At the beginning of the summer, I studied Urban Sustainability in Freiburg, Germany. Freiburg is recognized as the most sustainable city in Germany, and has demonstrated its elements of sustainability throughout the city. Over two and a half weeks of living in Freiburg, we were able to recognize the differences in culture, policy, and overall approach to protect the environment that Germany has compared to the United States. The whole study abroad experience was amazing, especially learning about Freiburg and seeing firsthand the sustainable aspects and green infrastructure implemented have demonstrated how attainable a green city is for other places around the world. While Freiburg had very specific conditions that allowed it to be rebuilt as a sustainable city, it serves as an example of sustainable urbanism that can be applied to other urban spaces. The culture and policies of Freiburg create a livable environment that increases the quality of life for citizens and provides a welcoming community. Transportation, green infrastructure, sustainable food systems, and renewable energy can all be utilized in cities like Knoxville to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment. We got to view the cultural difference firsthand that allowed Freiburg to achieve its level of sustainability. From shared local food farms to policy about renewable energy and an overall less wasteful lifestyle, the communities in Freiburg were able to work together to live in a collaborative way. Gaining this level of understanding will allow me to look at civil engineering with a new perspective and a mindset that will help me see what is possible.

Apart from seeing how the city of Freiburg was sustainable, this experience allowed us as students to learn in an interactive way, mixing classroom time and hands-on experience seeing the concepts in action. We utilized the bike infrastructure, went on a tour of a compost facility, and everyday was a new adventure that made us excited to learn and apply our knowledge. Other than classes, we got to travel to neighboring cities and countries as well as make friendships with the other students on the trip. The study abroad experience was great, and I will always value the friends I made and everything I learned!

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