City of Edinburgh Council (CEC), co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has delivered multiple projects through the 8th City Programme, spanning two phases and enhancing Edinburgh’s digital infrastructure.
8th City Programme – Phase 1
Smart Waste Project
The Phase 1 project focused on Smart Waste, a data-driven initiative that introduced IoT-enabled smart bin sensors to optimize litter bin collection and servicing. This project, completed in June 2020, laid the foundation for a city-wide roll-out of smart waste technology, leading into Phase 2.
Key Outcomes:
- 2 Innovative Services developed
- 3 Dataset outputs generated
8th City Programme – Phase 2
Driving Operational Efficiency (DOE)
The DOE project built upon Phase 1, installing 11,000 smart bin sensors across the city’s on-street and communal litter bins. Additionally, 1,500 environmental sensors were installed in 500 social housing units to monitor indoor conditions, helping mitigate issues such as damp.
Key Outcomes:
- 4 Innovative Services developed
- 5 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: June 2023
City Operations Centre
Launched in December 2022, the City Operations Centre leverages low-carbon technology to enhance public safety, manage traffic flow, and monitor major events. By utilizing real-time data, the Centre can effectively respond to congestion and adjust traffic strategies to reduce emissions.
Key Outcomes:
- 5 Innovative Services developed
- 8 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: June 2023
Intelligent Infrastructure
The Intelligent Infrastructure project focuses on a new Urban Traffic Management & Control (UTMC) system, designed to support smarter, data-informed transportation planning. By integrating a suite of sensors, the UTMC system enhances traffic management and allows for direct communication with the public through online platforms.
Key Outcomes:
- 3 Innovative Services developed
- 5 Dataset outputs generated (additional outputs expected as integration progresses)
Completion Date: June 2023
I’ve long been a champion of Edinburgh’s ambitions of becoming a world-leading Smart City—a digitally inclusive, data-rich, and sustainable capital. From our trailblazing Operations Centre to our extensive network of smart bin sensors, these advancements represent just the beginning of our journey. We’re also planning to expand sensor technology to all 20,000 council homes and to incorporate air and water quality monitoring.
Councillor Cammy Day, The City of Edinburgh Council
Edinburgh’s Open Spatial Data Platform is available here.
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