Urban Innovation Pulse brings you the latest news about smart city technology, urban innovations, and advanced building materials. Urban Innovation Pulse uses the new ChatGPT Search ability, which can search the web and provide fast, timely answers with links to relevant web sources, which you would have previously needed to go to a search engine for. This week we have developed the service so that global innovations and Finland’s innovations are separated.
Global Innovations
Smart Buildings
- Passive Design: The Future of Architecture: Passive design, which enhances energy efficiency through insulation, airtight structures, and high-performance windows, is gaining traction worldwide. This approach can reduce energy consumption by 50–80%, leading to significant savings. (nypost.com)
- ”Make-Do-Mend” Mentality in Construction: The construction sector, responsible for 37% of global emissions, is pivoting toward retrofitting existing buildings instead of new construction. This approach lowers carbon footprints and supports circular economies. (reuters.com)
Smart Cities
- Sustainable Cities of Tomorrow: Cities worldwide are adopting regenerative practices to improve local ecosystems. Examples include Singapore’s Pan Pacific Orchard Hotel and Brooklyn’s Nursery project, which merge green spaces with cultural activities. (wired.com)
- Top 100 Innovators of 2024: Australia’s latest list of leading innovators highlights advancements in smart city technologies that improve urban sustainability and livability. (theaustralian.com.au)
Advanced Materials
- Technologies to Reduce Building Emissions Already Exist: Johnson Controls CEO George Oliver emphasizes that existing technologies can reduce energy consumption in buildings by up to 50%, aiding in combating climate change. (reuters.com)
Emerging Concepts
- Future of Tech: Insights from Industry Leaders: Tech leaders predict rapid advancements in AI’s role within Industry 4.0 and deep-tech solutions addressing global challenges. (theaustralian.com.au)
Domestic Innovations (Finland)
Smart Buildings
- VTT Smart Building Solutions: VTT is advancing smart building technologies focused on comfort and energy efficiency, supporting Finland’s transition to a carbon-neutral society. (vttresearch.com)
Smart Cities
- HEVi (Helsinki+Espoo+Vantaa Innovations): HEVi fosters collaboration between cities, businesses, and research institutions to develop cutting-edge solutions for complex urban environments. (hevinnovations.fi)
Advanced Materials
- Aalto University’s Research in Metamaterials: Aalto University’s Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering explores nanostructured electromagnetic metamaterials, advancing material science and innovation. (aalto.fi)
Emerging Concepts
- Innokylä Collaboration Model: Innokylä highlights the importance of cross-sector cooperation, particularly in leveraging AI and digitalization to address sustainability challenges. (innokyla.fi)