Times are changing and with it what we understand by ‘city’, as it is no longer understood only as a set of buildings and streets governed by a City Council. The Smart City concept was born to refer to a city:
- More sustainable in economic and environmental terms
- More efficient energy use and city management
- More attractive for citizens and visitors
- Más participativa en la vida pública y el gobierno.
The Smart City is driven by several objectives
- Improving the efficiency and sustainability of the city
- Modernising its policies
- Promoting social and economic quality
- Maximising social inclusion
- Reducing waste and nuisance
In construction
These cities also include innovative systems that combine energy efficiency with an important benefit for people. Green façade cladding, for example, uses smart systems to manage the watering of vertical gardens by adapting energy resources to climate needs through data analysis and management.
The Smart City and Casilla de Costa
Other examples of active practices in Smart Cities for efficient and sensitive construction are those applied in the Casilla de Costa housing development. By harnessing the thermal energy of the wind characteristic of the island of Fuerteventura, it transforms it, through an aerothermal boiler, into domestic hot water for each resident. This not only minimises the environmental impact, but also reduces energy and economic consumption. Insulation is also essential for energy efficient buildings. Rock wool fibre in enclosures or thermal bridge break for windows are elements chosen for their high thermal resistance to offer much more efficient housing. Good ventilation is an important factor. The intake of air at a lower temperature than the comfort temperature helps to dissipate the heat accumulated in the thermal mass. In this way, the dwelling is thermally unloaded and also acts on the sensation of comfort of the residents. At the same time, the design of each house in Casilla de Costa seeks to optimise the use of natural light, which is why large glazing is installed at the entrances to the terraces and bedrooms. This use of light also leads to significant energy savings and makes a fundamental contribution to the lighting comfort, and therefore to the environmental quality of the homes. The development of Smart Cities is the responsibility of all construction companies and individual users. Together we can minimise the impact on the environment and achieve greater energy efficiency. It must become a priority when it comes to the design, style and practicality of each home, without sacrificing the aesthetics and comfort of what is desired.
