Smart cities are called such because they have adapted smart technologies that help urban life become more livable, efficient, and sustainable.
Many cities in the world are considered “smart” but what we want to really know is which of these urban centers are making a huge difference in helping the environment.
Curious to find out? Here’s the top three.
1. Singapore
Singapore is inarguably the world’s leading smart city right now. Smart technologies within the state include efficient lighting, parking monitors, waste disposal, and elderly care alerts.
In one of its sub-regions, Yuhua Estate, residents are kept accountable with the help of sensors which track energy draw, waste production, and water usage in real time.
Sensors are also being used to detect people smoking in unauthorized locations and those throwing litter out of buildings.
2. Barcelona
Barcelona is another city that uses sensors to improve traffic, monitor air quality, and analyze the weather.
The city is known for its environmentally sustainable projects that make districts incredibly energy-efficient. They take full advantage of their sunny weather through solar power.
In 2000, all large buildings were required to produce their own hot water. 6 years later, it’s already a requirement to use solar water heaters.
Barcelona also boasts a clean public transportation system using mostly hybrid buses and bicycles. Citizens have access to over 400 bike stations via a subscription.
Large disposal trucks have no place in Barcelona’s streets thanks to their simple waste management system that utilizes pneumatic tubes under city waste bins.
3. Oslo
Oslo is a typical Scandinavian city dedicated to progressive and clean living. It’s one of the most sustainable cities using 65,000 smart LED lights that turn bright or dim depending on how much illumination an area needs.
The city has a high level of private vehicle ownership but they plan to ban cars in the city center by 2019. By 2020, carbon emissions should have reduced by 50% with the help of a transportation grid.
Oslo also has a license plate recognition technology to calculate congestion charges.
