By 2050, 85% of the world’s population is expected to live in cities. This means that in the coming years cities will have to face new problems related to energy supply, CO² emissions, traffic planning, provision of goods and materials, among other problems arising from overpopulation. Part of the solution is to establish a connection between the assets involved to ensure optimal operation while respecting the environment.
It is precisely environmental care that is raising alarm bells. Pollution levels are reaching unprecedented levels and climate change is advancing unabated. Population growth will only continue to damage the health of the planet, unless we act differently. This is where the Smart City comes into play, a solution to this problem.
In the following paragraphs we discuss the characteristics of a sustainable city and establish the relationship with smart cities. After the most general, which is the city, we will focus on sustainability in buildings and industries, which contribute to generate the aforementioned sustainable city.
What does a sustainable city look like?
A sustainable city is one in which resource management is efficient. Big Data, IoT and Artificial Intelligence enable the implementation of smart grid generation to anticipate demand peaks. Sensors make it possible to measure water quality or detect leaks, encouraging predictive maintenance that avoids unnecessary costs. The same applies to lighting systems, which can also be programmed to minimize costs and reduce consumption.
Forecasting traffic jams, peak hours on public transport or the intelligent search for parking can also contribute to this sustainable goal. Harmful gas emissions will be reduced, and better management of public transport could encourage its use and, consequently, reduce private transport and its consequent pollution.
First, traffic is analyzed through data generated by cameras or sensors at certain points such as bus stops. Later, this information is sent in real time to citizens or traffic managers. In this way, the way in which the different actors move around the city is optimized and the use of transport is made more efficient.
But a sustainable city cannot be sustainable without all its components being sustainable as well. Buildings and industry are elements that make up the city, and it is just as important that they also respect the principles of sustainability. The Smart Building and Smart Industry pursue the same objectives as the Smart City, and that includes respect for the environment.
Smart Buildings
Managers who have access to a centralized platform are able to visualize on a screen the behavior of the building to make the necessary adjustments. It is possible to control and automate systems such as: lighting, power outlets, heating, air conditioning, appliances, doors, windows, blinds, irrigation, DHW generators, etc.
In the coming years we will achieve a more sustainable and efficient consumption in buildings, we will see that they are increasingly able to predict the ambient temperature and hire light according to their needs, such as when the kilowatt is cheaper. With the implementation of new intelligent systems in buildings, we will be able to reduce light consumption and achieve greater efficiency and sustainability.
Sustainable industry in the Smart City
Digital transformation is an imminent reality in many industry sectors. Intelligent asset management, process control and the extraction of data with which to make more accurate decisions is beneficial for the company, but it is also beneficial for the environment. This new form of production means a reduction in gas emissions and, in short, less environmentally damaging forms of production.
Achieve sustainability in your city with Nexus Integra
Nexus Integra is the enabler of change, making it possible for a traditional city to become a Smart City, managing all the city’s services from a single platform to achieve greater efficiency and also a better quality of life for its citizens.
Contact us and we will help you to make your city a Smart City!
