Think sustainable actions for the big cities is one of the problems of the TWENTY-first century. This demand is addressed by cities in different dimensions that compose it: the social, economic and environmental. As well as companies should consider adopting and investing in ESG, the cities need to become smart cities, an important step to become sustainable cities with a better quality of life.
ESG, in business, refers to the three central factors to measure the sustainability and the social impact of an investment process. Cities must focus, in addition to modernizing its infrastructure, strengthening the circular economy, to invest more in education, to reduce the dropout rate, which is very linked to the area of security in the cities, and on the basis of these measures, seek balance in all areas of society.
The Goal 11 in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGS) of the United Nations articulates the need to “make cities and human settlements are inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable”.
Reduction of the environmental footprint in smart cities
In general terms, when we think of smart cities, the first thing that comes to mind is technology eye-catching, cameras everywhere, and automated services.
But, how does the innovation of the technology to the sustainable efforts of the smart cities that implemented?
The number of cities that invest in transport hubs and public transport facilities more intelligent is growing and growing fast. There are already cities committed to the development of public transport and the transport pedestrian.
As we continue to develop infrastructure to accommodate non-motorized transportation and develop areas more friendly to pedestrians, they recognize the need for electric vehicles, and thus, for example, replaced their vast fleets of buses, in an attempt to reduce the environmental footprint of its citizens.
But the vehicles are not always the solution.
More recently, the cities changed the infrastructure of your city to make it more accessible for cyclists and ways to be more green transport pedestrian.
This shift towards the development of urban environments more friendly to pedestrians not only relieves the negative impacts of global warming within the cities, but it encourages the behaviors of the citizens to allow a mobility easier through the space of the city without cars.
The design is based on data gives shape to the sustainability efforts of the smart cities
Smart cities are, by definition, is based on a complex network of frames smart. These are connected in networks, collecting and analyzing data that can be used to improve life in the city and the prosperity of the citizens.
Data is a term that is very ambiguous for many of us. However, the impact that information can have on the design of the infrastructure of the city is something tactile that benefits all.
The more information you have available a city and its citizens, will have a direct effect on the ability to make more informed decisions.
Studies of the 2021 show that the urban spaces they occupy 2% of the global surface, but are home to 50 % of the world’s population and consume 70 % of the world’s supply of energy. Not only that, but they generate 75% of the emissions of GHG (greenhouse gases) at the global level.
It is not surprising then that the government officials, planners, and companies realize the need to develop its infrastructure based on real-time data, which provides information on the problem areas and allows you to implement preventive measures.
In several cities with wifi networks already do a real-time monitoring of the air quality, the pollution levels and the status of their green spaces. All made by small sensors, IoT (Internet of Things) and design-based data.
To create a change in behavior in smart cities
While the infrastructure and the system of the city play an important role in the sustainability credentials of a smart city, the change must always be done from scratch: through the behavior of the citizens.
A key focus for the manager of the city: to inspire positive change and social responsibility is one of the most effective ways that a smart city can boost their green efforts.
Putting citizens at the centre of their initiatives, the goal is to provide more opportunities to influence the growth of their communities.
The growing need to engage citizens in a thought, more environmentally friendly and sustainable developments in their cities is of paramount importance and is often overlooked in the design of smart cities.
When you create a connection between the citizens and the government and enterprises, by means of public-private partnership, the city officials and stakeholders, we can start a conversation about sustainable growth, promoting social responsibility by the space that surrounds us.
Make an impact ESG in a low-carbon economy
By adopting ESG, cities can create opportunities and investments to address sustainability, improving the quality of life and pursue smart growth at the same time.
The growing demand of the communities of investment for urban planners and municipalities to adopt ESG to mitigate the risks of climate change.
By adopting ESG, cities and municipalities can take advantage of the green bonds to finance projects for sustainable urban and social causes. Therefore, to improve the quality of life and social responsibilities by means of urban planning with a focus on environmental planning, sourcing and acquisition of materials socially responsible and waste management.
The cities and municipalities sustainable can take advantage of the free tools existing to advance climate action and begin to adopt ESG today.
It is clear that the importance of sustainability in smart cities is only growing as these urban spaces are becoming more and more populated. However, the responsibility of making efforts all the more aware of the environment is shared between the city officials, businesses and citizens who live in them.
Although the smart infrastructure and data can play an important role, it can also make the communities and the people within the city, if you are encouraged and are educated about their environmental impact.
