The Challenge

Reducing energy consumption

Energy

Reducing energy consumption

Conserve resources and save money as a result: Reducing electricity and gas consumption has a positive impact on the environment as well as on the municipal budget. Saving energy has a direct influence on cities' abilities to reach their targets for reducing their emissions curve and is thus an important factor on the road to increased sustainability. These measures are also worthwhile financially, as rising energy prices and shortages are placing an increasing burden on cities and municipalities - also due to their unpredictability. To complement long-term measures such as energy-efficient renovations, municipal energy consumption can also be reduced through quickly implementable solutions. One such short-term measure that can yield large savings involves the temperature control and lighting of public buildings and spaces.

Instead of setting blanket limits, energy consumption in public buildings can be tracked with the help of smart meters. Smart temperature systems can reduce heating and air conditioning systems use as needed. Smart lighting systems with integrated motion sensors make it possible to increase street lighting as needed or dim streetlights on unused streets. In general, a wide range of data sources helps municipalities to get a better overview of their consumption and thus systematically improve savings.

Remember, you are not alone in the search for the right solution for your community. Exchange ideas with other stakeholders in the associated forum in order to tackle the problem together!

Approaches

Smart meters allow energy consumption to be displayed and controlled in a targeted manner.
Smart lighting systems ensure that streets are safely illuminated without unnecessary energy consumption.
Instruments such as dynamic electricity prices can also create incentives for private households to save energy.
Widespread use of LED bulbs saves money and energy thanks to longer service life and lower energy consumption.

Opportunities

A wider range of data sources helps to reveal more energy-saving opportunities.
Depending on the measure, energy consumption can be reduced enormously. For example, in Barcelona, energy consumption was reduced by 30% by installing smart lighting systems.
Financial savings can be invested elsewhere, e.g. in energy renovations.
Smart meters can easily be installed and put into use, with expenditures limited to initial one-time costs.
In the interplay of short- and long-term measures, municipalities become more sustainable with each additional measure implemented.

Solution(s)

Data

Data and Facts about this topic

Which SDGS are addressed?

In order to create globally sustainable structures, the member states of the United Nations have set themselves 17 goals by 2030, which are set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.