Smart cities

A smart city uses resources efficiently and provides solutions sustainably. It provides solutions that are cost effective which reduces the carbon footprint. These solutions include the implementation of green buildings, electric powered vehicles and the use of alternate renewable energy sources. Smart cities are based on integrated systems that interact to form an efficient and productive economy.

A smart city is a city that is developed to reduce negative environmental impact. It is based on integrated systems that interact to form an efficient and productive economy, i.e: the interaction of medical facilities with police stations, transport systems and schools. “It is a system of systems”. Everything is interlinked. Like one big network for all sectors to interact and therefore be able to perform at their optimum. Smart cities aim to tackle three core issues: energy security, climate change and balancing supply. Smart grids have been developed to tackle energy security and to use energy in a better more sustainable way. Smart energy and technology, although are initially expensive, are cost effective in the long run and reduces pollution. Water management is crucial for safe, decent water to supply the entire city. Transport systems in smart cities are efficient and reliable. It focuses on optimising existing systems, improving integrated public transport whether it be by bus, rail, subways or taxis.
Smart cities include and promote the construction of green building which reduce the cities carbon footprint, uses resources efficiently and is cost effective in the long run. This is due to the use of passive building strategies which enables the building to use natural lighting and to reduce heating or cooling costs by orientating the building correctly, designing the right building envelope and using natural vegetation to the buildings advantage, these strategies reduces energy consumption of lighting, heating and cooling. Green buildings