The pilot scheme consists of 10 Smart Benches in London (#SmartBenchUK), which have now been installed in the London boroughs of Lewisham and Islington in time for World Cancer Day on 4th February. The solar-powered benches enhance public spaces by providing mobile device charging ports and free Wi-Fi access, as well as a place to sit and socialise.
In the world’s first use of contactless payment on the Smart Bench, the public can also donate £2 to the charity’s life-saving research to beat cancer sooner, by simply tapping their contactless debit or credit card on the Smart Bench, popping up across London.
Strawberry Energy have been working exclusively with Urban Partnerships, a division of MKTG which delivers projects within the public space that are mutually beneficial for both brands and non-profit organisations.
Cancer Research UK are the first brand to partner on the Smart Bench scheme, a network of benches across two London boroughs (Islington and Lewisham). The sites were identified as high-footfall locations by MKTG, using their strategic insight tools and location planning expertise.
The pilot of ten Smart Benches was installed on 31 January with full support from both boroughs, and feature a number of contactless payment locations including Islington Green and Lewisham High Street. Following the pilot a further ten will be installed by the end of February, with an additional 80 to be installed this year.
Sensors built into the smart benches monitor real-time environmental data including air quality, which users can check via the Strawberry Energy smart phone app, providing a valuable lifestyle tool for the community and feeding important data to local boroughs. This is especially relevant in support of London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s aim to improve the capital’s air quality. Strawberry Energy has taken on production and installation of the first benches, without cost to taxpayers, as part of the company’s commitment to London as a smart city.
“We have been working with London boroughs to breathe life into our dream of a network of solar-powered Smart Benches, making energy free for all Londoners” said Miloš Milisavljević, founder and CEO of Strawberry Energy, developers and owners of the Smart Bench network. “We are proud to launch our network in the lead up to World Cancer Day with a contactless fundraising innovation in aid of Cancer Research UK. Our charging stations bring people together, motivate them to spend more time outdoors, and enhance their enjoyment of the environment with information such as pollution sensors.”
Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport added that the council is committed to making Islington a place where everyone can enjoy an excellent quality of life and is very pleased that Islington is one of the first places in London to trial them. The council is looking forward to seeing how they benefit residents, workers and visitors alike.
As well as making donations via these Smart Benches, Cancer Research UK is also urging the nation to wear a Unity Band (for a suggested donation of £2) on 4th February 2017, World Cancer Day, creating one incredible #ActofUnity that will help beat cancer sooner.
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