Découverte d’alternatives aux modes de consommations classiques sur le territoire de Louvain-la-Neuve

Details

Supervisors

Denis, Sabine

Faculty

Faculté des bioingénieurs

Degree label

Master de spécialisation interdisciplinaire en sciences et gestion de l'environnement et du développement durable

Abstract

enFrom February to May 2026, I had the opportunity to complete a professional internship as part of my Specialized Master’s in Environmental Sciences and Sustainable Development Management. This internship took place at the Maison du Développement Durable (MDD) in Louvain-la-Neuve, a non-profit organization established in 2007 whose mission involves raising awareness and supporting projects related to ecological transition and sustainable development. The MDD focuses on four key themes: circular economy, biodiversity, climate/energy/mobility, and food autonomy. My responsibilities at the MDD included, on the one hand, active participation in the association’s various activities and tasks (leading workshops, staffing the reception desk, logistical tasks, etc.), and on the other hand, the design of a brand-new themed walk format aimed at showcasing alternatives to conventional consumption patterns in Louvain-la-Neuve. The idea to create such an activity stemmed from both a recurring request from the public for a walk to discover local organizations working towards transition, and from the sobering realization that our current dominant consumption patterns are fundamentally incompatible with resolving environmental issues. The first phase of this project primarily involved determining the appropriate format and content for the walk. To achieve this, interviews with experienced stakeholders first provided valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various formats. Secondly, a survey of 198 people helped assess public interest and preferences (format, duration, distance). The second phase then involved making decisions to finalize the activity. The walk took the form of a two-hour guided tour, with interactive activities proposed between the six visited locations. The first trial took place on April 30, 2026, with 16 participants whose highly positive feedback allowed for adjustments to refine the walk.