(FREE) UPSC Current Affairs 2025 PDF
NEW! The Gist (MAY-2025) | E-BOOKS
(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.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FULL PDF
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD UPSC E-BOOKS
Study Material for UPSC General Studies Pre Cum Mains
Get The Gist 1 Year Subscription Online
Click Here to Download More Free Sample Material
<<Go Back To Main Page
Courtesy: Yojana