Challenge 5: The Red Light, Green Light of Inclusive Smart Cities
Nestation : The world’s most environmentally and socially sustainable bus station
Motivation
Creating a Smart City that embodies cutting-edge technology while ensuring that no one is left behind was the challenge we encountered when we came across K-water’s initiative. Inspired by this, our team decided to pay a visit to Busan Eco Delta City (EDC). The weather was scorching hot, and as we continued walking, we realized the need for a resting space in EDC, where the infrastructure was still under development and not yet conducive to providing comfortable breaks. With the worsening effects of climate change, including extreme heat and cold, and high levels of air pollution in Busan, we strongly felt the importance of creating a space in EDC where people could enjoy fresh air, clean water, and take a moment to relax.
As we pondered over the best location for such a resting space, it struck us that installing it at bus stops could enhance the future utilization of facilities and benefit a larger number of people. Our vision was to ensure that in this Smart City, individuals without cars, those with limited mobility, and others facing various challenges could coexist in a thriving community.
To bring this idea to life, we embarked on conceptualizing “Nestation,” a term coined to represent the fusion of a bus stop and a rest station. Our goal was to create a city where everyone could thrive together, fostering inclusivity and improving the quality of life for all residents.
Through the Nestation project, we aim to transform EDC into a model city that not only exemplifies advanced technology but also prioritizes the well-being and convenience of its inhabitants. By providing a comfortable and accessible resting space at bus stops, we hope to create a truly inclusive and sustainable urban environment.
Introduction
Busan, South Korea, where Eco Delta City (EDC) is located, has been facing several challenges that prompted us to take action.
(1) Air Pollution: EDC, situated near the port and industrial areas, suffers from severe air pollution. According to sources, individuals exposed to this polluted environment for three years experienced an alarming increase in the risk of developing lung cancer, ranging from 40% to 73% (source: Francis Creek Research Institute, UK).
(2) Extreme Climate: Currently in its developmental phase, EDC lacks an adequate number of trees or buildings to provide shade. As a result, people often struggle to find shaded areas while engaging in outdoor activities. With temperatures in Busan reaching a scorching maximum of 35 degrees Celsius, vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly, face potentially life-threatening conditions. Additionally, the cold temperatures can drop to as low as -12.2 degrees Celsius, making it extremely challenging for the elderly to carry out outdoor activities without assistance.
To address these issues and provide a solution for the citizens exposed to outdoor environments, our team embarked on a mission to create a “Clean, Airy, and Comfortable Space.” We aimed to tackle the problems by offering a pleasant space with clean air and water.
By implementing innovative measures and designing rest areas equipped with proper ventilation and cooling systems, we aimed to create an oasis within EDC. This would not only offer respite from the prevailing air pollution but also provide a comfortable environment where individuals can rejuvenate and enjoy outdoor activities without being limited by extreme weather conditions.
Our vision is to transform EDC into a model city that prioritizes the well-being and quality of life for its residents. Through sustainable practices and thoughtful urban planning, we aim to create an inclusive and thriving community that is resilient to the challenges posed by air pollution and extreme climate conditions.
Technology Involved
(1) Clean Air, Clean Water
Nestation is a bus stop that provides clean air and water to its users. Equipped with air purifiers and air conditioners featuring filters capable of removing over 99% of PM2.5 fine dust particles, Nestation supplies users with purified air at optimal temperatures. Additionally, in collaboration with K-water, clean drinking water is provided free of charge to the users.
(2) Clean Energy
Nestation is designed to offer convenience to its users while minimizing its impact on the surrounding environment. The energy generation methods incorporated include the following: Firstly, there are solar panels shaped like sunflowers that not only resemble the flowers but also function similarly. Tracking the movement of the sun over time, these panels adjust in real-time to maximize energy harvesting. Secondly, vertical wind turbines harness the energy present in the moving air within the city.
(3) Collaboration with LUMOS
Another team participating in this competition from Korea University, called LUMOS, has developed a personal mobility solution for the last mile. This mobility device is capable of solar power generation, and in case of insufficient energy, it can be charged additionally at our Nestation. Through this collaboration, we can create even greater social impact.
Unique Selling Point
What sets Nestation apart is its ability to harvest renewable energy specifically for the benefit of vulnerable populations. Our goal went beyond simply ensuring profitability; we strived to design a product that has a positive impact on society. By installing our product, governments and local authorities can reduce management and operational costs. Firstly, there are cost benefits. Since Nestation generates energy independently, there is no need for separate energy supply, leading to savings in electricity bills. Secondly, there are social impacts. The maintenance and upkeep of the solar panels and turbines in Nestation require periodic attention, and these tasks provide employment opportunities for individuals, creating job opportunities for the socially disadvantaged.
In conclusion, Nestation offers a unique solution that integrates renewable energy generation, clean air and water provision, and social impact. By prioritizing the well-being of citizens and providing sustainable infrastructure, Nestation aims to contribute to the creation of smarter and more inclusive cities.
What’s happening & next?
The Cybele team aims to commercialize Nestation, starting from June 2023 with the NGCA (Next Generation City Action) and progressing through hypothesis testing, prototype development, and ultimately achieving commercialization by September 2024. Once commercialized, Nestation can generate revenue through various business models: B2C, B2G, and B2B.
In the B2C model, we will collaborate with K-water to provide clean water at the station, and simultaneously sell eco-friendly tumblers to users. This not only promotes the use of clean water but also encourages sustainable practices among individuals.
For the B2G model, we plan to work with municipalities that share our vision and values. In this model, we will receive initial installation funding from the participating local governments, acknowledging the value and impact of Nestation within their communities.
Lastly, the B2B model involves partnering with companies that possess ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) values. Through this collaboration, these companies can utilize or promote their products within the Nestation or engage in advertising and branding opportunities, thereby generating revenue for both parties.
By implementing these revenue-generating strategies, the Cybele team envisions a sustainable and profitable future for Nestation. As a result, we not only aim to provide clean and comfortable spaces for citizens but also establish mutually beneficial partnerships with various stakeholders. Together, we can create a smarter and more environmentally conscious urban environment.
Target Customer Segment
We identified the residents of EDC as our target customers. This includes individuals who cannot drive a car for transportation within EDC, as well as those who face difficulties due to extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, and air pollution, and need a place to rest temporarily. Among them, we believe that infants, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with disabilities may experience these challenges more severely, making them more frequent users of our station.
Impact & Future
Our Nestation embodies the value of providing a clean space through clean energy. By operating the station through environmentally friendly energy generation methods, we aim to contribute to mitigating climate change and creating a cleaner Earth. Additionally, our station offers cooling, heating, and air purification capabilities, as well as access to clean water, creating a clean space that considers the well-being of people, particularly those who are socially vulnerable. Our vision for the future of EDC, as envisioned by Cybele, is to create Neststation that serve as shelters and resting places for people, fostering inclusivity and a sense of community.
Team Cybele
Contact Us
Seokjin Yoon
Email : [email protected]
Instagram:@yoooon_668
Beomjun Kim
Email : [email protected]
Instagram: @tigerbeom_
Haram Kim
Email : [email protected]
Instagram:@skyywwind
Bomi Tae
Email : [email protected]
Instagram:@bomi.tae