Smart Technologies in Local Authorities
In order to combat climate change in Local authorities, studies reveal that greater awareness of smart technology must be encouraged, highlighting the benefits and the key role it will play over the years to come in asset management and development programmes.
Technology expert Milestone Systems conducted a widescale investigation which brought to light some interesting statistics. It was found that 80% of people in Britain want their local authority to take more effective action against climate change, with 230 councils declaring a climate emergency in their regions.
29% view air pollution as a key concern when visiting their local communities. Only 47% of respondents were aware that enhanced use of data and technology can help to combat climate change, with younger respondents being significantly more aware, suggesting a gap in communication for the older population.
Malou Toft, EMEA VP at Milestone Systems, said: “There is clearly the need for greater education around smart city technology and its potential capabilities. Sustainability and tackling climate change are key priorities for many cities currently, so there would likely be a lot of support for technology that could help to make a real difference”.
CHIC recognises that there is an increasing range of smart technology solutions available to our members, to help them deliver great services for their customers. So, CHIC aims to provide a service that will enable members to access available technologies and services to meet their individual needs.
Technology covers many different aspects of how our members deliver their asset management services including smart buildings, asset strategies, building safety and staff support.
CHIC’s aim is to be able to provide access to the wide portfolio of technology solutions that our members may need. We are progressively identifying market ready technologies and establishing procurement solutions which will give members easy access to these.
Our new technology Service line includes a comprehensive suite of solutions supported by our managed service, to help future proof your assets.
Fire safety now forms part of planning applications
Developers of high-rise buildings are now required to consider fire safety from the outset of planning applications. Planning gateway one, one of the new rules coming in ahead of the implementation of the Building Safety Bill, demands high-rise residential buildings to demonstrate they have been designed with fire safety in mind, before planning permission can be granted.
The Government has set out three points where a building owner needs to demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements during the entirety of a building’s lifecycle. Local planning authorities must seek specialist advice on relevant applications before a decision is made.
