In a keynote address at the first Connected Urban Development (CUD) Global Conference in San Francisco, Cisco’s Chairman and CEO John Chambers made the case that the network could serve as a “green” platform for addressing global climate change. Specifically, Chambers called on industry and government to work together to develop technologies that address the world’s pressing environmental concerns.
“It is our responsibility as global citizens to help address the challenges of climate change. As a technology company, we are approaching this by not only reducing our own company’s carbon output, but also by helping our customers and partners use the network as a ‘green’ platform for sustainable business and government progress. If we are innovative and collaborative in our approach, ICT can dramatically improve how we manage our global environmental footprint and climate concerns,” Chambers said.
Cisco cited a recent study by the American Council for an Energy- Efficient Economy, for every extra kilowatt-hour of electricity demanded by ICT, the U.S. economy increases its overall energy savings by a factor of 10.
Cisco’s Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG), which provides consulting services, is collaborating with a number of cities on the development of best practices in the areas of smart transportation, energy management and environmentally friendly, alternative work arrangements. Highlights include:
- The Connected Bus” — a prototype hybrid bus developed by Cisco and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) that has a mobile hot spot that allows citizens to work while they ride. GPS gives commuters updated status of bus routes and connections. LED displays provide information on emissions saved through public transit; and an automated system reduces the environmental impact of the bus through better maintenance.
- “Personal Travel Assistant (PTA)” — a service being developed by Cisco with input from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Currently being considered by the city of Seoul for pilot testing, PTA improves the transit experience within urban environments by empowering citizens to make more informed decisions on day-to-day transportation options based on schedule, financial and environmental implications. Accessible from any Web-based interface such as a mobile phone, PTA is the first service of its kind that provides green route options, integrates with other communication needs such as calendaring, and enables city agencies to predict and manage evolving citizen transportation needs more effectively.
- “Smart Work Centers” — an approach developed by Cisco and embraced by the city of Amsterdam that enables local residents to work in remote stations without having to travel into the heart of the city.
The Connected Urban Development (CUD) Global Conference is hosted by Cisco and the city and county of San Francisco.http://www.cisco.com