Vinod Jacob’s Post

 💡Take the Future of Sustainable Cities in your hands! Don't miss out :) 💡 Josh Talks is thrilled to announce the City Champions 2024 program, a game-changing initiative supported by Omidyar Network India. Get ready to supercharge your urban development ventures and unlock unparalleled growth opportunities! 🚀 🎯 On a mission to identify, support, and accelerate funding for progressive organizations pioneering urban development solutions across India. 📢 The Challenge By 2036, a staggering 600 million Indians will reside in urban cities, putting immense strain on already stretched infrastructure and services. It's time to step up and create livable, climate-resilient, and inclusive cities that drive our nation's economic progress! 📢 Solutions  Seeking high-impact, high-growth potential, for-profit organizations tackling urbanization challenges across 6 crucial thematic areas: Public Safety: This thematic sector encompasses initiatives aimed at ensuring the security and protection of citizens, infrastructure, and assets.  Climate Action: This sector focuses on solutions around renewable energy, managing air pollution, and sustainable waste management practices with technology driving the impact. Water and Sanitation: This sector aims to recognize an organization-led idea that is providing clean drinking water to citizens, working towards rainwater harvesting & water conservation, and promoting water reuse & recycling. City Planning and Welfare: The focus areas of this sector are smart city development initiatives, affordable housing projects, sustainable urban mobility plans, and slum rehabilitation & regeneration programs. City Welfare: This sector aims to recognize an organization working towards maintaining public places like - lakes, and parks, amongst others. Urban Public Transport: This sector aims to recognize an organization developing efficient & affordable public transportation systems, promoting last-mile connectivity. Sustainable Infrastructure: Focus areas for this sector include green building practices & materials, and developing climate-resilient infrastructure. ⭕ Eligibility Criteria: 👉For-profit social enterprises improving citizens' quality of life 👉Post-revenue organizations 👉Operational for 1-7 years ⭕ Opportunities for Organisations: ⭐ Strategic mentorship from industry leaders ⭐ Market connections for business growth ⭐ Access to funders  ⭐ Extensive media coverage and public recognition ⏰Key Dates: 👉 Application Deadline: 16 May 2024 👉 Demo Day (Top 16): October 2024 (Tentative) Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/gbFBtFZS Tag your fellow #UrbanInnovators and spread the word. Let's shape the future of our cities together! 🤝 #CityChampions2024 #funding #SustainableCities #SocialImpact #socialentrepreneurship #Innovation #future #entrepreneurship #investing #venturecapital #growth 

#Auckland’s draft Regional Land Transport Plan (RLTP): My Analysis and Insights! 🚊 #IntegratedPublicTransport: RLTP emphasizes enhancing public transport infrastructure, but further integration with #Multimodal options is essential. Seamless connectivity between #Buses, #Trains and #Ferries can be improved with real-time information sharing. This aligns with Auckland Transport's #AlignmentProject (#ATAP) and the #GovernmentPolicyStatement on #LandTransport (GPS 2024). 🚴 #ActiveTransport: Investment in #Cycling and #Pedestrian pathways is crucial. Expanding bike-sharing programs and providing secure bike parking at transport hubs encourage more cycling, supporting the goals of the #AucklandCyclingandMicromobilityProgramme Business Case. 🌱 #Sustainability: The RLTP's #Electrification of buses and addition of #EV charging stations is commendable. However, setting more ambitious targets for #ElectricVehicleAdoption and expanding the #ElectricBus fleet can further reduce emissions. This aligns with #Auckland’sClimatePlan and the Vehicle Kilometres Travelled Reduction Programme (VKT-RP). 📈 #DataDrivenDecisions: RLTP should incorporate #PredictiveAnalytics to manage traffic flow and reduce #Congestion. Deploying #IoT sensors and #SmartTrafficManagementSystems will provide real-time data for continuous improvement, supporting the #SmartTransportforAuckland initiative. 🗣️ #CommunityEngagement: Establishing regular community forums and participatory planning workshops ensures continuous dialogue with residents. Using digital platforms for virtual consultations can increase accessibility and participation, aligning with the RLTP’s engagement strategies. 💼 : The RLTP should consider the #Economic impact of transport projects. Conducting cost-benefit analyses and long-term financial planning ensures that investments deliver maximum value. Encouraging public-private partnerships can leverage additional funding and expertise, as seen in the #AucklandTransportInvestmentProgramme (ATIP). 🏙️ #UrbanIntegration: Transport planning must align with urban development strategies. Ensuring transport hubs are integrated with residential and commercial developments creates vibrant, connected communities. Mixed-use developments around transport nodes reduce travel distances and promote sustainable living, supporting the goals of the #AucklandPlan2050. Amir Ghaffarianhoseini Cecil Konijnendijk AUT School of Future Environments NZGBC World Green Building Council UN Environment Programme ISOCARP - International Society of City and Regional Planners Smart Cities Council Smart Cities Council - ANZ Global Green Growth Institute C40 Cities International Living Future Institute Auckland Council Responsive+Green Urban Built Environment Research Lab #AucklandTransport #SustainableCities #UrbanPlanning #PublicTransport #CommunityEngagement https://lnkd.in/ghVafXuS

India’s smart cities are not just about cutting-edge technology—they’re about building greener, more inclusive urban spaces. From renewable energy adoption to efficient waste management, these cities are leading the way in sustainable development.🌿 Our latest blog article explores how smart cities are transforming India’s urban landscape while addressing critical environmental challenges. https://lnkd.in/geiuNv73

💡 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐔𝐫𝐛𝐚𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰'𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐬 🌱 🏙️ Recently, we have explored the importance of "Sustainable Development," linking this important concept with the transformation of urban spaces into green and eco-friendly areas 🌳🌿. This is a pivotal step towards addressing environmental challenges while enhancing the urban living experience. In the context of transforming disused railway stations into revitalization hubs, adopting an Environmental Management System (EMS) is essential 🚉. This approach perfectly aligns with the principle of sustainable development, which aims to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. An EMS is a set of processes and practices that enable an organization to reduce its environmental impacts and increase its operating efficiency. By integrating an EMS into these projects, we're not only committed to rejuvenating neglected urban areas but also doing so responsibly, actively contributing to environmental protection for future generations 🌍. There are myriad proposals and solutions that warrant consideration to leverage urban land in an eco-conscious manner. Here are some insights and proposals, including those discussed by our team, to stimulate discussion: 1️⃣ Adapting Old Infrastructure: repurposing outdated infrastructure, such as abandoned railway stations, presents significant potential for creating green spaces. These areas can be reimagined as parks, community gardens, and bike paths. Additionally, repurposing defunct parking lots and industrial zones can foster urban renewal and augment green areas, breathing new life into entire neighborhoods and attracting fresh inhabitants. 2️⃣ Community Engagement: actively involving residents in the planning, administration, and upkeep of green spaces can foster a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship. Initiating educational programs, cultural festivities, and volunteer initiatives can bolster community participation and instill a sustainability ethic. 💬These suggestions represent just a sampling of the myriad proposals and solutions available to maximize urban land utilization in an environmentally friendly manner, thereby enhancing the urban landscape and inhabitants' well-being. Engaging in a constructive dialogue on this subject can catalyze the emergence of novel ideas and initiatives that contribute to the creation of greener, healthier, and more resilient cities, so let's open a debate in the comments👇! For further insights into the topic of redeveloping railway stations in Milan, you can read the article: https://lnkd.in/dzV69vxU #Sustainability #UrbanDevelopment #CommunityEngagement #GreenSpaces

The Evolution of Sustainable Smart Cities: A 20-Year Perspective Over the past two decades, the smart city (SC) paradigm has garnered significant attention from scholars and international policymakers. As urbanization accelerates, understanding and analyzing the development trajectories of cities is crucial for shaping a sustainable global future. Urban centers are pivotal in driving environmental sustainability, social advancement, and economic growth. According to a United Nations (UN) report, in 2008, urban areas housed over 3.3 billion people, more than half the global population. This figure is projected to reach 70% by 2050, emphasizing the growing importance of megacities, particularly in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, with populations exceeding 20 million. Urbanization and Environmental Impact As cities expand, their consumption of resources and environmental impact increase correspondingly. According to UN-Habitat, urban areas account for 78% of global energy use and over 60% of carbon emissions. Denser populations require more energy for transportation and essential services, leading to significant waste generation and the use of products that contribute to negative externalities. Enhancing natural resource reserves has been proposed as a method to bolster sustainability, emphasizing the need for cities to address social and economic challenges in a sustainable manner. Technological advancements have facilitated the development of innovative solutions for urban services, instrumental in creating sustainable smart cities (SSCs). These SSCs aim to provide sustainable and effective solutions across various domains, including energy management, transportation, healthcare, and governance, to meet urbanization and sustainability objectives. Challenges and Reluctance Despite the growing global adoption of the SSC concept in planning documents and national strategies, urban policymakers often hesitate to implement measures that would transition their cities into smart locales. Cities face traditional and digitalization-related challenges, such as resource depletion, deteriorating air quality, inadequate waste management, traffic congestion, and subpar infrastructure. Socioeconomic issues, including social exclusion, elevated pollution levels, ineffective climate change mitigation, stagnant urban productivity, and insufficient urban governance, also hinder the SSC concept. Barriers to SSC Development The study identified thirty-one significant barriers across four themes: governance and legal, environmental, technology, and social and economic. These categories underscore the multifaceted challenges of SSC implementation. Key barriers include environmental sustainability concerns and governance challenges, which emerged as the most significant impediments to SSC initiatives. Full read: https://lnkd.in/evY_p_Mr #smartcity #artificialintelligence #ai #IoT #UNSDG #SDG

#LiveableCities Austria’s capital – Vienna - has been ranked as the most liveable city in the world (for the 3rd consecutive year) on the Global Liveability Index 2024, released by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), a sister organization to The Economist. Incidentally, it had topped the charts in 2018 & 2019 as well and came second in 2017 & 2016. So, what amounts to cities being liveable? Truly ‘liveable’ cities are those that provide access to good quality housing, jobs, education, health care & social care, community resources – and, yes, green & open public spaces, which are so important to mental and physical health. Other factors that make any city liveable include CLEAN ENVIRONMENT and ROBUST INFRASTRUCTURE. None of the Indian cities made it to the Global Liveability Index. And it’s not just this list – Indian cities have been OUT of other similar rankings too – like Monocle's Quality of Life Survey; Global Finance's World's Best Cities to Live; Mercer's Quality of Living Ranking; Deutsche Bank Liveability Survey; Numbeo's Quality of Life Ranking; etc. Cities must provide residents with a high quality of life, including a healthy lifestyle, environmental sustainability, economic opportunity, and urban infra solutions that reduce pain points and increase their liveability index. With a user-first approach and observance of clever design principles, Massive Earth Foundation (MEF) is working to provide urban design solutions to solve core problems plaguing the city. We are working on projects related to: 1.      City Waste - MEF is building practical design solutions to understand and solve waste flow in cities. It is developing designs for urban wastebins and working on building citywide waste collection infrastructure taking into account the technical as well as cultural aspects. 2.      Air Pollution - MEF does deep-dive research on the source of air pollution by collaborating with local research labs, analyzing traffic data, weather patterns, and pollution across cities for months. 3.      Urban Heat Island Effect - MEF is solving heat island effect by focusing on sources causing heat generation in local areas, like roads, buildings, pavements, parking lots, etc. 4.      Walkability – Cities should be designed not just for vehicular transport, but also for traveling on foot, and this is what MEF is focusing on. MEF conducts original research and runs pilot projects bringing various stakeholders to a single platform. MEF’s core strength lies in its ability to execute complex projects at scale and come up with counterintuitive insights. We collaborate with government/non-government agencies to carry out our work. Join us as partner organization, or as volunteer, sponsor, donor, design expert, etc. – all collaborations are welcome! https://lnkd.in/dn6FwtNW

Sustainability is a trending topic. Every day, more people are becoming aware of its importance. Europe leads the list of the most sustainable cities in the world, with Amsterdam in first place, Rotterdam in second, and Copenhagen in third. The first non-European city to appear on the list is Seoul, ranking 11th. This success can be mainly attributed to the European Commission's 2050 Roadmap which is a long-term policy plan to help the EU transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. #sustainability #sustainablecities #decarbonising

#newarticle | The Dutch Cities, Amsterdam & Rotterdam top the Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2024 with the remaining top eight positions being dominated by European cities that include Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Munich, Oslo, Hamburg, Berlin Warsaw and London. This highlights how the rest of the world has to play catch up concerning the need to achieve the UN SDGs by the year 2030. “Sustainability” is the ability of a system to maintain itself over time and Sustainable cities are important because they can help meet the needs of the current generation without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. Arcadis | John Batten #sustainability #sustainablecities #climatechange #renewableenergy #digital #technology #decarbonising https://lnkd.in/gF8V7HPN

Get your #DecarbDigest fresh off the press 🗞 Did you know that by 2050 more than 2/3 of the entire world’s population will be living in cities? 🤯 🏙 This Friday, Jun Park shares some staggering stats about #carbonemissions in cities and emphasizes the importance of creating sustainable practices 📊 Find out how certain tools and policies can make our cities more #sustainable and ensure that they are places we want to live in the future 👇 https://lnkd.in/dWMAJt6G

With Australia’s population hitting 27 million in January, more than 30 years earlier than predicted, industrial digital technology is the key that can make Australia's biggest cities better places to be. Christine McNamara, our Director of Sales, Pacific, shares how industrial #digitaltechnology can simplify sustainable #urbandevelopment, with software used to create city planning and management eco-systems that minimise energy consumption. Discover how this technology can help maintain and optimize Australia's major liveable cities as they expand and evolve. Read the article in full at Sustainability Matters ➡️ https://bit.ly/49WLgJK #smartcities #sustainability #LivableCities.