Page 19 - A U4SSC deliverable - Guidelines on tools and mechanisms to finance Smart Sustainable Cities projects

Chapter I: Definition of Sustainable Smart City Projects

Sustainable Smart City (SSC) Projects are those which help a city to become more sustainable and
smart. U4SSC definition of the characteristics of Smart Sustainable Cities (later referred to as SSCs)
focuses on what smart cities should “do”:

Box 1: Definition of SSCs 1

A “smart city” should be inclusive, resilient, safe, sustainable and “more connected”.

Hence, it should:

(a) ensure access to adequate and affordable housing;

(b) provide access to safe, affordable and sustainable transport systems;

(c) enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization;
(d) safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage;

(e) reduce the number of deaths, displacements and losses caused by disasters;

(f) reduce the city’s environmental impact;
(g) provide universal access to safe and accessible green and public spaces;

(h) support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban and rural
areas; and

integrate innovative technologies and information and communication technologies (ICTs)
within its different sectors.

The notion of a SSC entails the implementation of technologies and strategies aimed at meeting
today's needs without compromising those of future generations. It is also about understanding the
city itself – its identity, its goals, its stakeholders and their priorities. In this way, SSC projects can be
tailored to the unique aspects of each city, supporting and developing them, while enhancing the
living quality and sustainability of the city. In SSC projects, this is achieved using information and
communication technologies (ICTs). Examples of these may include various software applications or
operating systems, like smart water meters or “e-government”, or even, simply, wireless broadband.

U4SSC: Guidelines on tools and mechanisms to finance Smart Sustainable Cities projects 1