Sustainability is at the core of the urban mobility discussion. And for good reason. The exponential growth of urban populations has led to increased congestion and rising pollution levels that present one of the biggest challenges to global sustainability efforts.
But governments are aware of the issue and almost all European cities are working hard to achieve carbon neutrality. Technology is helping to drive these endeavours.
The Smart City Expo provided tangible insights into how cities across the world are using data and technology to galvanize sustainability strategies as they work towards specific goals in the near future.
The Norwegian municipality using the cloud to build a sustainable future
The municipality of Lillestrøm in Norway offers a compelling example of how cloud-based solutions and IoT technology can be used to make a real difference.
Concerned about providing a sustainable environment for its 87,500 citizens and maintaining its natural assets, Lillestrøm overhauled its legacy data infrastructure, instead opting to implement a software as a service (SaaS) solution built on Microsoft Azure that manages and aggregates real-time data from Azure IoT sensors. Lillestrøm uses this platform to remotely monitor and predict which pipes or pumps need replacing before sending workers on site, helping to reduce water loss substantially.
The new platform helps to target engineering efforts with greater accuracy so the municipality can make smarter decisions and better prioritize issues. It has both improved the safety and well-being of citizens, as well as meaning the municipality can now contribute to the United Nations Sustainable City Program (UNSSP).
Using technology to drive sustainability goals
Sustainability is central to Microsoft’s mission. Our ongoing efforts to be carbon negative by 2030 position us perfectly to support other organizations to achieve their own sustainability objectives.
To learn more about how we’re helping public sector organizations across Europe to become more sustainable and resilient with cloud-based technology, download our latest eBook below.
IT purchasing can help your company meet both sustainability and profitability goals
Sustainability is no longer a competitive differentiator — it’s a “business necessity,” according to Forrester [1]. Social, environmental, regulatory, and even customer requirements have made this a permanent state of global industry. For procurement leaders, that means achieving sufficient sustainability through sourcing while maintaining your company’s profitability. As you look to achieve your sustainability targets, […]
Enable better learning opportunities with Open Education Analytics
Education institutions around the world are embracing a hybrid learning model. Yet many face challenges with data and AI due to dispersed or poorly governed assets and a lack of access to skilled professionals. Open Education Analytics (OEA) works to empower education institutions to overcome these hurdles to improve learning outcomes and provide students with the […]
Sustainable Transformation in FSI: now, next and beyond
The connection between sustainability and finance is not new, but it’s one that is gathering pace. Capital allocation is increasingly directed towards sustainable investment projects in financial services, with Bloomberg reporting [1] that global socially responsible investments totalled over $30 trillion in 2019. Today’s customers also expect that companies they use not only act responsibly, but proactively pursue financial activities that make a positive […]
How the public sector can define the sustainability agenda for everyone
Digital technology is everywhere, and it is changing the way citizens behave. From working patterns to the day-to-day services we use and the places we live, there is no aspect of modern life that remains untouched by digital tools and solutions. This represents both the biggest challenge and opportunity for public sector organizations as they […]
Smart City Expo: the latest trends in urban mobility discussed
Many things define a city: geography, population, history, industry, nightlife. But few are more defining of a city’s status as ‘modern’ than transport. Urban mobility has become a critical issue for modern cities. Not only from the standpoint of convenience and connectivity, but because of its impact on the sustainability agenda too. The rapid growth […]
How a steel giant boosted sustainability by adopting a data-driven mindset
See how Outokumpu is redefining the stainless-steel industry through its digital transformation with Microsoft, lowering CO2 emissions and improving energy efficiency.
Ponsse: Turning a forest-machine manufacturer into a data-driven business
“When our customers use our machines, they want to have real-time information on how those machines are functioning, how efficient they are. But they don’t want to be overwhelmed with raw data – they just want the intelligence, to know the best way to run their operations.” Miika Soininen, is Director of Digital Services and IT at Ponsse, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of forestry machines. He’s talking about how his company is innovating with data to optimize its operations and offer transformative new services to their global […]
Sustainable transformation in the retail and CPG sector: now, next and beyond
Technology is disrupting every industry, but perhaps none so fundamentally as retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG). The unstoppable rise of online shopping over the past two decades has totally transformed the retail landscape. Some retailers have emerged, others disappeared, while others still have adapted to remould themselves in an exceptionally competitive landscape. The key […]
ClimateCamp: decarbonizing supply chains to create a more sustainable future
Meet ClimateCamp: The Belgian start-up helping businesses decarbonize their supply chains to create a better, more sustainable future. Supply chains account for 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Businesses will play a major role in reducing these emissions in order to meet global climate goals and will need to set precise goals to make their […]
Sustainable transformation in the retail and CPG sector: now, next and beyond
Technology is disrupting every industry, but perhaps none so fundamentally as retail and consumer packaged goods (CPG). The unstoppable rise of online shopping over the past two decades has totally transformed the retail landscape. Some retailers have emerged, others disappeared, while others still have adapted to remould themselves in an exceptionally competitive landscape. The key […]
