Governments as Smart Governments
Cities account for the bulk of global energy use. With the urban population growing everywhere, measures at the municipal level are a crucial element in the shift to sustainable, renewable energy sources.
Smart municipalities use data and technology to create efficiencies, improve sustainability, create economic development, and enhance the quality of life factors for people living and working in the municipalities. It also means that the municipality has a smarter energy infrastructure.
Renewable-based solutions for cities, whether in buildings, power-generation, transport or other systems, help to ensure energy security and fulfill climate commitments, as well as to secure social benefits for urban residents. Fortunately, cities are making progress and achieving key successes in the shift to renewables.
The selected cases focus on local policy instruments – including public procurement, ordinances, mandates, and pilot projects – with a focus on ensuring reliable energy supply and on the building and transportation sectors.
Among the cities examined:
- Cape Town, South Africa, has installed rooftop solar photovoltaics (PV) on municipality-operated buildings.
- Rosario, Argentina, has offset requirements for solar water heaters in municipal-owned buildings.
- New Delhi, India, has commissioned 20 megawatts of solar rooftop installations for its metro system.
- Malmö, Sweden, has continually increased its renewable energy targets, aiming to reach 100%.
- Vancouver, Canada, has committed to sourcing 100% of its energy consumption from renewables by 2050.
- Sydney, Australia, has boosted renewables and cut municipal electricity consumption with energy-efficient public lighting.
