Modern-Glass-Building

Smart Technology Is Creating Smart Cities

July 22, 2014
Smart meters are providing data that lets the city know how to more efficiently use resources such as electricity and water.

With a rallying cry of “Aspiring to Create the Most Sustainable Urban Core in the Nation,” Charlotte, N.C. is an example of a city that is leveraging connected technologies, such as smart meters talking to each other, to create a more sustainable city.  

What are the meters talking about?

They are providing data that lets the city know how to more efficiently use resources such as electricity and water.

Envision Charlotte is the umbrella group behind the city’s goal to “drive economic growth by reducing waste, water, and energy and improve air quality.”

Turning the vision into reality is achieved by collaboration between the city, utilities, and technology providers in order to help citizens make smarter choices.

The city’s first goal was to reduce overall energy consumed in participating office buildings by 20% within five years. The initiative is focused on office buildings within Charlotte’s 1.94-square-mile commercial business district.

"We have cracked the code in understanding and measuring how energy is used and wasted within these buildings, and we are implementing programs today that are making a real difference in helping these businesses save money,” said Amy Aussieker, executive director of Envision Charlotte. Charlotte is among the first cities in the world to have developed a measurable program in more than 60 buildings within the central business district, representing more than 20 million square feet of office space.

To read the full article see Smart Cities Using Smart Technology, which originally appeared on IndustryWeek, an Endeavor Business Media partner site.
About the Author

Adrienne Selko | Senior Editor - MH&L, IW, & EHS Today

Adrienne Selko has written about many topics over the 17 years she has been with Endeavor Business Media and currently focuses on workforce development strategies. Previously Adrienne was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank.

She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck? which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list. She is a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics, EHS Today, and IndustryWeek. 

Editorial Mission Statement:

Manufacturing is the enviable position of creating products, processes, and policies that solve the world’s problems. When the industry stepped up to manufacture what was necessary to combat the pandemic, it revealed its true nature. My goal is to showcase the sector’s ability to address a broad range of workforce issues including technology, training, diversity & inclusion, with a goal of enticing future generations to join this amazing sector.

Why I Find Manufacturing Interesting: 

On my first day working for a company that made medical equipment such as MRIs, I toured the plant floor. On every wall was a photo of a person, mostly children. I asked my supervisor why this was the case and he said that the work we do at this company has saved these people’s lives. “We never forget how important our work is and everyone’s contribution to that.” From that moment on I was hooked on manufacturing.

I have talked with many people in this field who have transformed their own career development to assist others. For example, companies are hiring those with disabilities, those previously incarcerated, and other talent pools that have been underutilized. I have talked with leaders who have brought out the best in their workforce, as well as employees doing their best work while doing good for the world.