Section A — Urban IssuesSustainable cityGermanyPaper 2
Freiburg — Sustainable Urban Living
Germany's solar capital · 10,000 jobs in green industries · social, economic and environmental sustainability.
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Key facts — from Seaford 2025–27 case study notes
Social sustainability
All people can take part in decision-making on factors affecting their lives
Affordable housing provided alongside renewable energy investment
High quality of life through excellent public transport, cycling infrastructure and green spaces
Strong community identity built around environmental values
Economic sustainability
Around 10,000 residents employed in green industries
Large cluster of solar panel manufacturers — nicknamed the "solar valley"
Green economy attracts investment and tourism
Environmental reputation attracts skilled workers and businesses
Environmental sustainability measures
Energy: Major investment in solar power · solar panels on rooftops and in solar farms · city aims to be carbon neutral
Transport: Excellent tram network reduces car use · extensive cycle lanes · park and ride schemes · low car ownership rate
Green spaces: Extensive parks and forests · urban greening reduces heat island effect and improves air quality
Water management: Sustainable urban drainage · rain gardens and permeable surfaces
Recycling: High recycling rates · waste reduction programmes
Exam questions — 3 questions · 10 marks
⚡ Geography exam tip: Always use named examples with specific data. "An earthquake in Nepal" scores fewer marks than "The 2015 Nepal earthquake (magnitude 7.9, 9,000 deaths)." Learn the statistics on this page.
1 markEconomic sustainability
How has Freiburg made sustainability economically viable?
A The city bans all new businesses unless they use renewable energy
B 10,000 jobs in green industries including solar manufacturing make sustainability economically self-sustaining
C Tourism revenue from the Black Forest subsidises sustainability programmes
D The German federal government pays for all of Freiburg's environmental schemes
4 marksSocial and environmental sustainability
Describe how Freiburg demonstrates both social and environmental sustainability. (4 marks)
Hint: Cover BOTH dimensions. Give specific examples for each.
+40 XP
4 marksCompare Bristol and Freiburg
Compare how Bristol (UK) and Freiburg (Germany) are addressing urban sustainability challenges. (4 marks)
Hint: Compare directly — use specific evidence from each city. Note similarities and differences.