Sustainable development
In order to address the energy, environmental and societal challenges of the 21st century, Ensa Paris-Est places sustainable development and social responsibility (DD&SR) at the heart of its strategy. This commitment is reflected in the school’s teaching, research and day-to-day operations, and has been recognised with the award of a quality label.
In 2025, Ensa Paris-Est became the first school of architecture to be awarded the Sustainable Development and Social Responsibility (DD&RS) label. This leading certification in higher education recognises the institution’s concrete commitment to ecological and social transition.
Key Commitments
Taking action to reconcile economic, social and environmental challenges
In line with the commitments of Gustave Eiffel University, of which it is a constituent institution, Ensa Paris-Est is committed to a proactive approach to sustainable development.
In 2022, the school adopted the DD&RS Charter, affirming its commitment to integrating social and environmental considerations into all its activities: governance, teaching, research, resource management and campus life.
This collective effort involves numerous stakeholders: the Student Sustainable Development Office, the Environment and Education Committee, as well as thematic coordinators (property, equality, etc.).
Integrating SD&RS issues into teaching
By placing the public interest at the heart of their projects, architects play a vital role in social cohesion and the ecological transition. Architecture is a political act that addresses contemporary challenges: adapting buildings to climate change, preserving biodiversity and improving the quality of life.
The themes of global warming, reuse, and resource and energy efficiency permeate all aspects of the curriculum: choice of materials, bioclimatic design, and understanding and preservation of the built environment.
From the Bachelor’s degree onwards, students acquire the knowledge and skills to design socially responsible and environmentally friendly architecture through courses in history, ethics and ecology.
The school also offers a post-master’s programme, ‘Architecture des limites planétaires’, designed to support recent architecture and engineering graduates in integrating ecological challenges into architectural design and research.
Research and Regions
Conducting research to serve regions and the ecological transition
Ensa Paris-Est is committed to placing research at the service of the challenges of the 21st century. Its scientific activities support urban and regional stakeholders in the ecological and social transition.
The ‘Chaire Transition foncière’ explores ways of reducing the impact of human activity on the soil.
The interactive documentary Martinique Demain, developed by the Chaire Littoral and the DSA in architecture and urban planning, aims to shed light on the challenges associated with natural hazards and to envision desirable futures.
The Architecture et Transformation network examines the conditions necessary for an ecological shift and social equity.
Social and Environmental Responsibility
Reducing the school’s carbon footprint
Since 2019, Ensa Paris-Est has been carrying out an assessment of its greenhouse gas emissions (BEGES) in order to reduce its environmental impact and meet national targets.
The school adheres to the 2023 circular on Eco-Responsible Public Services, which sets out 15 commitments for the government’s ecological transformation.
In 2024, the school won the Cube d’Or in the Education category, thanks to a 26.7 per cent reduction in its energy consumption in 2023, made possible by major renovation works supported by the Ministry of Culture and funds to accelerate the ecological transition in local areas.
Promoting equality, diversity and social inclusion
Ensa Paris-Est attaches particular importance to the diversity of profiles within its student cohorts. For several years, it has been developing arts and cultural education programmes to promote access to architectural studies.
The school has also adopted a Charter for Equality and Against Discrimination, as well as an action plan for professional equality between women and men.
Responsible and Inclusive Communication
The school incorporates the issues of sustainable development and social responsibility into the design of its communication materials and events.
This constantly evolving approach is reflected in the use of eco-friendly solutions, such as vegetarian buffets or collaboration with ethical service providers and partners, as well as in raising users’ awareness of these practices.
The school also ensures that its editorial and digital content reflects diversity and combats stereotypes, carefully considering both the messages conveyed and the formats chosen.
