Energy Magazine October 2020 | Page 49

For cities that find structures as a major source of emissions , McKinsey reports that building automation systems can lower emissions by just under 3 % in most commercial buildings and 3 % in residential homes . Other technologies that can significantly impact emissions are dynamic electric pricing , ride-hailing and demand based microtransit , intelligence traffic signals and congestion pricing .

While some of the above can improve air quality , to directly address this challenge requires implementing air quality sensors . While this does not automatically solve pollution , the technology can identify the source , providing the ability to make more informed decisions . McKinsey reported that Beijing reduced its deadly airborne pollutants by 20 % in under a year by closely tracking the source of pollution and regulating traffic and construction .

In addition , sharing real time air quality information provides the public with the capability to take protective measures to reduce negative health effects by three to 15 % depending on the current levels of pollution .

Harnessing water consumption tracking technology paired with advanced metering and digital feedback messages can reduce consumption by 15 % in higher income cities where residential water is high . However , McKinsey notes that its effectiveness depends on whether it is paired with a pricing strategy .

In developing countries , the biggest source of water waste is leaking pipes . Utilising sensors and analytics can help to cut the loss by up to 25 %.

With low-tech recycling reaching its limits , McKinsey reports that technology could help to further reduce the volume of un-recycled solid waste . An example of this could be to harness digital tracking and payments , however this should be considered alongside other policy initiatives particularly for developing economies with tight household budgets .

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