Atlanta Embraces New Technology to Reduce Greenhouse Gases and Improve Infrastructure Efficiency
Atlanta, Georgia is taking significant steps towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving infrastructure efficiency through the implementation of new sensor and machine learning technologies. This forward-thinking initiative aims to enhance the city’s sprawling network of buildings and infrastructure, resulting in reduced energy usage and improved predictive maintenance capabilities.
Partnering with IBM Maximo, an enterprise asset management software suite, the city is introducing predictive maintenance technology for major mechanical equipment such as generators, pumps, and heating and air conditioning systems. Remy Saintil, commissioner for Atlanta’s Department of Enterprise Asset Management, highlighted that several of these pieces of equipment had already exceeded their useful life. As the city replaces and upgrades these assets, the new technology will be installed to enable constant monitoring and control. Sensors will be attached to various equipment throughout the city to provide real-time data on occupancy, weather conditions, temperature, humidity, and pollution levels. Machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence will then analyze historical and real-time data to autonomously optimize these systems and ensure they meet desired parameters.
The journey towards this comprehensive upgrade began with a successful pilot project in collaboration with the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA) last year. The IBM technology was installed on a tunnel ventilation system, which is regarded by city officials as a critically regulated life safety system. The success of this pilot paved the way for the expansion of smart city infrastructure across other agencies and departments.
According to Kendra DeKeyrel, vice president of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) and asset management products leader at IBM Software, predictive maintenance can significantly reduce labor costs by approximately 60% through continuous monitoring of critical assets. It also helps to lower unplanned downtime by half through the early detection of failures.
Atlanta’s ambitious plans extend beyond limited implementation. The city intends to equip all city-owned buildings with smart infrastructure, starting with public safety facilities and gradually progressing to the administration facility. Recreation centers and public facilities are also slated for outfitting with sensors and connected IBM Maximo software in the next significant phase of the project. Furthermore, Atlanta aims to establish a platform for monitoring carbon emissions and building health, as well as exploring new technologies like electric vehicle management.
By collecting, storing, and analyzing facility metering and sensing data, Atlanta aims to make informed decisions to optimize energy usage. This vast amount of real-time data and its analysis will also aid in forecasting energy demand, allowing the city to better manage its resources.
The implementation of data-driven intelligent infrastructure promises numerous advantages for cities. There are countless ways that cities can leverage the insights that come from data and intelligent infrastructure, including to improve operational efficiency, save on costs, drive progress on sustainability goals, and attract new talent to well-maintained and innovative facilities, said Kendra DeKeyrel.
Atlanta’s comprehensive approach to upgrading infrastructure not only demonstrates its commitment to sustainability and efficiency, but also positions it as a leading city in embracing cutting-edge technologies and maximizing the benefits they bring. As other cities explore similar initiatives, Atlanta’s progress serves as a blueprint for building smarter and greener urban environments around the world.
