STARDUST
The international STARDUST project solves challenges related to sustainable mobility, construction and energy consumption. We strive to make the city a more sustainable place to live in. We believe that by collecting data and using it with determination, we can provide decision-makers and city residents with new, useful information. Businesses are also welcome to use the data produced in the project through open interfaces.
In Tampere, the project will be implemented between 2017 and 2022 by the City of Tampere, Tampere Utility Company (Tampereen Sähkölaitos), Aurinkotekno, Enermix, Skanska and VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
Electric-powered transport
Measurement devices have been installed on the electric buses and the hybrid bus operating route no. 2. The equipment is used to monitor electricity consumption and the operation on the route. The information is used, for example, in route planning and the electrification of public transport.
Smart lighting and IoT platform
New ways to control exterior lighting are being tested in Tampere. The pilot utilises 3D modelling and people’s mobility data to provide light where needed at a given time. At the same time, a technical IoT platform is being built for collecting and analysing the data.
Smart district heating
Buildings that have been selected as pilot sites in Tampere feature smart thermostats that enable testing and development of the demand response of district heating. The service furthers energy-efficient district heating use and offers residents a means to control their heating consumption and costs. The service is developed by Enermix Oy and the local electric plant, Tampereen Sähkölaitos Oy.
Green wave traffic optimization
We are testing ways to help drivers avoid unnecessary braking and stops for traffic lights. Monitors are installed on the Hatanpää highway to guide the driver at the right driving speed. VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the City of Tampere are in charge of the implementation.
Sustainable energy production in buildings
In this project, VTT Technical Research Center of Finland, Skanska and Aurinkotekno also implement their own pilots related to sustainable energy production in buildings, for example.
VTT is developing a forecast model for the property at Hatanpään valtatie 30. The purpose is to use the results to optimize building use and property automation.
Skanska is building a new property in the Härmälänranta district. The building helps save energy without compromising living comfort. For example, the site will feature charge stations for electric cars, and solar panels will be installed on the roof of the neighboring building.
Aurinkotekno is developing a concept that involves an energy community formed by a residential area constructed in Ilokkaanpuisto and a solar power plant built some 20 kilometers away.
Three pilot cities and four follower cities
In addition to Tampere, the STARDUST project is being implemented in Pamplona (Spain) and Trento (Italy). Similar pilots are under way in both, related to energy, transport, construction and ICT use. Teachings from the pilots are shared with follower cities in Greece, Northern Ireland, Romania and the Czech Republic.
For further information on the goals and results from the project, see the project website. To follow the progress of the entire project, use Twitter or order the STARDUST newsletter on the project website.
STARDUST project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 774094.
