In the last decade, cities around the world are facing the challenges of rapid urbanization, increased resource consumption and growing environmental problems. In that light, smart city initiatives are becoming more and more important, not only to improve the quality of life of residents, but also to reduce the negative impact of the urban environment on nature. The concept of a smart city represents an urban centre whose purpose is to successfully deal with the challenges of the 21st century using various interoperable systems. More precisely, it represents a vision of urban development that, through the advanced application of technologies, enables sustainable management of city resources and a better quality of life for citizens, while at the same time protecting the environment and advocating social inclusion.
A smart city applies digital innovation to improve the functioning and quality of life in an urban area, increase the efficiency of operations and service delivery, and ensure that challenges such as rapid urbanization and sustainability are addressed in an inventive way. This concept includes everything from smart traffic lights that reduce traffic jams to digital services that make everyday life easier for citizens. The concept is applied in the following 8 segments of urban life: mobility, security, health, energy supply and energy sustainability, water supply, waste management, as well as the engagement of citizens and the city community.
One of the key priorities in smart city initiatives is reducing the ecological footprint of urban areas through more efficient use of resources and reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the implementation of smart energy management systems allows cities to more accurately monitor energy consumption in public buildings and transportation systems, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions and optimization of energy consumption.
Furthermore, smart waste management systems enable better monitoring, reducing the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and promoting recycling practices.
Many cities around the world have already started implementing smart city initiatives aimed at protecting the environment through the application of smart technologies. For example, Barcelona has implemented a smart traffic light system that adapts to traffic, thereby reducing congestion and the emission of harmful gases. Kopenhagen launched a project called "Green Roofs", encouraging citizens to install green roofs on their buildings to reduce the heat island effect and increase green areas in the city. Amsterdam jfor example, introduced a system of smart containers that automatically sort waste and send data to city authorities to improve waste management planning, while Helsinki launched the 'Circular City' project, which encourages local businesses as well as residents to participate in the exchange, reuse and recycling of resources through a digital platform..
When it comes to Bosnia and Herzegovina, at the end of 2018, UNDP, in partnership with the City of Sarajevo, the Municipality of Stari Grad and the Canton of Sarajevo, launched the Smart City initiative, with the aim of stimulating the participation of residents in urban development, a pilot for the improvement of public services based on technology and city cooperation between public, private and civic stakeholders towards the city of the future.
In the period from 2019 until the beginning of 2020, this initiative aroused great interest from residents, the media and the private sector, supporting the participatory design and implementation of innovative ideas that contribute to a more vibrant, smarter and healthier city life. The initiative prompted the creation of City Mind Lab, an informal group of over 120 experts and Sarajevo residents, founded in December 2018, which supports Smart Sarajevo and meets regularly to build connections, opportunities and consult on Sarajevo's inclusive future.
Smart cities are designed to take advantage of technological innovations to improve the living standards of residents, reduce costs and manage resources more efficiently. When these goals are combined with the principles of the circular economy, cities become not only more productive, but also more environmentally sustainable.
Smart city initiatives have significant potential for reducing the negative impact of urban environments on the environment and for creating more sustainable urban systems. Through more efficient use of resources, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promotion of sustainable practices, cities can become more ecologically sustainable and more resilient to climate change. Further investment in technological innovation, cooperation between the public and private sector and active participation of citizens can enable cities to become leaders in the fight against climate change and to preserve the environment for future generations. It is crucial to ensure that these initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all citizens to ensure broad support for sustainable development.
