The SMCNetZero Podcast investigates solutions to challenges regarding the green and digital transition of small & medium-sized cities (SMCs), hosted by “Smart in the City – The BABLE Podcast”. The Podcast series is designed for knowledge building, identifying main challenges and highlighting the successes of SMCs in addressing these challenges, serving as a source of inspiration for fellow SMCs working to achieve net zero emissions.
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SMCNetZero: “Supporting SMCs in their Decarbonisation Journey”Social ResponsibilityMobility
Podcast Episode #1
In this first episode of our SMCNetZero series, we welcomed back Nikita Shetty, the UK and Ireland Lead at BABLE Smart Cities, but also Graham Colclough, Partner at UrbanDNA, UK and Rebecca Walsh, EU Projects Officer for the Southern Regional Assembly in Ireland.
We asked them to tell us all about the SMCNetZero Project, the decarbonisation of Small and Medium-sized Cities, the related challenges and the milestones and activities of the project, as well as its limitations and long-term vision.
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SMCNetZero Project: What Lessons Can Transfer from Larger Cities to SMCs?
Podcast Episode #2
In this second episode of our SMCNetZero series, we had the pleasure of talking with Maria Vassilakou, Urban Strategist and Founder at Vienna Solutions and member of the EU Horizon Mission experts board on Smart & Climate-Neutral Cities. She also served as Vienna’s Vice Mayor responsible for Urban Planning, Traffic & Transport, Climate Protection, Energy and Public Participation from November 2010 to July 2019.
Our conversation with her focused on Vienna and the challenges and opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Cities in the context of decarbonisation.
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SMCNetZero Project: Cascais – Small City, Big Impact
Podcast Episode #3
In this third episode of our SMCNetZero series, we had the pleasure of talking with João Dinis, Office Coordinator at Cascais Ambiente, a company owned by the Municipality of Cascais, Portugal which focuses on various aspects of environmental management and urban planning.
With him, we discussed Cascais’ strategies for environmental challenges and net-zero emissions, highlighting smart waste systems, public transportation initiatives, and technology integration in governance. Our guest also provided insights into how Cascais is advancing towards sustainability through creative and community-focused approaches.
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SMCNetZero Project: Social Tech Projects – AI for Urban Decarbonisation
Podcast Episode #4
In this fourth episode of our
SMCNetZero series, we discussed decarbonisation in Small and Medium-sized Cities with
Luca Leomanni, CTO and Co-Founder of
Social Tech Projects, focusing on infrastructure maintenance and the role of AI in urban planning.
The discussion explores innovative solutions for sustainable mobility, particularly cycling infrastructure, and the importance of community engagement in policy implementation to achieve a more proactive approach to city management.
To learn more or to join the SMCNetZero project, you can visit the SMCNetZero Website.
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SMCNetZero Project: Križevci – Energy Independence and Citizen Engagement
Podcast Episode #5
In this fifth episode of our SMCNetZero series, we talked with Mario Rajn, Mayor of the City of Krizevci, Croatia.
With him, we explored Križevci’s journey towards energy independence and sustainability, focusing on the city’s green agenda, citizen engagement in renewable energy projects, and innovative initiatives to enhance the quality of urban life.
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SMCNetZero Project: What Lessons Can Transfer from Larger Cities to SMCs?
Podcast Episode #6
In the sixth and last episode of our SMCNetZero series, we discussed the project’s key achievements with Clara Plata Ríos, Project Director at Smart City Cluster, and Goran Lampelj, Project Coordinator at ODRAZ-Sustainable Community Development.
They shared their insights on the project’s goals, the collaborative efforts among different stakeholders, and the significance of the market analysis in identifying key opportunities and challenges. They also addressed concerns about the feasibility and scalability of net-zero goals, emphasising the importance of tailored solutions and citizen engagement.
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