(GIST OF YOJANA) Smart Cities Mission and the Role of Energy Efficiency in Urban Development

GIST OF YOJANA : Smart Cities Mission and the Role of Energy Efficiency in Urban Development

FEBRUARY-2025

Smart Cities Mission and the Role of Energy Efficiency in Urban Development

Introduction

Launched in 2015, India’s Smart Cities Mission (SCM) aims to merge infrastructure with technology for efficient urban advancement.
Urban areas contribute to 50-60% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, underscoring the necessity for a low-carbon economy via effective energy production and usage.
Enhancing energy efficiency is vital for lowering household expenses, aligning energy supply with demand, and reinforcing climate resilience.

Energy Efficiency in Smart Cities

By 2030, India's power demand is projected to double due to economic growth and urban expansion.
Methods that improve energy efficiency are critical for reducing consumption, refining distribution procedures, and shaping user behavior.
The SCM targets pivotal sectors such as construction, water management, waste disposal, and transportation to foster energy efficiency.

Key Focus Areas

Energy-Efficient Buildings

Over a third of India’s energy consumption stems from the building sector.
Upgrading existing structures and integrating energy-efficient solutions in new builds can lead to considerable energy savings.
Sustainable construction standards like GRIHA and LEED advocate for eco-friendly building practices.

Energy-Efficient Water Management

The CSCAF 2.0 framework steers cities towards decreasing energy use and advancing sustainable water management. Tech innovations such as SCADA automation, VFDs, and real-time monitoring systems can boost energy efficiency in water management.

Energy-Efficient Waste Management

Managing waste demands extensive energy for collection, processing, and disposal.
Technologies like IoT, sensor-based systems, and AI can enhance waste collection and treatment processes.
Recycling and reusing materials from construction and demolition debris can lessen energy consumption.

Energy-Efficient Transportation

The transport sector significantly contributes to GHG emissions.
Encouraging public transportation, non-motorised options, and electric vehicles can mitigate emissions and enhance energy efficiency.
AI and big data analytics can streamline traffic operations and curb energy demand.

Policy and Regulatory Framework

A range of national policies and initiatives advocate for the adoption of energy-efficient practices in urban settings.
The transition from traditional frameworks like the Energy Conservation Act (2001) to programs aimed at industry and consumers reflects a developing policy environment.

Conclusion

India is increasingly emphasizing energy demand management, boosting renewable energy capacities, and optimizing energy efficiency to attain sustainable urban development.
A systems-oriented approach involving collaborative knowledge creation, advanced technologies, strategic financing, and performance evaluation is vital for the transition to energy-efficient smart cities.