SMART CITIES TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF LIFE

A delegation of Slovak entrepreneurs, visiting the Balkans met with UNDP delegation in Montenegro to discuss investment opportunities. The mission was organized in the framework of the Resource Mobilization Facility which supports implementation of development projects in the field of energy efficiency and smart city solutions, financed by the Slovak Ministry of Finance. Today, 360 million people live in European cities – or more than 72% of EU population. Urbanization brings with it many challenges, and that is especially evident in the energy sector. Cities account for 70% of our energy consumption while around 50% of our energy bill comes from the heating and cooling of buildings alone. That makes cities perfect laboratories for cutting GHG emissions, increase the use of renewable energy and improve energy efficiency. Smart cities projects are a powerful tool to improve urban quality of life. Ensuring comfortable housing with a moderate energy bill, enabling inhabitants to use clean transport and walk the streets lit with energy efficient lighting - are only a couple of examples.