Over the next few years, various initiatives will be set up throughout the city, which link innovative technology to energy-efficiency and focuses on the consumer. Under the name of “Amsterdam Smart City”, the city will work together with residents and businesses towards a common goal: reducing carbon dioxide emissions and moderating energy consumption.

The “Sustainable Living Project” (Duurzaam Wonen) forms part of “Amsterdam Smart City” and deals with the different aspects of sustainable housing. Several locations in the city have been selected to take part in a number of sustainability initiatives in which consumers ‘test’ the latest technologic inventions, for free. After a trial period, these initiatives will be implemented on a larger scale.

One of the sustainability initiatives is called “The Smart Meter” (de slimme meter) and will be implemented in close cooperation with Far West. In the district of Geuzenveld-Slotermeer, conventional electricity meters in about 300 households are to be replaced free of charge by advanced electricity and gas meters. Every 15 minutes, the energy consumption in a dwelling is measured by this “smart meter”, which is fitted with a digital display. The display provides detailed information on past and present consumption; which devises are using how much energy. In this way, consumers get insight into their energy consumption. They can become more energy-conscious, subsequently saving a lot of money each year and contributing to the protection of the environment.