Glasgow City Council (GCC), with support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has co-funded nine projects through the 8th City Programme across two phases. These projects have transformed city infrastructure, enhancing public services and promoting data-driven decision-making.
8th City Programme – Phase 1
Open Data/Analytics Project
The Open Data project provided new capabilities for data-driven innovation in areas such as child poverty, data modeling, and design-led thinking. Completed in March 2019, this project set the groundwork for future data analytics initiatives.
Key Outcomes:
- 4 Innovative Services developed
- 27 Dataset outputs generated
Intelligent Street Lighting (ISL)
Glasgow’s Intelligent Street Lighting network connected LED lamps with central systems to achieve 70% efficiency savings, cutting CO₂ emissions by around 700 tons annually. The project’s multi-functional design allows these lights to monitor bins, parking, and weather.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 4 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: June 2019
Mobile Working
The Mobile Working project improved efficiency in services such as school transport and environmental management through app-based tools. Glasgow hosted various learning events to share insights across the 8th City Programme.
Key Outcomes:
- 10 Innovative Services outputs
Completion Date: June 2021
Smart Waste
The Smart Waste project installed bin sensors to optimize collection schedules in key areas, improving service responsiveness and efficiency. Completed in June 2019, this project was part of a larger effort involving multiple Scottish cities.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 4 Dataset outputs generated
Smart Canal
A European-first, Glasgow’s Smart Canal combines sensors and predictive technology to manage water levels along the Forth & Clyde Canal, turning it into a flood management system that opens new development opportunities in North Glasgow. The project won six awards for innovation and infrastructure.
Key Outcomes:
- 2 Innovative Services developed
- 2 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: December 2021
8th City Programme – Phase 2
Data Analytics
Phase 2 of Data Analytics continued promoting open data and decision-making improvements. This phase included studies on COVID-19 business grants and data-sharing for the Alcohol and Drugs Partnership.
Key Outcomes:
- 5 Innovative Services developed
- 30 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: March 2022
Intelligent Street Lighting Expansion
Further expansion of Glasgow’s Intelligent Street Lighting extended the network beyond the city centre, supporting Glasgow’s Net Carbon Zero ambition by 2035.
Key Outcomes:
- 1 Innovative Service developed
- 1 Dataset generated
Completion Date: June 2023
Mobile Working Phase 2
Building on Phase 1, this Mobile Working project introduced Digital Citizen and Asset Management systems, improving public service delivery across customer interactions and case management.
Key Outcomes:
- 5 Innovative Services developed
- 5 Dataset outputs generated
Completion Date: June 2023
Smart City Projects Coordinator
The role of Smart City Projects Coordinator was introduced to support strategic delivery, monitoring, and reporting across all smart city projects.
Glasgow’s Open Data Hub is available here.
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LHEES, area-wide plans for improving building energy efficiency and decarbonising heat, are crucial for Scotland’s energy transition. These strategies provide a framework for improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions in buildings by 2045. Cities are implementing LHEES to identify and prioritise areas for energy improvements, ensuring a coordinated approach to decarbonisation.
Efforts to decarbonise urban areas are gaining momentum. Initiatives like the Low Carbon Infrastructure Transition Programme (LCITP) support projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Cities are developing net zero neighbourhoods, focusing on energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and green spaces. These neighbourhoods aim to create healthier, more sustainable urban environments.
Scotland’s commitment to renewable energy is evident in its infrastructure. The country is a leader in wind energy, with numerous onshore and offshore wind farms. Cities are increasingly integrating renewable energy sources into their grids, supporting Scotland’s ambitious climate targets.
Transport infrastructure in Scotland’s cities is robust and continually improving. Scotland’s road network spans approximately 35,400 miles (56,959 km), with major road networks like the M8 connecting Glasgow and Edinburgh facilitating efficient travel and commerce. Rail connectivity is equally vital, with cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow serving as central hubs in the UK’s national rail network. The Caledonian Sleeper service, the overnight sleeper train service also provides a convenient connection between London and many of Scotland’s cities.
The rise of digital services has increased demand for data centres. Scotland’s cool climate and renewable energy resources make it an attractive location for green data centres. These facilities use energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources to minimise their environmental impact. Cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are exploring opportunities to develop such centres, supporting the digital economy while aligning with sustainability goals.
Scotland is making significant strides in digital connectivity. The rollout of 5G and full-fibre broadband is transforming cities into digital hubs. CityFibre’s Gigabit City Investment Programme is a key initiative, aiming to provide full-fibre infrastructure to cities up and down Scotland and the wider UK. This programme supports the Scottish Government’s goal of ensuring superfast broadband access for all premises by 2027. Stirling became the UK’s first completed Gigabit City in 2020.