What is Foncière Chênelet?
Foncière Chênelet is a societal project developer focused on social housing—a project that truly works to tackle a major societal issue: providing housing for people with the lowest incomes. Born from the vision of François Marty, a Fellow Ashoka in 2008, it was founded in 2009 to deliver beautiful, healthy, and ecological housing for the most vulnerable populations. Combining innovative construction techniques and sustainable practices, the initiative continuously evolves, ensuring that its projects remain relevant in today’s ever-changing social landscape… This project is dedicated to offering solutions where traditional social landlords have fallen short.
Main Benefits and Key Facts
- Focuses exclusively on social housing for low-income individuals.
- Integrates social housing, employment, and environmental sustainability into one unique model.
- Applies mandatory insertion clauses in construction tenders to provide opportunities for unemployed individuals.
- Allocates 70% of the project cost to local businesses, boosting local economic development.
- Maintains strong partnerships with corporate foundations, solidarity investment funds, public organizations, and local authorities.
This clear-cut list of benefits underlines how Foncière Chênelet not only creates housing but also drives social and economic progress.
Solidarity, Commitment, and Ethical Values
Solidarity, commitment, respect, and rigor—these are the core values that drive every action at Foncière Chênelet. This strong ethical foundation means that every decision, from internal team operations to external community actions, is made with humanity at its center. The emphasis on ethical practices is real… It’s not just about constructing buildings, it’s about establishing homes that foster dignity and resilience, ensuring that even the most vulnerable feel valued and supported. Each project reinforces the belief that ethical action is as important as architectural success.
Governance and Societal Integration
Foncière Chênelet stands out in how it manages its operations and governance. With SAS approved ESUS status, coupled with prestigious labels like Finansol and B Corp, the project operates under robust social and solidarity economy principles that bring transparency and accountability to every step. Supported by solidary investors, foundations, and socially responsible companies, the organization has seamlessly integrated a mandatory insertion clause in its calls for tenders—ensuring that local, unemployed individuals gain valuable opportunities. It’s a model that places societal inclusion at the forefront…
New Constructions, Renovations, and Local Impact
In terms of operational execution, Foncière Chênelet’s approach to building and renovating homes is both thoughtful and precise. For new construction projects, the target is often small groups of either 4 or 6 social housing units, ensuring that each building project receives the necessary attention to detail. Renovation projects of larger buildings aim to create a minimum of 8 social housing units, thus revitalizing existing structures while maintaining a strong ecological and social commitment. These efforts not only provide much-needed housing but also stimulate local economies—70% of the project costs are invested in local enterprises, benefiting the community as a whole.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals
- SDG 1: No Poverty & Social Inclusion – By ensuring housing for low-income individuals, the project reduces poverty and promotes inclusion.
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The mandatory insertion clause boosts local employment and encourages economic growth.
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Equitable access to quality housing helps diminish social and economic disparities.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Ecological housing practices and the revitalization of existing buildings foster sustainable communities.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Eco-construction and renovation techniques reduce environmental impact and promote climate action.
Partnerships, Resources, and a Brighter Future
Collaboration is key to the success of Foncière Chênelet, as it has brought together a diverse spectrum of institutional and private partners. Investors, including corporate foundations and solidarity investment funds, have entered the capital, while public organizations and local authorities join forces on construction operations. The project is not only about building housing but also about ensuring job creation, social integration, and environmental sustainability. Documentation such as published reports, press reviews, downloadable files, and videos provide transparency and allow interested parties to understand its evolving approach. This network of partnerships—from state authorities to local artisans and associations—underlines the project’s commitment to a brighter, more inclusive future.
