News
Smart Amsterdam
Amsterdam strives to be ‘the example’ in the field of energy efficiency and lowering pollution. Big companies like Liander, Accenture and housing associations are expected to invest hundreds of millions euros in environmental experiments over the next two years. The companies work together in the project named ‘Amsterdam Smart City’
Wednesday the third of June the first experiments where launched. In 700 households in Amsterdam Geuzenveld new energy meters will be installed. The smart meters give detailed information about energy use and relay the data back to the users and the utilities.
Another experiment will take place at the Utrechtsestraat. This shopping avenue in the center of the Dutch capital will get an energy efficiency make-over. Street trash will be collected by non polluting electric trucks, while electronic displays in local bus stops will be powered by solar panels. The shopkeepers are involved in the project as well. The project is initiated by the shopkeepers to set an example of profitability and good citizenship for shops.
Besides smart homes and a smart street, the first smart building is born: the ITO Tower in the south of Amsterdam. The smart building concept is aimed at lowering energy cost without affecting the work environment negatively. Sensors will manage the use of energy inside the building. Systems concerning heating, security, cooling and lighting are being controlled.
Amsterdam Smart City is focused on the consumers. It is about economic innovation, not a technological push. Companies and consumers are the main investors, next to an injection of the government. The next two years, fifteen other experiments will follow.
