It’s no secret that smart technology and artificial intelligence are becoming widespread. With 54% of the world’s population living in cities, there’s a clear need for technological advancements.
Smart cities focus on making life easier for all inhabitants. They encourage advancements not only in technology but also in sustainability. Lower emissions, reduced energy usage and carbon neutrality are all possible! There are roughly 140 smart cities across the world, but how ready is the UK for our advanced future?
Electric cars
Lower emissions and a reduction in the use of fossil fuels are some of the key markers of a sustainable, smart city. Electric cars are leading the charge when it comes to minimising emissions.
At the end of 2022, there were a total of 2.7 million public charging points for electric vehicles worldwide. China has most of these, but the UK government has also committed to a plan for 100% electric vehicles by 2035.
Sustainable advancements
The UK must be net zero by 2050. To reach this goal, 100% of a city’s heating must come from sustainable, renewable sources.
Initiatives such as Copenhagen’s CopenHill are setting them apart from other cities. CopenHill is a sports centre on a waste-to-energy plant. It supplies power to many homes and businesses within the city. Lahti in Finland also have a carbon-free symphony orchestra!
The UK aren’t far behind, with Nottingham unveiling plans to achieve carbon neutrality by 2028! They are also turning waste into energy, powering over 5,000 homes and 200 businesses.
Smart transport
There’s more to smart transport than electric cars. Advancements in technology now allow for larger vehicles, such as buses, to run on low-carbon biogas. There are also hireable e-scooters in the UK. Newcastle’s scooters are popular with locals, travelling more than a million miles during their trial period!
Hull is another UK city looking to technology to enhance the experience of its community. Their Smart Bus trial communicates essential information to passengers waiting at bus stops.
Nottingham has harnessed technology to achieve their net carbon reduction, installing over 130 EV charging ports, ensuring 46% of taxis and 30% of public buses run on either low-carbon biogas or electricity.
About Zytronic
A leading global developer of touchscreens, Zytronic provides durable and responsive touch solutions. Their products are proven to maintain efficiency in even tough environments and are trusted by major corporations around the world. Zytronic’s touchscreen solutions provide reliable, effective performance year after year. If you wish to cover this story, please credit with this link: https://www.zytronic.co.uk/
