Cities are just like living entities which gives life to a country. Providing employment and services which are always improving (atleast attempts are made for) and catering the need of its residents is what makes cities so unique. Each city is unique in its own way, some are known for heritage, some of tourism, some for lights while others for skyscrapers. Whatever maybe the case every city struggles with one of the key problem which is consumption of electricity and bettering itself by collecting data. All the concerned agencies like municipalities, developers, development authorities, electricity board etc have their surveys. These surveys enable them to understand the need of the users better & provide more reliable and efficient service. This requires collection & processing of data which follows multiple steps and stages. All the stakeholders look for the types of data processing while working with data. This collected data is often followed by and subjected to data processing cycle & information processing cycle to get information.
On basis of this it has been found out that
- Building material selection and their strategic use can have upto 20% reductions in energy cost.
- Efficiency can be increased in transportation sector. Replacing the incandescent lamps with more energy efficient CFLs and further by use of LED lights in street lighting.
- Lighting systems can further be clubbed with solar panels which will save on transmission losses also when compared to regular electricity supply.
- Smart grids will help in better load demand management and help in savings at much larger scale.
Why Demand Management is crucial
Demand supply management becomes necessary as the transmission over large distance results in huge transmission losses. If the need for an area is known in terms of demand then the network can be better optimised. When considering fuel improved public transport and more efficient use of mass rapid transit system will help in optimising the use of fuel. Saving on fuel is another vital advantage as it will help in saving environment by reduced pollution as well as help in reducing congestion on road.
Urban growth is taking place at never seen before rate. This is a cause for concern for everyone as it is resulting in shortage of resources and increase competition. Providing access to vital information and statistics about the changes taking place in a city empowers citizens. This is one of the step taken by concerned departments to increase awareness among citizens. This data can be made available online or offline depending on its type. Some of it may also be paid and confidential.
To create a more livable and healthy environment, it is therefore important that cities that are planned are environmentally sustainable. This would mean not only improving the air quality but also reducing wastage of water, electricity, fuel etc. Getting all the stakeholder work together is important. This keeps everyone informed and reduces time taken in completing a project. A project completed on time saves money of tax payers and helps in achieving a faster economic growth along with relief and infrastructure for people.
Steps have already been taken in this regard, however much more needs to be done. Star rating is being done for electrical appliances and in the building industry. All vehicles should also be star rated to indicate their energy efficiency. Also industries should be given incentives to reduce their carbon emissions.
Why care so much about data
Data is leading almost 75% companies at present. Every other company irrespective of its work area is running after data as “Data” holds the key. The services being provided to people irrespective of who provides it i.e. government or a private sector player is bound to collect data. Electricity companies, telecom companies, water supply board, transportation department, waste collection department etc relies on number. For ex. All the listed agencies collect information about number of people living in a locality and accordingly provide resources, this helps in efficient resource distribution and increasing efficiency.