Sustainable Smart City Empowered by Human Centred Smart Campus and Green Transportation

Abstract

The world is rapidly moving towards sustainability, powered by smart technologies like digitalisation, ICT, sensors, and AI. Cities, being central to human society, contribute significantly to carbon emissions and resource consumption, making them key to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.

Smart campuses, as smaller models of cities, provide an excellent setting to explore sustainability. While much research focuses on technological advancements, the needs of residents—the primary users—are often overlooked.

This PhD research introduces a framework for sustainable, zero-emission smart cities that places residents at the centre. The user-centric approach maximizes the benefits of smart technologies while helping cities achieve sustainability goals. It also integrates intelligent energy management with the electrification of transportation, addressing the growing interaction between these sectors as electric vehicles (EVs) become more prevalent. This ensures that transportation electrification supports sustainability without increasing fossil fuel reliance.

A key focus is on human behaviour, especially in relation to green transportation. By incorporating user habits and preferences, the framework offers a realistic view of energy demand and transportation patterns. Additionally, it promotes resident involvement in smart city planning, ensuring cities reflect diverse population needs.

This framework has been tested using data analytics and AI, providing insights into energy, transportation, and human behaviour. The results, validated in peer-reviewed publications, show the potential of this human-cantered approach to smart city design.

In conclusion, this thesis presents a scalable, resident-focused model for zero-emission smart cities, where technology and human needs align to create sustainable, liveable environments.