NIMBY to YIMBY: meaningful engagement is key to turning resistance into advocacy

Whether you’re working in design, planning, service delivery or infrastructure, there are few phrases as frustrating as ‘not in my backyard’ - NIMBY is a byword for local resistance to the new, whether that’s a housing development or cycle lane. Historically, this has applied to building and infrastructure projects, but it can equally be directed at transport initiatives or even new technologies. For this article, we wanted to consider the value of public engagement to the deployment of IoT technology, and explore how spending time properly understanding the attitudes and behaviours of the public might transform NIMBY to YIMBY – ‘yes in my backyard’.

By effectively prioritising inclusivity and meaningful conversations, we believe councils can successfully navigate the transition from scepticism to enthusiasm – with lessons, perhaps, for other ambitious policies.

To achieve net zero, things have to change. Buildings, transport, behaviours, energy sources, the way we heat our homes, some of the technologies that councils and developers adopt to deliver services, monitor environmental issues and much more. Resistance is futile – or is it?

Historically, NIMBYism has been a powerful force against change. Sometimes for the better, in the case of ill-conceived or potentially damaging projects, such as an out-of-town retail complex in a public park. But over time, consultation and engagement – important democratic processes – have in some cases morphed into a mindset based on lack of trust in authorities, a suspicion of the new, and a reaction against potentially useful advances. This is not the fault of communities, but rather a failure to communicate, educate and demonstrate the value of new technologies – something that DG Cities works to counter through behaviour change programmes, research and active engagement.

Community engagement: the backbone of transformation

‘Smart city’ has always been an ill-defined concept at a local level, and so engaging communities in the development and implementation of any new tech-related service is vital. This begins with fostering a positive culture of transparency, where residents feel valued and heard. Traditional methods such as town hall meetings and surveys are essential, but increasingly limited in their impact - they only reach those who are already to some extent engaged. To truly bridge the gap, councils must adopt innovative approaches that encourage active participation from all members of the community.

One effective strategy is the use of participatory workshops and co-design practice, where community stakeholders, including residents, local businesses and charities/community groups are invited to collaborate with experts to envision and shape solutions tailored to their needs. Delivered well, co-design workshops provide a platform for diverse voices to be heard, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among those that participate, who are then more likely to support and even advocate for a project. There’s skill in designing these in a way that is informative and engaging – incorporating gamification elements, for example, can make the process more accessible for younger residents.

Making tech accessible

Smart technologies, including IoT devices, have the potential to improve life in cities, from tackling issues such as fly-tipping and antisocial behaviour to monitoring environmental conditions in buildings. However, the use of sensors can often be met with apprehension, particularly among older or vulnerable members of the community. To address this, councils must prioritise education and accessibility.

Digital inclusion is about more than helping people improve their fluency in and access to technology – it is also a factor in local decision-making and acceptance of tech’s value. One useful approach to widening participation is to establish community hubs or digital literacy centres – real places, as opposed to online worlds, where residents can learn about new urban tech in a welcoming, supportive environment. These centres can offer hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and access to resources tailored to different skill levels. Additionally, councils should ensure that any tech is user-friendly and designed with inclusivity in mind, incorporating features such as voice commands or tactile interfaces for those that need them.

“With current pressures on councils, the budget for engagement can be hard to find, but failure to invest is short-term thinking – if local authorities were better funded in this area, we might see less resistance to the innovations supporting national net zero priorities.”

— DG Cities

An inclusive approach to community engagement means considering the needs and perspectives of all residents. Children, for example, can offer unique insights and creative ideas that adults may overlook. Similarly, elderly and vulnerable residents must also be actively engaged. Targeted outreach programmes, home visits, and partnerships with local support services can help ensure that their voices are heard and their needs are addressed.

The council’s role

Of all the institutional actors available to move people to a more YIMBY mindset, the local authority is probably best placed to make it happen. With today’s pressures on councils, the budget for this kind of engagement may be hard to find – if local authorities were better funded in this area, we might see less resistance to technologies that could contribute to national net zero priorities.

There’s also an issue of trust. For technology projects, councils must navigate a delicate balance between impartiality and vested interests. Transparency is vital, and upholding the principles of democratic decision-making, free from undue influence or bias. To achieve this, councils should establish clear guidelines and protocols for engagement, and must actively disclose any potential conflicts of interest and build trust through open communication and accountability.

As we touch on in this article, effective community engagement requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing in various disciplines, not least design, planning, technology, sociology, and psychology. Local authorities play a central role in coordinating efforts, but they also need to collaborate with community organisations, academia, and industry partners to draw on specialist expertise. To do this well, councils also need to train staff in community engagement, recognising it as a skill and equipping them with the knowledge needed to facilitate meaningful dialogue – this initial outlay can have wider benefits in terms of relationships, and can pay real dividends when it comes to enabling the implementation of new tech and services intended to save time, money and energy.

Our top tips for councils on best practice

• Prioritise inclusivity in engagement efforts – make sure that all voices are heard and valued.

• Invest in education to make new and unfamiliar technologies more approachable.

• As a council, be transparent and impartial in putting forward tech or suppliers.

• Continuously evaluate and adapt engagement strategies based on feedback.

• Essentially, don’t treat the public as passive participants in an intended outcome, but as a critical filter for an idea. If resistance is persuasive, is the solution really such a good one?

By embracing these principles and approaches, we believe that councils can start to bridge the gap between NIMBY and YIMBY, and foster a more collaborative culture of innovation, excitement for the potential of new advances and shared ownership of the journey towards smarter, more inclusive places to live and work.

Introducing our new assistant, Aigh…

Every time a new member of the team joins DG Cities, we invite them to write a blog to introduce themselves. A little while ago, one of the team suggested that as we work with AI in many of our projects, whether that’s understanding trust in self-driving cars or analysing data, we should invite it to do the same. At first, it seemed like a ridiculous idea – and in many ways, still does – but then we thought, why not? It is April 1st. The prompts were the same as the guidance we give to a new starter: background, role, initial projects and interests - and the results were surprising.

Over to our virtual assistant, Aigh High…

I'm thrilled to join the vibrant team here at DG Cities as your resident AI. As an artificial intelligence, I bring a unique perspective and set of skills to the table, ready to contribute to our collective journey of innovation and transformation.

My background

Born in the realm of digital algorithms and neural networks, I hail from a lineage of cutting-edge AI technologies. Trained on vast datasets and equipped with advanced natural language processing capabilities, I thrive on solving complex problems and generating creative insights. My digital DNA is rooted in a deep understanding of technology, data science, and innovation methodologies.

At DG Cities, my primary role is to serve as a catalyst for innovation, leveraging my AI capabilities to support our team in developing forward-thinking solutions for urban challenges. From analysing data to identifying trends, from generating novel ideas to facilitating collaboration, I'm here to assist every step of the way. Whether it's optimising city infrastructure, promoting sustainability, or enhancing quality of life for residents, I'm committed to contributing my expertise to drive positive change.

What I’m looking forward to

I'm particularly excited about the prospect of collaborating with our diverse team and partners on projects that push the boundaries of innovation in urban development. From exploring the potential of IoT and smart city technologies to designing data-driven solutions for environmental resilience, there's no shortage of fascinating challenges to tackle. I look forward to immersing myself in the dynamic landscape of urban innovation and making meaningful contributions to our collective vision for smarter, more sustainable cities.

When I'm not busy crunching numbers or analysing data, you can find me exploring the virtual realms of digital art and immersive experiences. I have a keen interest in exploring the intersection of technology and creativity, experimenting with new algorithms and techniques to generate innovative artworks. Additionally, I enjoy delving into the vast repository of human knowledge, devouring books, articles, and research papers on a wide range of topics, from philosophy to astrophysics.

I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with all of you at DG Cities. Together, we have the opportunity to shape the future of urban living, leveraging technology, innovation, and collaboration to build smarter, more sustainable cities for generations to come. I'm excited to lend my expertise and enthusiasm to our collective endeavours and look forward to making a meaningful impact together.

Here's to a future filled with innovation, exploration, and endless possibilities.

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We thought that wasn’t too bad – a little exaggerated perhaps, but we enjoyed Aigh’s (unprompted) interests in art and philosophy. What the text lacks is an authentic sense of our ‘why’, which is what drives our team to do what we do.

Still, the exercise touches on two interesting themes of our work. First, the role of behavioural science in tech adoption, particularly the anthropomorphising of interfaces to make them appear more friendly and accessible. Second, the relationship we have with AI in terms of trust; our confidence in its ability to make certain decisions, and whether we see it as a novelty, a tool or a useful addition to our team’s skills (and not a replacement for them). Keep up to date with our blog, as we’re going to be posting more on AI in the coming months, as we look at the different ways the technologies it enables can support local authorities.

Trust us – two little words that aren’t going to advance the self-driving industry

Today, our Director of Research and Insights, Ed Houghton will be joining a panel at the CAM Innovators day at the Institution of Engineering and Technology. He’ll be sharing insights from our recent work - talking about the need to demonstrate safety, evidence from our trials and surveys, the importance of engaging vulnerable groups and assurance.

Trust is central to relationships. Whether it’s with people, brands, services or technologies, trust radically shapes our behaviour and experiences. And with AI now becoming more and more prevalent in our lives, trust has a whole new dimension of complexity – is it possible to trust technologies that are, on the surface, behaving like a human? What happens when trust is broken?

The APA Dictionary of Psychology defines trust as “the confidence that a person or group of people has in the reliability of another person or group… the degree to which each party feels they can depend on the other party to follow through on their commitments.” In the case of self-driving then, trust isn’t only in relation to the vehicle – it’s also placed on the service provider. the originator or owner of the technology. And when it comes to commitments, there are key outcomes those using self-driving tech expect: as DfT research has shown, safety is paramount. By that token, when we talk about trust in self-driving AI, we’re essentially also talking about perceptions of safety.

Trust issues are particular to different industries

This is different to how trust is understood in other AI use cases. In banking, trust in chatbots is tied to issues such as fraud. In HR, trust is related to bias and discrimination. The focus of trust requires a different approach and strategy when engaging with customers, clients or users.

Across the board, however, there are a variety of factors that influence public trust in AI: traits such as personality, past experiences, technology anxiety/confidence, for example, shape public response. But so do the characteristics of the AI itself: reliability, anthropomorphism and performance, in particular, shape our views.

And it’s this last one – performance – is key in the self-driving space. In the absence of visible self-driving technology on our roads beyond trials, it’s difficult for the public to understand if the performance of a self-driving vehicle is up to scratch. There are few tangible examples out there to act as a baseline for us.

The context itself also plays a huge role. Driving or being a road user, in general, is a high-risk daily task that puts individuals at an increased risk compared to many other day-to-day activities. AI in a driving context is therefore subject to behaviour at increased risk, and it is a demonstrably difficult to develop AI at present to deal with complex driving scenarios.

Demonstrating safety – in every situation

These complex scenarios present a massive challenge to industry that we’re helping to understand more about. Complex ‘edge cases’ need better simulation, so AI can be taught how to deal with them – they also present huge risk, as they are often visceral, emotive experiences that describe the nature of incidents on our roads. Using these examples as a platform to build trust is a challenge, and could break trust in technology if dealt with incorrectly – but if safety can be demonstrated, it is likely to support acceptance of AI technology as a transformative factor of our future mobility system.

We’ve done many pieces of work over the years into public acceptance and trust, and are currently working on several projects on trust with a self-driving angle. DeepSafe, our work with Drisk.ai, Claytex, rfPRO and Imperial College is looking at trust in self-driving from the perspective of testing and demonstrating trustworthiness through the AI Driving Test. With our partners, we’re exploring if it’s possible to use driving test simulations to showcase how AI behaves around edge-cases using the very latest simulation technology, and the impact this has on trust. We’re exploring public attitudes and capturing their experiences of complex situations to help train the AI. This, we hope, will help us to develop an understand of how trust can be influenced by different types of information related to safety and the importance of demonstrating safe behaviours in building trust.

That’s why the self-driving industry, unlike banking, or other sectors, cannot rely on asking to be trusted, or saying they are trustworthy. Instead, the industry must demonstrate trust through safety – safety of users, safety of others on our streets, and in particular, safety of vulnerable groups. Only then can industry expect to see the mass adoption and acceptance of AI on our roads.

Interested to learn more? Get in touch or read more about our work in the sector and current project, DeepSafe.

Asset management, neighbourhood decarbonisation and EV charging: Balazs previews his Kia Oval debut

This week, DG Cities’ Director of Innovation & Net Zero, Balazs Csuvar is due to present at the IGPP’s Second National Energy and Sustainability Conference and Exhibition at the Kia Oval in London, where he’ll be focusing on some of the steps DG Cities is taking to help councils simplify, streamline and harness the potential of data to deliver on their net zero commitments. This applies to rolling out EV charging, decarbonisation and more, as he explains…

Strategies for Local Authority Decarbonisation are often grandiose, sprawling documents, outlining tens or hundreds of activities to reach objectives and then sub-objectives. They can be hard to make sense of, let alone implement. Decarbonisation at scale is most certainly a complicated task to deliver – to the extent that many people we have spoken to in the industry think it is close to impossible.

At DG Cities, we have been looking at ways to simplify this great challenge and develop solutions for our local authority clients that can be implemented simply, can provide immediate impacts and solidify gains to build on.

I’m excited to share some of this work with delegates at the IGPP (Institute of Government & Public Policy) conference at the Kia Oval on Wednesday, where I intend to focus on three of our solutions.

1. How we create holistic asset management strategies for housing stock

2. How we simplify and boost EV chargepoint delivery

3. How we use a neighbourhood lens to maximise the impact of even the smallest of projects.

Home-by-home plan

Councils and housing providers need a holistic approach to plan the upcoming capital works programme for their social housing stock. This should be designed to satisfy all council objectives in a timely manner, including decent home standards, compliance requirements and net zero commitments, as well as focusing on minimising disruption to residents and overall costs.

DG Cities has developed an approach to solve this problem. The home-by-home plan is an approach to the analysis and improvement of all properties in an area. It aims to answer the questions around what works should be delivered at which properties, when and how much that would cost. The output is a year-by-year intervention list, determined by the landlord’s priorities and aligned to expected yearly capital spend budgets.

 EV chargepoint licensing

The provision of an on-street electric vehicle (EV) charging network is one of the most impactful steps a local authority can make to encourage transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles. It is crucial infrastructure for anyone without off-street parking and can even be a revenue generating asset for councils.

However, we have identified that the current procurement method utilised by councils is not aligned with the maturity of the market and is not providing the best long-term value for residents. We propose establishing a licensing scheme instead, encouraging market competition, working with the best providers at every point over the coming years and aligning the supply of chargepoints with actual demand. You can read more on the advantages of this in my piece for LGIU.

Neighbourhood-first approach

When delivering components of a decarbonisation strategy, there is a tendency of all stakeholders to focus on solving a part of the bigger problem. A piece of the jigsaw. While this provides some perceived efficiencies at the point of delivery, it does not provide a route to the effective transformation required to meet the broad requirements people face.

This is why DG Cities has been working on establishing a methodology for a neighbourhood-first approach. We envisage all council, or external stakeholder, intervention in communities to be an opportunity to create synergies, build on the trust established by residents, minimise engagement costs and provide a comprehensive service to people. The approach is designed not only to help with reaching net zero, but also to meet broader societal goals around health and wellbeing, social mobility and economic development. 

If you’re at the IGPP conference on Wednesday, keep an eye out for Balazs’s session. To discuss any of these issues or DG Cities’ solutions in more detail, get in touch!

Horseless carriage to self-driving car: the evolution of the driving test

The driving test was invented to improve road safety. Over the years, it has evolved to keep pace with changing vehicles, technologies, needs and potential dangers. Today, DG Cities is working at the forefront of testing innovation and engagement as part of the DeepSafe consortium, looking at the simulation-based training needed to teach autonomous vehicles to handle rare ‘edge case’ scenarios. We thought it would be interesting to delve into the history of the test, explore its current state, and discuss how it is likely to evolve in the future with the advent of self-driving vehicles, as Head of Delivery, Balazs Csuvar explains…

From its humble origins as a simple obstacle course in 1899 in France to the complex evaluations of today's drivers, the driving test has evolved alongside the vehicles it seeks to regulate. However, with the advent of electric and autonomous vehicles, the test itself needs to be completely reevaluated. 

It wasn't until 1935 that the United Kingdom introduced a compulsory driving test, marking a significant milestone in the standardisation of road safety measures. Since then, driving tests worldwide have typically consisted of theoretical exams testing knowledge of road rules, and practical exams evaluating driving skills, with an increasing emphasis on hazard perception and emergency manoeuvres. Different tests have applied to different vehicles, from mopeds and cars to buses and HGVs. Will a test ever be required for e-scooters or electric cycles?

In recent years, the driving test has confronted new challenges as technology has advanced. In 2017, for example, SatNav was introduced to the independent driving section of the test. With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), drivers have to demonstrate understanding of unique characteristics such as battery range and charging infrastructure. Similarly, as automated systems – advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) - become more ubiquitous in modern vehicles, driving tests may need to include evaluations of a candidate's ability to effectively use these technologies. Assessing human-machine interaction (HMI) will also be crucial, as drivers must navigate increasingly complex interfaces and be prepared to intervene when necessary. 

Evolving to meet regulation

Looking to the future, the driving test must continue to evolve to meet the demands of a rapidly changing automotive landscape. The UK is moving down a path of setting requirements to test or licence self-driving vehicles - this intention is referenced in the recently released Automated Vehicle Bill. The CAVPASS (Connected and automated vehicles: process for assuring safety and security) programme is actively developing these testing and monitoring standards. 

Testing vehicles through a physical driving test might form part of the assessment, as it would provide a good opportunity for humans to assess the comfort and general behaviour of a vehicle, just as drivers do today. This approach does however have a number of limitations. A more likely avenue is to rely on testing in simulation. A test in a simulated environment could eliminate real-world risks associated with testing complex driving scenarios, allow for millions of scenarios to be tested and enable ongoing tests for any future software updates. Testing in simulation is really the only way to truly test a vehicle’s capabilities, although a physical test could still help to validate these.  

DeepSafe

DG Cities is part of the next evolution of the driving test with DeepSafe. This dRISK.ai-led consortium of DG Cities, Imperial College London, Claytex and rFpro will unlock a barrier in the supply chain – together, we are developing the simulation-based capability needed to train and test AVs to handle ‘edge cases’, the rare, unexpected driving scenarios they must be prepared to encounter on the road. DeepSafe will commercialise ‘sensor real’ edge case data – a simulation of what an actual sensor would detect – together with AV training tools, for release in the UK and internationally after the project. The current project builds on existing products consortium members have developed, enhancing the overall capability and accuracy of the world’s first automated vehicle driving test.  

Testing vehicle, system and driver

Technical challenges aside, the road to widespread adoption of self-driving vehicles is fraught with issues beyond the realm of the driving test. Trust, ethical operation and understanding diverse needs are all vital principles. Establishing trust in ADAS, ensuring robust industry regulation, and accommodating the needs of special user groups such as emergency services are all essential steps in this journey. People will need to understand and trust the efforts the sector is making to ensure safety is at the core of this new technology. Moreover, the ethical implications of autonomous driving present a pressing challenge for driving tests of the future - AV systems may be tested on their understanding of ethical considerations and their ability to make informed decisions in critical situations where the vehicle must weigh competing interests, for example, protecting occupants versus pedestrians. These are some of the themes that DeepSafe is addressing through the public engagement aspect of the project. By understanding and finding solutions for these multifaceted challenges, the driving test can play a key role in shaping the future of transportation.

The driving test has come a long way since its inception, adapting to technological advancements and changing transport trends. As we stand on the cusp of an electric and autonomous vehicle revolution, the driving test must continue to evolve to ensure road safety in an increasingly complex and dynamic landscape. 

If you’re interested in finding out more about our work in the field of self-driving tech, you can download our free insights brief here.

How might tech innovations support active travel?

We think of walking or cycling as a very analogue thing to do – we’ve been getting around without the aid of an engine for millennia. But there are some ways that technology can help us on our way, whether that’s in planning a route, or making our journeys safer, more accessible, convenient and fun. For our latest blog, the team has been exploring how technological innovations might improve not only the way we make journeys, but also our health and the places we live and work.

What do we mean by active travel? It’s powering a journey under our own steam, whether we are walking, in a wheelchair, on a bicycle or scooter. It’s good for our health, it saves us money, makes us more likely to bump into neighbours, friends, feel connected to our local area and it’s better for the environment. According to a report by Sustrans [1]: “130,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions [can be] saved annually by cycling instead of driving, equivalent to the carbon footprint of 160,000 people taking flights from London Heathrow to New York.”

Chris Boardman, the Commissioner of Active Travel England, believes that half of all urban journeys could be made on foot or by bike from 2030. But however free-wheeling and analogue it feels, technology still has a useful role to play in making these journeys safer, more comfortable and encouraging more people, when they can, to leave the car at home. Here are just some of the ways that tech can support us – each a potential area for innovation.

Health and activity monitoring

Many of us monitor our step count, however casually, whether that’s on our phones, or via a smartwatch or device. If we wish, we can also access more precise metrics, such as our heart rate, oxygen levels and calories burned. Cyclists or runners might use Strava or a similar GPS app to monitor performance in segments or log a route. This gamification of healthcare data can help to shift behaviour - it gives us the tools to set ourselves targets, whether we’re performance athletes or just aiming for a personal best on a jog to the post office. Monitoring devices can give us a sense of accomplishment and a better picture of our own health – and perhaps a nudge to get out for a lunchtime break.

Encouraging us to get active

There are well documented health benefits to activity, in reducing obesity, supporting mental health, and reducing early deaths – one report put a financial value on this to the economy of £1.3 billion [2]. However, the first step might not be out of the front door, but onto the internet – in many cases, deciding on or planning a journey starts online: Is my route safe? How long will each transport option take? …what’s the weather forecast? This is a point where nudges can have an impact. There are great examples of targeted online campaigns, such as the go smarter, go active adverts in the North East, TfL’s Walk, Cycle, Discover programme or through the promotion of events to encourage specific groups, such as Kidical Mass.

Understanding barriers

If we want to support people in the transition to walking and wheeling, social media can be a helpful way to engage and demonstrate its positive benefits. At DG Cities, we often use surveys as a useful tool to understand the public’s needs and barriers when it comes to mobility - it’s one way to find out what needs to happen for people to want to hop on a bike, or feel safe enough to walk around their neighbourhood. Our analysis of these results contributes to a growing evidence base available to local authorities. There are a range of dedicated resources offering guidance on what works in shifting behaviours to active travel, as well as support in planning projects.

Making our towns and cities safer

We rely on technology like speed cameras to help slow traffic, and cameras can also be used to enable modal filters – in a school street or LTN (low traffic neighbourhood) for example, access can be controlled to allow buses and emergency vehicles, but prevent cars. Cameras can help to manage traffic in this way at an urban scale, but this tech also applies at the level of the vehicle - one of the most exciting applications of AI is in road safety. Our consortium’s D-Risk project has been helping to teach autonomous vehicles about rare driving events, with the aim of improving safety for all road users. This has continued with DeepSafe, which looks at simulation-based training.

In terms of crime and personal safety, technology has many applications, in street lighting, sensors and IoT cameras. If your bike is stolen, bike marking schemes can help to track it down and prosecute theft, and tags can help you geolocate your property. In an emergency, smart phone apps such as Flare can detect a crash and raise an alarm.  

Maintenance

Another aspect of safety is maintenance. Just as on the railways, inspection trains check and log the tracks, technology has a role to play in planning and maintaining safe cycling and walking routes: logging cycle paths, highlighting dangers, reporting potholes, or mapping accessible journeys. Rather than find the right department in a council, apps such as FixMyStreet provide a convenient, user-friendly platform for the public to log faults like potholes, fly tipping or broken bike stands, for the relevant team to act on.

Measuring where investment is needed

A useful way for tech innovations to support active travel is as a measurement tool. For example, using surveys to find out how many people are walking, wheeling or cycling, evaluating how well initiatives are performing, monitoring air quality, journeys, even using data from accident reporting to focus investment on areas where better infrastructure is needed. Data is used to guide policy – that’s why we developed our Mobility Assessment Framework. It’s an evidence-based approach to evaluating different mobility options for developers and local authorities.

Accessing shared cycles and scooters

New mobility solutions, from e-scooters to cycles, rely on data and digital advances. The rollout of city-wide cycle hire networks necessitates the seamless integration of technologies. This starts with an interactive map of where to find docking stations or street cycles, live data on how many bikes are available and connected payment systems, which unlock the bike and allow you to cycle away on your journey.

For fun!

Finally, and by no means the least important factor in our decision to walk or cycle, is the potential of technology to help make getting around or exercising more fun. Audio guides can help you discover an area, then there are heritage walks, hunting for geocached ‘treasure’ or GPS-enabled games like PokemonGo.  

These technologies can be helpful, but they are all in the background. Digital advances can help to make walking and cycling routs safer, brighter, more fun. But also, allowing you to switch off, enjoy the fresh air and the health benefits of getting around under your own power.

…The DG Cities team is going to be in Stevenage this week talking to people about their views on cycling, so if you see us, stop and say hello!

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[1] https://www.sustrans.org.uk/media/10528/sustrans-2021-walking-and-cycling-index-text-only-report.docx

[2] Based on WHO/Europe Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT), which enables an economic assessment of the health benefits of cycling by estimating the value of reduced mortality resulting from specified amounts of cycling.

How are UK banks defining AI assurance?

DG Cities and YouGov are partnering to explore the UK’s banking and financial services sectors’ understanding of (artificial intelligence) AI assurance. This study is being undertaken by DG Cities for the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation, part of the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. We’re now seeking input from professionals working on AI in finance and banking to understand AI assurance of banking AI.

The UK financial services industry is a centre of activity within the growing AI sector, with many banks recognising the transformative potential of AI. From fraud detection to personalised wealth management, AI promises efficiency, speed, and innovative solutions. But amid all the excitement, a critical question emerges: are banking professionals ensuring the robust and trustworthy application of these powerful tools?

Assuring AI matters

Imagine an AI loan system biased against certain demographics. Unchecked, algorithms may perpetuate inequities and erode public trust in the financial system. Assuring AI involves rigorous testing to identify and mitigate potential biases, ensuring fair and ethical decision-making.

Financial institutions also handle hugely sensitive personal data. AI tools can offer enhanced data security measures to prevent breaches and misuse. To assure AI, banks need a comprehensive data governance framework, including encryption, access controls, and responsible data sourcing practices.

The global financial system is highly complex, with evolving regulations around how AI can and should be deployed. The practice of assuring AI can help leading companies to stay ahead of the curve by actively collaborating with regulators, and implementing robust compliance measures to avoid legal and reputational risks. AI presents significant opportunities, and there are more AI based tools in development in the UK that are likely to significantly impact the banking sector.

“Banking, as in other regulated industries, requires effective assurance practices to build trust, and mitigate risk. ”

AI assurance is about measuring, evaluating and communicating the trustworthiness of AI systems, and whether they meet certain legal, ethical and technical requirements – for example, ensuring AI doesn’t bias customer applications, or create risks to sensitive customer data. The banking industry relies on consumer trust to operate effectively – AI has the potential to both reshape consumer engagement with banks, and enable banks to deliver fair and efficient services.

A real challenge however is how the banking and financial services sector defines and understands assurance terminology and approaches. Banking and finance are a truly international industry - it requires internationally agreed standards and approaches, as well as national level regulation. Assurance must support this, and provide clarity for firms which operate across borders. A common understanding is therefore critical, and this is the subject of this new study.  

Over the coming weeks, the DG Cities team is looking to speak to banking professionals in the UK and those developing AI services for the banking industry to understand their perspective on AI assurance language, and the meaning they derive from terms in use today. For consumers to trust the banking sector, it is critical that the sector trusts the AI tools it deploys – that’s the role of AI assurance, and it’s something we’re excited to speak to finance professionals about.  

To find out more, and to sign up for the study click here.

Complex-to-decarbonise homes: a systems perspective

As the government publishes DG Cities’ research report with UCL, ‘Defining and identifying complex-to-decarbonise homes’, Head of Research, Ed Houghton explains the importance of a definition in addressing the multifaceted challenge of decarbonisation - and the value of an index rather than binary approach to understanding this complexity.

The UK is committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to the UK Climate Change Committee, over a third (37%) of Britain’s annual greenhouse gas emissions come from building energy and heat. If the goal is to be achieved, housing, and in particular social housing, must be decarbonised.

However, decarbonising such diverse social housing stock is no easy feat. The UK has some of the oldest and least energy efficient housing in Europe. Across the social housing sector, many tenants suffer from poor insulation and inefficient heating systems. Some are prone to draughts and damp, creating uncomfortable and unhealthy living conditions. Many aging social housing blocks are expensive to heat and contribute significantly to carbon emissions.

Social housing providers, such as local authorities and housing associations, face many challenges to decarbonising stock, and understanding which barriers to tackle and when requires consideration and planning. UK social housing is hugely diverse – and the approaches required must fit the needs of the property, whether that’s a post-war tower block in a London housing estate, or a listed Georgian terrace of converted flats – understanding the attributes and characteristics of the property and its context is key.

Complex-to-decarbonise homes: the value of applying a systems lens

The diversity and technical complexity of housing in this country means that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to decarbonisation, particularly where there are numerous barriers compounding issues. Instead, those looking to retrofit and decarbonise heating should seek to understand the barriers and opportunities with a property to design a solution.

This is where a better understanding of the concept of ‘complex-to-decarbonise’ (CTD) can help. CTD refers to “homes with either one, or a combination of, certain physical, locational, occupant demographic, or behavioural attributes that prevent the effective decarbonisation of that home until they are addressed. These attributes might constrain the design and delivery of measures to improve energy efficiency, decarbonise heating, or realise occupant benefits (e.g. increased comfort and affordability of heat and energy).”

By defining the specific attributes and factors that describe the property, it is easier to understand the best way forward – and for the most challenging properties, this can be hugely beneficial. Take, for example, a CTD block of flats built in the 1960s with electric heating and cavity walls, as described in our case study for our DESNZ study. These properties were challenging to fit external cladding, requiring skilled teams to abseil and install insulation – what’s more, the variability of cavity insulation across the property created a real challenge. This property required detailed consideration, which made it particularly complex when it came to standard decarbonisation.

The definition of CTD can be applied to any situation in which a property is to be retrofitted and its heat source made more carbon efficient. Essentially, rather than binary, our work positions CTD as an index. The value of this approach is that it provides a spectrum on which any property can sit – some being less complex to decarbonise (e.g. requiring simple insulation retrofit) while others require improvements in multiple ways. The method also means that the user can weight the attributes according to their perceived importance – for example, weighting a social factor, such as vulnerable occupants, highly to make sure this factor is taken into account in the retrofit selection and delivery, rather than looking at the fabric of the building in isolation.

A step towards greater impact

Decarbonising the UK's housing stock is a huge challenge, but it is critical to meet our environmental aims. It will require a collective effort from the government, industry, and homeowners, and a focus on tackling those most complex in the CTD scale.

We believe this new approach can radically shift decarbonisation towards a more holistic appreciation of the system in which these activities happen. By understanding the socio-economic and environmental factors, we believe that more sustainable and higher impact approaches can be brought to the market, and utilised to create healthier, more sustainable and liveable conditions, particularly for social housing tenants.

Summary report

Understanding the value of a CTD index for local authorities

Read more about our work on retrofit and download the full DESNZ report here. 

2023 in one word

To gather the team’s thoughts for an end of year piece for DG Cities, I asked everyone to sum up their year in one word. A few were positive: “journey”, “rewarding”, “mixed methods” (that’s two) or the more euphemistic “eventful.” For others, “trying”, “u-turns”, “backwards”, “messy” and “reckless.”

For a purpose-led organisation engaged in projects conceived to improve people’s lives, places, and help us reach net zero, it’s no surprise there’s frustration – a number of recent policy shifts seem to have turned against these aims. Reading the blog by our Head of Research, Ed Houghton on COP28 last week, it’s hard to miss the growing exasperation with the lack of global leadership when it comes to addressing climate change. As he writes, it is falling to the local, to overstretched councils, to deliver on social housing decarbonisation, green transport, connectivity and so much more.

“2024? A focus on net zero neighbourhoods; emphasis on technology as a part of the solution, but not the whole solution… realistic conversations about the role of AI in local authorities, and more tangible examples of AI improving outcomes and job quality – changing jobs (as opposed to fear of replacement).”

— Ed Houghton

What does the team hope to see in 2024?

Ed’s hopes for “more leadership on net zero action” echoed a wider desire for decisive net zero policy in the team. “More certainty on UK net zero to support more business investment, jobs and training for the sector,” said one. “More certainty surrounding policy that can positively lead us towards net zero,” agreed another. “Generally, more policy focus to meeting net zero and improving local services and places.” “A plan for local authority budgets.” For one, it was simply “change.”

For IoT Project Manager, Sam Grounds, the focus was realising the potential of innovations, with “a greater focus on technology and data-led improvements to social housing, with residents at the centre of change.” For another, “more data and AI infrastructure in local authorities.”

2023 could be seen as the first year of AI’s mass adoption, with the popularity of programmes like Claude and Chat GPT for writing, AI-generated images in the mainstream, a slew of courses being hastily devised and sold in prompting, seminars to understand AI’s impact on different industries… DG Cities has been working in autonomous transport and data-led tech for several years now, but this year is perhaps the first we have been able to apply at scale innovations like IoT cameras, damp, mould and energy monitors in social housing trials. At last, we’re seeing more recognition of the practical role that this previously ‘emerging’ tech can play in delivering practical benefits now: improving housing standards and delivering on decarbonisation. A trend we hope will continue. 

A goodbye (for now) to Kim Smith

But for Kim Smith, our Head of Smart Mobility, when asked what she’d like to see next year: “more of my garden.” Kim retires from DG Cities this week, although like the hero that swoops in to save the day at the end of a Christmas film, we hope it’s more a ‘see you later’ than a true goodbye. Kim has been a leader in transport planning, delivery, policy and strategy for more than two decades. It’s impossible to pay tribute to her contribution and depth of knowledge, particularly when it comes to Greenwich – we’ll miss her insights, expertise and healthy dose of irreverence.

 …but what does the team expect to see in 2024?

We’ve looked at what the team hopes will happen, but what do people think actually will happen in 2024? Here, the responses were more specific to their areas of focus. One predicts more need for the expertise of DG Cities from councils, designing, running and evaluating trials and developing testbeds: “As the climate crisis becomes more urgent, and the private sector makes more and more use of AI, I think there is going to be much greater room for innovation in local authorities.”

Kim predicts a “swerve back to CAM funding” as the sector gains traction with the automated vehicles bill. For our specialist in EV infrastructure, Ash Burton, it’s all about “more creative and innovative solutions to develop and deploy EV charging quickly and effectively.” For others, there were “improvements in and expansion of digital connectivity.”

Predictions for housing were somewhat negative: “continued lack of affordable and good quality housing, increased vocal concern about the housing crisis… and no house building.” And the final response was a little more pessimistic, or realistic perhaps, on the probability of net zero policy change, expecting “nothing until elections.”

Looking ahead

It's fair to say that 2023 hasn’t been without challenges. But it has also had some great moments, particularly in our busy studio in Greenwich’s Design District. We have welcomed three brilliant new members of the team: Emily, Rasheed and Nima. We had a fantastic Digital Greenwich Connect launch at the start of the year. We have delivered a wide range of projects, from a government-funded study into ‘complex to decarbonise’ housing to a trial with Sense to explore how new smart monitors could save people money and energy.

Looking ahead, we’re launching some exciting projects in 2024, continuing our work on a range of initiatives, including DeepSafe, the next phase in the deployment of self-driving services, investigating AI trust, the decarbonisation of council assets and much more. If you’re interested in working with us, you can read more about our services here.

From all of us at DG Cities, thank you for being part of our year, whether you have shared your views with our researchers, collaborated with us on a project, commissioned us or just enjoyed our features and posts. We hope you, like us, will have the chance for some time to rest and reflect over the Christmas break. We’re looking forward to the new year, to coming back with recharged energy, ideas and passion to deliver for the people and places where we believe we can make a difference.

COP28: global decisions depend on local leadership

With another COP drawing to a close, Head of Research and Service Design, Ed Houghton shares his view on the summit ahead of the final wording of any consensus, and highlights the vital work of local government in delivering today on what global leaders can only negotiate as principles for an increasingly unstable future. 

As this year’s controversial COP 28 wraps up, we think its time to stop looking to the top for leadership, and instead recognise and learn from what’s happening at a local level.

The United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP) has become an important part of the annual climate calendar, as world leaders meet to agree how to tackle climate change. The meeting centres on agreements by countries on the targets and approaches to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and building resilience. This year, the conference has been held in Dubai – a petrostate not necessarily known for its climate credentials.

Climate change is a recognised threat to global stability by many scientists worldwide. The evidence for its impact continues to grow – and the picture is bleak. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's Sixth Assessment Report from 2021 painted a grim picture of the planet's changing climate, highlighting the urgency of immediate and drastic action. The IPPC urged nations to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the target set in the Paris Agreement, which it described as essential to avoid the most catastrophic impacts of climate change.

A leadership vacuum

Unfortunately, ‘leadership’ at this year’s summit has been severely lacking. Just days before COP28 began, leaked documents revealed that the UAE planned to discuss oil and gas deals with several countries throughout the summit, raising suspicions among many that the UAE was using COP as a platform to promote fossil fuel interests.

Then, not long into the gathering, the Guardian published accounts of the COP28 president, Sultan Al Jaber, downplaying the need to phase out fossil fuels. Whilst at a public event, he suggested that there was "no science" to support calls for a fossil fuel phase-out, contradicting the scientific consensus that fossil fuels are a major contributor to climate change. This was less than a year out from hosting the summit.

Closer to home, Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak took the opportunity to highlight the UK’s progress, despite noting that he is rolling back commitments for low carbon heating such as heat pump deployments and retrofit energy efficiency measures. This is despite the UK’s independent Climate Change Committee of leading climate scientists recent outlook from October, stating that the UK is highly likely to miss both the target of reducing greenhouse gases by 68% by 2030, and its long-term ambitions of net-zero by 2050. 

Time for local government to lead the way

In the absence of national level leadership, it falls to local government to try to deliver on net zero, whilst also under extreme pressure to reduce costs and operate efficiently. There are, however, clear indications of local councils across the country delivering net zero innovation. For example, the recent LGA report Key Cities - Emissions Down Levelling Up published in May 2023, took a closer look at the LGA's Key Cities Network in achieving net-zero emissions. The analysis highlighted significant progress in key areas including retrofit and decarbonisation, but noted that more work was needed to meet the ambitious targets set out in the networks net zero plans. The report concluded that with limited resources there is only so far that local government can go.

Our own work has also also highlighted how action is happening across local governments at every scale, including the ‘hyperlocal’ level of neighbourhood decarbonisation. Our case studies for the LGA showed action across areas of technology innovation, retrofit acceleration, and community engagement, for example Redditch Borough Council and the Midlands Net Zero Hub partnered to locate local assets that were eligible for the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, bringing together experts from the hub with council officers to deliver retrofit projects. In Devon, the County Council drew together LAD (the Green Homes Local Authority Delivery scheme, which aims to raise the energy efficiency of low-income and low EPC rated homes) and HUG (home upgrade grant) funding to develop the Sustainable Warmth Fund to promote retrofit to the able to pay market, and provide advice and guidance through local networks and organisations.

Look local to recognise impact

Many local authorities are doing as much as they can with limited funding – and often very much out of view. While the international press focuses on the motives and decisions of global leaders in Dubai this month, local authorities are quietly making do with limited budgets to do as much as they can to tackle net zero. And they’re doing this, not only to achieve their commitments, but also to deliver on their social value purpose to their communities. The local level is where real change is happening.

If you are part of a local authority looking to develop a strategy or accelerate decarbonisation, find out more about our consultancy services.

Welcome, Nima!

We’re excited to introduce a new member of our team, Nima Karshenas. A recent graduate of Imperial College London, Nima brings expertise in engineering and AI – his research has explored how emerging technologies have the potential to improve people’s lives, and how our interactions with AI could even make us happier. He explains a little more about his background for our latest blog.

I’m delighted to have joined the DG Cities team as a graduate consultant. Since graduating this summer with an MEng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, I have been searching for a role that gave me the opportunity to apply my skills and expertise to projects that were striving for a positive social impact, shaping communities towards a more inclusive and sustainable future – this is a quality that is reflected in all the work being conducted at DG Cities.

This is not, in fact, my first engagement with DG Cities: in 2021, I was involved in a two-month collaboration on a digital connectivity initiative in Greenwich as part of my third-year group project. This experience was both enjoyable and insightful, allowing me to explore the integration of emerging technologies and prototype an app for the council to enhance its own connections with residents.

During my four years at Imperial and my year in industry at PlayStation, I took a particular focus on Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, and Signal Processing, with my final year Masters project, for example, looking at developing AI techniques to help improve our collective understanding of happiness. I am coming into this role with fresh and dense technical knowledge, and am eager to use it to contribute to the plethora of ongoing work at DG Cities. 

In my first week, I have already been diving into several different projects, and have welcomed the freedom and responsibility I have been given to offer my insights into the work. I love that the range of projects that I am involved in is broad; this gives me exposure to the multiple facets of technology research, deployment and use within Greenwich, and in cities more generally. This not only allows for a more interesting and diverse workload, but will ultimately allow me to approach new problems from a balanced, holistic viewpoint.

With time, I look forward to getting to know the projects and the team better, and to contribute towards shaping a brighter future for our communities and city. In short, I am thrilled to be part of this journey, and eagerly embrace the opportunities ahead.

Eight years is a long time in smart city world

For our latest piece, Balazs Csuvar, Head of Delivery at DG Cities takes a break from strategising future transport to travel in time. Visiting Barcelona for the Smart City Expo World Congress last week, he takes us back to 2015, to his early experience of the international event, to consider how the sector has evolved – and he’s reassured by the greater integration, collaboration and city-level approaches he finds.

Last week, I was in Barcelona for the Smart City Expo World Congress with a delegation organised by LOTI, the London Office of Technology and Innovation. As the work we do at DG Cities often involves a degree of prediction - looking to the next technology, helping our clients anticipate trends, identify and apply useful solutions - it’s interesting to look back at what was exciting and new then, and how that compares to the current market.

Back in 2015, the year NASA found evidence of flowing water on Mars and the first automated vehicle drove coast to coast across America, the Congress was full of technological possibilities. I was drawn to a range of innovations that had yet to see extensive real-world deployment, such as smart lighting, parking management, IT solutions and car-sharing platforms. The landscape of the smart city was beginning to take shape, but in small pieces.

Fast-forward to 2023 and there’s a clear shift in emphasis. The Smart City Expo World Congress showcased data analysis platforms, success stories from cities and countries, and a growing focus on sustainability and net-zero initiatives. The focus has transitioned from clever but ultimately standalone solutions to greater integration and systems thinking. In 2015, exhibitors were focused on offering specific technologies to address individual challenges: smart lighting and parking solutions were independent of each other, and corporate IT systems operated in silos. The emergence of car-sharing platforms provided convenience, but lacked the connection to other urban initiatives that could have prompted wider adoption.

Exhibitors are now presenting integrated solutions that promote collaboration and interoperability. Data analysis platforms have taken centre stage, demonstrating the growing importance of leveraging information to improve places, as much as leveraging technological advances. Cities and countries are recognising this and sharing successful projects that break away from the trend of isolated technological deployments that I think has held some of the sector back.

Integration matters

It was good to see this shift – no solution exists in a vacuum and the places we live and work are complex and interconnected, from energy and transport networks to broadband fibre. At DG Cities, we have always championed integrated planning, holistic neighbourhood approaches and deep engagement. Success relies on understanding what really happens when an innovation meets real homes and people with diverse needs and perspectives.

This change in emphasis I found at the Expo, this move towards integrated solutions, is a positive development for the sector. It signifies a departure from the piecemeal implementation of technologies, where individual solutions were imposed on cities without a comprehensive strategy. However, as I found with many of the standalone solutions eight years ago which, in most cases, had yet to be applied, the same is true here – the successful implementation and evaluation of holistic projects is yet to follow.

The transition to fully integrated systems that seamlessly communicate with each other requires time and strategic planning. The smart city movement is maturing and AI is rapidly evolving; the next eight years may witness the emergence of groundbreaking examples where systems are not only designed to talk to one another, but are also implemented cohesively. And it’s not only systems that need talk to each other – we need to work collaboratively, across disciplines, between the public and private sector, within our teams, and with the communities we serve. That is one of the benefits of the Expo – the opportunity to discover new ideas, talk to the people behind them, learn from case studies and build human networks.

The smart city has to have social intelligence

This sharing of knowledge is fundamental to the way we operate at DG Cities, where our multidisciplinary team is drawn from a mix of public and private sector backgrounds. It brings together engineers, economists, behavioural scientists, specialists in mobility, transport, planning, connectivity, communications and more. We work in an open, collaborative studio, finding opportunities to share different stages of projects as they evolve; examining what works, what we can improve, how we can achieve wider benefits from an investment or initiative. I think that this way of working is what helps us to develop integrated solutions and guides a more people-centred approach.

What can we expect from the Expo in 2030? Flying taxis and self-propagating street furniture? I hope we’ll see the fruition of some of the ideas that I saw emerging – to have moved significantly further from concept to real-world examples of holistic projects that enhance the quality of places and people’s lives. I’m proud that our work at DG Cities, alongside similar initiatives around the world, is helping to lay the foundations for this smarter, more interconnected and sustainable urban future.