Smart Cities

ANN ARBOR—The added weight, electricity demand and aerodynamic drag of the sensors and computers used in autonomous vehicles are significant contributors to their lifetime energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new study.

Growing commitment to distributed energy resources (DER) is forcing continued modernization of the grid — and the effort shows no signs of letting up. Whether by regulatory mandate or stakeholder pressure, system upgrades are being made worldwide to support the increase in renewable energy, while making infrastructure smarter and more resilient. Historically, attention to the grid’s distribution system focused on poles and wire maintenance and upkeep, but growing connectivity between assets is requiring a more holistic approach.

Changing consumer behaviors are driving new economies and possibilities in a world of hyper-connectivity. But what lessons can cities, technologists and entrepreneurs take from this shift?
This excerpt from  Faster, Smarter, Greener: The Future of the Car and Urban Mobility (MIT Press), explores the factors altering the trajectory of mobility in developed economies, as well as the ripple effects of such disruption.

We often overlook one of a city's most valuable assets: the curbside. Learn about how we can use curbsides to cut congestion and pollution in growing urban centers.

Last year marked a monumental turning point for the future of electric vehicles (EVs), with several auto companies such as Volkswagen AG, General Motors and Volvo announcing significant electrification plans. Bolstered by improved battery technology, longer battery range, greater variety and lower prices, consumer confidence in EVs is at an all-time high. According to Forbes, light-duty EV sales in the United States rose 37 percent in 2016.

Utilities need to start thinking now about how they are going to scale up power infrastructure to meet the increased demand for commercial and personal vehicles. Although the benefits of electrification are undeniable, the move away from internal combustion engines is raising questions about energy management and grid stability.

In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, it is time to re-think our approach to disaster response and recovery. Since 1980, average annual disaster costs have doubled every decade. This is financially unsustainable.

The insights uncovered in Black & Veatch’s 2018 Strategic Directions: Smart Cities & Utilities Report demonstrate a growing awareness among communities and utilities that modern, digital infrastructure such as data collection networks, infrastructure automation and advanced communication systems are the key components of today’s smart city initiatives. It is only through these systems that cities and utilities can optimize operations to realize the promise of the smart city – and create a sustainable future.

Rebuilding Together will host the 23rd annual community revitalization project, Kickoff to Rebuild, on Friday, February 2 leading up to Super Bowl LII weekend. This Super Bowl-sanctioned event will take place in the Tilsenbilt neighborhood of Minneapolis; the first neighborhood in Minneapolis to end housing discrimination in the 1950s.

Black & Veatch's new Strategic Directions Report reflects rising role of Big Data across infrastructure systems

Responding to the widening importance of Big Data analytics across the global business landscape, leading engineering, construction and consulting company Black & Veatch today launched Atonix Digital™ LLC. Atonix Digital is a wholly-owned subsidiary tasked with delivering transformational, data-driven solutions for clients.