SMART communities are planned-they just don't happen. In order for communities to thrive now and in the future in today's global marketplace, they must have access to high technology items, items that were seemingly out of reach before due to cost. We believe that if you are not building for the technological future of your community-your community will not be part of the future.

Smarter buildings and technology infrastructure projects set the standard for premier economic growth. They assist low-income and economically distressed communities to create wealth and minimize poverty by promoting and creating a business environment that attracts the private capital investment and the job growth in high wage level jobs.

SMART buildings feature robust Information Technology (IT) infrastructures that are capable of supporting commercial business environments for the next 25 years. These buildings have sophisticated internal electrical systems that deliver complex information resources selectively throughout the building. A common example of a SMART feature is motion-sensor lighting systems that go on when motion is detected and off when no motion is detected thus saving electricity. SMART buildings incorporate satellite antennas; fiber optics; sensor-activated energy systems; multi-zoned heating, ventilation and air conditioning; high-tech security; multiple-vendor high speed Internet access; video conferencing facilities; emergency electrical backup; and multiple vendor telecommunications access. SMART buildings offer a competitive advantage for its tenants by seamlessly integrating their business systems to customers and suppliers anywhere in the world. These same features would have been cost-prohibitive to small businesses and start-up businesses in a traditional "dumb" building because they would have had to pay for these high-tech upgrades themselves.

In addition, the SMART building allows for a modern workforce that accommodates distance learning and training, and telecommuting. Today's trend in business is for smaller core organizations, so it is no longer necessary to design an office around the idea of getting everyone there at one time. SMART buildings are flexible and cost-effective.

SMART buildings provide the basis for creating wealth in distressed communities by creating a technologically level playing field for small businesses. These small businesses now have the tools to compete in a global marketplace. As these businesses grow and succeed, they create livable-wage jobs for the community. It is a win-win-win scenario. The business owner wins because they have the tools to compete, higher wage jobs and opportunities are created, and the community wins because it increases its revenues now and in the future.

For more information on SMART buildings and their design, visit the ETTC iLab Web site. The Blacksburg Electronic Village is a successful example of how access to technology can bring a community closer and help revitalize their economy. Visit the Blacksburg Electronic Village Web site and read their story.