INTEGRATING RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING SMART AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES OF ROMANIA
Autor (i): Alexandra Diala
JEL: O13, R11, Q42, Q55
Cuvinte cheie: smart cities, sustainability, greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy systems
Abstract:
We have cities and we have energy. The interaction between energy sources and urban forms entails a fundamental relationship, which goes beyond the scenario where energy is used by the city to power daily life. The cities represent a complex form of human settlement, with multiple urban endowments, usually based on administrative, industrial, commercial, political and cultural dimensions. Energy plays a crucial role in global economy, being one important pillar to provide wealth and security. We can all agree that, until recently, fossil fuels like coal, oil or natural gas were considered the most affordable and prevalent sources of energy. Besides cases of environmental damage during extraction or production, fossil fuels have also been a major source of carbon emissions. Alarming statistics show that, among European cities, high percentages of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption are recorded. Sustainability has become a national and international concern, rooted in many organizational processes. This paper aims to focus on Romania’s commitment to reduce the share of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants which can harm the environment or, worst, people’s health. To accomplish this responsibility, Romania has assumed several measures and actions, like implementing smart technologies or increasing the use of renewable energy sources, which are in order to be taken. In order to have a cleaner environment, a high level of energy security and to substantiate a sustainable future, Smart Sustainable Cities are becoming an imperative of our times. It represents a complex process, which can be materialized by adopting smart technologies. Also, an improved cooperation and a higher level of involvement by a variety of stakeholders would help in reaching the best results. Smart Sustainable Cities will guarantee while still achieving the targets set by EU leaders (20-20-20 until 2020, for example), an integrated approach to climate and energy policy. Several positive effects, such as better quality of life, jobs, and growth are just some of the consequences of implementing actions addressing energy systems, climate change, and air quality.
We have cities and we have energy. The interaction between energy sources and urban forms entails a fundamental relationship, which goes beyond the scenario where energy is used by the city to power daily life. The cities represent a complex form of human settlement, with multiple urban endowments, usually based on administrative, industrial, commercial, political and cultural dimensions. Energy plays a crucial role in global economy, being one important pillar to provide wealth and security. We can all agree that, until recently, fossil fuels like coal, oil or natural gas were considered the most affordable and prevalent sources of energy. Besides cases of environmental damage during extraction or production, fossil fuels have also been a major source of carbon emissions. Alarming statistics show that, among European cities, high percentages of greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption are recorded. Sustainability has become a national and international concern, rooted in many organizational processes. This paper aims to focus on Romania’s commitment to reduce the share of greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants which can harm the environment or, worst, people’s health. To accomplish this responsibility, Romania has assumed several measures and actions, like implementing smart technologies or increasing the use of renewable energy sources, which are in order to be taken. In order to have a cleaner environment, a high level of energy security and to substantiate a sustainable future, Smart Sustainable Cities are becoming an imperative of our times. It represents a complex process, which can be materialized by adopting smart technologies. Also, an improved cooperation and a higher level of involvement by a variety of stakeholders would help in reaching the best results. Smart Sustainable Cities will guarantee while still achieving the targets set by EU leaders (20-20-20 until 2020, for example), an integrated approach to climate and energy policy. Several positive effects, such as better quality of life, jobs, and growth are just some of the consequences of implementing actions addressing energy systems, climate change, and air quality.
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