Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure: Theory and Practice

Dear Colleagues,

The scope of smart and sustainable infrastructure is multifaceted and encompasses various technological, environmental, social, and economic aspects. It aims to create infrastructure systems that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs while minimizing the environmental impact and enhancing the quality of life. Smart and sustainable infrastructure is designed to provide essential services to the population while ensuring sustainability in terms of economic and financial, social, environmental, and institutional aspects throughout its life cycle. Smart and sustainable infrastructure systems are becoming increasingly important as urban areas, particularly in developing countries, continue to grow exponentially. They are more efficient, productive, and environmentally friendly.

For this Special Issue, smart and sustainable infrastructure includes infrastructure that employs a feedback loop to improve the decision-making processes. Smart and sustainable infrastructure is capable of monitoring, measuring, analyzing, communicating, and acting based on data gathered. The topics are broken down into several key dimensions:

Technological Integration:

• IoT (Internet of Things) Connectivity: Embedding sensors and communication networks into infrastructure elements to collect and transmit data for real-time monitoring and decision-making.
• Data Analytics: Utilizing advanced analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to process and interpret data for optimizing infrastructure performance and predicting maintenance needs.

Energy Efficiency:

• Renewable Energy Integration: Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power into infrastructure to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
• Energy Storage: Implementing energy storage solutions such as batteries to balance energy supply and demand.

Transportation:

• Smart Mobility: Developing intelligent transportation systems that enhance public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable modes of transport.
• Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: Supporting the adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles to reduce emissions and improve traffic safety.

Water Management:

• Efficient Water Use: Implementing water-efficient technologies, including smart irrigation systems and leak detection, to conserve water resources.
• Wastewater Treatment: Upgrading wastewater treatment facilities to reduce pollution and promote water recycling.

Waste Management:

• Waste Reduction and Recycling: Encouraging waste reduction, recycling, and composting programs to minimize landfill usage and reduce the environmental impact.
• Waste-to-Energy: Exploring technologies that convert waste into energy to mitigate waste disposal problems.

Resilience and Disaster Preparedness:

• Climate Adaptation: Designing infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change, including extreme weather events and rising sea levels.
• Emergency Response Systems: Implementing smart systems for early warning and rapid response during disasters.

• Mixed-Use Development: Promoting walkable communities and mixed-use development to reduce commuting distances and foster sustainable urban growth.
• Green Spaces: Incorporating green infrastructure like parks and green roofs to improve air quality and enhance the urban environment.

Dr. Jonghoon Kim
Dr. Hariharan Naganathan
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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• infrastructure projects
• fostering renewables
• reducing environmental and carbon footprint
• sustainable development