Smart and Green Infrastructure for Future Cities

The Smart City agenda aims to use technology and large data systems to assist in making decisions and create networks, sensors and instant data that can modify processes through the city. For the environment, this means providing potential solutions to inefficiencies in using energy, water and other resources. Smart technology in cities can contribute to smart pricing (water, energy, parking etc.) and drainage systems, smart energy grid systems, transport and communication efficiencies. Coupled with Green Infrastructure ecosystems that enhance the resilience, long-term sustainability and the well-being of city dwellers, the solutions will have the potential to face up to many challenges of the future cities. Currently the Smart and Green Infrastructure agendas run parallel and a slight disconnect between the two exists as they operate independently. The need for more research in integrating smart and green has been identified to reduce risk, uncertainties and make it mainstream. This paper presents the case for integrating smart green infrastructure components into existing urban infrastructure assets to improve their resilience in withstanding extreme weather effects. A broad-ranging literature review of stakeholder reports, case studies and action plans provide the foundation and an understanding of the wider context and the debate. The paper also identifies current practice, drivers of challenges and opportunities. The findings will benefit many stakeholders who are responsible for implementation of smart green infrastructure strategies, as the challenge of the Future City is to combine green infrastructure into the high-tech world of the smart city agenda.