Any smart city can be defined as a technologically advanced urban area that collects data through electronic methods and sensors, although definitions vary. That data can be used to efficiently manage assets, resources, and services once it has been processed. Additionally, that data can be utilized to enhance city operations.
Advertisement However, I’ve been taking some time to learn more about the sustainability aspect of the smart city concept.
First and foremost, cutting out paper and the need to travel to government offices, banks, and utility providers reduces resource consumption, particularly energy consumption.
Publicity We are aware that populations are expanding rapidly, particularly in urban areas. In fact, the World Economic Forum predicts that 80 percent of the world’s population will live in cities by 2050, accounting for more than half of the world’s population.
Global governments are dealing with the looming climate crisis, crumbling infrastructure, and tight budgetary controls concurrently with the difficulties posed by overpopulation. I think that the answers can come from digital transformation.
While maintaining safety, efficiency, functionality, and citizen comfort, digital technologies are assisting cities in their transformation into more sustainable environments.
Consider how much energy and water you use. A smart city management system can link control and usage, making it possible to efficiently deliver more energy flows when and where they are needed. Providers and city management authorities can create a real-time usage map using smart energy meters installed in homes; with controls that respond quickly to make sure resources are used effectively.
Smart grids for better power distribution and management, valves and pumps for improving water and sewage systems, and building management solutions that monitor energy use are examples of this.
Smart building management can be easily implemented in municipal buildings, from door and water controls to HVAC and lighting systems. The money saved on a city’s energy bills can be put toward projects that are better for the environment, like parks and urban walkways.
In the meantime, digital tools help urban workforces work better, especially as remote work is becoming more common.
A better environment comes from fewer commutes, smaller offices, and less car pollution. However, this could also change how urban property is built and used. Improved opportunities for skill sharing and training, increased information exchange, and savings on repetitive tasks are all sustainable benefits of a connected workforce.
Preventative maintenance of aging infrastructure is made easier when the right digital monitoring tools are used, often avoiding costly replacements in favor of prompt repairs. Predictive analytics aid in preventing downtime and predicting maintenance requirements.
Advertisement Real-time data can quickly alert authorities to upcoming issues, and cities can plan maintenance only when necessary by recognizing patterns in asset data. Cities can provide more dependable services with fewer resources thanks to these tools, which extend the asset life cycle.
As part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Masterplan, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Ruler of Dubai, introduced the “20-minute city” concept. I was thrilled to learn more about it recently. With plans to provide residents with access to 80% of their daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes of their Dubai homes on foot or by bicycle, the scheme highlights sustainable cities.
Smart people expect cities to make real progress in terms of ESG. Real-time data collection not only results in transparent, accurate reports on efficient resource management and planning, but connected digital systems also help bring about real change in waste management, resource allocation, and cities’ efforts to achieve net zero carbon emissions.
The city of the not-too-distant future will enable us all to keep track of how much energy we use, recommend the best times to travel by means that are the most cost-effective, sustainable, and effective, and assist us in making decisions that will benefit everyone. A truly connected city is a smart city. However, in order to achieve this connectivity, we must encourage everyone to collaborate, including industry, government, city planners, and technology providers. That point is coming, and I for one welcome innovation of that kind.
