24 ITU‐T's Technical Reports and Specifications indoors, which suggests buildings represent a big part of a city's carbon footprint37. In the United States, buildings account for38: 36% of total energy use and 65% of electricity consumption 30% of greenhouse gas emissions 30% of raw materials use 30% of waste output (136 million tons annually) 12% of potable water consumption Smart building management systems with up‐to‐date information can make intelligent modifications to improve building energy efficiency, reduce wastage, and make optimum usage of water with operational effectiveness and occupant satisfaction. Moreover, these modifications not only apply to new buildings but also to existing buildings that can take advantage of the new and more energy efficient solutions, and thus reduce their energy use by up to 50% through simple retrofit programmes39. c. Smart transportation Transportation solutions are needed in order to move people (and goods) in an efficient (time), safe (secure), cost effective (economic), and an environmentally friendly and sustainable fashion. This typically means that there is a need for some form of \"smartness\" and occupant satisfaction in order to realize these goals. Therefore, intelligent transport systems (ITS) have become more relevant and are being implemented. Smart transportation management systems should use technology and collect information about mobility patterns. This information enables city managers to make sure that with the current infrastructure and with lesser investments, the city provides cleaner, efficient and smarter transportation systems. This method lessens the level of wastage and improves the level of citizens' lifestyle, thus overcoming the challenges of transporting goods, services and people from one point to another. In addition, ICT can help to reduce the overall need for transportation and travel by offering virtual alternatives to physical movements. d. Smart water Studies suggest that approximately 783 million people lack access to clean water, 2.5 billion lack access to adequate sanitation, and 6 to 8 million are dying per year due to water‐related diseases and disasters. ICTs can play a key role in this respect through a number of technologies that contribute to a better distribution, management, and allocation of water resources.40 While the bulk of the Earth's surface is covered with water, less than 3 percent of the water on the earth is fresh water and, of that, less than 1 percent is available for human use. The global groundwater table is dwindling fast and a water crisis is looming. There are increased concerns regarding water availability, quality, lack of infrastructures and the ability to manage water in an efficient and optimal manner. The management of water systems is still nascent, and a growing ____________________ 37 http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Greenest‐city‐action‐plan.pdf 38 http://www.epa.gov/oaintrnt/projects/ 39 http://saveonenergy.ca/Business/Program‐Overviews/Retrofit‐for‐Commercial.aspx 40 http://www.unwater.org/water‐cooperation‐2013/water‐cooperation/facts‐and‐figures/en/