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Developing a Technological Innovations Framework for Energy Security: a Case of City Power, Johannesburg
Get PDFRapid urban growth in the world’s cities, particularly in the Global South has placed unprecedented demand
for energy supply that keeps vital urban energy systems functioning in order to support life and economic
activities in urban areas. Cities are the net consumers of energy (electricity) and other life-supporting
services, as a result they require proper planning and coordination to ensure the resilience and energy
security of urban areas. South African Cities, have consistently been experiencing energy shortages through
rolling blackouts that date back to 2008.The study aims to develop a holistic framework that informs
appropriate innovations that enable the achievement of energy security at City Power in the City of
Johannesburg. The work adopted a mixed methods approach that uses both quantitative and qualitative data.
Specifically, data was collected through interviews, surveys and observations; reviews of published journals,
journals reports and government policy documents. Descriptive statistics, content analysis, narrative analysis,
and discourse analysis were used to sieve information from the data. The research findings reveal that
residents of the City of Johannesburg are only able to access electricity for an average between 7-12 hours in
a day due to energy shortages. The city of Johannesburg is experiencing vulnerability of energy systems in
the form of energy blackouts as the result of energy power cuts at the City of Johannesburg. The work posits
that, through an energy planning model, the City of Johannesburg, through its power utility City Power could
plan for the mitigation of energy black outs through implementation of microgrid planning. Consequently,
the study recommends that the City of Johannesburg follows the existing legal frameworks and other
planning laws that are available to develop spatial plans for infrastructure development for renewable energy
within its area of jurisdiction. The framework for sustainable energy (electricity) security in the City is
developed by combining technological innovations with spatial planning
Ein Ultraleichtflugzeug, Luftbilder, KI-Algorithmen und Geofach- und Geosachdaten – wie in Landsberg am Lech durch den Einsatz neuer Technologien ein digitaler Zwilling für die Stadt-, Klimaanpassungs- und Mobilitätsplanung aufgebaut wird
Get PDFBei der Entwicklung umweltverträglicher Mobilität und der Erreichung gesetzter Klimaziele haben Kommunen einen erhöhten Informationsbedarf. Mit einer neuen Technologie werden kostengünstig ultrahoch aufgelöste Multisensor-Luftbilddaten erhoben, die neue Informationen für eine nachhaltige Stadt- und Verkehrsplanung liefern. Zur Datenanalyse werden neue KI-basierte Algorithmen entwickelt, um das Potenzial dieser neuen “big data” Datenquellen vollumfänglich nutzen zu können.
Ziel dieses Forschungsprojektes ist die raum-zeitliche Analyse flächendeckender Multisensor-Luftbilddaten und die Entwicklung eines realitätsnahen, virtuellen 3D-Modells, das die Grundlage zum Aufbau eines “digitalen Zwillings” darstellt. Durch die Anreicherung und Verschneidung mit kommunalen Geobasis- und Geofachdaten wird eine “TwinCity3D”-Plattform entwickelt, welche Planungsprozesse im städtischen und ländlichen Raum wesentlich verbessert. Verschiedene Szenarien der Stadt-, Klima- und Verkehrsplanung werden untersucht und Forschungsfragen beantwortet.
Mit Hilfe KI-basierter Algorithmen werden aus multitemporalen ultrahoch aufgelösten Luftbildern flächendeckend neue Informationen gewonnen. Dazu zählt die detaillierte Analyse des Stadtklimas über mehrere Jahre im Zusammenspiel von Verkehr, Bebauung und Stadtgrün sowie die Identifikation von Wärmeverlusten über Dachflächen. Die KI-basierte multitemporale Analyse des ruhenden Verkehrs im Stadtgebiet und Bilanzierung des Parkflächenverbrauchs liefert neue Informationen für eine künftige Mobilitätsplanung. Die Analyse und das Monitoring des Stadtgrüns führt zu neuen Erkenntnissen in Hinsicht auf Stadtklima und CO2-Klimabilanz.
Die zu entwickelnde Datenanwendung wird Kommunen neue Informationen bereitstellen. Ein dreidimensionaler “digitaler Zwilling des Stadtgebietes” bietet weitreichende und neue Analysemöglichkeiten. Darüber hinaus wird die “TwinCity3D”-Plattform als innovatives Werkzeug für den Einsatz in öffentlichen Beteiligungsverfahren aufgebaut
Evaluating the Potential of Vertical Farming Business Models for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Cameroon
Get PDFThis research investigates the possibility of using vertical farming business models as a sustainable solution to address issues such, as land degradation, urbanization, and climate change in Cameroon to increase agricultural output and ensure food security. The study highlights gaps in the need for a region-specific customized vertical farming business model and identifies gaps in understanding the economic and environmental feasibility of vertical farming in Cameroon. Qualitative methods, including interviews with stakeholders and content analysis using MaxQDa, were employed for analysis purposes. The research explores the advantages, challenges, barriers, and potential technologies and business models associated with vertical farming in Cameroon. It emphasizes the importance of stakeholder involvement, financial support, government support, favorable policies, sensitization and campaigns, education and training, and overall support for its adoption and profitability. Key findings indicate that vertical farming holds promise for improving food security and sustainability in urban areas of Cameroon. Additionally, aquaponics is identified as a cost-effective technology and model within this context. However, some obstacles need to be addressed to adopt vertical farming in Cameroon. These include high initial costs, technological and infrastructural challenges, the need for supportive/favorable policy frameworks, clear vertical farming policies, education and training, and the urgent need for collaboration among stakeholders. A final model “Vertical Farming Business Model for Cameroon" was suggested which proposes an implementation model specifically tailored to suit local conditions while considering stakeholder expectations. Conclusively it is going to be a very profitable business
Maintaining Water and Sanitation Service Delivery in Rural and Peri-Urban North West Province of South Africa: Governance as Social or Entrepreneurial Responsibility?
Get PDFGlobally, the success of municipal governance is measured by effectiveness towards service delivery, which is evident in quality and accessibility by residents. Primarily as a social service, there is a prevalence amongst metropolitan governments globally to impose rates or privatise service delivery. Although a middle-income country, South Africa is considered one of the most socioeconomically unequal societies in the world. To balance the socioeconomic disparities, South African municipal governments provide basic services such as water and sanitation without exerting rates in rural areas and most peri-urban communities. Given recent economic downturns, growing population and increasing urbanisation, among other adverse factors, South African municipalities struggle to ensure efficient service delivery. This article contributes to studies on effective municipal service delivery models. It case studies North West Province of South Africa using qualitative methods involving interviews and desktop reviews of social and market theories. Preliminary findings reveal a dilemma in the iteration of neo-liberalist ideals within the context of welfarist manifestoes and the economic question of profit-making against welfarism. The study recommends regular tax eligibility assessment for residents of periurban areas who are currently outside rate-paying delineated areas. The process of infrastructure development and service delivery requires huge financial resources. Reliable service delivery and quality infrastructure to improve quality of life are the epitome of good governance, ensuring equitable societies and guaranteeing economic growth
Revitalising our Urban Landscapes: A Call for Territorial Regeneration
Get PDFThe paper addresses the urgent need for a paradigm shift in response to the escalating climate crisis. The paper draws on Jem Bendell's concept of Deep Adaptation, emphasizing the inadequacy of traditional adaptive measures in the face of unprecedented environmental risks. (Bendell, 2018)
The central theme revolves around the imperative to transition from a fossil-fuel economy to a post-carbon society. It underscores the severity of the biosphere crisis, as evidenced by alarming biodiversity loss and the exponential increase in global fossil fuel consumption. The urgency emphasized in Bendell's call for action since 2018 underscores the need for a radical reevaluation of conventional adaptation paradigms. The transition proposed is not only quantitative but also qualitative, demanding a profound societal transformation.
The paper introduces the concept of “Territorial Transition” as a strategic approach to climate-oriented systemic change. This involves spatial strategies that integrate climate potentials and large-scale considerations, aiming for long-term coexistence of all species. It challenges the conventional notion of adaptation and advocates for relinquishing unsustainable practices. (Armengaud et al., 2023)
Additionally, the paper delves into the significance of moving beyond mere resilience to embrace regeneration actively. The call for regeneration goes beyond mitigating harm; it demands active participation in the healing of ecosystems through regenerative agriculture, reforestation, and biodiversity preservation.
The acknowledgment of inevitability is a crucial aspect of Deep Adaptation, recognizing irreversible impacts of climate change. The essay emphasizes the need for agile planning and design in the face of uncertainty, questioning traditional practices and advocating for both immediate territorial transition and ecological regeneration.
The interdisciplinary perspective is highlighted through the Berlin Declaration of the German Academy for Urban and Regional Planning, urging a shift from anthropocentrism to an eco-centric framework. The author urges a shift in systemic thinking and action, recognizing the interconnectedness of urban and rural areas in a spatial network. (DASL, 2022)
In conclusion, the paper emphasizes the necessity for architects, urbanists, and planners to move beyond anthropocentrism and engage in territorial regeneration. This involves reimagining urban spaces as dynamic ecosystems that actively contribute to the well-being of both humans and the more-than-human world. The call is for a profound shift in discipline, from building to regenerating, with territorial regeneration being the key to revitalizing landscapes and addressing the urgent challenges of climate change
User Preferences for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) Implementation in Germany
Get PDFMobility as a service is an innovative concept that has become important due to the vast demand for mobility options in smart cities and cities focused on sustainability. Many studies have been researched on smart mobility options, and the important element is mobility as a service. Many authors concluded that user acceptance is the key feature of MaaS. However, there is a research gap in the criteria evaluated by the users before accepting MaaS hence the below research questions were developed for this study
BIM and Carbon Emissions Nexus: A Way Forward for Reducing Carbon Emissions in the South African Construction Industry
Get PDFThe construction industry in South Africa faces significant sustainability challenges due to its substantial
carbon emissions. Building Information Modelling (BIM) presents a promising solution, offering substantial
reductions in energy consumption, waste production, and prioritizing low-emission materials. This
qualitative study, through expert interviews and case studies, explores BIM's potential in promoting
sustainable construction practices. Findings indicate that BIM can achieve a 20% reduction in energy
consumption, a 15% reduction in waste production, and a 10% increase in the use of low-emission materials,
thereby enhancing sustainability and efficiency in the construction sector. However, the adoption of BIM is
hindered by challenges such as skill shortages and resistance to change. To position South Africa as a leader
in sustainability and innovation, there is a need for widespread BIM adoption through strategic initiatives
that enhance BIM literacy and incentivize its implementation. Embracing BIM is crucial for the construction
industry's move towards a more sustainable future, with potential for significant environmental and
economic benefits
Evaluating the Impact of Urbanisation on Climate Change: A Case of Kochi City, Kerala State, India
Get PDFUrbanization significantly impacts climate by intensifying the urban heat island (UHI) effect, leading to increased heat-related risks from climate change. Changes in land use and land cover (LULC) during urbanization processes exacerbate heat stress in growing cities. The urban surface composition, structure, and emissions from various activities contribute to local climate changes that can be more pronounced than global climate predictions. With over half of the world's population residing in cities, which are often densely populated, the current urban population of 55% is projected to reach 68% by 2050. Cities typically have temperatures that are 2-3 °C warmer than their surroundings, with nighttime and wintertime variations being the biggest. Urban climate impacts like these make inhabitants more susceptible to upcoming environmental shifts, which makes cities ideal locations for climate adaptation and mitigation. The urban heat island effect, which occurs when cities are much warmer than surrounding rural regions, can amplify the effects of heat waves and increase urban energy demand for cooling. Keeping the aforesaid knowledge in mind, Kochi, a coastal city in Kerala State has been chosen as the study region for further detailed investigation. The study aims to evaluate the urban growth in the city over two decades from 2001 to 2021 and has an impact on the effect of urban heat islands through spatiotemporal analysis. The thermal load and dynamic potential layers are evaluated and integrated to generate a Climate Analysis Map to explore the hotspots of the study region. Based on the findings, the study concludes with plausible guidelines and strategies to minimize the impact UHI effect and to promote a sustainable built environment
Policy and Legislative Enabling Environment for Implementing Digital Technologies in the Local Government Sector: a Case Study of South Africa
Get PDFThe Fourth Industrial Revolution has necessitated all organizations, private and public alike, to review their systems, processes, and frameworks to enable them to be agile, efficient, effective, etc in executing their core service delivery mandates. A key component of enablers for digital transfromation is policy and legislation. Focussing on the municipal sector, this paper is an attempt to provide an overview of the policies, regulations, and legislation affecting municipalities in South Africa and to analyze the extent to which these policies and legislation enable or inhibit the rollout of digital technologies. The paper isbased on a desktop literature review and a review of policies and laws having a direct bearing on the operations of municipalities in South Africa. The preliminary results lead the authors to conclude that South African municipalities do not have a deficit of policy and legislative frameworks to enable them to roll out digital technologies. So, what is needed more is the administrative and political will to execute. However, the authors assert that going forward, there are areas that need further attention. These include resolving the funding modalities, and developing supportive framework/s to guide municipalities so that as they roll out digital technologies, they don’t risk sustainability imperatives
Sustainable Concrete-Based Structures: Review for the Potential Benefits of Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete (BFRC) in Enhancing the Environmental Performance of Buildings
Get PDFIncorporating Basalt Fibers composites that are caused by the melting process of basalt rocks into the concrete mixture to create the composite of the Basalt Fiber Reinforced Concrete (BFRC) is a good idea to enhance concrete's mechanical properties, thus the concrete structural performance. However, modern building materials must fulfill not only structural performance criteria but also reduce the environmental impact accompanied by their production. As informed by related literature in the field of BFRC, benefits linked with mechanical properties in terms of structural performance were illustrated widely. While there is only a very limited amount of information available on the impact of using BFRC in terms of environmental impact. Thus, this review identified this research gap and drew a potential linkage for how to assess the environmental performance of BFRC-based buildings to be used in future research which relies on sustainability perspectives