Smart cities: find out what they are and what their characteristics are

A smart city is an urban model that uses advanced technologies to improve quality of life and promote efficiency in various sectors.

These cities employ smart infrastructure, connectivity and data analytics to improve resource management, mobility, safety and sustainability .

The integration of information and communication systems allows managers to make decisions based on information , optimizing public services.

The goal is to create a more efficient, safe, sustainable and inclusive urban environment.

Another way to understand what smart and sustainable cities are is to learn more about the benefits that this urbanization model brings, as we will see below.

Benefits of smart cities for the planet

The term “smart city” already says a lot about the advantages of this type of urbanization. But there is more to know.

See some of its main benefits:

• Reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
• Efficient utilization of natural resources like water and electricity.
• Implementation of efficient and sustainable public transport systems
• Increased incorporation of renewable energies, including solar and wind.
• Improving waste management and encouraging recycling
• Encouraging citizen participation and more transparent governance
• Increasing resilience to extreme weather events

Smart cities around the world can help reduce several environmental problems, such as deforestation and water pollution.

Characteristics of a smart city

There are several models of smart cities, each with their own solutions to urban issues .

In general, they have some common features in relation to the use and allocation of resources.

In a smart city, for example, the segregation of solid waste is a recurring practice.

Some public spaces have features that seem inspired by science fiction films.

See below what characterizes smart city models and how each of these characteristics contributes to improving people's quality of life .

Advanced connectivity

Advanced connectivity is an essential feature of smart cities, which are served by a vast network that connects devices, sensors and urban systems.

This infrastructure makes them true technological cities, where data exchange takes place in real time, driving decision-making by public agents.

Connectivity improves citizens' quality of life, facilitates the monitoring of public services , optimizes traffic and energy management, contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and environmental impacts .

Efficient use of energy

The search for efficient use of energy in smart cities aims to reduce consumption and dependence on non-renewable sources .

By adopting innovative technologies and practices, such as LED lighting, smart air conditioning systems and monitoring energy consumption in buildings, it is possible to minimize waste and promote environmental sustainability .

You will hardly see a streetlight lit during the day in a smart city.

In this type of urbanization, energy efficiency is a priority , as its inhabitants and government know how much energy generation costs nature and the environment .

Sustainable infrastructure

Sustainable infrastructure in a smart city encompasses the design, planning and construction of buildings, public roads and urban facilities with an ecological focus .

To achieve this, recyclable materials, drainage systems to prevent flooding, integration of green spaces and intelligent design that promotes energy efficiency are used.

In some of them, entire buildings are designed to become open-air nurseries for plant specimens , like true vertical forests.

They are smart and sustainable cities, in which urban progress is not dissociated from respect for biomes and life.

Smart transportation

The integration of advanced technologies, such as connected public transport systems and real-time traffic information, makes it possible to optimize vehicle circulation and offer more sustainable alternatives.

Among these alternatives, car sharing, electric bicycles and short-range public transport without the use of fossil fuels stand out.

In some, there is a wide network of scooters and other electric-powered individual transport vehicles, further reducing car traffic.

Integrated information technology

Integrated information technology is a key element for the functioning of a smart city.

It involves the creation of a digital platform that centralizes and integrates data from different systems and sectors, providing a holistic view of the city.

This makes it possible to monitor, analyze and manage information about traffic, energy, public services, security and other areas, facilitating strategic decision-making and improving citizens' quality of life.

Digital governance

Technological cities demand governance compatible with the level of automation in their urban facilities.

Through digital platforms, mobile applications and integrated systems, digital governance simplifies bureaucratic processes and streamlines public services.

A large part of public services are provided digitally, which facilitates the work of governance in terms of control and monitoring of results.

Citizen participation

Citizen participation is fundamental in a smart city, serving as a foundation for people's engagement in decision-making processes.

Through digital platforms, public consultations and spaces for dialogue, citizens can contribute ideas, suggestions and criticisms for urban planning, public policies and the solution of local problems.

Furthermore, it helps to promote a sense of belonging and responsibility towards the future of the city.

Intelligent security systems

Smart security systems employ advanced technologies such as surveillance cameras with video analytics, facial recognition and sensors to monitor and respond to risky situations.

This approach makes surveillance more effective, enabling preventive actions and the protection of citizens and property.

The combination of real-time data and advanced algorithms contributes to early detection of threats and faster response from security forces.

This results in safer smart city models that are capable of withstanding even natural disasters.

Using data and analysis for decision making

The use of data and analysis in decision-making is one of the main characteristics of smart cities.

Collecting and analyzing information from different sources , such as urban sensors, social networks and transportation systems, allows us to better understand how the city works and identify patterns, trends and problems.

Based on these analyses, public managers can make strategic decisions , optimizing the use of resources, improving public services and responding quickly to urban challenges.

Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship

A smart city seeks to foster innovation and entrepreneurship , creating an environment conducive to the development of technological solutions and disruptive business models.

This could include the creation of startup incubators , partnerships between universities and companies, tax incentives for innovative businesses, and the promotion of events and competitions focused on innovation.

The objective is always the same: to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, boosting the local economy.

This also helps attract talent and solve urban problems through new ideas and technologies created “at home”.

Access to digitalized public services

Access to digitalized public services refers to the availability of government services online and digitally in technology cities.

Digital platforms, applications and portals are used to allow citizens to access and use essential services such as issuing documents, paying taxes, scheduling appointments, among others.

None of this requires the need to physically travel to public offices.

This advancement provides greater convenience, efficiency and time savings for citizens, in addition to contributing to the reduction of bureaucracy in services and increasing transparency.

Integration of health and education systems

The integration of health and education systems aims to improve the quality and efficiency of these essential sectors.

Through digital platforms and information sharing between government agencies, it is possible to offer more personalized and integrated service.

Citizens now have more options, improving coordination between different sectors.

With this integration, health professionals and educators can have access to information about each individual , facilitating preventive actions and monitoring the clinical and academic history of each citizen.

Environmental and air quality monitoring

Smart and sustainable cities take care of people's well-being at all times .

Air quality is one of the fundamental factors in ensuring this.

Using sensors and data collection technologies, it is possible to monitor air quality in real time, as well as pollution levels , noise and other environmental indicators .

This information is essential to support public policies aimed at preserving the environment, helping to reduce pollution.

Furthermore, environmental monitoring allows a rapid response to risk events , such as floods and natural disasters, making the city more resilient to these impacts.

Encouraging the use of renewable energy

Encouraging the use of renewable energy is one of the main strategies for making a city more sustainable and reducing its carbon footprint.

To this end, tax incentives , financing lines, policies to stimulate distributed generation and investments in infrastructure for the capture and distribution of renewable energy can be offered.

By using these sources, it is possible to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, mitigate environmental impacts and move towards a more sustainable future.

Development of green areas

The development of green areas is one of the strategies for creating more pleasant , healthy and sustainable urban environments .

Smart cities prioritize the creation and maintenance of parks, squares and open spaces, promoting contact with nature, leisure and social interaction.

These green areas also play an important role in mitigating the effects of warming by providing shade, reducing pollution and improving air quality.

Smart public spaces

Smart public spaces are urban environments that incorporate advanced technologies to improve the citizen experience.

These locations have connected and interactive infrastructure , which offers relevant information, internet access, entertainment and public services.

Smart public spaces promote digital inclusion and social interaction, becoming meeting and socializing points, while stimulating innovation and connectivity.