Siemens answers are making cities more lasting, livable and prosperous.
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Sustainable Cities Tour
Today, more than half the people on earth live in cities. In the coming years this number will continue to grow. These people are drawn by opportunity. By businesses that create new jobs and fresh ideas. By the promise of a lasting quality of life. They seek these things out not only for themselves, but for future generations as well. So our challenge is to build cities worthy of this ambition. To build cities worth building a future in.
And much of the infrastructure that weaves these cities together comes from Siemens. Water treatment. Mobility. Building technologies. Renewable energy. No other company offers so many answers for cities. We're building cities today that will be even better tomorrow. We're building cities where livability, prosperity and environmental responsibility are all interconnected. Where each leads to and strengthens the others.
We're building cities all over the world where people and businesses can thrive for years to come.
For a real-world look at how our solutions can be implemented today, download "Smarter Neighborhoods, Smarter City." This report contains detailed recommendations on how to help America's largest urban area - the City of New York - plan for more sustainable growth.
Every clean energy solution adopted is a step forward for the nation. A landmark survey of nearly 400 U.S. Mayors in all 50 states shows energy and sustainability efforts maintain momentum in cities. Read the full survey report, Clean Energy Solutions for America's Cities.
In 2008, the world crossed an important threshold. For the first time in history, a majority of humankind now lives in cities. But as urban areas grow, so too do their challenges. Worldwide, cities today account for around 75% of all energy used, 60% of all water consumed and 80% of all greenhouse gases produced. To face the multitude of issues arising from urbanization and demographic change, cities are looking at ways to improve the efficiency of their infrastructures. With the right technologies, urban areas can become more environmentally friendly, have a higher quality of life for residents, as well as save money all at the same time. The Siemens city tour hoped to highlight the challenges our cities face and brought together leaders from various areas of expertise to help provide insight into the solutions and programs that can help make these cities more lasting, livable and prosperous.
From water filtration solutions in New York to traffic management applications in Texas, Siemens is partnering with cities across the country and the globe to help solve some of the biggest problems facing major urban centers. Take a moment to read up on some of these case studies listed below.
Monuments are like beacons to the world. But governments are increasingly mindful of what it costs to illuminate them. In Washington, D.C., the government building that holds the Thomas Jefferson Memorial needed to reduce their energy consumption while improving the light it shined on this important monument.
Working with Siemens, the National Parks Service and National Park Foundation upgraded the lighting system to reduce costs. They implemented an energy efficient OSRAM SYLVANIA lighting system that uses 80% less energy while providing improved illumination. Including 17,000 LED units around the 32,000-ton building, as well as the latest in lamp and control technologies.
The lighting system runs on about a fifth of the energy it used to, while providing 30% more illumination. Which means that the monument will always be shown in its best light—even when budgets are tight.
Siemens is committed to helping buildings all over the world maximize their performance and energy efficiency. Together, our family of companies offers solutions comprised of systems, products, and services for truly integrated solutions.
As buildings strive to become more sustainable, a wide range of criteria must be taken into account. At the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House in New York, a project that began as a better way to showcase a National Landmark turned into a project that improved energy efficiency in the process.
An OSRAM SYLVANIA engineer actually initiated this project, when she noticed the current lighting was not doing this beautiful building justice. Based on her belief in the importance of the project, SYLVANIA donated the installation labor for the new, energy-efficient lighting, which included, SYLVANIA METALARC® CERAMIC lamps, and SYLVANIA METALARC POWERWBALL® lamps.
The facade and building look better than ever. And the new lighting system lowered the electrical load by 43.1%, saving the building approximately $6,654.14 on its annual electrical bill. This is equivalent to a decrease in CO2 emissions of 15.5-tons, according to the Mayor’s PlaNYC 2030 conversion standard.
Siemens knows what it takes to make buildings safer, more beautiful, more economical, and more efficient. We also recognize the special importance of certain projects, and are willing to do our part to make them possible.
Bringing State-of-the-art Healthcare to Central Texas
As the population grows, so does the need for quality healthcare. Scott & White Healthcare System in Texas was already a Top 100 hospital, serving 350,000 patients through 15 regional facilities. But they had a grander vision. They wanted to use technology to become a truly leading healthcare system, and a new model for the future.
Siemens and Scott & White initially entered into a 10-year relationship, which has recently been expanded another 7 years, to help realize Scott & White’s vision of building a premier digital healthcare facility. The comprehensive Siemens solution includes healthcare information systems, medical equipment, laboratory diagnostics, phone systems, smart building technologies, including building automation, security and fire & life safety, power substation, lighting, water technologies, and even financing.
The resulting Center for Advanced Medicine and surrounding facilities is setting a new standard for state-of-the-art healthcare delivery in the US. According to their CEO, “Our physicians and patients will benefit not only from the superior medical equipment we will bring to the region but also in the dramatic improvements in workflow and processes that directly impact patient care.”
Few companies can offer the breadth of solutions to handle a project of this scale from start to finish. Our willingness to commit to a long-term partnership allows us to take the ownership required to make sure our projects are on time and under budget.
Energy demand in American suburban neighborhoods is growing rapidly. Anticipating this increase, City of Anaheim and Anaheim Public Utilities looked for an economical and reliable energy solution. They also asked for a solution that would enhance the beauty of their area.
The City partnered with Siemens to construct the first underground gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) substation in the U.S. — able to serve 25,000 current and future residents. Using GIS technology, Siemens was able to reduce the size of the substation by 70%. They not only built the substation underground but also landscaped it with grass and foliage, which was turned into a park for the community.
Siemens fulfilled Anaheim’s request with a virtually invisible and cost-effective substation below ground through the use of their GIS technology. All circuits into and out of the station are subterranean. Only a partially exposed section on the edge of the park hints at what lies beneath.
Advanced GIS technology from Siemens gives cities options in modern substation design. We can help utilities integrate high-voltage substations into urban settings in a way that makes them entirely compatible with densely populated districts.
Cities don’t shrink. They constantly expand. And the city of Dallas understands this concept all too well. Oncor, the provider of energy in the Dallas metro area, needed help maximizing wind power production and delivering it to the 3.1 million residents of Dallas.
Oncor installed Siemens Smart Grid technology in order to better harness wind energy. A Siemens Smart Grid allows the utility more control; it achieves a balance between consumption and generation.
The Oncor service territory in Dallas is larger than some European countries. Siemens Smart Grid solution greatly improves system restoration time, workforce management and service reliability. It also allows Oncor to assist in doubling the wind power production in Texas — a state mandate.
Siemens is the only supplier of products, services and solutions across the entire energy conversion chain. Whatever the scope of the Smart Grid project, Siemens can help at every touch point - from consulting and planning, to products and services, to implementation.
As the world explores alternative energy sources, Spain leads the charge. Eolia Renovables, a leading Spanish operator of wind and solar power, needed a partner as ambitious as the project itself. The right partner would build, install and service more than 100,000 modules in what would become one of the world’s largest solar fields, just outside Alicante.
Siemens provided all the electro-technical equipment for the project — from the cabling, the Sinvert PV inverter system and transformers all the way to the WinCC visualization system. The output of 45.8 MW will produce enough energy for 12,000 households.
By partnering with Siemens, Eolia Renovables got a full-service provider. Not only is Siemens responsible for building and installing the systems, we will also maintain and support the park until 2024.
There are few companies that can bring our scope of knowledge and technical expertise to projects of this scale. Fermin Matesanz from Eolia Renovables said “ We were impressed by Siemens impressive products and services for photovoltaic facilities and we’re excited to have a reliable partner for the entire term.”
Large water supply systems can’t just take a hiatus from filtration. New York’s water supply relies on one of the world’s largest and most complex watershed systems, including 19 reservoirs and 3 controlled lakes. And while long-term needs called for a large, central filtration plant, something had to be done immediately to help the city handle its increased demand.
Working with Siemens Water Technologies, New York implemented the Memcor® low-pressure membrane system across the network as a mechanism for pathogen removal from wastewater. It gave the city improved safeguards against wastewater discharges into watersheds while continuing to develop a centralized solution.
Memcor® low-pressure membranes now protect a large portion of NYC’s watershed source water flow, capturing particles 10 times smaller than your average dust mite. They also help capture 99.9% of Giardia lamblia cysts and other various enteric viruses. Most importantly, they bought the city time—a new, centralized filtration plant will be completed by 2012.
New York needed a partner who could provide a solution at scale. Siemens Water Technologies provides reliable treatment systems and services for municipalities around the world. We offer everything from conventional drinking water to wastewater reuse systems, using the latest technologies. Siemens offers sustainable solutions that reduce demand on fresh water supplies, meet regulatory requirements, and save energy.
Financing A New Water Treatment Facility in Princeton
Growing populations and diminishing supply are only two of the challenges facing cities seeking to supply clean water to their citizens. Another is finding the financial resources to fund these infrastructure improvements. When a new treatment facility in Princeton, Minnesota started running over budget, they needed to quickly refinance to keep the project on schedule.
Siemens Financial Services, Inc. (SFS) structured a private placement General Obligation Bond to meet the criteria set forth by the Princeton Public Utilities Commission (PUC). SFS financing totaled $4.9 million and included the cost overruns, Siemens Water Technologies equipment, and a refinance of the previous issued revenue bonds.
The private placement General Obligation Bond structure allowed Princeton to refinance their existing bonds. And avoid further delays typically associated with a public issuance. The water treatment facility was completed on time—and without any disruption to their customers.
Siemens provides technology and implementation for water projects of all sizes. This has given us an inside view of the positive impact the right financing can have on a project. According to the General Manager of Princeton PUC, “Siemens Financial Services structured financing for our city that ensured our project would be completed on time and with no added costs.”
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the US. It’s also a major depository for excess nutrients and pollutants from a variety of sources. These pollutants threaten the survival of the Bay’s delicate ecosystem and the hundreds of communities that depend on it for their livelihoods.
A problem of this scale requires more than one answer. So Siemens worked with many communities to implement water treatment solutions that addressed their unique needs. In Havre de Grace, Maryland, for example, Siemens installed an Enhanced Nutrient Removal System that gave the community room to grow.
At the upgraded water treatment plant in Have de Grace, the Siemens filter helps remove things that would normally disrupt the ability of the treatment plant to kill off pathogens. The Orbal design also accounts for future growth, so the community of Have de Grace can really bloom.
Complex problems can only be solved in partnership with municipalities. Along the Chesapeake Bay, Siemens drew from our broad portfolio of wastewater treatment technology to match the unique needs of communities big and small.
Fast growth can strain a region’s resources, both natural and financial. In the rapidly expanding Orlando metropolitan area, communities increasingly rely on reclaimed water to meet their residential and business needs. And city officials look to the Iron Bridge water treatment plant to do more with less.
Siemens implemented a totally integrated automation and energy system to assist in the operations and power distribution throughout the plant. The automation platform helps control everything from the flow of electricity to the amount of reclaimed water it safely discharges for maximum efficiency.
This system was not only cost-effective, it was reliable. It now allows Iron Bridge operators to treat and reclaim as much as 40 million gallons of water a day. And its modular design even allows new functionality and applications to be added on along the way. Making it not only efficient, but future proof.
Siemens is helping budget-sensitive municipalities all over the world find reliable and cost effective treatment systems and services. These solutions include everything from controls systems to integrated technology solutions. They deliver a high return on investment to customers all while helping return cleaner water to nature.
The Orange County Groundwater Replenishment Project
As our cities continue to grow, so too will the need to provide citizens with clean water. One fast-growing county in Southern California was faced with finding a way to increase its water supply in the midst of a prolonged drought. Doing so meant finding a way to replenish the area’s dwindling groundwater supply.
The Orange County Water District (OCWD) is working with Siemens to provide a new local water source by reclaiming and recycling area water. The groundwater replenishment project (GWRS) uses Siemens MEMCOR® submerged membrane systems to filter water before undergoing reverse osmosis and advanced oxidation. The result is about 70 million gallons of water per day made available for agricultural, industrial and indirect potable use or enough water to meet the needs of nearly 600,000 residents in north and central Orange County, California.
The GWRS project provides clean water by removing all suspended solids, bacteria and other harmful contaminants. It does so using 50% less energy than it would take to import water from outside sources. Providing safe water for the community while lowering costs and overall carbon footprint.
Siemens was chosen for the GWRS project because their Water Technologies provide the most comprehensive, cost-effective and reliable treatment systems and services for municipalities.
We offer everything from conventional drinking water to wastewater reuse systems, using the latest technologies. Siemens offers sustainable solutions that reduce demand on fresh water supplies, meet regulatory requirements, and save energy. These products and services are designed to help keep cities safe and financially secure.
Traffic at large stadium events can be overwhelming. It can take hours for thousands of vehicles to clear a parking lot after a concert or sporting event. The City of Arlington, TX wanted to reduce traffic congestion at Cowboys Stadium. The stadium and surrounding area routinely host multiple events simultaneously, so it needed a quick solution.
Siemens Intelligent Traffic Solutions (ITS) group worked with the city to design an Advanced Transportation Management System. This new system communicates with the existing ITS SEPAC local controller software, enabling reversible traffic lanes.
The system went live in 2009. Siemens provided equipment and engineering to implement reversible traffic lanes on three roadways that provide access to the stadium. It has helped people move in and out at a rapid pace.
Siemens provides the technology to manage the increasing complexities of modern traffic. We realize the correct solution is not simply expanding an already complex and diverse transportation system. Rather, we know how to work smarter to solve the challenges of urban traffic.
It’s not uncommon for many Americans to commute for 2 hours or more. And that daily commute is getting more expensive with rising gas prices. To unburden residents and the environment, and to promote growth, Charlotte, NC wanted to develop an intelligent light rail concept.
Siemens Transportation Systems provided Charlotte with 16 state-of-art-light rail vehicles. The S70, Siemens highly successful low-floor vehicle, is capable of speeds up to 65 miles per hour. It can hold 236 passengers including those with special mobility needs.
Siemens light rail services are helping urban planners develop sustainable cities and promote growth. Just three years ago, Charlotte’s light rail ran through wasteland. Since then—and despite the economic crisis—many new businesses and restaurants have sprung up in the area.
Siemens is the leading supplier of light rail vehicles in North America. We operate the only permanent light rail manufacturing facility on US soil, so we can deliver and service markets quicker and more reliably than anyone else.
Marine industry emissions have become an increasing focus of US regulators. But for global shipping vessels, keeping up with regulations isn’t easy, especially since public advocacy groups continue to pressure governments for tighter regulations and stricter enforcement in ports, harbors and the communities around them. To help keep communities cleaner, vessels can shut down their diesel engines while in ports and draw clean local power off the grid instead so basic systems like refrigeration, lighting, HVAC, pumps, lighting, etc. can continue to run. But to do that, the vessels and ports need technologies that match.
On-shore power, known as “cold ironing”, enables a ship to connect to a shore side electrical source rather than the ship’s diesel engines, with no interruption to on-board systems. Shore power requires the proper electrical infrastructure on shore, the proper cabling, and the proper electrical infrastructure onboard to connect to the land-side as well as to synchronize the onboard generation with the shore-side generation.
Once the vessel connects to the land-side power, it can shut down its diesel-generating sets and reduce exhaust gases, soot, fine dust and noise. Since generators on the ships don’t have to run while idle, owners/operators are better equipped to comply with local emission regulations and can help create a cleaner harbor for all.
We understand the challenges today’s marine vessel operators face. For more than a hundred years, Siemens has specialized in the production of electrical equipment for all types of ships, as well as turnkey projects and vessel conversions. We offer advanced solutions designed to sustainably increase the environmental compatibility and commercial efficiency of your operations.
Financing A New Baggage Screening System In Denver
Many airports struggle financially to keep up with new regulations. When the Transportation Security Administration issued new baggage screening requirements, the Denver International Airport (DIA) needed to make adjustments. But with public funds not readily available, the DIA needed help.
Siemens Financial Services, Inc. (SFS) customized a $60 million financial package to assist the Denver International Airport in accomplishing its goals. This bond allowed the DIA to build the most complex 100% inline-screening project completed and certified to date in North America.
The highly structured tax-free package enabled the airport to avoid significant cost of issuance associated with a conventional bond. This meant the project could be started and completed quickly.
We offer a broad array of industrial finance solutions in multiple sectors. Our industrial finance team can help you leverage the maximum value of your capital and operations. We can provide working capital to keep your business running smoothly, as well as financing for major capital expenditures.
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is responsible for one of the largest public transport systems in the country. For years, most station entrances were lit with neon signage that provided unreliable lighting for transit riders. The CTA wanted to upgrade to environmentally friendly lighting that improved pedestrian safety and fit the character of the historic block.
With the help of OSRAM SYLVANIA , the team developed a solution that was energy efficient and low maintenance. Each sign was designed using the latest SYLVANIA technology to ensure optimal visibility. The faces of the signs were lit with white light emitting diodes (LEDs) while the stairs were lit using DULUX® L T5 high lumen single-ended twin-tube fluorescent lamps.
Higher quality illumination from SYLVANIAhelped maintain the integrity of the historic stations. It also improved safety and security—while reducing operating costs. The new signs use 60% less energy than their predecessors and have a life expectancy of seven years with little to no maintenance.
Our products feature innovative designs and energy saving technologies. We sell products for homes, businesses and vehicles primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name in the US, and operate under the OSRAM brand in Europe, China and beyond.
As urbanization and the use of personal vehicles for transportation increases, we must find practical alternatives to fossil resources. Electromobility is a potential solution, but it is still an enormous challenge. Especially in the areas of energy storage and distribution.
Siemens Energy and Corporate Technology has teamed up with Italy, Denmark and Germany on numerous research projects to advance progress in electromobility. We are exploring demo cars with Daimler and BMW, and energy management systems that support strategically placed charging stations across a network. We are also developing citywide pilot programs in Italy.
These partnerships are leading to the development of an energy grid and connection infrastructure that could become the new standard for electric vehicle fleets, parking garages and electric parking spaces.
Siemens is the only integrated energy infrastructure company that covers the entire energy conversion chain. We understand the importance of exploring alternative energies now. And we are committed to answering the complex energy challenges that will define the future of transportation.
We made our way around the country stopping in different cities to discuss the multitude of challenges facing cities, from public transportation and traffic control to smart grid infrastructure and energy security. You could check back for a stop near you as we continued to add new dates and locations.
New York
April 15, 2011 Waldorf-Astoria, NYC 8 AM - 4 PM
Theme
Duration
Speakers
Assembly Chair
Barbara Kux Member of the Managing Board, Siemens, Head of Supply Chain Management and Chief Sustainability Officer
Keynotes by
Richard Burdett Centennial Professor in Architecture and Urbanism, London School of Economics, and Director, Urban Age Edward Glaeser Fred and Eleanor Glimp Professor of Economics, Harvard University The Honorable Dannel P. Malloy Governor, State of Connecticut
Edward G. Rendell Former Pennsylvania Governor and Co-Chair of Building America's Future John D. Porcari Deputy Secretary of Transportation, United States Department of Transportation
Moderator
Elizabeth Bailey Principle, 2B Communications, Inc
Siemens Presenters
Daniel Duncan VP & GM O&G Division Siemens Energy, Inc - Opening Remarks [General Session] John Farr National VP for Water Municipalities, Siemens - Water Topic [Breakout Session].
Los Angeles
July 20th
LA - JW Marriott LA Live [Staples Center]
900 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles
(213) 765-8600 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
Theme
Duration
Speakers
Keynote Speakers
Antonio Ramón Villaraigosa Mayor City of Los Angeles Roy Kienitz Undersecretary of Transportation, United States Department of Transportation
Siemens, in partnership with the Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC), recognizes communities that are taking on the challenges of 21st century sustainable development.
Congratulations to the 2011 Siemens Sustainable Community Award finalists:
Large Community — Baltimore, MD; Columbus, OH; San Jose, CA
Mid-Size Community — North Little Rock, AR; Pittsburgh, PA; Raleigh, NC
Small Community — Brea, CA; Burlington, VT; Greensburg, KS
Winners will be announced at an awards reception in Philadelphia on April 12, 2011 and posted online.
About
Launched in 2007, the Siemens Sustainable Community Awards recognize public-private coalitions for taking on the 21st challenge of sustainable development. Siemens Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC) awards communities and coalitions that are developing solutions for green and economic sustainability.
Past Winners
2010 Winners
Congratulations to the 2010 Winners:
Small Community - Newton, IA
Medium Community - Grand Rapids, MI
Large Community - Philadelphia, PA
2009 Winners
Small Community – Los Alamos, NM
Medium Community – Anaheim, CA
Large Community – Denver, CO
2008 Winners
Small Community – Kingsport, TN
Medium Community – Chapel Hill-Carrboro Chamber of Commerce, NC
Sustainable Cities Collective
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Sustainable Cities Blogosphere