Alphabet’s (NASDAQ: GOOGL), Google’s urban innovation company called Sidewalk Labs has announced plans to build a neighborhood in Toronto designed as a model for urban life in the 21st century. The company will invest $50 million in planning and testing while Google looks into relocating headquarters to a new neighborhood in Canada called Quayside by Toronto’s waterfront. Now, Google has about 1,000 employees in that country.
Sidewalk Labs hopes to reduce pollution and impact of wind by increasing shade on sunny days and blocking rain by using smart building design and tree planting. The company also wants to commute times and landfill waste to improve other weather conditions. They plan to reduce potable water consumption by 65%, landfill waste generation by 90%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 73%.
Individuals in this new neighborhood can travel around by walking, cycling, and can share electric vehicles. There will be high speed communication networks including long range and low bandwidth connectivity. Sensors will be placed in public spaces and buildings to report environmental data such as temperature, carbon monoxide, noise, and vibration.
Gabe Hawkins
is Toronto going to be home to the next silicon valley?
Gabe Hawkins
Oct 19, 2017 at 10 48 am