Sustainable Smart City with Green Infrastructure and Renewable Energy
Student Name(s): Ali Bassem, Selim Tarek, Menna Tamer, Mohamed Mahmoud , Lily Hussen , Ali Mohamed, Hazem Ahmed, Youssif Ahmed, Adam Sherif, Kinda Hazem, Mariam Mahmoud, , Seif Mahmoud, Zeina Islam, Deema Karim, Adam Mohamed , Omar Ahmed
Abstract
The Smart City STEAM project explores innovative solutions to enhance urban living through technology and sustainability. Our project aimed to design and prototype smart city solutions that address common urban challenges such as traffic congestion, energy efficiency, and waste management. Using a combination of research, technology, and creative problem-solving, we developed a model of a smart city incorporating IoT (Internet of Things) sensors, energy-efficient systems, and data analytics to optimize city functions and improve the quality of life for residents.
Introduction
This project is significant as it aims to address these issues by incorporating technology and sustainability principles, aligning with several SDGs such as:
- SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy): Reducing energy consumption through smart technologies.
- SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): Improving urban infrastructure and services.
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Enhancing waste management and resource efficiency.
- SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being): Improving urban environments to reduce pollution and enhance public health.
- SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation): Implementing smart solutions for efficient water use and sanitation management.
Research & Background
- Energy Consumption: Traditional lighting and traffic systems contribute to high energy use and pollution.
- Traffic Congestion: Inefficient traffic management leads to increased pollution and longer commute times.
- Green Space: Lack of green areas affects public health and urban aesthetics.
Relevant Research: Our project was informed by studies on the benefits of LED lighting, smart traffic management systems, and the impact of green spaces on urban health. We also reviewed research on bike-friendly infrastructure and its role in reducing car use and promoting healthier lifestyles.
Methodology
- Methods and Procedures:
- Green Areas: Designing open spaces filled with trees, plants, and urban gardens to improve air quality and the city’s beauty.
- LED Light System: Implementing energy-efficient street lighting with sensors to adjust brightness based on traffic and time of day.
- Smart Traffic Lights: Using Arduino microcontroller to manage traffic flow and prioritize bikes over cars, encouraging eco-friendly transport.
- Renewable Energy: Installing solar panels and wind turbines to provide clean energy for buildings and public infrastructure.
- City Blocks: Dividing the city into blocks dedicated to services, residential buildings, entertainment, and green areas.
- Bikes Instead of Cars: Promoting bicycle use to reduce traffic congestion and lower emissions.
- Tools/Materials:
- LED systems
- Solar panels
- Wind turbine models
- Bicycle routes and models
- 3D modeling software for the city layout
- Arduino kits for the smart lighting and traffic system
- Project Results:Â A fully designed model of a smart city featuring green areas, smart LED lighting, renewable energy sources (solar and wind turbines), and an efficient traffic management system prioritizing bicycles.
- Conclusion
- Key Findings: The project demonstrated that sustainable energy solutions like solar panels and wind turbines can power a city while reducing environmental impact. The use of bikes instead of cars showed a clear reduction in traffic congestion and emissions, while green areas improved air quality and urban aesthetics.
- Impact/Applications: The city model could be applied to real-world urban planning, especially in efforts to combat climate change and improve urban living. It offers a blueprint for cities looking to transition to a greener, smarter future.
- Further Research: Future projects could explore the integration of smart healthcare systems or water management technologies, or expand on renewable energy sources like geothermal energy for powering public services.
Introducing Eng. Hoda Emam – Head of ICT & Computing and STEAMInn Coordinator
Our unique, engaging, and comprehensive provision is led by a real trailblazer in the field, Engineer Hoda Emam. She brings over 12 years of experience in the ICT field to the role. As a STEM certified educator she focuses on STEAM technologies and specializes in developing innovative curricula that encompass robotics, artificial intelligence, and other cutting-edge technologies. She has developed an outstanding program that introduces computational thinking skills from as early as KG and builds on these skills and abilities with increasing difficulty and challenge as the children progress all the way through the school to Grade 12. Eng. Hoda continues to demonstrate her passion and commitment to inspiring students to explore the potential of this growing field, and she takes great pride in working for a cutting edge school that nurtures creativity and innovation.
About School: The American School of Egypt
The American School of Egypt is a well-equipped, modern campus in the heart of Sheikh Zayed in Cairo. We are dedicated to providing a world-class American education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective. Our mission is to empower every student with the skills, knowledge, and character needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. We are extremely proud of our unique STEAMInn program, which integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics, and Innovation into every aspect of our curriculum. From Kindergarten to Grade 12, students engage in hands-on, project-based learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
