Aful
Territorial collective experimenting with sustainable transitions through energy, food, and circular economy initiatives at Chantrerie site in Nantes.
Bernard Lemoult, director of research at the École des Mines on the Chantrerie site, initiated a collective energy project in response to rising energy prices, proposing a switch from gas to biomass heating shared among neighboring institutions.
Engie commissioned the biomass heat network on the Chantrerie site, marking the founding of AFUL and the first structured collective project among public and private actors on the territory.
Following the heat network's success, AFUL expanded into mobility with an inter-company travel plan, establishing a carpooling system and later collaborating with cycling associations and a riverboat shuttle.
AFUL launched a collective biodegradable waste collection and composting program with local provider Terra Compost, routing organic waste from campus restaurants to nearby farmers across the Erdre river, seven years ahead of the French regulatory mandate.
A 1,200 m² photovoltaic roof installation on Polytech Nantes was commissioned, producing 250 MWh annually and covering approximately 18% of the school's electricity needs, financed through citizen investment and bank loans.
AFUL launched the kiosk project in co-piloting with Nantes Métropole Aménagement, targeting two sustainable food distribution points operated collectively by existing campus restaurateurs, aiming for carbon neutrality before 2030.