We help cities become smarter through various tactics that enhance urban living, improve sustainability, and streamline services. These tactics leverage technology and data to create more efficient, resilient, and livable urban environments. In support of the breakdown below, see our Strategic Relations and Expertise page with examples of companies and resources that add value to our offerings.
Here are some of the key tactics for smart cities where we focus our attention:
Clean Indoor Air: To help prevent infection from Covid-19 and/or other viruses, install advanced disinfection technologies in as many schools and buildings as possible. Consider disinfection through ultraviolet light and/or bipolar ionization in areas such as Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) ductwork. The in-duct systems help prevent viruses from spreading from one room to many others.
Buildings – Smart Upgrades: Promote the construction of energy-efficient, eco-friendly buildings with intelligent HVAC systems, lighting, and water management. These buildings can adjust to occupancy and environmental conditions for maximum efficiency.
Buildings – Adaptive Reuse: Many Cities have vacant or partially vacant commercial buildings as well as some municipal or education facilities. Explore the most relevant and cost-effective means to adapt and reuse the buildings. As an example, some office buildings can be converted into residential apartments, while others may be well suited for indoor agriculture.
Buildings – Affordable Housing: Use the latest technologies to reduce construction cost, while simultaneously reducing the environmental footprint. As an example, steel construction studs vs word studs reduce the need to cut down trees, and new local micro-manufacturing enables the production of steel studs on job sites, which reduces the cost and transportation CO2 emissions. Steel studs manufactured on-site also have the ability to reduce the cost for all construction beyond affordable housing.
Agriculture and Food Supply: Promote urban farming and precision indoor controlled environment agriculture (CEA) to increase food production locally. Smart supply chain management can ensure food security and reduce transportation emissions. Locally grown vegetables reduce cost and reduce nutrient loss, which often occurs when plants are brought in via long haul transportation. Locally grown food can also help supply food deserts, that are in many underserved communities in cities.
Sustainable Energy: Invest in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce the city’s carbon footprint. Implement smart grids to manage energy distribution and consumption efficiently.
Waste Management: Optimize waste collection and recycling processes using sensors and data analytics. This minimizes waste, reduces costs, and lessens the environmental impact. Incorporate the latest Biowaste treatment with Hydrothermal Carbonization for next generation energy production (waste to food) as well as output of construction materials, such as hydrochar sand for concrete. Encourage grocery stores and restaurants to engage with digital Apps that connect almost expired food to citizens, before it ends up in a dumpster and subsequent landfill. Examples: Flash Food and Too Good To Go.
Smart Schools: Upgrade teaching tools with advanced interactive media smart boards
STEM Education: Enhance the curriculums for students and adults across the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) landscape. STEM may be the future of employment in the U.S. and around the world, especially when integrated and enhanced with Artificial Intelligence.
Smart Job Training and Employment: Develop curriculum for adults, so that they will have a high likelihood of securing employment, with a living wage. Many of the tactics included here have the need for new team members that are well trained.
Here are additional areas of focus:
Advanced Street Lighting: Use smart street lighting systems that adjust brightness based on natural light and pedestrian activity, reducing energy consumption and light pollution. Smart street lights also can include surveillance cameras and sound sensors to increase city safety when integrated into technology for facial recognition and gunshot detection.
Data Analytics and IoT: Use data from various sources, including sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, to gather insights into city operations, traffic patterns, energy usage, and more. This data can be used to make informed decisions and optimize resource allocation.
Urban Mobility: Implement efficient public transportation systems, encourage the use of electric vehicles, and develop infrastructure for biking and walking. Intelligent traffic management systems can help reduce congestion and improve traffic flow.
Digital Governance: Develop digital platforms for citizens to access city services, participate in decision-making processes, and report issues. E-governance and open data initiatives promote transparency and accountability.
Safety and Security: Use surveillance cameras, facial recognition, and gunshot detection systems to enhance public safety. Additionally, early warning systems for natural disasters and emergency response coordination can save lives.
Green Spaces and Recreation: Increase the availability of parks and recreational areas to improve residents’ quality of life. Implement smart irrigation systems to conserve water in these areas.
Healthcare Access: Develop telehealth services and smart clinics to provide easier access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas. Monitor air quality and health data to address health concerns proactively.
Education and Digital Inclusion: Ensure equitable access to education through digital tools and online learning platforms. Bridge the digital divide by providing affordable high-speed internet to all residents.
Tourism and Culture: Utilize technology to enhance the tourist experience, such as augmented reality tours, digital guides, and interactive cultural exhibits.
Resilience and Disaster Preparedness: Develop plans and infrastructure to address the challenges posed by climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and resource shortages.
Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with private sector companies to fund and implement smart city projects, which can reduce the financial burden on the government.
Citizen Engagement: Encourage active citizen involvement in city planning and decision-making through mobile apps, public forums, and social media.
Sustainable Procurement: Implement green procurement policies to ensure that products and services used by the city are environmentally friendly and ethically sourced.
Wearable Technology: Promote the use of wearable devices to track personal health and environmental data, which can be shared with city agencies for analysis and public health improvement.
Cybersecurity: Invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive city data and infrastructure from cyberattacks.
Smart cities are dynamic and continuously evolving, adapting to new technologies and the changing needs of their residents. These tactics aim to create more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban environments while improving the overall quality of life for city dwellers.