Alstom joins the World Bank to examine the sustainable advantages of Smart Cities

Press Contacts

Visit our media section and follow the link "Press contacts"

Grid_Web.jpg

During a two-day workshop at the World Bank, Alstom’s Dr. Lawrence Jones, VP of regulatory affairs, policy, and industrial relations and Martyna Kurcz- Jenn, Director International Finance Institution Relations, joined local government officials, international organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s), and representatives from the World Bank to examine the ways in which the world’s urban areas can drive sustainability and green growth globally by evolving towards “Smart Cities.”

As the world’s cities continue to grow, planning the right infrastructure is critical to making these urban centers livable and sustainable, and is particularly important in developing countries. Urban planning relies heavily on data and analysis which shows how sustainable cities can and should grow. The workshop explored real-life examples and best practices that were compiled from a series of initiatives undertaken by both public and private sectors entities.

A Smart City is one that aggregates different kinds of critical infrastructure enabled by unifying information technology,” said Dr. Jones VP of regulatory affairs, policy, and industrial relations. “The goal is to use the smart city as a driver for sustainable economic development in a sustainable way.”

It was the first invitation of its kind from the World Bank, positioning Alstom as a key player in the development of future projects.  Alstom’s unique technology portfolio covering transportation, power generation, and power distribution, positions the company not only as an equipment provider but also a thought leader on the development of “smart cities.”

The integration and management of transportation, water, waste, electricity, and Information Communications Technology (ICT) or “the system of the systems,” as described by Dr. Jones, creates a greener, flexible and more efficient city.  The workshop affirmed that “smart cities” should and need to become the means for all urban planning, although the view of what constitutes a “smart city” may differ.  

Alstom continues to work to develop clean energy and transportation technologies that are helping our cities become smarter, greener and more sustainable.