Smart cities play a key role in underpinning how society enacts energy sustainability , while either minimally impacting the existing world around it or enriching it . Despite the obvious societal enhancement brought about by smart cities , it has been noted that smart cities play a key role in fighting climate change and respecting energy sources available .
Smart cities by definition are more than just existing settlements enhanced by the use of digital infrastructure , but can encompass the likes of more energy efficient structures , integrated renewable energy sources , sustainable heating and cooling systems , smarter urban transport networks , upgraded water supply and better waste disposal facilities .
But how are smart cities paving the way to a more energy-efficient future ?
Speaking at Sustainability LIVE last year , Stephen Lorimer , Clean Energy Cities , Centre for Net Zero – part of the Octopus Energy Group , discussed the complexities , challenges , and potential solutions related to smart cities , renewable energy , and decentralised energy systems .
When it comes to energy , he is an advocate for decentralisation , highlighting the challenges with centralised systems , empowering local entities , incentives for investment , communitybased approaches , the role of regulation , and the importance of smart technologies in the context of energy and smart cities and how these must be considered to contribute to the success of smart cities .
“ These are the kinds of things we need to start thinking about on top of storage and other things that need to be done to enable this to happen ,” he explains .
Adding that principles inherent in smart city development align with the future
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