Is Smart City Sustainable?

Is a smart city sustainable? No—at least, not inherently. But can it be? Absolutely.

This question came to mind recently when I attended a talk on smart cities, sustainability, and urban development. The relationship between these concepts isn’t as straightforward as it might seem. Let’s break it down.

At its core, a smart city relies on data—it cannot function without it. By definition, a smart city uses advanced technologies to improve the quality of life for its residents, optimizing services like transportation, energy use, and waste management. But these technologies come with a cost: they consume massive amounts of energy.

Data centers are the backbone of smart cities, storing and analyzing the vast amounts of data generated by IoT devices, sensors, and other technologies. These centers currently account for 1-2% of global electricity consumption—a figure projected to rise as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption accelerates. Large-scale data centers, known as hyperscale centers, can consume as much energy as entire small cities.

Then there’s the matter of hardware. Technologies like sensors, cameras, and other equipment that make a city “smart” have limited lifespans and require frequent upgrades or replacement. This contributes to the growing issue of electronic waste (e-waste), which, if not managed properly, can lead to significant environmental harm.

Can Smart Cities Be Sustainable?
For a smart city to be sustainable, intentional measures must be taken, such as:

1. Powering Data Centers with Renewable Energy: Transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources for data centers is essential to reduce their carbon footprint.
2. Implementing a Circular Economy for E-Waste: Establishing systems for recycling and repurposing outdated equipment can minimize the environmental impact of tech upgrades.
3. Using Technology for Sustainable Urban Design: Smart technologies and AI can be leveraged in urban planning to optimize energy use, reduce waste, and promote green spaces

While a sustainable city can harness smart technologies to become more efficient and eco-friendly, a smart city isn’t automatically sustainable. It requires deliberate effort and planning to ensure the benefits of technology do not come at the expense of environmental or social well-being.

So, is a smart city sustainable? Not yet—but it can be.

* Picture is generated with AI