions that balance stability and evolution in challenging socio-environmental contexts.

Bibliographical References

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Regional Chamber of Social and Solidarity Economy (2018). Study on employment in sustainable sectors. Alsace, France.

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