People living in cities deal with a lot of pollution. Unfortunately, this can have a negative impact on the health and safety of residents, especially children and older adults. Pollution in city spaces increases the likelihood that individuals will experience respiratory irritation and breathing problems. Extended periods of exposure can even lead to serious diseases and a shortened lifespan.
Buildings Contribute to 40% of CO2 Emissions
While most people believe that pollution is only found outdoors, this simply isn’t true. Skyscrapers and other buildings are actually responsible for approximately 40% of all CO2 emissions. These buildings use a large percentage of the country’s energy for lighting, heating, cooling, and appliance operations. In addition to high energy usage, it is estimated that the manufacture, transport, and assembly of building materials account for approximately 8 percent of the United States’ energy use. Approximately thirty percent of the electricity used by buildings comes from coal-burning power plants. These plants release a significant amount of greenhouse gases into our environment.
IoT Devices Provide Leaders With Instant Access to Actionable Data
It’s crucial that cities do all they can to reduce pollution in and around city buildings. Investing in IoT is an important first step in this process. Several IoT solutions can help cities evaluate pollution problems and use the data collected to mitigate risk caused by excessive pollution.
In addition to providing the information needed to locate pollution causes, devices that monitor air quality provide several financial benefits to government and city administrators. Cleaner air in cities means less money spent on pollution-related health problems. It also increases livability and overall attractiveness of the city, increasing residency rates and the likelihood of visitors. It also helps local governments with urban planning and transport routing.
IoT devices are small and relatively inexpensive. Smart cities can scatter devices throughout cities on lighting fixtures, waste bins, parking meters, and more. These devices work together to provide a holistic, real-time view of air quality levels in different areas. This allows for quick decision-making such as altered traffic routes in pollution hotspots. The data collected by these devices can help cities better understand causes and fluctuations in air pollution. Cities can even make this information available to citizens to help them better understand the level of pollution around their home and what they can do to reduce it.
Reducing pollution in city spaces starts with a clear understanding of air quality and the factors that affect it. The Internet of Things makes it possible for cities to access and use this information.
Please contact us for more information about monitoring air quality in city spaces.