Smart isn't enough: We need Sustainable Cities!

This article was published in the 3rd edition of FM Globalnet magazine FM&CRE World - April 2024.

Last month, I attended a Summit on electric mobility and the keynote speaker was promoting green energy to power EVs for achieving the sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs, adopted by the UN in 2015, are a set of 17 goals aimed at achieving a more sustainable future, including goals on poverty, inequality, clean energy, and climate change

These goals act as a blueprint for development of smart city. One of the overarching objectives of the smart city is smart mobility which rely heavily on technology and data collection. Sensors, cameras, and connected devices gather information on traffic flow, parking availability, public transportation usage, and more. Data collection and analysis can help cities identify areas to improve, such as energy use or waste management. And, Smart technologies can then be used to implement solutions, such as smart grids for energy or sensor-based waste management systems. A smart city project focused on developing a more efficient public transportation system would directly contribute to SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and could also indirectly improve health outcomes (SDG 3) and reduce air pollution (SDG 3).

The Smart Cities Mission, also launched in 2015, aims to develop 100 cities across the country with a focus on core infrastructure, sustainability, and improving the quality of life for citizens through technology innovation. Smart cities can become a model for sustainable and prosperous urban living but India's Smart Cities Mission is a work in progress.

India is on the cusp of a major urban revolution. But every monsoon, we see the so-called smart cities flooding, just the names of the cities change.  Although we have Metro trains, Green Buildings, and smart waste management systems in developed cities, we are unable to combat with the traffic snarls, flooding, or water scarcity issues there.

If we look at the transportation in cities, the key technological trend that is expected to revolutionize the future of smart mobility is ACES.

Autonomous- Vehicles that can sense their surroundings and navigate without human input

Connected- Wireless technology enables communication with each other, as well as with infrastructure and other devices

Electric - More environmentally friendly due to no tailpipe emissions

Shared - A variety of transportation options that allow people to access vehicles on a temporary basis, rather than owning them outright.

Smart mobility acts as the circulatory system of a Smart City, ensuring the smooth flow of people and goods throughout the city.  ACES has the potential to transform the way we travel, work, and live. These technologies can create a more efficient, sustainable, and people-centric transportation system within a smart city. But apparently smart cities today look more focused on technology than its long-term effects on sustainability.

However, Smart cities are not just about technology and efficiency. They are designed to be environmentally responsible and future-proof. Contrary to the SDG 10, unequal access to technology can exacerbate existing inequalities. Therefore, careful planning and inclusive design are crucial to ensure that smart cities benefit everyone. Cities around the world are increasingly using the SDGs as a framework to guide their smart city initiatives. Through a smart city, the global community has strived to converge and integrate environmental, digital, bio, and financial technologies to solve various urban problems.

Still, Smart cities in India comes with its own set of challenges such as funding, Data Privacy, Equity, and Inclusion, to name a few. However, some key solutions that can be implemented to combat these challenges are:

1. To encourage collaboration between public and private sectors to finance and implement sustainable urban development projects.
2. Plan Transit-Oriented Development that can encourage walking, cycling, and easier access to public transport.
3. Leverage data analytics to identify areas for improvement in various aspects like traffic management, waste collection, water management and energy consumption.
4. Actively involve citizens in planning and implementing strategies such as flood mitigation etc.

By implementing a combination of these approaches, the challenges can be addressed and inclusive development in a Smart City can be ensured. Thus, India can create a future where its cities are not only smart but also environmentally responsible and livable for all.

The transition to smartphones happened when phones gained the ability to perform tasks that used to be time-consuming and laborious. In essence, phones became "smart" when they started to significantly improve our efficiency. Similarly, Cities i.e. urban areas that started using technology and data to improve efficiency, solve problems, and enhance the lives of residents are being termed as Smart Cities. However, as Smartphones although being an essential tool for communication, its production and disposal can have a significant environmental impact. In a similar fashion, we need to assess the impact of urbanization on environment and accordingly develop smart cities that are sustainable. Because Smart is not enough: We need Sustainable Cities!