An Ifop study for ECT on city dwellers’ expectations in terms of “green in the city”.
As the municipal elections approach, ECT, a developer of sustainable projects using soil from construction sites, unveils the results of a survey* carried out with IFOP on city dwellers and “green in the city”. Carried out among more than 2,000 city dwellers, the study reveals the strong attachment of citizens to green spaces and their benefits. Most French people who use green spaces are satisfied with them. But the 18-35 generation of millennials stands out. It sets much higher expectations for the use of green spaces. A strategic issue in the run-up to the municipal elections. 72% of French people surveyed believe that the issue of “green in the city” will play an important or decisive role in the voting booth.
“City dwellers have real expectations, not only in terms of creating and developing green spaces, but also in terms of facilities and services. Urban farms, planted promenades, land art, sports facilities… It’s vital that we get to grips with this structuring issue for the well-being of residents!” stresses Laurent Mogno, President of ECT
“The study reveals a generational aspiration among Millennials for more green spaces in cities, and more facilities adapted to their practices. A significant gap is opening up with the baby-boomer generation, who are satisfied with green spaces and their facilities in their current state. “ analyses Ifop
Overall satisfaction, with higher expectations among 18-35 year-olds
- 74% of French city-dwellers are satisfied with the number of squares, parks, gardens and green spaces in their commune.
Average for 18-35 year-olds: 63%. - 66% of those surveyed would go there more often if their number increased.
Average for 18-35 year-olds: 73%. - 60% of those surveyed would use their city’s green spaces more if they found more facilities (sports, games, relaxation areas, etc.).
Average for 18-35 year-olds: 75%. - 59% of those surveyed would visit their local green spaces more often if they offered more activities (gardening, sports classes, workshops, etc.).
Average for 18-35 year-olds: 72%.
One out of every two city dwellers believes that there are enough :
- children’s play areas (50%)
- parks & gardens (49%),
- outdoor sports facilities (45%),
- woods & natural areas dedicated to flora & fauna (45%)
While the 18-35 age group stands out and expresses frustration:
- Only 43% are satisfied with the number of parks, gardens & green spaces in their communities, -6 points vs. the national average
- This is also true for city sports, with 37% satisfied, down 8 points on the national average.
- And for places dedicated to the preservation of flora and fauna, 39% satisfied, -6 points vs. the national average.
A bond of proximity, a recognition of the benefits of “green in the city”.
On the other hand, all French people praise the benefits of green spaces:
- On a personal level: 92% believe that urban green spaces improve morale.
- As a social bonding factor: 82% think that “green in the city” helps strengthen social ties between residents.
- As a direct contribution to the environment: 92% see them as cooling islands in city centers. 91% see it as a lever for improving air quality. And 89% see the opportunity to create biodiversity areas.
Places at the heart of daily life for 7 out of 10 city dwellers
Green spaces are part of everyday life for city dwellers. 7 out of 10 say they visit a park, square or public garden in their commune at least once a month, including 34% at least once a week, and 4% every day. While only 29% of city dwellers say they never come into contact with green spaces.
This strong bond between the French and green spaces is explained in particular by the territorial network of green spaces:
- 36% of city dwellers say they live less than 5 minutes’ walk from a public square, park or garden,
- 34% between 5 & 10 minutes on foot, 19% between 11 and 20 minutes
- and 11% more than 20 minutes away.
For massive relaxation activities:
- 88% of city dwellers surveyed say they go for a walk
- 71% of those questioned said they were involved in leisure activities (picnics, reading, sunbathing…).
- 64% of respondents are looking forward to more family games and activities
- 63% in an outdoor sporting activity.
- 46% of city dwellers(i.e. almost one in two) surveyed would do more gardening if the infrastructure allowed it.
Study methodology
The survey was carried out among a sample of 2,005 city dwellers, representative of the major population residing in urban communes in mainland France.
The representativeness of the overall sample was ensured by the quota method based on :
- Socio-demographic criteria: gender; age;
- Socio-professional criteria: individual’s profession ;
- Geographical criteria: region and size of urban unit of commune of residence
These quotas were defined on the basis of INSEE data for the population aged 18 and over residing in metropolitan France (2015 Employment Survey).
Interviews were conducted by online self-administered questionnaire from January 31 to February 3, 2020.
