Smart & Sustainable Cities

This research encompasses all facets of information, supply chain, energy, mobility, demographic & socio-economic flux in the modern metropolis.

Research

Integrating across the domains of computer science, engineering, humanities and social sciences, this area builds on the concept of Trinity College as a micro-city reference point for the cities of the future.

Benefit to Society

It is expected that 5 billion people representing 60% of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2030. The growth of cities is an evolving phenomenon that is often unplanned, leading to serious social problems. For example, traffic congestion increases pollution and generates higher fuel consumption, both of which negatively impact productivity, economic competitiveness and quality of life. Cities consume 75% of the world’s energy and produce 80% of its greenhouse gases. Water resources are under pressure and water quality at risk. Environmental noise pollution caused by traffic, construction, industrial, as well as some recreational activities can aggravate serious direct as well as indirect health effects.  Ultimately, research on smart and sustainable cities improves citizens’ lives, making us happier and healthier.

Research at Trinity

The breadth of research across Trinity College can be combined to support a vision for a happy, green and cost-effective city, where we address the required optimisation of resources, harness the growth potential for business, reduce the city’s environmental impact, and improve citizens’ quality of life within urban environments. In Trinity, work on infrastructure is complemented by monitoring techniques that support the prediction and analysis of data relating to city resources (e.g., air, energy, water and transport) and citizen behaviour (e.g., commuting, working, shopping, and leisure). Such analytics and predictions are utilised for the planning of appropriate optimisations, usage of space (e.g., events, performances, film-making and access to nature) and competitive economic developments, and harness results from complementary research from a number of Schools.

Research Champion

The research champion for this theme is Professor Siobhan Clarke.