How Washington is testing low carbon district energy systems to improve its sustainability
Author | Lucía Burbano Heating and cooling systems in buildings in the United States make up approximately 43% of the nation’s total energy consumption. Fossil fuels used in these heating and cooling systems contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, increasing air pollution and accelerating the effects of climate change, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection […]
Smart hospitals: how they’re helping to make healthcare more efficient
Author | Raquel C. Pico Digitalization has become the defining revolution of the 21st century, so it comes as no surprise that the digital transition is impacting all sectors. No scenario is untouched by its potential benefits, and none escape the need to update methods, incorporate new tools, and rethink how things are done. For […]
How AI-powered LiDAR technology is rapidly gaining momentum, playing a transformative role in enhancing life within smart cities
Author | Lucía Burbano Often, the combination of two smart technologies amplifies their individual capabilities, working together like allies. This synergy is especially evident between devices that collect data and those that process, screen, and analyze it. In the case of LiDAR and artificial intelligence, this collaboration unlocks numerous applications within the context of smart […]
UK cities are implementing advanced noise detection systems to enhance emergency response times and potentially save more lives
Author | Elvira Esparza Sound detectors trigger instant alerts upon identifying unusual acoustic signals, such as gunshots or cries for help. This enables emergency services to respond more rapidly while simultaneously enhancing public safety in smart cities and high-risk environments. Their use is being expanded in select cities to enhance public safety and security. These […]
Biofuel for the aeronautical industry: What are the pros, cons, and impact on cities?
Author | Lucía Burbano Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is widely regarded as the most realistic alternative for decarbonizing the aviation sector, which is responsible for 12% of CO2 emissions in transportation and 2% of global CO2 emissions. The construction of biofuel production plants is becoming increasingly common in the aeronautical sector, presenting both potential solutions […]
Empty offices are costing cities a fortune (and how some are fighting to change this disastrous situation)
Author | Elvira Esparza Mandatory remote working imposed by COVID in 2020 continues to leave a lasting impact on office spaces. Although in-person and hybrid working models have resumed, office occupancy levels remain significantly below those seen prior to the pandemic. Empty offices are projected to continue inflicting significant economic losses on cities. The solution […]
Oceanix in Busan, the world’s first prototype of a resilient and sustainable floating community
Author | Lucía Burbano The world’s rising sea levels have highlighted the urgent need for innovative urban models to address the vulnerabilities faced by 90% of megacities, according to UN Habitat. Climate change, driving rising sea levels that endanger coastal cities, could displace approximately 200 million people annually until 2050. In this scenario, the future […]
AI and small countries: How Rwanda and Singapore aim to achieve remarkable results despite their limited geographic size
Author | Raquel C. Pico Despite the numerous potential benefits of artificial intelligence, not all economies and market players are on equal footing in the race to harness its potential. The playing field is far from level: only a handful of countries, and within them a select group of companies, lead the development of AI, […]
Tallinn, Estonia, wants to replace landfilling with circular economy
Author | Elvira Esparza Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, beyond its historical charm, Tallinn is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability, a dedication that earned it the title of European Green Capital in 2023. Tallinn earned this recognition […]
How London’s electric buses are reducing the city’s carbon footprint
Author | Elvira Esparza London has the largest fleet of zero-emission buses in Europe, with over 1,300 electric buses forming part of its extensive fleet of 9,000 vehicles. The goal is for all buses in London to be zero-emission by 2030, requiring the replacement of an average of 1,000 conventional buses annually. Transport for London […]