Over a dozen of leading technology companies – including some of the worlds largest – formed a new council to help cities around the world achieve growth and sustainability.

Alstom, AT&T, Bechtel, Cisco, Electricite de France, General Electric, I.B.M,, Itron, Microsoft, National Grid, Qualcomm and S&C Electric have led the creation of Smart Cities Council.

In addition, associate partners include ABB, Alphinat, Grid2020, Invensys, MaxWest Environmental Systems, Opower and Zipcar (a division of Avis).