Smart Cities: Urban Sustainability at the Forefront

From major cities such as New York and Shanghai to smaller urban centers like Oslo and Heidelberg, cities compete for the coveted title of ‘smart city.’ Their focus lies in leveraging technology to enhance both environmental sustainability and the quality of life of its citizens.

According to the UN, cities contribute roughly 70% of global carbon emissions. With over half of the world’s population residing in urban areas — a number projected to grow — smart cities emerge as a solution to these challenges.

Finding a balance between technology and sustainability is crucial for smart cities, a feat not always easily achieved. In this article, we’ll explore what smart cities entail and the technologies they use, as well as present examples and challenges to help you grasp the concept of smart cities and their role in fostering a more sustainable future.

Key technologies used in Smart Cities

In their early stages, smart cities were somewhat experimental. At the dawn of the new millennium, only a small group started incorporating technology into public transportation systems to streamline wait times and routes, yet they would rarely integrate it with other services like waste management or energy. Fast forward to 2024, and the picture is completely different.

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)

Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) encompass all technologies involved in managing information and communication, such as data capture, storage, processing, and transfer. They operate as the nervous system of a city, where information is processed and shared to enhance its efficiency.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) links everyday devices like lampposts, thermostats, and vehicles to the Internet, allowing them to share data. This technology streamlines how a city adapts to the needs of its residents and enhances resource management efficiency.

Automation

Automation in smart cities involves using technology to execute tasks automatically, with minimal or no human intervention. For instance, smart traffic lights adjust waiting times based on traffic flow.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

In smart cities, AI is employed to analyze data and make urban systems more efficient. For instance, in San Francisco, artificial intelligence optimizes garbage collection routes to reduce carbon emissions and assists law enforcement in analyzing surveillance camera data to prevent crimes.

Case studies and global examples

What defines the smartest cities worldwide? Well, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Various factors come into play, and different cities excel in different areas. According to Deloitte, smart cities can be built upon various non-exclusive models: environmental sustainability, mobility solutions, effective governance, economic vitality, social well-being, and innovative housing. Yet, the ultimate ‘smart’ city seamlessly integrates all these aspects, striving for maximum efficiency and environmental sustainability.

There are several groups that assess smart cities — among them, the IMD Smart City Index reveals its top 5 picks:

Zurich puts the well-being of its citizens first and aims to balance urban development with the protection of local ecosystems. The city invests in digital infrastructure, such as fiber optic networks, and boasts a highly tech-skilled population. Also, as a leading Smart City, Zurich focuses on sustainable waste management, energy efficiency, and digital security while continuously improving its healthcare and education systems to ensure digital inclusion for all residents.

In Oslo, there’s a unique synergy between the public and private sectors, working together to enhance the lives of its residents. Norway’s capital is known for its excellent education, streamlined waste management, and lush green areas. As a smart city, Oslo focuses on reducing energy use and traffic while promoting eco-friendly design, boosting both economic and social growth in the city.

Canberra, the capital of Australia, is renowned for its mobility and sustainability initiatives, along with its abundance of green spaces. In recent years, it has launched several smart city projects, particularly focused on mobility — such as implementing smart tickets and plans for e-scooters. It hs also become the first Australian city to incorporate permanent electric buses, marking a step towards a cleaner public transportation system. Canberra is also enhancing its cybersecurity by establishing several specialized centers.

Copenhagen, the capital and largest city of Denmark, is a role model for urban sustainability. The city has focused on adapting public spaces, using renewable energy sources, and developing a sustainable mobility plan. An interesting aspect is that 62% of residents use bicycles to commute to work, which improves air quality. Copenhagen has also invested in wind and solar energy to reduce CO2 emissions. Adding to that, the city uses Big Data and monitoring to coordinate efforts between urban planning and energy departments, aiming to reduce energy consumption by 25% and decrease the city’s water footprint.

Lausanne is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents through four key areas: energy, mobility, architecture, and economy. The population, with its high digital literacy and strong technological culture, enables the city to gather data and behavioral patterns to create effective solutions for their needs. Lausanne is also a pioneer in building eco-neighborhoods, which are residential complexes designed from the ground up to meet the strictest environmental and energy regulations.