Challenge:
Route planner for identification of vessels and containers for waste on the island of Brač
Brac Zero360: Social and technological transformation towards a Zero-Waste Island
Summary
The proposed solution addresses the complex challenge of waste management on the island of Brač through a comprehensive, 360-degree transformation that integrates technological innovation, environmental stewardship, logistical intelligence, and social engagement.
Rather than viewing waste collection solely as a logistical or technological challenge, Brac Zero360 redefines the problem as a multi-layered ecosystem opportunity, where each component—citizens, infrastructure, data, and operations—interacts to drive lasting change.
1. Technological Layer
• Deployment of NB-IoT smart sensors in waste containers for real-time monitoring of fill levels, lid status, fire detection, and geolocation.
• Installation of GPS and CANBUS trackers in waste collection trucks to monitor vehicle routes, performance parameters, fuel consumption, and driver efficiency.
• A unified cloud-based digital platform to centralize all collected data, run AI-driven route optimization algorithms, and provide actionable KPIs and reporting tools, including carbon footprint tracking.
2. Environmental Commitment
• Reduction of overflowing containers and illegal dumping through optimized collection schedules.
• Contribution to a greener tourism strategy, reinforcing Brač’s image as a clean, sustainable destination.
• Generation of real-time data to support climate targets and EU circular economy policies.
3. Social Engagement
• Implementation of an island-wide awareness campaign to educate residents and tourists on correct waste disposal practices and the environmental impact of their behavior.
• Visual communication tools (posters, videos, branded containers and trucks) to create a sense of shared responsibility and community pride.
• Training programs for collection staff and municipal stakeholders to ensure adoption, empowerment, and long-term sustainability of the system.
4. Logistics and Operational Efficiency
• Intelligent route planning based on actual fill-level data and historical patterns.
• Enhanced performance management of the waste collection fleet, reducing fuel costs and idle time.
• A scalable architecture that can be easily expanded from pilot to full island-wide implementation.
Brac Zero360 aspires to position Brač as Europe’s first fully intelligent, zero-waste island, offering a replicable model for sustainable waste management in insular and tourist-heavy regions across the EU. By tackling the technical, social, environmental, and operational dimensions in a unified strategy, the project ensures a high-impact transformation with tangible, measurable results for the island and its community.
Rather than viewing waste collection solely as a logistical or technological challenge, Brac Zero360 redefines the problem as a multi-layered ecosystem opportunity, where each component—citizens, infrastructure, data, and operations—interacts to drive lasting change.
1. Technological Layer
• Deployment of NB-IoT smart sensors in waste containers for real-time monitoring of fill levels, lid status, fire detection, and geolocation.
• Installation of GPS and CANBUS trackers in waste collection trucks to monitor vehicle routes, performance parameters, fuel consumption, and driver efficiency.
• A unified cloud-based digital platform to centralize all collected data, run AI-driven route optimization algorithms, and provide actionable KPIs and reporting tools, including carbon footprint tracking.
2. Environmental Commitment
• Reduction of overflowing containers and illegal dumping through optimized collection schedules.
• Contribution to a greener tourism strategy, reinforcing Brač’s image as a clean, sustainable destination.
• Generation of real-time data to support climate targets and EU circular economy policies.
3. Social Engagement
• Implementation of an island-wide awareness campaign to educate residents and tourists on correct waste disposal practices and the environmental impact of their behavior.
• Visual communication tools (posters, videos, branded containers and trucks) to create a sense of shared responsibility and community pride.
• Training programs for collection staff and municipal stakeholders to ensure adoption, empowerment, and long-term sustainability of the system.
4. Logistics and Operational Efficiency
• Intelligent route planning based on actual fill-level data and historical patterns.
• Enhanced performance management of the waste collection fleet, reducing fuel costs and idle time.
• A scalable architecture that can be easily expanded from pilot to full island-wide implementation.
Brac Zero360 aspires to position Brač as Europe’s first fully intelligent, zero-waste island, offering a replicable model for sustainable waste management in insular and tourist-heavy regions across the EU. By tackling the technical, social, environmental, and operational dimensions in a unified strategy, the project ensures a high-impact transformation with tangible, measurable results for the island and its community.
Foreseen impact
Brac Zero360 will deliver a multi-dimensional impact, transforming the island’s waste management ecosystem while generating measurable benefits across environmental, social, operational, and institutional domains.
____________________________________________________________________________
A. Environmental Impact
• Reduction in illegal dumping and overflow incidents through real-time monitoring and predictive collection.
• Lower carbon emissions from reduced mileage and fuel use due to optimized routes (estimated CO₂ reduction: up to 25% in pilot phase).
• Cleaner public spaces, reinforcing Brač’s image as a sustainable tourist destination.
• Data-driven environmental reporting, supporting EU climate goals, circular economy principles, and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
____________________________________________________________________________
B. Operational & Technological Impact
• Full traceability of container usage and truck activity:
o Container status (location, fill level, fire alerts)
o Truck telemetry (route, consumption, operational metrics)
• Up to 30% increase in route efficiency by avoiding unnecessary stops.
• Extended asset lifecycle of vehicles and containers due to optimized use and preventive maintenance.
• Zero infrastructure dependency, thanks to cellular NB-IoT and cloud-native architecture.
____________________________________________________________________________
C. Social & Community Impact
• Increased citizen awareness and participation in proper waste disposal and sorting.
• Empowerment of workers through upskilling in digital tools and sustainability awareness.
• Reduction in physical strain and uncertainty for waste collectors due to better route planning and work conditions.
• Enhanced local pride and identity, with Brač positioned as a leading example of a smart, clean, and circular island.
____________________________________________________________________________
D. Economic Impact
• Cost reduction in fuel and maintenance, freeing up municipal resources for reinvestment.
• Improved budget forecasting and data-informed decision-making for local governments.
• Support for green jobs and digital infrastructure services in the local ecosystem.
• Potential to attract eco-conscious tourists and position Brač in sustainable travel networks.
____________________________________________________________________________
E. Strategic & EU Policy Alignment
• Contribution to:
o EU Green Deal goals for smarter resource use and emissions reduction.
o EU Circular Economy Action Plan, especially in waste prevention and digital traceability.
o Digital Europe Programme by integrating AI and IoT in public services.
• Model replicability for other EU islands and coastal municipalities through modular architecture and standardised interfaces.
____________________________________________________________________________
A. Environmental Impact
• Reduction in illegal dumping and overflow incidents through real-time monitoring and predictive collection.
• Lower carbon emissions from reduced mileage and fuel use due to optimized routes (estimated CO₂ reduction: up to 25% in pilot phase).
• Cleaner public spaces, reinforcing Brač’s image as a sustainable tourist destination.
• Data-driven environmental reporting, supporting EU climate goals, circular economy principles, and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
____________________________________________________________________________
B. Operational & Technological Impact
• Full traceability of container usage and truck activity:
o Container status (location, fill level, fire alerts)
o Truck telemetry (route, consumption, operational metrics)
• Up to 30% increase in route efficiency by avoiding unnecessary stops.
• Extended asset lifecycle of vehicles and containers due to optimized use and preventive maintenance.
• Zero infrastructure dependency, thanks to cellular NB-IoT and cloud-native architecture.
____________________________________________________________________________
C. Social & Community Impact
• Increased citizen awareness and participation in proper waste disposal and sorting.
• Empowerment of workers through upskilling in digital tools and sustainability awareness.
• Reduction in physical strain and uncertainty for waste collectors due to better route planning and work conditions.
• Enhanced local pride and identity, with Brač positioned as a leading example of a smart, clean, and circular island.
____________________________________________________________________________
D. Economic Impact
• Cost reduction in fuel and maintenance, freeing up municipal resources for reinvestment.
• Improved budget forecasting and data-informed decision-making for local governments.
• Support for green jobs and digital infrastructure services in the local ecosystem.
• Potential to attract eco-conscious tourists and position Brač in sustainable travel networks.
____________________________________________________________________________
E. Strategic & EU Policy Alignment
• Contribution to:
o EU Green Deal goals for smarter resource use and emissions reduction.
o EU Circular Economy Action Plan, especially in waste prevention and digital traceability.
o Digital Europe Programme by integrating AI and IoT in public services.
• Model replicability for other EU islands and coastal municipalities through modular architecture and standardised interfaces.
About the solver
Integra Estrategia y Tecnología is a Spanish consultancy with nearly 40 years of experience delivering high-impact digital transformation across the public and private sectors. With projects in over 25 countries, Integra stands out for its ability to integrate technology, strategy, communication, and talent into a unified value proposition.
The company is structured around seven complementary business areas, specially relevant for this project:
Data + AI + IoT: A top-tier team specialized in intelligent systems for smart cities, sustainability, and operational efficiency—leveraging IoT networks, machine learning, and data analytics to support decision-making and optimize public services.
Business Solutions & Consulting: Experts in digitalization, process optimization, and governance, providing strategic guidance and technical execution across a wide range of domains, including ESG and public innovation.
Marketing & Communication: An in-house agency focused on designing and executing communication strategies, awareness campaigns, audiovisual content, and behavioural change programs, ensuring public understanding and engagement.
Talent & Innovation: Through its own Integra Technology School and university alliances, Integra promotes continuous learning, digital skills development, and social impact initiatives linked to innovation and sustainability.
Backed by strategic partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, IBM and Fortinet, Integra delivers end-to-end solutions with measurable results, grounded in a deep understanding of technology, institutions, and people.
www.integratecnologia.es
The company is structured around seven complementary business areas, specially relevant for this project:
Data + AI + IoT: A top-tier team specialized in intelligent systems for smart cities, sustainability, and operational efficiency—leveraging IoT networks, machine learning, and data analytics to support decision-making and optimize public services.
Business Solutions & Consulting: Experts in digitalization, process optimization, and governance, providing strategic guidance and technical execution across a wide range of domains, including ESG and public innovation.
Marketing & Communication: An in-house agency focused on designing and executing communication strategies, awareness campaigns, audiovisual content, and behavioural change programs, ensuring public understanding and engagement.
Talent & Innovation: Through its own Integra Technology School and university alliances, Integra promotes continuous learning, digital skills development, and social impact initiatives linked to innovation and sustainability.
Backed by strategic partnerships with companies such as Microsoft, IBM and Fortinet, Integra delivers end-to-end solutions with measurable results, grounded in a deep understanding of technology, institutions, and people.
www.integratecnologia.es
Indicative budget/Phases
A. Technical Deployment & Operations (Pilot Phase)
Timeline: Months 0–6
Scope:
HARDWARE
• Installation of ~100 smart sensors in waste containers (~9.800€)
• GPS + CANBUS tracking devices in 10 waste collection trucks (~2.500€)
• Communications 10 years, 110 devices. (~1.250€)
SERVICES
• Installation and setup of IoT devices
• Setup of cloud-based digital platform for monitoring and route optimization
• Training of municipal staff and waste collection operators
• Initial data collection and system calibration
Estimated cost: €260,000
________________________________________
B. Awareness Campaign, Training & Communication
Timeline: Months 1–6
Scope:
• Design and production of visual materials (videos, posters, digital content)
• Vinyl branding for containers and trucks
• Launch of local awareness campaign targeting residents and tourists
• Community outreach actions (schools, events, local media)
• Onboarding materials and communication support for all stakeholders
• Training on sustainability values and system benefits (beyond tech use)
Estimated cost: €80,000
________________________________________
Total Estimated Budget (Pilot Only): €340,000
This budget covers all essential components for a successful pilot implementation of Brac Zero360, including technology, logistics, social engagement and training.
Future scalability across the entire island will be modular and proportional, depending primarily on the number of devices to be installed and deployed in subsequent phases.
Timeline: Months 0–6
Scope:
HARDWARE
• Installation of ~100 smart sensors in waste containers (~9.800€)
• GPS + CANBUS tracking devices in 10 waste collection trucks (~2.500€)
• Communications 10 years, 110 devices. (~1.250€)
SERVICES
• Installation and setup of IoT devices
• Setup of cloud-based digital platform for monitoring and route optimization
• Training of municipal staff and waste collection operators
• Initial data collection and system calibration
Estimated cost: €260,000
________________________________________
B. Awareness Campaign, Training & Communication
Timeline: Months 1–6
Scope:
• Design and production of visual materials (videos, posters, digital content)
• Vinyl branding for containers and trucks
• Launch of local awareness campaign targeting residents and tourists
• Community outreach actions (schools, events, local media)
• Onboarding materials and communication support for all stakeholders
• Training on sustainability values and system benefits (beyond tech use)
Estimated cost: €80,000
________________________________________
Total Estimated Budget (Pilot Only): €340,000
This budget covers all essential components for a successful pilot implementation of Brac Zero360, including technology, logistics, social engagement and training.
Future scalability across the entire island will be modular and proportional, depending primarily on the number of devices to be installed and deployed in subsequent phases.