The vital role of smart buildings in the evolution of sustainable smart cities
Source: Oliver Iltisberger · IOT TECH NEWS · | March 16, 2021
Source: IOT TECH NEWS
2021 looks to be a pivotal year in the fight against climate change. With many global economies setting mid-century net zero carbon reduction targets, the pressure is on to develop strategies to bring down emissions in our cities, save energy, and speed up the transition to renewable energy.
Against this backdrop, demand for urban space will continue to grow – according to the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UN DESA), 55 percent of the world’s population live in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68 percent by 2050.
So, how can this demand be met, without compromising on sustainability?
With cities and their buildings currently accounting for 65 percent of global energy demand, the growth of smart cities is seen as a crucial way to tackle the climate challenge. A modern city demands intelligent combinations of data, people and technology to create inclusive and sustainable solutions.
As such, smart buildings are increasingly taking a leadership role in the development of smart cities and are widely recognised as essential tools in meeting the many challenges that we face today and in the future, including achieving net zero targets, security and demand for greater interoperability.
The convergence of AI and IoT technology will be crucial to enabling connected buildings systems to keep people safer and more secure, while supporting the aim to be more energy efficient and protective of our communities.
Therefore, the buildings constructed today are essential for smart city evolution – cities that are truly sustainable, that have cleaner transportation, optimise resources including water and energy, with more intelligent buildings and infrastructures that serve essential human needs such as security, comfort and connectivity. Ultimately, by building smart structures we make our cities more liveable, workable and sustainable.