Dr. Regina Negri PAGANI
Dr. Sushobhan Majumdar
Section Collection Information
Dear Colleagues,
In the last decades, urban agglomerations have been the center of discussion either in academia or public government agendas. Sustainability has become more and more the mostly addressed theme in this context. For this reason, we are proposing to broaden this discussion with a section on Sustainable Urban Technology.
Sustainable Urban Technology encompasses a range of innovative solutions aimed at creating environmentally friendly and efficient urban spaces, involving the integration of technology and infrastructure to address challenges such as energy consumption, waste management, transportation, and resource utilization in cities.
Within this context, different themes are closely related, for instance:
- Smart Grids: integrating renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and digital communication to optimize energy distribution, reduce transmission losses, and enhance overall energy efficiency in urban areas.
- Renewable Energy Systems: Solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal systems are examples of technologies that generate clean, renewable energy to power urban infrastructure, buildings, and public spaces, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Green Building Materials: Sustainable construction materials like recycled steel, bamboo, cross-laminated timber, and eco-friendly insulation contribute to constructing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings that reduce energy consumption and waste production.
- IoT Sensors for Smart Waste Management: sensors help optimize waste collection routes, reduce overflowing bins, and encourage recycling by monitoring waste levels and optimizing collection schedules.
- Efficient Transportation Systems: it might include Electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid buses, bike-sharing programs, and improved public transportation systems (e.g., high-speed trains, bus rapid transit) reduce carbon emissions and alleviate traffic congestion in cities.
- Urban Farming and Green Spaces: Rooftop gardens, vertical farming, and community gardens promote local food production, improve air quality, and enhance urban aesthetics while reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transportation.
- Water Conservation Technologies: involving smart irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and wastewater treatment technologies help manage water resources efficiently, reduce water wastage, and maintain sustainable water supplies in urban areas.
- Smart City Management Systems: Integrated digital platforms and data analytics enable efficient management of various urban systems such as traffic flow, energy usage, waste management, and public services, leading to better resource allocation and decision-making.
- Biophilic Design: Incorporating natural elements like green walls, parks, and biodiversity corridors into urban planning enhances residents' well-being, reduces urban heat islands, and promotes biodiversity within cities.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting and Sensors: LED lighting, coupled with motion sensors and smart lighting controls, reduces energy consumption in urban areas by adjusting lighting levels based on occupancy and natural light conditions.
Therefore, we invite you to contribute with papers approaching these mentioned technologies, but not limited to, in the format of case studies or systematic literature review.
Looking forward to receiving your contributions.
Prof. Dr. Regina Negri Pagani
Section Editor