Creating Smart Energy Cities for Sustainability through Project Implementation: A Case Study of Bolzano, Italy

Abstract

Globally, cities are experiencing an unprecedented socio-economic, demographic, and environmental transition that brings with it negative environmental externalities, such as climate change and environmental degradation. Smart energy city (SEC) has emerged as the latest urban development strategy in European countries. It can vastly accelerate cities' decarbonisation efforts, which can have several co-benefits. Capitalising on advances in information and communication technologies (ICT), various SEC projects have been initiated and seek to integrate ICT into the urban system. Although there are a significant number of SEC demonstration projects, there has been a scant examination of the performance and overall effect of these projects in addressing core sustainability endogenous principles. This research provides an in-depth analysis of the components of the SEC projects, highlighting the strengths and shortcomings. By highlighting the "Smart INitiative of cities Fully cOmmitted to iNvest In Advanced large-scale energy solutions" (SINFONIA) project in Bolzano, we aimed to determine the extent to which the current practical processes are achieved in reality. Our methodology entailed a structured literature review of the different components of SEC projects, followed by a content analysis based on the 5W1H (why, what, who, how, where, and when) conceptual framework. The data collection methods adopted included a review of specific open-access sources and project deliverables of each of the selected SEC projects, personal observation of the case study city, and interviews with SEC project experts. We analysed the SEC projects components against fundamental sustainability principles of integration, implementation, equity (intra-generational, procedural, and inter-generational), and scalability and replicability to assess their potential for creating sustainable urban settlements. The study found that the critical components of SEC projects are strategically aligned with sustainability dimensions. However, although ICT integration in urban planning and development provides the core determinants of the components, stakeholder engagement and dynamic business models are critical for successful implementation. Furthermore, through scalability and replicability of SEC projects, diversification of sustainability principles can be actualised throughout the entire city and in other geographical regions to ensure long-term intra-generational and inter-generational equity.

Sustainability of Low Carbon City Initiatives in China: A Comprehensive Literature Review

“…A previous study by Hunter et al [55] identified four sustainable development principles: (1) Integration; (2) implementing; (3) equity (intra-generational, procedural, and inter-generational); and (4) scalability and replicability ( Figure 4). Based on Figure 5, the LCC components identified were categorized and integrated into the four core endogenous sustainable development principles [55].…”

“…A previous study by Hunter et al [55] identified four sustainable development principles: (1) Integration; (2) implementing; (3) equity (intra-generational, procedural, and inter-generational); and (4) scalability and replicability ( Figure 4). Based on Figure 5, the LCC components identified were categorized and integrated into the four core endogenous sustainable development principles [55]. The integration principle posits that the quest for sustainability should balance environmental, societal, economic, and governance considerations, and their interdependencies that are intrinsic for improving citizens' quality of life among other co-benefits.…”

“…Inter-generational equity emphasizes inter-temporal parity and fairness between generations pertaining to consumption, conservation, and utilization of resources, the satisfaction of individual well-being and human needs, protection of environmental quality, and economic diversity and vitality [56]. Procedural equity focuses on the inclusion of stakeholders at different levels in the planning and development decision-making process [57] through engagement approaches such as participation, partnership, and Sustainability 2019, 11, 4342 7 of 37 collaboration [7,8,55,58]. Finally, scalability and replicability entail the transferability of the LLC pilot and demonstration projects to the whole city level or international duplication of the project's strategies and technologies in other geographical areas, respectively.…”

“…This presentation sought to discuss and receive feedback from a broad international audience on the frameworks, as well as gauge current research discourse in sustainable development, climate change, and emerging scientific and technological trends in LCC development. Theoretical framework showing the four endogenous principles of sustainable development [55]. development decision-making process [57] through engagement approaches such as participation, partnership, and collaboration [7,8,55,58].…”

“…Theoretical framework showing the four endogenous principles of sustainable development [55]. development decision-making process [57] through engagement approaches such as participation, partnership, and collaboration [7,8,55,58]. Finally, scalability and replicability entail the transferability of the LLC pilot and demonstration projects to the whole city level or international duplication of the project's strategies and technologies in other geographical areas, respectively.…”