(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.

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Courtesy: Yojana