The Fraser Institute’s third edition of Environmental Ranking for Canada and the OECD places Canada at the forefront of environmental performance, reflecting the nation's commitment to sustainability and effective policies that balance economic growth with environmental conservation.
With over 80 percent of Canadians residing in urban areas, understanding how these spaces contribute to the health and well-being of diverse populations becomes imperative. From direct exposures to pollution to the subtle influences of the environment on behavior and choices, the health and well-being of city residents are intricately tied to their surroundings.
Among the key catalysts for positive change in urban environments is the implementation of Smart Citizen Services Platforms. These platforms play a pivotal role in enhancing urban sustainability by fostering efficient resource management, reducing environmental impact, and empowering citizens to actively participate in eco-friendly initiatives.
5 Ways Smart Citizen Services Platforms Can Help Cities Reduce Their Environmental Impact
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Reduction in carbon emissions
Smart citizen services platforms can contribute significantly to the reduction of carbon emissions by promoting remote access to services and information. By offering online services and digital platforms, citizens and employees can complete paperwork, submit forms, and complete transactions without the need to travel to government offices physically. This eliminates the need for in-person visits to government offices, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation to and from these locations.
Encourage Sustainable Transportation
Smart citizen services platforms can promote sustainable transportation options such as biking and public transit. By providing real-time information on transit schedules and bike-sharing programs, citizens can make more informed choices that align with lower carbon emissions.
Improve energy efficiency
The implementation of smart citizen service platforms can lead to improved energy efficiency, particularly in the reduction of energy consumption associated with physical spaces. This translates to fewer spaces that require lighting, heating, or air conditioning, resulting in lower energy consumption.
Enhance environmental awareness
The interactive and accessible nature of smart citizen services platforms contributes to a more informed and environmentally conscious community. Digital platforms enable faster and broader communication, which can be used to educate and raise awareness among citizens about environmental issues and sustainable practices.
Additionally, digital platforms facilitate two-way communication between citizens and authorities. Community members can actively participate by reporting observations, sharing concerns, and engaging in discussions about environmental issues with one another and with city officials.
Optimize residual materials management
Smart citizen services platforms can significantly contribute to the optimization of residual materials management, particularly in the context of waste collection and disposal.
The "garbage day module" is a feature provided by BCITI Solutions Inc. that helps citizens stay informed about scheduled waste collection days. This feature includes notifications or reminders sent to residents, ensuring that they are aware of when to place their waste bins out for collection.
