IGEM 2014 Special Edition
in this issue
Level playing field? Tea Team produces results GreenTech’s RM950 million commitment Building dams: The Sarawak Project
Dr Maximus ‘turun padang’ Past year has seen several changes and challenges
KeTTHA Industry Dialogue 2014 Ensuring sustainable development of three sectors that are the main pillars of economic development
Walking the talk Prime Minister has people’s interests firmly in his mind, which is to create jobs, pursuit of sustainable development and general well-being of the people
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Editor’s Note
IGEM 2014 Special Edition
in this issue
Level playing field? Tea Team produces results GreenTech’s RM950 million commitment Building dams: The Sarawak Project
Dr Maximus ‘turun padang’
Past year has seen several changes and challenges
KeTTHA Industry Dialogue 2014 Ensuring sustainable development of three sectors that are the main pillars of economic development
Publisher
HK Gan
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Johnson Fernandez johnson@theplus.my Production Editor
Nicholas Daniel Raj nicholas@theplus.my Journalist
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sarah@theplus.my Creative Director
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Walking the talk Prime Minister has people’s interests firmly in his mind, which is to create jobs, pursuit of sustainable development and general well-being of the people
When there’s a will, there’s a way POLITICAL will. Whether it’s in politics, sports, lifestyle or just sheer habits, there is little that can be achieved if there’s no political will. Malaysia committed to the 2009 carbon pledge, a promise that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak reiterated when he spoke on Sept 23 at the United Nations summit in New York on climate change. It was at the 2009 Copenhagen UN climate change conference that he first said Malaysia will cut the carbon emissions intensity by 40 per cent by 2020. But while Malaysia is on track to make good that promise, Najib was understandably not impressed that the rich nations had not been in tandem with their own commitment to deliver the same. “They did not. Yet, Malaysia continued to cut its emissions intensity for the sake of our people – and our planet. “This time it must be different. This time, all countries should commit to an ambitious deal to reduce emissions. And they must follow up that commitment with consistent action,” he said in New York last month. Najib was not an empty vessel at the climate change conference. Malaysia is indeed on track to achieve the promised targets. And why had that been possible? Simple: Political will. There’s been an integrated effort by the relevant ministries and departments, with Najib having taken a personal interest in driving Malaysia towards achieving the 40 per cent reduction target. Take also the Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili. During interviews with Green+, he didn’t at any time come across as a man who was merely on transit in KeTTHa, biding his time to move up to a more senior portfolio. No, Dr Maximus is passionate about his work at KeTTHA. His constant dialogue with industry players and willingness to roll up his sleeves and put shoulder to wheel to ensure a cleaner planet not only for our children but for the generations after them proved he too was a man on a mission. It’s obvious that both Najib and Dr Maximus subscribe to the maxim that “we do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children”. So, how can we possibly go wrong?
JOHNSON FERNANDEZ
green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
SEDA_210x275mmNEWBleed Blue091014ANLB.pdf
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Contents 14-15
8-9
20-21
Striking the right balance
Bringing Innovation to Malaysia through the Construction Development Lab
… between sustainability and development ... Pages 8-13
LCR develops solutions and transfer the knowledge and training to the CDL ... Pages 22-25
GreenTech Malaysia partners PDRM to “Go Green”
Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) has been consulting Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) as a strategic partner to assist with PDRM’s “Go Green” programme. ... Pages 14-15
GreenTech Malaysia
Catalysing the Nation’s Green Growth ... Pages 16-19
The Green Ranger Movement
An innovation by the Emkay Group and driven by Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal ... Pages 20-21
4
2014 is the GREEN Feng Shui Year
In the Wood Horse year, the existence of strong Wood element clashes with the Earth element ... Pages 36-37
Dr Maximus ‘turun padang’
Past year has seen several changes and challenges ... Pages 26-28 22-25
Cost-saving projects through energy performance contracting
Procurement process must suit the EPC business model and process flow ... Pages 30-31
Saving the sinking boat of mankind, where is Malaysia at?
Malaysians believe we are geographically blessed for being free from natural disaster ... Pages 32-34
Catherine’s first 100 days at SEDA
In less than three years of the FiT’s operation, SEDA has achieved more RE capacities than the previous SREP programme ... Pages 38-39 green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
MEDIA PARTNER
Contents 40-41
62-63
The makings of a hybrid city
Marriage of old, contemporary and futuristic will form new architecture ... Pages 50-53
BCA’S 2nd green building masterplan
80% of buildings will be green by 2030 ... Page 54
Eco-smart new home has highest green credentials
New property harnesses host of renewable energy and eco-friendly construction techniques ... Page 56
Taking a two-way approach to hotel energy systems
50-53
Façade will be highly insulated, using a variety of high-performance glass and materials to shield it from the sun ... Page 57
Find yourself with nature at the Lost World of Tambun
Ipoh is known for its limestone landscape. The city is surrounded by splendid, bountiful greenery where the Lost World of Tambun is strategically placed. ... Pages 40-41
Vehicles emission study of high volume traffic in Selangor
Emissions from motor vehicles are the single most significant source of air pollution in many Malaysian urban areas ... Pages 42-44
JKR and UNDP’s Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project
Contributions to the building industry ... Pages 46-48
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59-59
Sustainability emerged because of significant concerns
It’s about how much responsibility one assumes ... Pages 58-59
Low carbon economy
Truly green companies will apply sustainable practices throughout their operations ... Pages 60-61
Building dams: The Sarawak Project
What are often preconceived and speculative opinions serves only to rob Sarawak of its chance to tap into its hydropower potential ... Pages 62-63
Sustainable rural tourism in Malaysia
Homestay programmes identified to develop rural tourism and economy of locals ... Pages 64-67
Atlanta bikers are pedaling their way to a greener world
Riding bikes prevents minute particles from entering earth’s atmosphere ... Page 68
The global warming hoax
Scientists fabricate data to blame humans for climate change ... Page 70
Size and age of plants impact their productivity more than climate
Theory based on new dataset assembled from more than 1,000 different forest locations across the world ... Page 72
NEWS - FOREIGN
... Pages 73-79
green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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Cover story
Striking the right balance
‌ between sustainability and development
BY JOHNSON FERNANDEZ
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green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Cover story
M
ALAYSIA is blessed. Free from natural disasters, and with bountiful natural re s ou rc e s , t he country has been making strides in its conservation efforts. It is a promise that we made to the world, that we would protect the habitat, conserve the greens and ensure the land remains rich for our children and their children and the generations after that. Oil and gas have played a significant part in our national journey, but these resources are finite. In 2009, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak pledged at the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009, Copenhagen (COP-15) to deliver Malaysia’s ambitious carbon emission reduction by 40 per cent by 2020, which may not be realised without integrating and understanding the balance between industrial supply realities and lifestyle demands. It’s not going to be a bed of roses for a country in its infancy insofar development is concerned. But the efforts need to be put in motion. In an exclusive interview with Green+, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib speaks about Malaysia’s initiatives to look after the environment and sustainable development.
green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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Green+: What is the strategic plan in term of policy objectives and energy conservation targets by Malaysia in mitigating impacts of climate change and to reduce CO2 emission intensity from efficient use of energy or energy efficiency at the users’ (demand) side especially in industrial and commercial building sectors by 2020? PM: At the 2009 UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, I said that Malaysia could achieve a carbon emissions reduction of 40%. That was an ambitious target then – and, given the lack of transfer of financing or technology – it’s ambitious now. But it’s not impossible, and five years later I think Malaysia is in a strong position. That said, there is still a lot to be done. On the government side, we can pursue more cohesive co-operation between Federal and State level decision making processes in environmental development. In the private sector, industries, especially small and medium enterprises, can use the Green Technology Financing Scheme to make better use of the technologies that can save money and carbon. Green+: Our automobile industry is growing rapidly. The car-population ratio now is about 3:5. CO2 Emissions from the Transport Sector in Malaysia is a major concern to all Malaysians. Some of the possible mitigating measures include switching fuel to natural gas, improved public transport system, and use of non-motorised transport. What are your views on this current situation? What is your advice to all Malaysians for the future? PM: We want a competitive and sustainable domestic automotive industry, including the national automotive companies; and we want to make Malaysia a regional automotive hub for energy efficient vehicles. Again, this comes with an ambitious target: 85% of vehicles produced in Malaysia by the end of the decade will be energy efficient vehicles. And it’s important for our car companies, as well as for our environment, that we see real progress towards that target in years to come. As our market matures, and people start looking for vehicles that can save money and have a lower
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PM Datuk Seri Najib looks at the inaugural Green+ Edition with Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Ongkili.
green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Cover story
We want a competitive and sustainable domestic automotive industry, including the national automotive companies; and we want to make Malaysia a regional automotive hub for energy efficient vehicles. Again, this comes with an ambitious target: 85% of vehicles produced in Malaysia by the end of the decade will be energy efficient vehicles.
green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
environmental impact, our national carmakers need to be ready to respond with really advanced and desirable products. But transport is about much more than cars, and as our cities grow, we will continue to invest in public transport options. As anyone who’s visited KL recently will know, there’s huge investment in public transport infrastructure in the form of a new MRT line, and much of the city is being made more walkable. In the past, we’ve sometimes planned our city around cars, rather than around people. That’s changing now, and that bodes well for a future with more people but fewer emissions. Green+: What has been the impact of socio-economic and environmental systems on global population and sustainable growth? PM: The resilience of socioeconomic and environmental systems is now being tested
against the demands of a rapidly growing global population, and the constant need for economic growth. Malaysia is no exception: like most countries, we are trying to strike the right balance between environmental conservation and development. And like most developing countries, we’ve had to do so whilst pursuing milestones that others passed before environmental sustainability was even a concept. Many high-income countries achieved prosperity at the expense of the environment, not in concert with it. We’re determined to take lessons from the experience of others, and strike that delicate balance between development and conservation. The after-effects of the global financial crisis four years ago linger in significant ways. Last year saw the worsening of the European debt crisis, downgraded prospects for global growth,
Dr Maximus present a memento to Datuk Seri Najib during IGEM 2013.
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Cover story
and gloomy predictions of world trade. Facing instability, countries around the world are searching for strong new sources of economic growth; businesses are seeking certainty in investments; and people covet quality, long-lasting jobs. And one of the most positive things about environmental policy is that at its best it can deliver all of those things: growth, certainty and jobs. Our challenge is to make sure that it does. Green+: How do we balance e c o n o m i c a m b it i o n s w it h environment? PM: I believe we can offer a new development model, one where economic ambitions need not come at an environmental cost. Malaysia’s energy policy has long been based around our natural resources. Oil and gas have played a significant part in our national journey, but these
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The inaugural Green+ edition which featured Dr Maximus on the cover is a topic for discussion between him and Datuk Seri Najib.
resources are finite. So we have pushed renewable energy with policies such as the Feed-in Tariff, which aims for renewables to contribute 11 per cent of our energy needs by the end of this decade. Renewable energy is expected to create some RM70 billion economic activity by 2020, supporting 50,000 jobs and helping us hit our carbon emissions target. For Malaysia, the past three decades have been a period of rapid and sustained growth. Our GDP has increased more than a hundredfold. Over the past four decades, we have averaged nearly 7% annual growth. Poverty rates have fallen from 49% to less than 4%, and per-capita GDP has risen from US$370 to more than US$9,000. This growth has been matched by a fundamental change in the structure of our economy. Like
many Asian countries, we have moved from an extractive economy based on agriculture and raw commodities to a multi-sector economy driven by services and manufacturing. The New Economic Model, introduced in 2010, focused on three key principles: income, inclusiveness and sustainability. These three principles will drive our progress towards a fully developed nation; a competitive economy strategically positioned in the region and global landscape, environmentally sustainable and offering a high quality of life. The New Economic Model includes a commitment to sustainability, not only in our activities, but in considering the impact of development on our environment and precious natural resources. For us, this is the crux of sustainable development: to achieve such goals as relieving poverty by
green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Cover story
Datuk Seri Najib is briefed on one of the hybrid car on show during last IGEM.
availing ourselves of our natural resources without compromising the ability of future generations to do likewise. These are long-term ambitions. My main concern as Prime Minister is to ensure that we have the people’s interest firmly in mind – not just now, but in ten, twenty, thirty years’ time. We are committed to the creation of jobs, the pursuit of sustainable development and to ensuring the well-being of the people. To achieve these objectives, sustained economic growth and environmental stewardship can and must go hand-in-hand. Green+: What are Malaysia’s commitments towards conservation and preservation? PM: During the Earth Summit in Rio 20 years ago, we pledged to the world to keep at least 50% of our country under forest and tree
green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
covers in perpetuity. Today, our green cover is at 74% and 56.4% of our landmass is forested. And some Sstates, such as Sabah, are leading the way, with more than 18% of their land totally protected. So by focusing on the outstanding issues – like bringing the Central Forest Spine Masterplan to fruition, for example - we can show the world that Malaysia walks the talk on conservation. In fact, we have a long history of natural resource conservation, from the 1998 National Policy on Biological Diversity onwards, so pursuing ambitious conservation programmes is also honouring our past. Green+: What is the government’s strategy to balance the needs of planting up new power in electricity generation and the efficient utilisation of energy resources especially fossil based fuels as
outlined in the objective of the existing National Energy Policy? PM: Peninsular Malaysian generation capacity currently consists of 54.2% natural gas, 40.2% coal, 5.2% hydro, 0.4% oil and less than 1% renewables. Different fuel types fulfill different requirement; for instance, coal plants and hydro plants have been increasingly used to meet base loads. Certain gas plants are used to fulfill the peak demand of electricity. We need a balanced energy mix, one that ensures security of supply, but also ensures our environmental competitiveness. We want to see renewables play a larger part in our energy system in the years ahead, and we want to see a new focus on energy efficiency. Again, given the lead-in time to build new power plants, this is a medium to long-term ambition. But it’s one that I think we can achieve.
My main concern as Prime Minister is to ensure that we have the people’s interest firmly in mind – not just now, but in ten, twenty, thirty years’ time. We are committed to the creation of jobs, the pursuit of sustainable development and to ensuring the wellbeing of the people. To achieve these objectives, sustained economic growth and environmental stewardship can and must go hand-inhand.
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AUTOMOBILE
GreenTech Malaysia partners PDRM to “Go Green” BY RANESSA THEYAKARAJA
The existing police car.
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alaysian Green Te c h n o l o g y Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) has been consulting Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) as a strategic partner to assist with PDRM’s “Go Green” programme. This initiative forms part of PDRM’s efforts to support the Government’s green agenda and be at the forefront of the country’s green procurement efforts. Towards this end, the PDRM introduced the Green Practices and Green Technology Applications Blueprint developed jointly with GreenTech Malaysia on Jan 9. The Blueprint, which was officially launched by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak outlines clear directions, policies and action plans to be adopted by PDRM to mitigate their environmental impact. Green+ recently spoke to GreenTech Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, Ir. Ahmad Hadri about the green initiatives with the Malaysian Police: Which “Go Green” aspects are
GreenTech Malaysia and PDRM collaborating on? GreenTech Malaysia is really pleased to have a very motivated, disciplined and committed partner with PDRM, as an employer they boost a workforce of over 93,000, and they are very serious about their “Go Green” agenda. From a start in December 2012 when they first launched the PDRM Going Green programme, led by the Inspector General of Police, this was followed by a series of workshops facilitated by GreenTech Malaysia and led by PDRM’s Director of Logistics Datuk Pahlawan Zulkifli Abdullah, focused on four key aspects within PDRM. The first was focused on PDRM’s buildings - the over 1,000 police stations across the country – energy audits are being undertaken with a view to enable PDRM to make their buildings more energy-efficient. Second, PDRM’s transportation requirements, with about 25,000 vehicles in their fleet, it was identified that this area represented a significant opportunity to PDRM to mitigate its environmental
impact. Working with GreenTech Malaysia and other partners a pilot has been undertaken to assess the viability and benefits of using retro-fit hybrid systems in patrol cars as this would result in an immediate reduction in their carbon emissions, as well offering savings from reduced fuel cost. The third aspect is the area of ICT. In general people tend to look at ICT as meaning computers, however, there are a broad range of ICT related systems and other electronic devices that form the central nervous system of the police force’s data systems. Supporting this requires a huge network of data centres, which equates to high consumption of electricity. This presents an opportunity for cost and environmental savings as we look into transitioning their current data centres into green data centres. Fi na l ly a nd ye t e q ua l ly important has been the efforts to encourage the police force and their purchasing officers to choose Green Procurement as an integral part of their operations. We monitor their purchases to examine whether the products or services consumed or purchased are green, and if not we assist in suggesting green alternatives. This is much more than just changing their uniform or outlook; it’s really about PDRM taking on the role of ambassadors, demonstrating to members of the public that in addition to being the national security force and protecting the people, they are also environmentally conscious and embracing green seriously. How are green initiative going to be implemented in terms of PDRM’s transportation, their police cars? Wouldn’t it slow down their operations? PDRM currently deploys the Proton Inspira as their official vehicle for use the ground force. We are working with DFRAN to introduce the REVOLO system, a retro-fit plug-in hybrid system green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
AUTOMOBILE
Police’s serious green business
Datuk Pahlawan Zulkifli Abdullah.
GreenTech Malaysia’s Integrated Approach.
that manages the engine and disperses power effectively. From the pilot test, PDRM has been able to record a reduction in their fuel consumption by about 15% as a result of using REVOLO. For the police force which runs a fleet of 25,000 cars on a daily basis, 15% represents a significant potential savings, particularly if the system were to be deployed nationwide. The successful pilot test results clearly demonstrate the financial viability of adopting green technology solutions to mitigate an organisations’ environmental impact, but importantly, particularly with respect to the police force, it didn’t come at the cost of efficiency. Are there any other green initiatives that the police are keen to explore? Yes. As part of the Blueprint action plans, we are currently exploring how to incorporate sustainability into properties under PDRM, given that the police force owns a considerable number of stations to adequately serve the public nationwide. As a first green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
step, we are performing an energy audit for one of its stations in Tmn Tun Dr Ismail. We estimate that by the end of this year, we would have already completed our assessment and be able to identify the efficiency rating of the building. From there, we will then come up with a list of targeted areas that they can focus on to minimise carbon footprint and how they can do so effectively. On the ICT side, we are currently working closely with the Bukit Aman to ‘green’ their data centre. We are currently carrying out our assessment and will provide them with our findings and proposed action plans by the end of this year. Overall it has been fantastic working with PDRM, given their sense of commitment, eagerness and enthusiasm towards the “Go Green” agenda. We are keen to further deepen our collective efforts to meet the national agenda on green technology. This partnership has definitely taken some very fruitful first steps and look forward to achieve a lot more together.
Malaysian Police got down to some serious business by showing their green initiative by buying eco-friendly equipment and materials, including RM400,000 worth of capsicum (pepper) liquid to replace chemical irritants used by the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU). That said, another RM2m will be spent on electroshock guns, which will be a part of an estimated RM5.68m to obtain hybrid vehicles, LED signboards and bulbs, biodegradable face masks, food containers and gloves, ecofriendly engine oil and more by this year end. Police’s blueprint on green practices and technology was released on 23rd August 2014 where it was noted that the force had already spent RM18.6 million this year to procure more energy-saving light bulbs, paint, paper, eco-friendly breathable fabric and biodegradable body bags, gloves and face masks. Comm Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah, Bukit Aman Logistics Department director, said Police had set a target to have 25 per cent of its procurement to be eco-friendly. “I’m happy to say that we have already surpassed it,” he said. Datuk Zulkifli Abdullah has also said the force planned to purchase about 30 electric motorcycles for the Kuala Lumpur Amanita patrol unit. The Amanita is a government initiative where women are pulled in to help the promotion of neighbourhood safety. Tests were also being conducted on the hybrid system called Revolo since January of this year, which if approved, will be outfitted in police patrol cars. He has estimated that an energy efficient patrol unit could save nearly RM6.44mil or 23 per cent the Police’s RM28mil bill on annual petrol costs. Also, Police are said to be discussing budget allocations for the new green fleet with the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) and Treasury. “We have been very much involved in green initiatives since 2012. We are looking to have about 30 to 40 electric motorcycles latest by October. It doesn’t use petrol, it’s quieter and suitable for Amanita to raise awareness on being environmentally-friendly to the community. “The initial investment of a green initiative will always be high but we should calculate the savings these assets would bring,” he told reporters after attending an event called MyHijau Youth Camp for 75 children of police officers. The camp was aimed at educating the children on how to reduce their carbon footprint.
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GreenTech Malaysia E n Catalysing e r g y the Nation’s Green Growth
DISPLAYING its commitment to transforming Malaysia into a Green Economy by 2030, Malaysian G Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) aims to increase the financing of green projects Malaysian banks through the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) to RM 950mil this year.
GreenTech Malaysia
“In previous years, the average annual amount financed stood at about RM500 million. This year, th 950 million target is a tall order, but we are confident of achieving it,” said Ir. Ahmad Hadri H GreenTech Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, during a recent media briefing.
Catalysing the Nation’s Green Growth By TANIA PRABHA
As facilitator of the GTFS, GreenTech Malaysia, he said, was charged with identifying bankable g projects for local entrepreneurs and industries to participate in the programme.
D
ISPLAYING its commitment to transforming Malaysia into a Green Economy by 2030, Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) aims to increase the financing of green projects from Malaysian banks through the Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) to RM 950mil this year. “In previous years, the average annual amount financed stood at about RM500 million. This year, the RM 950 million target is a tall order, but we are confident of achieving it,” said Ir. Ahmad Hadri Haris, GreenTech Malaysia’s Chief Executive Officer, during a recent media briefing. As facilitator of the GTFS, GreenTech Malaysia, he said, was charged with identifying bankable green projects for local entrepreneurs and industries to participate in the programme. Given the infancy R ofevised) the sec8 September 2014 (Green Plus Article: tor, both industry and financiers may not be able to fully assess the
FINANCING CATEGORIES FEATURES
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Legally registered Malaysian-owned companies (at least 51%) in all economic sectors
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prospects and benefits of green technology, and uncertain of how to maximise value and profits from the sector. GreenTech Malaysia is charged with developing green technology as a strategic engine for the
nation’s socio-economic growth, undertaking a broad range of initiatives to create greater awareness among Malaysian companies, banks and the general public on the tremendous potential of green technology.
Pa
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8 September 2014 (Green Plus Article: Revised)
Energy
8 September 2014 (Green Plus Article: Revised)
National Green Technology The GTFS offers qualified Policy applicants a 2% rebate on inter-
est or profit rates for green The National Green Technology Policy (GTP) was launched by the Prime Minister, Dato' Sri Mohd Najib bin technology project costs and a Government on24, 2009. The Policy states that Green Technology shall be a driver to accelerate Tun Abdul guarantee Razak, oofn 60% July the amount financed. Launched the national economy by the Prime Minister Dato’and Sri promote sustainable development.
Mohd Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak in 2010, the scheme was origiThe TP is built n billion four ptoillars: energy, environment, economy and social, with the following objectives: nallyGallocated RM o 1.5 encourage the expansion of the sector. In Budget 2013, an ad1. RMTo minimise growth of energy consumption while enhancing economic development; ditional 2 billion was allocated due to positive response re-growth of the Green Technology industry and enhance its contribution to the 2.theTo facilitate the ceived. national the economy; Since inception, GTFS has provided funding to 148 3. To increase projects, national capability and capacity for innovation in Green Technology development and creating over 2,131 green jobs, enhance M alaysia’s and assisting green ventures in competitiveness in Green Technology in the global arena; securing of RM 1.95 bil4. financing To ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for future generations; lion up to end August 2014.
5. To enhance public education and awareness on Green Technology and encourage its widespread
National Green use. Technology Policy
GreenTech Malaysia’s Strategy To Malaysia minimise growth a of 1. Malaysia’sand competitiveness GreenTech has adopted flagship approach to ensure that the mid-‐term long-‐term goals Policy (GTP) was launched by the outlined energy consumption while in aGreen Technology in theit in the GTP are achieved. Four key flagships provide the organisation strategic focus to ensure Prime Minister, Dato’ Sri Mohd enhancing economic develglobal arena; Najib bin Tun Abdul Razak, on is able to opment; catalyse green growth. 4. To e n s u re s u s ta i n a b le July 24, 2009. The Policy states 2. To facilitate the growth of the development and conserve Green Technology shall be a Green Technology industry the environment for future that driver to accelerate the national and enhance its contribution generations; economy and promote sustainto the national economy; 5. To enhance public education 3. To increase national capabiland awareness on Green able development. The GTP is built GreenTech chief ity and capacity for innovaon four pillars: energy, environment, Technology and encourage executive officer Ir tion in Green Technology its widespread use. economy and social, with the folloAhmad Hadri Haris development and enhance wing objectives:
The National Green Technology
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8 September 2014 (Green Plus Article: Revised)
8 September 2014 (Green Plus Article: Revised)
GreenTech Malaysia’s Strategy
GreenTech Malaysia has adopted a flagship approach to ensure that the mid-term and long-term goals outlined in the GTP are achieved. Four key flagships provide the organisation a strategic focus to ensure it is able to catalyse green growth.
Flagship 1: Green Malaysia Plan
“The first key flagship is the Green Malaysia Plan. This will see the development of the Green Techn Master Plan, which aims to define clear pathways for policy makers, industry and all Malaysians to Flagship 1: Green Planour national environmental and economic targets. The Green Technology Master Plan a in aMalaysia chieving “The first key flagship is the Green Malaysia Plan. This will see ensure Malaysia becomes a green economy and community by 2030. This would see the the development of the Green Technology Master Plan,growing which Technology sector to an estimated 1.5% of national GDP and employing some 0.6% aims to define clear pathways for policy makers, industry and all national workforce,” said Hadri. Malaysians to unite in achieving our national environmental and economic targets. The Green Technology Master Plan aims to ensure Malaysia becomes a green economy and community by 2030. This would see the Green Technology sector growing to an estimated 1.5% of national GDP and employing some 0.6% of the national workforce,” said Hadri. T h e G re e n Te c h n o l o g y Financing Scheme is a key initiative under this first flagship.
all sectors of the Malaysian econeconomic and environmental omy to adopt sustainable and benefits. The use of the REVOLO environmentally responsible hybrid engine system on PDRM’s sourcing and purchasing habits vehicles has demonstrated up to by incentivising, developing plat23% reduction in fuel consumption and up to 14% reduction in Flagship 3: Electric Mobility forms and promoting awareness of products and services that are carbon emissions,” he added. available to Malaysian consumThis Flagship aims to ensure the development of a strategic action plan to achieve the national target of Flagship 3: Electric Mobility ers,” said Hadri. 10% market share for electric vehicles by 2a020. will aialso on efforts to paims osition alaysia the as a Flagship toM ensure “ Pol i s(EVs) Di Raj MaIt lays ’ s focus This hub for the production of right-‐hand drive Vs. Practices and development of a strategic acBlueprint on EGreen tion plan to achieve the national Green Technology Applications, target of 10% market share for developed in partnership with “GreenTech Malaysia will develop and publish the Electric Mobility Blueprint in the second half of 2014. electric vehicles (EVs) by 2020. GreenTech Malaysia, represents This Blueprint will provide policy makers, industry and other stakeholders with comprehensive details of It will also focus on efforts to a successful collaboration which the key challenges and strategies that Malaysia will need to implement in order to meet the national position Malaysia as a hub for the has already begun to demonstrate targets,’ said Hadri.
The Green Technology Financing Scheme is a key initiative under this first flagship. Flagship 2: Green Procurement
“Green Procurement encourages all sectors of the Malaysian economy to adopt sustainabl environmentally responsible sourcing and purchasing habits by incentivising, developing platform promoting awareness of products and services that are available to Malaysian consumers,” said Had Flagship 2: Green Procurement
“Green Procurement encourages Blueprint on Green Practices and Green Technology Applications, develo “Polis DiRaja Malaysia’s partnership with GreenTech Malaysia, represents a successful collaboration which has already beg green+. IGEM 2014tSpecial 18 GreenTech Malaysia participated in successful trials for electric buses last year. Findings from hese Edition trials, demonstrate economic and environmental benefits. The use of the REVOLO hybrid engine syste which compared the costs for operating an electric bus compared to a diesel bus, showed that operators
Energy 8 September 2014 (Green Plus Article: Revised)
8 September 2014 (Green Plus Article: Revised)
“GreenTech Malaysia is confident that these bold initiatives, in a structured approach, will send a clear 4: Sustainable Livingleader in signal to industry, business and the public that Malaysia stands poised Flagship to become a regional This Flagship focuses on creating the necessary environment for green technology.
the growth of the nation’s green economy at local government levels, through strategic initiatives such as the Low Carbon Cities Framework (LCCF); and through public awareness and business de velopment initiatives such as the annual International GreenTech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference (IGEM) Malaysia. “Currently, GreenTech Malaysia is implementing the LCCF, jointly developed with the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water with four strategic partners – Majlis Perbandaran Subang production of right-hand drive targets,’ said Hadri. Jaya, Majlis Bandar Petaling Jaya, EVs. GreenTech Malaysia particiHang Tuah Jaya and the Iskandar “GreenTech Malaysia will pated in successful trials for elecRegional Development Authority,” Flagship 4: Sustainable Living develop and publish the Electric tric buses last year. Findings from Hadri advised. Mobility Blueprint in the second these trials, which compared the “ G re e n Te c h M a l ays i a i s of 2014. This on Blueprint willthe necessary costs for operating an electric busgrowth of the nation’s green confident that these bold initiaThis half Flagship focuses creating environment for the provide policy makers, industry compared to a diesel bus, showed tives, in a structured approach, economy at local government levels, through strategic initiatives such as the Low Carbon Cities and other stakeholders with that operators could see considwill send a clear signal to industry, Framework (LCCF); adetails nd through ublic awareness and business development comprehensive of thepkey erable savings in operations and initiatives such as the annual business and the public that challenges and strategies maintenance the vehicles with Malaysia. Malaysia stands poised to beInternational GreenTech & Eco Pthat roducts Exhibition and Cofonference (IGEM) Malaysia will need to implement potential 0% in CO2 tailpipe emiscome a regional leader in green in order to meet the national sions. technology.
“Currently, GreenTech Malaysia is implementing the LCCF, jointly developed with the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water with four strategic partners – Majlis Perbandaran Subang Jaya, Majlis green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition Bandar Petaling Jaya, Hang Tuah Jaya and the Iskandar Regional Development Authority,” Hadri advised.
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Energy
Members of GRM pose with a tree that’s believed to be millions of years old.
The Green Ranger Movement An innovation by the Emkay Group and driven by Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal By SUNITA DEVI APPUKUTTAN
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h e n e v e r we plan a domestic family holiday, highly likely that includes searching for star-rated hotels, with some leisure fun activities to go with good food and rest. Question is how much do we consider educating children during holidays? With a vision to nurture and develop a community of children and young adults to become Responsible Stewards of our Natural Resources and Environment, the Green Ranger movement is indeed steadfast in ensuring Sustainable Development for Malaysia by educating children and young adults to engage them as critical thinkers to lead the charge towards Sustainable Development. There are camps and activities organised that bring children closer to nature and helps nurture a sense of appreciation for biodiversity in our country. These camps are organised for small as well as big groups mainly to educate through experiential learning programmes that promote the restoration, rehabilitation,
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conservation and protection of the environment. Children enjoy fun, which is the forefront of the activities while trying to nurture their understanding towards the connection between the environment and its ecosystems, the community and the world. Navigator camps and biodiversity identification along the way have made an impression on many children who have attended these camps. Key activities include engagement in community service projects that help to restore, rehabilitate, conserve and protect the environment. The driving factor behind the green ranger movement is to foster educational focus on Sustainable Development that aims to meet human needs (such as energy, water and food) while preserving the environment – to meet the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future generation. The Green Ranger movement welcomes schools, homes, businesses and communities to understand the environment where they live in far better. This not only gives confidence to the young adults it also increases
their appreciation for the rich flora and fauna in the country. The activities are integrated in such a manner to suit the group needs. By providing an integrated approach in seeking solutions to current and potential world environmental issues, young adults have knowledge of issue which cause threats to the nation, region and world at large. The programme methodology encourages, inspires and motivates the Rangers through active and engaging learning to acquire in-depth knowledge of the environment and biodiversity ultimately training Rangers to be environmental leaders so that they become ambassadors to their respective schools and communities. This allows for a wider reach of the programme in the form of Green Ranger clubs and associations in their respective schools and universities. The facilitators and trainings are conducted by ICEM Learning and Development Sdn Bhd, whom vision is to provide the tools, the means and the reasons catering to the growing interest in conservation on environmental matters. They enjoy talking to young people who seek a new path forward. “We hope to contribute in meaningful ways to the preservation of our environmental resources by providing hands-on, practical knowledge to allow participants to engage immediately in building a sustainable corporate lifestyle, says ICEM chief executive officer Chandra Arumugam. The corporate world can emulate this Green Ranger Movement as their CSR priority moving forward. Many good people know where the hornbills rest and the elephants roam. Such organisations play vital role as partners green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Energy
and foundation members who jointly work together for the same cause, to build the talent and capability of the many who want to know more of the beauty of the environment. This was the aim of EMKAY Group’s corporate social responsibility vehicle, Pulau Banding Foundation, which mo ote d t he Gre e n Ra nge r Malaysia (GRM). “The Green Ranger Movement Programme will enhance the awareness of the public especially among the youth on the importance of forest preservation. The forest is a gift from God and if it is not well taken care of, we will face dire consequences,” said Founder of Green Ranger Movement, Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal Abu Bakar, and chairman of the Board of Trustees of the EMKAY Group. “In Malaysia we have a 130 million years old rainforest. How many of us know that?. “ Personally, I couldn’t draw merits as this was also news to me. As we continued the conversation, Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal’s responses were light-hearted and enlightening.
Tan Sri, among many other CSR activities by private companies, how is GREEN RANGER a far more productive movement, in your opinion? Tan Sri MK: GRM seeks an in-
tegrated, synergistic educational approach to creating the awareness, interest on the global and local environmental issues. GRM attempts to give not only students a look into Mother Nature but it provides opportune moments for companies to play a constructive role through various corporate knowledge and skills enhancement programs. Green Business Strategy development, Introduction of Green Corporate practises are some of areas from which corporate have benefitted through the Green Ranger Movement.
Tan Sri, in line with our government’s various eco friendly projects and programmes, to what policies and government regulations could the GREEN RANGER Movement of EMKAY draw complementing similarities? Tan Sri MK: Currently, GRM green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
is working with Ministry of Education in complementing their curriculum with environment and scientific skills development content. Awareness has led to interest and now various other skills and knowledge component have been added. In fact our key partner ICEM has experience in providing EMBAs for Ecotourism and Environment Management. So goes to prove that whatever we do here has long term benefits to the society, business and environment, the 3 basic pillars of Sustainability.
attract everybody to its cause and we can take this far quickly if we can engage decision makers and policymakers both from public and private sector.
Tan Sri, you will agree that the government does take heed of such movements and its merits. What would you reckon best incentivizes other firms to adopt the GREEN RANGER Movement in their own company? Tan Sri MK: Yes, I agree.
Although CSR is rarely looked at as a revenue generator, the companies need to integrate their bottom line by giving consideration to Profits from Green Business. The concept of “BAU” Business As Usual is not Sustainable therefore companies need to look into ways to work with the environment and become a tad more philanthropic than before.
Alright Tan Sri some rapid questions which requires only your quickest first few words, now. Tan Sri MK: I will do my best on
the quick quips, ok. (laughter…)
As a property developer, this GREEN RANGER movement has set a precedent not just for this sector, could you share with us an extensive outreach of these movement contributions in other sectors, too? Tan Sri MK: All sectors, should
be involved as these concerns everybody - education, agriculture, government bodies, services ie. financial, oil and gas etc all have their contributions or part to play in conserving the environment as we are also causing the impact to the environment.
How and what are the conditions suited for rapidly achieving results/ goals as outlined in the GRM Charter? Tan Sri MK: We need support
from the highest government and corporate levels - our model is being recognized as a successful strategy for CSR in companies and schools and clubs and we can
Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal hugs members of GRM.
a) In 1 or two words how would you describe the effect of such a movement for the Sustainable cause of Malaysia? Tan Sri MK: Urgent and imperative.
b) Who most importantly should emulate such philanthropy? Tan Sri MK: Government and corporate.
c) What would you say is a key inhibition for achieving GREEN RANGER’s goals? Tan Sri MK: Ignorance or “Tidak apa”.
d) Being a “Not for Profit” entity has it tremendously changed the mindsets of your stakeholders? Tan Sri MK: On the way e) What is the one aspiration you wish to convey to GREEN RANGERS (members)? Tan Sri MK: Albert Einstein.
Can I add words here? Look deep into nature you will understand everything better.
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Bringing Innovation to Malaysia through the Construction Development Lab LCR develops solutions and transfer the knowledge and training to the CDL By TANIA KNUTT and RANESSA THEYAKARAJA
The CDL will enable us to test, adapt and tailor innovative solutions developed by the Group’s Research Centre. This will accelerate the development and delivery of offerings to better meet local construction needs. – Shirley Low, Vice President, Marketing of Lafarge Malaysia
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Lafarge Malaysia’s first construction development lab building.
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n 23 June 2014, Lafarge M a l ays i a o p e n e d its Construction Development Laboratory (CDL), making it the first in South East Asia, demonstrating the company’s commitment to Building Better Cities in Malaysia. The CDL, which is the sixth in the world, is strategically located in the Klang Valley and it aims to promote construction efficiency by adapting innovative solutions to better meet local construction and building needs. Shirley Low, Vice President, Marketing of Lafarge Malaysia, shared with Green+ on what prompted Lafarge to build the CDL in Malaysia and how it can contribute towards building better cities.
Technology Transfer
Shirley Low, Vice President of Marketing, Lafarge Malaysia.
The Lafarge Group invests more than €120 million, or RM500 million, annually into research, product development, industrial performance and process improvement. Located at Lyon, France, the Lafarge Research Centre (LCR) is the world’s leading research facility in building materials with a portfolio of more than 1,000 patents. There are more than 240 experts consisting of engineers and technicians from a variety of scientific backgrounds working at the LCR. The CDL in Malaysia enables Lafarge Malaysia to tap into its Group global experience and technical know-how and bring in and adapt solutions at a much faster rate to meet the local market conditions and technical green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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Artificial reef modules to assist in the regeneration of the fringing coral reefs
Concrete development lab.
Samples of Artevia used.
requirements, catering to the Malaysian construction industry’s needs. “The CDL will enable us to test, adapt and tailor innovative solutions developed by the Group’s Research Centre. This will accelerate the development and delivery of offerings to better meet local construction needs,” Shirley said. The LCR develops solutions and transfer the knowledge and training to the CDL. In turn, the CDL enables Lafarge Malaysia to carry out the main activities to benchmark and analyse the performance of new and existing construction systems, test innovations and demonstrate new systems and structures to suit the local market requirements and conditions. “For example, we piloted a special high-strength solution known as Hydromedia in the construction of our CDL’s car park. A team of green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
experts from the LCR was here to oversee the construction of the car park and provide their expertise. “It is the first of its kind in Malaysia as the newly constructed car park is load-bearing which allows cars and other heavy vehicles to go on it. Hydromedia is a fast draining concrete pavement solution that rapidly directs storm water off streets, parking surfaces, driveways and walkways. This solution is idea for walkways and pavements as it prevents slips, falls or skids,” Shirley added. The objective of setting up the CDL is to function as a collaboration hub for Lafarge to work closely with its stakeholders, to understand the local construction industry needs and challenges as well as to develop solutions for the local construction industry. Architects, developers, engineers and others can come
Lafarge Malaysia has collaborated with The Andaman and University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) together with the local community of Langkawi to form an environmental partnership to create ARMS, an Artificial Reef Module System, within the vicinity of Datai Bay. With the deterioration of corals over the recent years, notably from the impact of the tsunami which struck the region in 2004, the ARMS project helps the regeneration of the fringing coral reefs that have existed around the island for about 8000 years by deploying the artificial reef modules. Designed by Dr. Gerry Goeden, Consultant Marine Biologist at The Andaman in partnership with Mr Kee Alfian, Reef Ecologist, Junior Lecturer, FST at UKM with the assistance of our concrete specialist, the ARMS have created a design that allows maximum ‘hiding spaces’ suited for various sizes of fish in order to sustain the underwater eco-system and by preserving the biodiversity of marine species at Datai Bay. The units were crafted by our teammates at Langkawi Plant. There will be roughly 50 artificial reef modules that will be deployed over a 500 square-metre area throughout the first year of the pilot project with the hopes of a development period of about five years. Furthermore, a total of 5 ARMS were produced by the teammates at the Langkawi Plant for the pilot phase. The ARMS were co-launched by Lafarge Malaysia, The Andaman and UKM and officially deployed it into the water at the beach front of The Andaman on 8th of June in conjunction with the World Oceans Day. This partnership has marked a momentous milestone for Lafarge Malaysia as it stamped the company’s commitment as a significant employer in Langkawi and its role to continue to be highly involved in the well being of the local community and the state of the environment. We hope to create a positive impact in protecting the marine eco-system and to increase the eco-tourism around Langkawi. Lafarge Malaysia’s involvement include sponsoring materials as well as solutions that are required to construct and assemble the modules, and at the same time, offering their expertise on how to create modules that could be easily deployed into the shore. Did you know that, World Oceans Day was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2008 although it was first introduced in 1992. The World Oceans Day helps to raise awareness of the crucial role the sea plays as being an important source for food, oxygen and medicines and is witnessed on the 8th June each year.
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together to participate in the development and testing of new ideas and solutions at the CDL. By involving and working hand-inhand with these stakeholders, the CDL is able to understand the local requirements and construction needs and this will enable the team from CDL to feedback to LCR. The CDL houses three labs - a cement, a concrete and an aggregates lab, with state-of-the-art testing equipment for quality control and assurance of its products. It also has an open testing space for prototypes and demonstrations of new systems and structures. Located nearby the CDL is a ready-mixed
concrete batching plant which makes it ideal for tests and demonstrations to be carried out. “In our showroom located within the CDL, our solutions such as Agilia, Artevia, Hydromedia are showcased. Our customers and visitors will be able to appreciate our solutions better where they can see for themselves the many possibilities on how to use them for their construction needs,” Shirley said excitedly.
Offers and Solutions for Local Requirements
At Lafarge, innovation is the key driver of the business. Delivering
added value to Lafarge Malaysia’s customers means offering them more innovative solutions by addressing and anticipating their needs. “We listen to our customers and understand their requirements and we stay close to the market to get feedback. By bringing the CDL nearer to the customers, it will enable us to develop new systems and solutions at a much quicker pace to meet the local demand,” Shirley said. As well as having a suite of solutions and the technical expertise to meet the local construction and building needs, Lafarge Malaysia
Lafarge launches South East Asia’s 1st Construction Development Lab Lafarge Malaysia Berhad has been and still is a major player in the Malaysian construction industry, contributing towards Building Better Cities. Lafarge Malaysia provides solutions that allow cities and townships develop with more housing, making them more compact, durable, more beautiful and better connected. Headquartered in the Klang Valley, Lafarge Malaysia has a network of facilities that include three integrated cement plants in Langkawi, Kanthan and Rawang, a grinding station in Pasir Gudang, more than 30 ready-mixed concrete batching plants and six aggregate quarries throughout Peninsular Malaysia. On June 23 this year, Lafarge Malaysia opened its Construction Development Laboratory (CDL), making it the first in South East Asia, which demonstrates the company’s commitment to Building Better Cities in Malaysia. The CDL, also currently the sixth in the world is strategically located in the Klang Valley, in Petaling Jaya to be exact and it aims to promote construction efficiency by adapting innovative solutions
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The CDL will enable us to test, adapt and tailor innovative solutions developed by the Group’s Research Centre. This will accelerate the development and delivery of offerings to better meet local construction needs, - Bradley Mulroney, President and Chief Executive of Lafarge
to better meet local construction and building needs. “The CDL will enable us to test, adapt and tailor innovative solutions developed by the Group’s Research Centre. This will accelerate the development and delivery of offerings to better meet local construction needs,” said Bradley Mulroney, President and Chief Executive of Lafarge in regards to the commitment to contributing towards sustainable construction by providing the construction industry in Malaysia with solutions that can help promote construction efficiency. The Lafarge Group already dedicates more than RM500 million annually to research and development; where research is being undertaken in
Lafarge’s Centre of Research located in Lyon, France, the world’s leading research facility in building materials. It has more than 200 employees and a portfolio of more than 1,000 patents. Lafarge is also expecting to host experts from Lyon on a regular basis, who will be instrumental in the company’s plan for technology transfer to Malaysia. Through the CDL, Lafarge is able to tap into its Group’s global experience and technical know-how for the benefit of the local construction industry. Additionally, the CDL will serve as a collaboration hub for Lafarge to work closely with its stakeholders to further the industry’s local needs and challenges. Architects,
developers, engineers and others can come together to participate in the development and testing of new ideas and solutions. The CDL houses three labs - a cement, a concrete and an aggregates lab, with state-ofthe-art testing equipment for quality control and assurance of its products. It also has an open testing space for prototypes and demonstrations of new systems and structures. The opening of CDL is the latest of a number of initiatives by Lafarge to contribute towards its ambition to build better cities. Last year, Lafarge signed a MoU with the Construction Industry Development Board Malaysia (CIDB) to provide training and development to construction personnel to raise construction standards. This was followed by the opening of its state-ofthe-art, enclosed, ready-mixed concrete plant on Jalan Chan Sow Lin in March 2014, This environmentally friendly plant is the first and only plant in Malaysia that has the facility to reclaim concrete and is the answer to raising standards of concrete production, particularly in terms of quality, customization and environmental protection. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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is also the preferred partner for highly technical projects. As a testament to this, Lafarge Malaysia was selected as the sole supplier of building solutions to build the new and beautiful airport which was opened on 2 May 2014. “Although the KLIA2 project was challenging, we had the technical expertise and the right solutions to support the demanding project,” Shirley added. Malaysia, like most countries in the world, is facing a shortage of skilled workers. “In Malaysia, the construction industry is still labour-intensive and more than half of the total number of construction workers are made up of foreign workers. To address the high dependence on foreign labour and the inconsistency of skills, Lafarge introduced a self-compacting, self-placing concrete called Agilia which minimises the need for labour at construction sites. Our Agilia improves construction efficiency and reduces the need for labour at work sites. “Agilia is a highly fluid concrete. It could be used outdoor as well as indoor. The process of applying normal concrete is labour intensive, requiring four to five people to handle it and the process is noisy. “However, with Agilia, due to its high fluidity as it flows like soup, the concrete can be applied by one person and it does not require vibration. With less time for placement and less labour, it ultimately reduces construction cost,” Shirley added. Besides introducing solutions to mitigate the issues faced by the construction industry, Lafarge Malaysia is collaborating with the Construction Industry Development Board of Malaysia (CIDB) to raise the construction standards in Malaysia. CIDB plans to capitalise on the local workforce potential, reduce the dependency on foreign labour and enhance the skills level of existing construction personnel by providing specialised skills training. Through the collaboration with CIDB, Lafarge Malaysia will share, promote and transfer information in the area of cement and concrete usage with the aim to provide a consistent stream of trained and certified construction personnel in Malaysia. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
The Hydromedia pavement at Lafarge
A Long Standing Commitment to Sustainable Development
For the past 60 years, Lafarge Malaysia has played a significant role in the infrastructure development of Malaysia. “Building Better Cities”, Lafarge’s global ambition, and corporate brand positioning, was launched in Malaysia in conjunction with its 60th Anniversary celebrations last year. In Malaysia, “Building Better Cities” reflects the company’s continued support as the nation fulfils its 2020 vision of becoming a high income nation and affirms its commitment to contributing to the development of the construction landscape of tomorrow. “We believe we can continue to contribute to the development of the construction landscape with more innovative solutions to meet the challenges of affordability and sustainability development,” Shirley said. To do this, Lafarge have developed solutions that conserve natural resources. Examples are its cement products, such as Mascrete Eco, Mascrete LH and Phoenix, which are manufactured using pulverised fuel ash or PFA. The Phoenix and Mascrete LH have been awarded the Sirim Eco-label,
Samples from the uses and development of Lafarge.
the Green Label and Green Building product recognition. I n Ma rc h 2 01 4 , La fa r ge Malaysia opened its first enclosed ready-mixed concrete batching plant located adjacent to the Kuala Lumpur City Centre on Jalan Chan Sow Lin. This state-of-the-art plant, which is environmentally friendly, is currently the only plant in Malaysia that has the ability to fully reclaimed concrete which is then recycled back into the batching process. In addition, the plant is capable to producing highly technical concrete that is required in the more sophisticated engineered buildings and structures of today. In addition, Lafarge Malaysia is committed to work towards reducing the environment footprint. One of Lafarge Malaysia’s efforts on conserving the environment is working with The Andaman and University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) to create Artificial Reef Module System or ARMs to help the regeneration of the fringing coral reefs within the vicinity of Datai Bay. Together with The Andaman and UKM, a total of five ARMs were produced by Lafarge Malaysia and deployed into the water at the beach front of The Andaman on 8 June 2013.
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KeTTHA INDUSTRY DIALOGUE 2014
Dr Maximus ‘turun padang’
Past year has seen several changes and challenges By JOHNSON FERNANDEZ
Firstly, it allows my ministry to intimate to the industry players the government’s new standards, efforts and initiatives with regards the three sectors by ‘turun padang’.
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he government intends to touch base and feel the pulse of the grassroots in pushing the nation’s green agenda forward. It is with that in mind that the second Industry Dialogue was staged by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC) on August 14 this year. KeTTHA Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili said he appreciated the opportunity for the Industry Dialogue for two specific reasons. “Firstly, it allows my ministry to intimate to the industry players the government’s new standards, efforts and initiatives with regards the three sectors by ‘turun padang’,” said Dr Maximus to the participants in his welcoming address. “Secondly, it allows the Ministry to listen and receive feedback from the industry players to achieve the best benefits from the three sectors which form the foundation for the economic development of the country. “The feedback and input from this dialogue will allow the Ministry to plan the development of the three sectors in the 11th Malaysia Plan in 2016.” Dr Maximus pointed out the past year has seen several challenges and changes with the industry players in all three sectors – Energy, Green Technology and Water. As the key proponent in supporting the development of the country, from the social and economic aspects, it was critical for KeTTHA to connect with every stakeholder as it’s the aspiration green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
of the government to see the layman, traders, NGOs and even civil societies benefit from KeTTHA’s efforts. “I believe it is, and should be, everyone’s agenda to support the wellbeing of the country. The input and feedback from last year’s dialogue session was put into practice. “And I would like to see again that this session will further enhance our goal to take the three sectors – Energy, Green Technology and Water – to a higher level,” added Dr Maximus. Dr Maximus also spoke about the new initiatives, among which are: Under the National Green Technology Policy, KeTTHA encouraged the growth of green technology by setting up the Green Technology and Climate Changes Committee at State level. Green Technology Financing Sc he me ( G T F S ) , i nc lud ing introducing the Green Technology Investment Tax. Tax exemption for the development of green technology. Creation of markets for green products and services through the MyHijau programme. Setting up Government Green Procurement (GGP), with strategic cooperation with Ministry of Human Resources, Ministry of Education and the private sector to create a workforce specifically for the green sector. Focus on green lifestyle by setting up Green Foundation (YaHijau), with special attention on youths. “The restructuring of the water supply industry will be a focus for KeTTHA. Special attention will be paid to Selangor where I already see a solution with the signing green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
of the Heads of Agreement on August 1 this year. This ensures the continuation of the Langat 2 Water Treatment Project (LRAL2). “I have been informed that similar discussions in Kelantan, Kedah and Pahang are showing positive signs. To mitigate the El Nino phenomenon, the government has agreed to the proposal for ‘mobile treatment plants’. I’ve asked SPAN to facilitate this immediately,” added Dr Maximus. As for the way forward, Dr Maximus said KeTTHA was committed to: Electric and water supply that’s reliable, sufficient and safe.
Supporting of energy and water industries, and development of green technology industries through Government-to-Business and Private Finance Initiatives (PFI). Providing of incentives for the promotion of industrial development and strengthening of the legal framework. Revising and reviewing regulations of related industries. Ensuring that efforts and capacities are further enhanced. The future of green technology to be a major catalyst in certain fields such as transport, agriculture and automotive.
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KeTTHA Industry Dialogue 2014
Ensuring sustainable development of three sectors that are the main pillars of economic development BY RANESSA THEYAKARAJA
The Industry Dialogue 2014’s main objective was aimed at informing industry players about new policies and actions put into place to drive the growth of the energy, green technology and water sector. 28
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he Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) advocated their second Industry Dialogue on 14th August at the Putrajaya International Convention Centre (PICC). The Industry Dialogue was chaired by none other than KeTTHA Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Maximus Johnity Ongkili. There was participation by 250 representatives from the energy, green technology and water industry. Also present were KeTTHA Deputy Minister Datuk Seri DiRaja Mahdzir Khalid, Energy Commission representative, Water Commission representative (SPAN), Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA), Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (MGTC) as well as representatives of government departments and agencies. The Industry Dialogue 2014’s main objective was aimed at informing industry players about new policies and actions put into place to drive the growth of the energy, green technology and water sector. The objective is to also obtain direct input from the industry in looking for the best methodical ways to ensure the sustainable development of the three sectors that are the main pillars of economic development. At the end of the afternoon session, the Minister had addressed and responded to some of the issues that were raised in matters related to the three sectors. With the energy sector, several measures of improvements to the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) are already underway, including ensuring a more transparent and fair distribution of the Feed-in Tariff quotas and generating speed of the Feed-in Tariff payment by TNB from the Renewable Energy Fund.
As for solar photovoltaic, the ministry, along with SEDA, will develop the framework for the implementation of Nett Metering and Reverse Bidding to enhance the use of renewable energy in the country. KeTTHA also held a series of discussions with the Ministry of Finance on the implications of the implementation of Goods and Service Tax (GST) with regards to the energy sector, in particular to ensure that it does not burden domestic consumers. To encourage the implementation of energy efficiency (EE), the Ministry will also review the proposal to replace planting-up electric powered plants in the future in order to promote the use of EE elements. With that said, KeTTHA will be conducting a stakeholders’ engagement session in the near future to acquire feedback from the industry on the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan draft. The ministry is prepared to consider proposals for co-generation as well to be promoted as a source of energy in remote areas that have trouble receiving energy. Towards the green technology sector, GreenTech held discussions with banks involved to facilitate the channeling of loans under the GreenTech Fund Scheme. GreenTech has also examined other methods such as ‘experience sharing’ by successful companies and case studies in encouraging green practices. KeTTHA will also formulate an action plan for green product certification that can be improved. The labeling scheme for goods or green products or Green Building Index practiced is in voluntary form. Cumulatively, the reduction in carbon intensity contributed by the energy, green technology and water sectors for the period of 2013 to July 2014 is estimated
at 8.692 tCO2e. This figure represents 5.5% of the overall target of 40% reduction in carbon intensity by 2020. Through SPAN, KeTTHA will ensure water is not a long-lasting scheduled outage. This includes enforcing the requirements under the Rules of the Water Services Industry (Water Reticulation and Pipe Fittings) 2014, that is water load storage capacity has to be at least in two days of use. SPAN has also developed mitigation plans with water operators in the States to overcome the problem of water supply. KeTTHA will then be working with State governments to find other sources of water, including groundwater. Intensified steps will be taken in order for reduction in non-revenue water loss (NRW) that now stands at 35%. KeTTHA will pay attention to the Water Efficiency Program, including the aspects of policy development related to water demand management. KeTTHA would specifically concentrate in drafting a plan of action to address the issues raised at the dialogue. In respect of operational issues, action to resolve the same was taken. In respect of issues relating to government policies, sufficient time is required in drafting and planning a comprehensive solution. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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PART I
Cost-saving projects through energy performance contracting Procurement process must suit the EPC business model and process flow
E
nergy users have several options to implement energy saving measures identified from the energy audit. For low and no cost measures, many organizations may be able to allocate some budget internally but for measures that require bigger amount of budget with some degree of risks to consider for such investments, Energy Performance Contracting (EPC) is one of the practical options to achieve significant energy cost reduction. EPC model has been identified as one of the strategic initiatives that will encourage domestic direct investments by the private sector by PEMANDU in the Economic Transformation Program (ETP) which was launched by the Prime Minister in 2010. To kick-off EPC projects implementation, the government has committed to implement EPC projects under the Government Lead by Example approach under Entry Point Project 9 in Oil, Gas and Energy Sector where the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water is the lead ministry for this energy efficiency initiative.
What is Energy Performance Contracting?
EPC concept for energy saving measure implementation is through direct investments by ESCO with “Zero Upfront Costs” concept to the owner or the management of building or industrial facilities. The returns from the investments will be used to pay back the ESCO only from the actual energy savings achieved from the implementation of energy conservation measures by ESCO based on shared- saving contract with conditions agreed by both parties. In simple terms, EPC is a project approach that utilizes the energy savings and revenue gains from the implementation to pay for the project costs. The adoption of EPC has been
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By Zaini Abdul Wahab
widely practiced in the private sectors and also in many countries such as United States, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan which offers the following benefits: i) Ability to implement energy saving measures with “ZERO” investment from the facilities owners through performance based concept and to invest savings achieved into other projects; ii) To ensure sustainable mechanism and funding sources to implement energy saving measures for more efficient management of energy; iii) One single contract to tackle multiple energy-saving projects through implementation of each energy saving measure identified from detailed energy audits; iv) Risks transferred to competent third parties on profit sharing basis with proven technologies and expertise; and v) Effective measures to implement energy saving measures to promote energy conservation in government and private facilities by market mechanisms-private investments For the government sector, the adoption of EPC concept will ease the financial burdens of the government spending to implement sustainable energy saving measures in its buildings and the money would be able to be spent for other purposes. For private companies, the EPC will enable competent third parties to identify and implement energy saving measures while they are focusing on their core businesses. In both sectors, the EPC mechanism will allow them to transfer the financial commitment and risks to invest in EE projects to the third party and in the same time to be assured the savings which will benefit the in a long run.
Who can perform EPC project?
E P C i s p e r fo r m e d by a n
entity generally known as Energy Service Company (ESCO) which develop and implement turnkey, comprehensive energy efficiency projects. ESCOs offer performance-based contracts (i.e., contracts that tie the compensation of the ESCO to the energy savings generated by the project) as a significant part of their business. ESCOs must also demonstrate the ability to provide the full range of services required for a comprehensive energy efficiency project covering: + Detailed energy audit + Project financing for implementation + Consultancy in energy efficiency projects + Design of energy efficient systems and solutions. + Implementation and project management + Construction management + Testing and commissioning + Operation and maintenance + Energy performance monitoring and verification performance.
How to make EPC works?
To have a workable EPC im plementation, the procurement process must suit the EPC business model and process flow and to have that the government officers and decision makers responsible to manage EPC must understand what EPC is and how it can work. EPC cannot be treated like a typical conventional procurement of products or services by the government. Some have tried using the typical tendering process but failed and one of the reasons is no ESCOs were interested due to impractical conditions and limitations. For example, a detailed energy audit it a costly exercise and no one would be willing to performed it with no certainty that they will be awarded the EPC contract. Secondly, feasible EPC projects are only about installing new energy efficient equipment or installing green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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ology unite ms to Green f the
and s and i.
ed in un to m on
energy saving devices and thirdly, the sharing from the achieved savings between the ESCO and the client must be from the actual and measured performance rather than from the calculated quantity when the proposal was made and agreed. A full-fledged EPC player in shared-savings model should have the capacity to perform the full scope works involved in the EPC itself. It is very crucial to gauge the commitment of the prospects from the beginning if they are really keen on EPC model to save energy costs at their facilities. Normally facilities owners are keen due the so called zero upfront cost concept when actually the whole process is not truly zero cost but absorbed by ESCO as a part of EPC business process. For example, to conduct a detailed energy audit is a cost as well as the implementation and later followed by the monitoring, measurement of energy performance to establish baselines and actual savings, operation and maintenance of affected energy using systems. From the building owners’ point of view is there is actually zero cost upfront especially in conducting detailed energy audit and investments for the implementation. They just need to pay back all the costs incurred in the whole process totally from the actual savings achieved from the energy saving measures implemented by ESCO. In normal cases of EPC, it would take quite a long time to get everyone on the same page on EPC concept although all parties have indicated their interest from the start because in most cases too, the final decision is not with the technical personnel( as always). This lengthy process and discussions to reach and agree with the contract’s conditions with the ESCO and key decision makers at the client’s side is to avoid future disputes especially when the payment to be made to the ESCO which will involve so many questions on the measurement and verification of savings. In fact, we also need to be very clear on the actual definition of energy cost savings achieved. I came across facilities owners signed EPC contracts based on actual savings achieved but it is purely from theoretical calculations for certain period of time. In EPC, ESCOs should be paid or rewarded green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
based on the actual performance and that actual performance must be based measured data from the agreed baselines which is also based on measured indicators at agreed operating conditions. EPC is not just about a technical exercise which involves technical solutions and paying back from the savings achieved from it. To make it happen, one more important element is to gain the trust and confidence of the prospects that EPC will benefits them in more than just energy cost reduction. EPC could also be seen one way to let ESCO as the expert to perform the energy management tasks for the client and ESCO to play significant roles that will make them as a strategic partner rather than just as a service provider or product supplier. With the average five to 10 years of typical EPC contract period, a lot to consider before it can be signed by both parties especially on the ESCO’s side when so much risks at stake when investment made. On top of that it is also crucial to determine the viability to invest under EPC. This is what happened few years ago when a government agency tried to implement EPC as a pilot project and later did not manage to attract any single ESCO to participate. Then they reviewed the contract period to make it more feasible but unfortunately the tendering process does not suit the EPC business model and therefore some projects that have been identified still could not find the break through.
The challenges for EPC projects implementation
Yes, the real challenge is how ESCO can recoup their investments and making profits at agreed period. This is actually the most tricky and challenging part of adopting EPC model that will lead to one big question: HOW CONFIDENT OF THE ESCO TO GUARANTEE THE PROJECTED SAVINGS FROM WHAT THEY PROPOSED TO THE CLIENT? This type of question normally comes from the decision makers especially from financial controllers and also the possible financiers where the failure to convince them may end up with the big NO for them to proceed and even they agree to proceed, projects implemented will open to further disputes when actual performance to be verified. Usually when
invoice is sent to them by ESCO to pay from the energy cost savings that claimed has been achieved. Most users prefer not have EPC financing to be in their balance sheet and in the same time, they need to be educated on long term benefits and risks on ESCOs when they invested through EPC shared saving model. To my knowledge, there are not many big scare investments and comprehensive EPC contracts that covered total energy saving solutions being implemented by ESCOs in the current market in Malaysia even though in the private sector. Most ESCOs are focused on certain solutions such as HVAC and lighting for commercial buildings. There some EPC contracts involved technologies called as energy saving device where it is claimed to save energy when installed at certain points in the internal electricity distribution systems. For government sector, more need to be done to educate different level of people in the administration and decision making. A series of consultations, workshops, dialogues and discussions have been taken place in recent years to promote EPC model which will also ease the financial burdens of the government in managing its utility costs and to source extra budgets to implement energy saving measures. At least the Ministry of Finance has accepted the idea and EPC has been formalized through the creation of a new registration code for ESCOs with the ministry. Payment to ESCOs also is allowed to be made under EPC by utilizing existing payment codes for the expenditure. In the same time quite numbers of relevant personnel in the Department of Works have started some initiatives to move towards EPC implementation for the purpose of implementing energy saving projects at government buildings. Now the focus must be more on the actual target groups which is the management or the owners of government buildings facilities on the EPC option to reduce their operating costs especially with the increase of energy cost from the energy subsidies rationalization program that has been implemented by the government. PART 2: Next issue - Key steps in the implementation process
Zaini Abdul Wahab is a principal consultant & director at Connecys Sdn Bhd which specializes in consultancy for sustainable energy management system. He was also the Director of Energy Efficiency at Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) Malaysia and l;ed the national EE initiatives under ETP and also was the key resource person in the drafting of EE & Conservation Act by the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water.
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Saving the sinking boat of mankind, where is Malaysia at? Malaysians believe we are geographically blessed for being free from natural disaster
Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed group photo with participants of Singapore Power Shift, a movement under 350.org, the world’s largest environmental movement.
Gene-Harn currently works as a Green Building Consultant at IEN Consultants based in Bangsar. The architecture fresh graduate is also passionate towards the potential benefits of sustainable urban design and green buildings towards the aspect of social, environment and economy in Malaysia. He is also the founder of www.MESYM. com, Malaysia’s virtual integrated platform for environmental sustainability movements.
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Y
e s yo u h e a rd it r ight , t he a na lo gy is as what described by the former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who famously held a cabinet meeting 6 meters underwater in 2009 to pass a resolution calling for action at the Copenhagen climate change talks. During a meet with Nasheed in conjunction with Singapore’s Power Shift event last July, he highlighted agonizingly on the need for global effort in mitigating the effects of global climate destabilization as the survival of Maldives is at stake. “Imagine a boat with all the nations on board, if one does not cut down his carbon emission, the boat will be overweighed and everyone else drowns together, and in this case, the signs are showing in Maldives, we are drowning, literally speaking.”
Rising Temperature, Rising Sea Levels
The best available science predicts that sea levels will rise 0.5 to 2 meters by the end of the 21st century, assuming global warming increases average temperature to 4 degrees Celsius. An archipelago of around 1,200 islands with just an average of 1.5 meters above the Indian Ocean, the Maldives was in good reason to shout out loud during the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Summit despite the modest size of the country. Imagine the day by day disappearance of coastal land daily and there is no higher ground to go to, your home is going to be beneath the sea level soon. That is what portrayed in “The Island President”, a multi award docu me nta r y w h ic h ca pt u re d Nasheed’s presidency term in addressing this global issue from the very bottom of grass root up to the top-level global assembly
of Conference of Parties (COP 15) during then. However, a deeper reality concern is that the rising sea level is also a global threat to hundreds of coastal cities such as Shanghai, New York, New Orleans, Kolkata, Bangladesh, Bangkok, Manila, just to name a few. To make matters worse, most developing countries are being either skeptical or not ready to mitigate the consequences of rising sea level but rather placing priority in economy and population growth which makes them even more vulnerable to the future uncertainties posed by climate destabilization.
More Than Just Feeling “Hotter”
Despite what climate change deniers say, the global statistics speak for themselves. However, one must understand that the increasing mean temperature green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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across the globe translates more than just ‘global warming’, it is also the extreme weather events, they are unpredictable and sometimes, unexplainable. In 2012, the U.S. experienced one of its worst droughts in 25 years, which had a huge impact on the agriculture sector, particularly planted corn and soybean, to lose more than a billion dollar. Meanwhile in the Philippines last November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan is one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded that took more than 11,000 people lives and incurred losses estimated US$686 million. Earlier January this year, temperatures across half the U.S. were plummeting to record low readings due to weaken polar vortex which suspects the increasing melting rate of Arctic sea ice during summer months to be the cause. These examples are just the tip of the iceberg and experts fear for the worst yet to come. Climate change is undoubtedly one of the many global challenges facing mankind in this 21st century; it will result in competition for new resources, territorial changes, energy security, water security, food security and disruption in trade patterns. Climate destabilization is a global issue that is affecting every corner of the world, including you. But what does this mean to the average Malaysian?
Typical river level of Pasig River in Manila that connects Laguna de Bay to Manila Bay. Manila metro has a majority of its 12 million population living on flood prone area.
Is Malaysia truly safe from Natural Disaster?
The general public still perceives climate change as a distant threat, and also holding on that Malaysia is geographically blessed for being free from natural disaster. However, Malaysia has already felt the pinch. Although this year is regarded as one of the warmest, as strange as it may seem, Malaysia recorded the coldest temperature of 15.7°C in the northern states in February this year. The extreme weather Malaysians are experiencing today will become more frequent. This means that if it rains, it would be very heavy with severe thunderstorms. And if it is hot, the hot days would be longer and dryer. The extreme dry spell that affected greater Klang Valley earlier this year has put the urban population to a water rationing exercise too. Malacca was without rain for 67 rains, while green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Subang and Petaling Jaya recorded 22 and 18 days without rainfall respectively. On the contrary, Kemaman had one of its worst floods in 40 years, causing more than 13,000 people to evacuate their homes in December of 2013.
Hard Truth from the Numbers
The weathermen recorded an average of 26.7°C in Peninsular Malaysia during 1969. In 2013, 44 years later, more than 300 meteorological stations across the country gave an average temperature of 27.4°C, or an increase of 0.7 degrees. An analysis of the sea level variations for six areas in the Malaysian seas have been investigated using 15 years of altimeter
Altimeter data from satellites from 1993-2008 of 6 locations around Malaysian Seas has shown rising mean sea level over the period.
data obtained from various satellites. The altimeter sea level time series revealed that since 1993, the mean sea level in Malaysian Seas has been rising at a rate of between 1.42-4.08 mm/year. (1). But what does this really mean? This can also be seen a rising of 0.02°C in the mean temperature annually, or 0.2 degrees every decade, as well as a rising sea level of 14 41cm in 100 years.
Malaysia’s Not So Ambitious 40% Reduction Target
Global climate destabilization is real, and many of us are too smart to be complacent about a steadily deteriorating situation, just like a frog in boiling water, until it is
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eleventh hour to take concrete actions. Malaysia has voluntary pledge in the United Nations Climate Change Conference 2009 (COP15) by stating Malaysia would cut 40% of its 2005 GDP carbon emission intensity levels by 2020 subject to assistance from developed countries. However one must clearly understand the difference of GDP carbon emission intensity levels in comparison with absolute carbon emission as illustrated in the graph below. In actual case, instead, we have a 100% increase of absolute carbon emission in the year of 2020 compared to 2005 level. On the other hand, Maldives has set targets to be the world’s first carbon neutral country by 2020. Does Malaysia’s 40% carbon emission reduction commitment signify any urgency or is it a play safe number that still prioritizes economic gains?
Are We Doing Enough to Save the Drowning Boat?
Despite the targets, it is irrefutably true that there are some efforts in various approaches to reduce the carbon emission, be it governance, legislation and policy. In 2009, we see the establishment of Ministry of Energy, Green Technology, and Water as well as the National Green Technology Policy. Various institutes have been formed since then to assist the implementation of various policies, such as MGTC Malaysia Green Technology Corporation and GTC Green Technology Council to stimulate the growth of Green Technology; and SEDA Sustainable Development Authority to administer Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy efforts such as Feed In Tariffs. Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS) was announced in National Budget 2010. Various green township and building rating tools have also been used such as LCCF Low Carbon City Framework, Green Building Index, GreenRe, GreenPAS, and many more. Even recently, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and UNDP Malaysia initiated a 2-year programme for a National Corporate Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reporting Programme, also known as MyCarbon. Green Foundation, or also known as Ya Hijau, was also established with an initial launching grant of RM15 million to promote the development of Green Technology in the
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Chart illustration showing Malaysia Carbon Emission Reduction Projections comparing Malaysia’s voluntary pledge in COP15 and an absolute reduction of 40% in comparison.
country. Despite there are many deliverables on the track, the question still remains. “Are these efforts sufficient to address our promise in COP 15 back in 2009?”
Is the Orchestra Team Delivering the Result?
We see many different agencies, ministries and level of governments having their own environmental sustainability agenda to dance along the call to reduce carbon emission. However, is there a dedicated task force supervising this? Did we duplicate our efforts as a nation in addressing the same problem? Where is our carbon reduction framework? We have many players in the orchestra team trying to outperform the others, but where is the conductor to ensure the deliverables can meet the expectation? Is there a 20-30 years long term planning to address this action plan? Even 10 years is seen by our policymakers as crystal ball gazing. We need a strong leadership, policy and mandate to cut across the red tapes and personal interests to prioritize the survival of our future generation. Aren’t we supposed to be held accountable to answer our future generations in the next 30 or 50 years on the opportunity for us to fix this problem?
Debating Environmental Issues in the Political Arena
There is no doubt that environmental issues and politics go hand in hand. It’s time to have frank debate between political parties on the sustainable growth context of energy security, water security as well as food security. The good news is that we do not have to reinvent the wheel, as we have the technology and experts in doing
the deliverables. But, what we really need is the political will, the willingness of different policy makers crossing boundaries regardless of background and political stand to move things forward. It is time to move on from the secrecy culture and the government has to be brave in making the unpopular decisions for the better of the country. Rakyat Needs to Involve for the Sake of Their Future It is also important that the public needs to change its mindset that Malaysia is a land of abundance in natural resources. This is simply untrue and not sustainable as we are a nation of wastage when it comes to food, water and energy. The Rakyat has to play their role by practicing the democracy stand in demanding for answers from their leaders and participate in public engagement sessions, instead of just criticizing behind or being a keyboard warrior spreading hatred on social media. Most of us could be talking about the security of our future offspring, be it monetary or education or moral context, but why are we not taking in energy and water security issue which are equally important to be thought of? Que s t ion i ng Hu ma n it y ’ s Survival In the bigger picture, this directly questions if Malaysia is doing her part in saving the one and only race on this planet, the human race. We share the same air that we breathe, the same water that we drink, on the only habitable planet regardless of which corner we belong to. The planet resource is finite and it now supports a population of seven billion, growing to 9.2 billion by 2050, which you can expect energy security, water security and food security to be a real concern. What makes you think we are living in a care free world when we have so many questions that have yet to be answered for the sake of humanity’s survival? What gives you the confident that your future generation will have the luxury of choices we have today? As the former United States vice president Al Gore once said “Making mistakes in centuries and generations past would have consequences that we could overcome. We don’t have that luxury anymore.” green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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n the Wood Horse year, the existence of strong Wood element clashes with the Earth element When we talk about Green colour, we will automatically link it with the Ecology, Save-The-Earth, “GO!”,”OK!”, health. Thus, it is a word and colour filled with lots of positive ambience and Qi. From the Good Feng Shui viewpoint, Green is related to the Wood element, it tastes sour, located in the East and Southeast sectors, links with liver-function and eyesight. 2014 is the year of the WoodHorse that’s dominantly influenced by the availability of strong Wood and Fire elements. In the first half of the year, Good Feng Shui had predicted that land and property prices, and their rental rates shall turn softer, at least it would not surge as high as like before. Some areas will face stagnancy in the property transactions, especially amongst high-rise condominiums and office blocks partially due to uncertainties in the economy outlook and more stringent loan facility application imposed by the Bank Negara. The excess in the supply will lead to the situation of sellers outnumbering buyers. Only upon entering the third quarter, especially from mid-August onwards, the market will be gradually more stable. Therefore, those who are keen on acquiring or investing in new properties will have more and better choices in terms of prices and quality. We also predicted that the prices of gold, iron, copper, steel and other metal-, petroleum-related products are likely to be unstable or softened. This is because of the existence of strong Wood and Fire elements this year that exhaust much the power of Metal element. Due to weakening Metal element, the various currency exchange rates become more volatile. The higher inflation rates leads to the increase in prices of goods, thus burdening the general public. The bank interest rates continue to be on the low side even though it will gradually increase, and this usually serves as a catalyst for the stock market. The stock market would become more active especially entering into mid-August onwards.
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2014 is the GREEN Feng Shui Year In the Wood Horse year, the existence of strong Wood element clashes with the Earth element
Kenny: We are witnessing now there are more and more property developers are injecting good Feng Shui ideas.
In 2014 till the first half of 2015, those involved in Wood and Fire-related industries, such as plantation, glove, education, tyre, petroleum, electrical, energy, entertainment, and food and beverage (F&B) will have greater business opportunities, thus more aggressive and active business plans and operations will lead to greater harvests. In 2014, the Wood Horse year, the existence of strong Wood element clashes with the Earth element. Therefore, businesses related to the Earth-related industries, such as land, property, construction, mining, etc. would have to be more patient, to step
up efforts, re-plan or re-structure investment portfolio in order to generate greater success and attain new horizons. We are witnessing now there are more and more property developers are injecting good Feng Shui ideas and implementation into their current and future projects in order to cater to the increasing needs by the prospective purchasers. Indeed, the availability of good Feng Shui in a particular project could affect its sale performance. The Metal-related industries, such as the banking, finance, steel, gold, car, will face more pressure and stress in this year green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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generally and they will only do better especially entering the third quarter of the year. The Water-related industries such as traveling (airplane, in particularly), logistics, tourism, hotel, drinks, fishery will face influences from various external uncertainties. However, by working together hand-in-hand with the noble working-partners in investment, business creation or maintenance, they will eventually attain greater success. In the first half of 2014 we saw the stock market and real estate market were softer, but as long as market research homework is properly done, and wise choices are made to invest in visionary, reputable companies, or real estate properties having good location and Feng Shui implementation, the opportunities remain promising. Even in situations where the trend is soft, the ability to grasp opportunities to discover reasonably-priced, high-quality stocks or real estate properties will result in worthwhile returns and gains when the economy starts to recover from the third quarter. The Early Heaven wealth luck brought forth by the Year 2014 will just be fairly general and unexceptional. Therefore, in this year, one should identify beneficial and noble working partners to face and conquer any challenges together, and move forward to explore new opportunities ahead. Within this year, one should avoid excessive decorations or paint having the Red or Yellow colours in the East and Northwest sectors of the home or office. Instead, the recommendation for this sector is to have it painted Blue or Whiten order to ward off unwanted effects from the Number 5-Yellow Star. Avoid placing any aquariums or moving water features in these sectors, in order to avoid triggering negative energies within the sector. The most influential Good Feng Shui colour in the year of 2014 is the Green colour, namely the Teal colour. In particular, the colour Green, for example the Teal colour, is the “booster” of positive Qi namely Number 9-Purple Star that is located in the North sector of the house or office. Painting a feature green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Kenny: The most influential Good Feng Shui colour in the year of 2014 is the Green colour, namely the Teal colour.
wall in the North sector of the house or company with mainly Green colour and mixing where appropriate with some Purple or Red colours, can bring forth plenty of positive energies and greater fortunes to promote good health, wealth, harmony and prosperity till 3 Feb, 2015. Having a feature wall painted in the South sector of the house or office premises with Light Yellow or Brown colours can also bring forth lots of positive energy and greater fortune that promotes good wealth and prosperity in year 2014. As for the Southeast sector, painting a Purple or Reddish colour feature wall in this sector can help to avoid potential legal issues or arguments with others. In general, the socio-economy in Malaysia will be much better especially entering to September 2014 onwards.
Master Kenny Hoo is the Founder & Chief Researcher of GOOD FENG SHUI® Geomantic Research, a research-based company that actively involves in providing professional Feng Shui (Geomantic science) research, authoring, seminars and consultation services for domestic home, business, factory, hotels & resorts, township, property development & ancestral graveyard. To find out more about Kenny and his Feng Shui please visit www. goodfengshui. com.
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f e at u r e
Catherine’s first 100 days at SEDA In less than three years of the FiT’s operation, SEDA has achieved more RE capacities than the previous SREP programme
C
atherine Ridu was under-secretary of the Regulatory and Industry Development Division, Ministry of Green Technology and Water when she was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Sustainable Energy Development Authority (SEDA) with effect from June 2, 2014. By mid-October, she would have completed 100 days in her new role. In conjunction with that, she speaks with Green+ about the challenges at SEDA and about her hopes and aspirations to take the department to the next level. What are your viewpoints on the roadmap of SEDA and plans for the near future. What have been the SEDA’s challenges so far? The roadmap of SEDA is framed by the National Renewable Energy Policy and Action Plan (NREPAP) in which SEDA is obliged to fulfil the five strategic thrusts meted in the NREPAP document. Although SEDA is only 3-yearsold, it has made some commendable achievements in each strategic thrust; the achievements are spelt out in detail in the recentlyreleased annual report for SEDA 2013. In addition to what SEDA is tasked with in the NREPAP, SEDA is also spearheading Energy Demand Management (EDM) in which the team is very much involved with the Energy Efficiency (EE) industry and academics to facilitate deploying and promoting EDM measures together with
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the Energy Commission as well as the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water. The challenges that SEDA has encountered can be divided into immediate challenges faced and challenges to achieve long-term goals:
Immediate Challenges:
+ RE Target: how to meet/ ac h ieve t he R E ta r ge t s stipulated in the National RE Policy and Action Plan (2010) as the targets are constrained by the size of the RE Fund. SEDA needs to consider other mechanisms to increase the RE target and not to depend solely on the RE Fund or the FiT mechanism. + RE Fund: how to increase the contribution to the RE Fund. The NREPAP assumed a 2% additional charge on electricity bills commencing 1st January 2011 but only 1% was imposed on 1st December 2011 and another additional 0.6% imposed on 1st January 2014, making a total of 1.6%. The public may not be able to accept another increase of 0.4% on electricity bills as there are other subsidy rationalisation exercises (such as petrol, electricity, sugar, GST) going on. + Trust perception: SEDA is entrusted to manage the RE Fund with financial efficiency guided by SEDA’s core values. SEDA is required to look into ways of how SEDA can earn greater trust from the public in managing the RE Fund. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
f e at u r e
Challenges to achieve long term goals: Sustainable Energy Development and to grow RE.
+ S u s t a i n a b l e E n e r g y Development so the vision of SEDA can be achieved. The vision of SEDA is to promote the deployment of sustainable energy measures as part of the solutions towards achieving energy security and autonomy. This development needs to consider the economic, social and environmental impact; “Development to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. (Brundtland Report, World Commission on Environment & Development, 1987, United Nations) + Look into measures to increase RE in the electricity generating capacity mix. Currently, RE from the FiT programme constitutes less than 1% (~ 0.7%) of the total electricity generating capacity in the country. With depleting fossil fuel, there is a need to increase the proportion of RE in the electricity mix and also to engage more Energy Efficiency measures to improve both the supply and demand side management of energy. The scope of sustainable energy development encompasses both the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (Supply Side Management & Demand Side Management) so the national objective of achieving energy security and autonomy can be partially met. What was the outcome of the stakeholders’ engagement workshop to discuss the revision of degression rates for solar photovoltaic (PV) for projects achieving commercial operation in 2015? The stakeholders’ engagement workshop held recently in Putrajaya (12th September 2014) and Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (19th September 2014) met with most positive responses. This is the 3rd year in which SEDA has carried out regular stakeholders’ green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
engagement and the degression rates proposed were deemed reasonable, hence there were very little objection to the proposed digression rates. We understand SEDA withdrew some applications for biomass/ biogas quota for 2015-16. What were the reasons for that? The main reason was that the applicants made mistakes in their applications and they have requested to withdraw their applications to submit fresh ones. Common mistakes made were incorrect interpretation of requirements, submitting wrong information (e.g. installed/export capacity), and submitting insufficient documentations. These mistakes arose because these applicants were largely new to the FiT and, therefore, were not well-versed with the requirements. What are the critical milestones achieved by SEDA in administering and managing the implementation of the feed-in tariff mechanism which was mandated under the Renewable Energy Act 2011? The achievements in SEDA are best expressed in terms of number of approvals and number of projects achieving commercial operation. In less than three years of the FiT’s operation, SEDA has achieved more RE capacities than the previous SREP programme; the latter only achieved slightly over 60 MW connected to the grid after a decade of programme. The FiT figures represented in the table below are as at end of August 2014.
Important message on Solar Residential PV scams SEDA would like to take this opportunity to draw to the public’s attention about the recent bout of solar PV residential scams that prey on house owners. SEDA has received several complaints from the public on cases of being cheated by PV companies guaranteeing them solar PV quota in exchange for a hefty deposit. Some of these complainants never get to see the sales agent once the deposit is paid. Suffice to say, these complainants are not aware that SEDA is not even issuing any more new quota for 2014 and 2015, and that there is never any guaranteeing of quota from SEDA to any applicants, and yet there are some unscrupulous people who are still taking the opportunity to make easy money from the public with fabricated information. These scams are hurting an emerging residential solar PV market which is intended for the betterment of the future by providing energy security to the country, energy autonomy to the individuals, and environment protection measures against climate change. These scams destroy the public’s confidence about investing in solar PV systems and most of these individuals will have difficulties recovering their hard earned savings. SEDA would like to warn the public on this scam. Please visit SEDA’s booth @ IGEM 2014 to receive a copy of the customer guide for solar PV systems for the households.
No. Renewable Approved Commercial Operational Resources No. Capacity % of No. Capacity % of App. (MW)* total App. (MW) overall 1 Biogas 49 81.04 9.99% 6 11.73 5.8% 2 Biomass 24 233.14 28.74% 5 52.30 25.8% 3 Small hydro 32 246.34 30.37% 5 15.70 7.7% 4 Solar PV (Ind) 4,062 40.13 4.95% 164 99.17 11.9% 5 Solar PV (non-ind) 370 210.53 25.95% 2,386 203.09 48.8% Total 4,537 811.18 100% 2,386 203.09 100%
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Architecture
Greeted at entrance of Lost World of Tambun.
I
poh is known for its limestone landscape. The city is surrounded by splendid, bountiful greenery where the Lost World of Tambun is strategically placed. A picturesque view of steep cliffs covered with jungle flora form the background of the theme park when you enter Ipoh’s version of Sunway Lagoon in Kuala Lumpur. It has all the trappings of excitement -- water park, amusement park, hot springs & spa, Tiger Valley, petting zoo, Tin Valley and Team Building Park -- surrounded by greenery and exquisite breathtaking limestone features. The Lost World of Tambun is known to be one of the very few eco-friendly theme parks in Malaysia. From animals that are not kept too far from their natural habitats, to the hotsprings retreat where water is conserved by utilising geothermal spring water
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Find yourself with nature at the Lost World of Tambun By Tania Knutt and Ranessa Theyakaraja
for irrigation of the landscape and the team building park where the limestone and solid rocks are utilised to its fullest for activities such as rock climbing. We were first taken to the famous Lost World of Tambun Petting Zoo. There we were greeted by an informative guide who took us around. Racoons roamed
the area freely. The petting area is set on about 100,000 sq ft, built around its natural habitat. There have been 55 different species -- herbivores, carnivores and omnivores. It was obvious the animals were kept as close as possible to their natural environment. Visitors are allowed to feel, green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Architecture
Lost World of Tambun Tour guides. Mariatul (L) and Asri (R).
Basking process area.
feed and play with the animals, giving those looking for more personal encounters, a closer perspective. Each segment was specifically built to maintain the animals’ natural habitat and survival. As it is surrounded by its natural greens all around, no drastic construction was needed to allow the animals feel close to home. One of the processes used to maintain and provide for sufficient amount of clean air and sunlight for the animals is the Basking Process. In the zoo culture, it is vital for the Rangers to provide natural supplements to the animals, like fresh oxygen, green surroundings and sufficient sunlight without the need to tear down more trees. In other words, basking is an important process to improve and maintain the health of the animals to ensure longer life span. One of the many critical things in a petting zoo is hygiene. Usually green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
in zoos, specifically petting zoos, hygiene is a major concern to everyone, from the environment to the cleanliness of the animals in the enclosed areas. However, over at the petting zoo here, it was pleasant to see that hygiene was top priority and the cleanliness of the environment as well as the cleanliness of the animals were very well maintained. One of the ways they achieve this is by making full use of the Eco-Bio Block and Zeolite. It is especially placed in aquariums of snakes and iguanas.
The Eco-Bio Block (EBB) serves as a cleanser.
The EBB is a concrete block with seals good bacteria which purifies and improves water quality. EBB is a bioremediation product that contains effective bacteria in a dormant condition until immersed in water. Bacteria then begins to multiply and cleanse water by consuming organic matters.
By immersing the EBB in water, the effective bacteria contained within it will multiply, degrading ammonia which causes bad odours in any water bodies and therefore purifies the water. Additionally, Zeolite is microporous aluminosilicate minerals used as commercial absorbents. Zeolite, through ion- exchange, can be used in pollution control and remediation. The Zeolite has been used in agriculture, agronomy, aquaculture, animal husbandry, water waste treatment and pollution control. Not only do they have EBB, they have also natural, chemicalfree and organic liquid solutions which is also known as the Effective Microorganisms (EM). The Effective Microorganisms is a liquid solution of effective microorganisms. “Effective” in that the microorganisms can change and improve the environment in which they are applied. EM is produced through a fermentation process and consists of water, molasses, lactic acid bacteria, yeast and phototrophic bacteria, which is a bacteria whose energy for growth is derived from sunlight. To go back to a little history of the EM, Dr. Teruo Higa was the one who discovered the simple idea of this as he was looking for an alternative to agricultural chemicals. Through extensive research, he had discovered that microorganisms can be a powerful tool and after countless attempts. He found out that the key was actually the combination of certain naturally existing, beneficial, non-toxic and non-pathogenic microorganisms which can be obtained from fermentation of certain fruits. The EM is then sprayed around the petting zoo that wards off unpleasant odour. With building a petting zoo around the animals’ natural habitat, other wild animals that roam freely in the forest, specifically monkeys, are allowed to swing by the enclosed area as rangers from the petting zoo will provide food for them. Lost World Of Tambun is definitely one of the very few eco-friendly petting zoos and is surrounded by natural greens. It is definitely an experience one must not miss as it also serves for educational purposes.
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Energy
A container vessel docking at Westports at Port Klang. Curbing emissions and pollution from ships is a matter of priority for IMO as shipping activities increase to support growing global trade volumes, exploration and production of offshore oil and gas and other economic activities.
Vehicles emission study of high volume traffic in Selangor Emissions from motor vehicles are the single most significant source of air pollution in many Malaysian urban areas
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n reality, the combustion process cannot be perfect and automotive engines emit several types of pollutants. Therefore, it is important to develop and deploy methods for obtaining real-world, on-road micro-scaled measurements of vehicle emissions to estimate the pollutants. In this work, several high traffic roads in Selangor will be selected for the road air-quality measurement and analysis. Comparisons with simulations results, using the Operational Street Pollution Model (OSPM) are shown. The study shows that there were no serious of air pollution recorded in the period of January 2012. Air quality trends for the criteria pollutants in this month generally are continuing to show downward trends or stable trends well below the level of the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guideline (RMG). However, PM10 and groundlevel O3 are the crucial pollutants in Selangor. The study revealed that moving vehicles creates a significant impact in air quality on the specific locations. Comparison with simulated data also showed good agreement thus indicating suitability of the model to be used in Malaysia condition.
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By Ahmad Fadzil Ahmad Shuhaili, Sany Izan Ihsan, Waleed Fekry Faris
Introduction
Emissions from motor vehicles are the single most significant source of air pollution in many Malaysian urban areas. Improved knowledge about the quantity of pollutants that the vehicle fleet is emitting into the air has becoming a high priority research question for authorities who are responsible for managing vehicle emission impacts on air quality, especially in urban areas (Cadle et al, 2003). In internal combustion engines processes, the actual process is usually far from perfect combustion due to many factors. Historically in testing process, individual vehicle emissions have been measured using dynamometer testing and drive cycles. Dynamometer testing is a labor-intensive process and, as such, the number of vehicle tests undertaken tends to be limited. Due to the intrusive nature of the testing programme it is very difficult to obtain a random set of vehicles for testing. Dynamometer testing tends toward using a better maintained and/or biased vehicle sample (Zhu et al, 2006). The implications of relatively low vehicle numbers and a biased test sample is that the results may not be representative of real world vehicle emissions.
On the other hand, overseas experience, especially in the United States and New Zealand, has shown that field-visit on site measurement is a very effective method for assessing the quantity of pollutants discharged from large numbers of the on-road vehicle fleet (Makra, 2004). This study involves on the field measurement of roadside vehicle emissions, followed by an analysis of the data. Fives high traffic locations were identified and field sites were conducted. It is therefore expected that the results of this work could further be used for estimation of environmental impact associated with vehicle emissions. Subsequently, a simulation of traffic and emission were conducted to compare with the actual on the rod data. Since there is no similar work conducted before in Selangor, this project will provide for the first time the actual picture and situation of on-road emissions in this State.
Experimental set up + Design of Experiment
Several high traffic roads in Selangor were selected for the road air-quality measurement and analysis. Field measurements along with the traffic green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Energy
information were collected for several days. Meanwhile, the latest data measures carbon monoxide, nitrogen monoxide, hydrocarbon and particulate emissions and other necessary information were obtained from the Department o f E nv i ro n me nt s ( D O E ) Malaysia. An analysis of the vehicle fleet emission data and other relevant data that must be completed for simulations were obtained from the specified locations (Department Of Environment Malaysia, 2011). Subsequently, simulation analysis was conducted using traffic software based on Operational Street Pollution Model (OSPM). + Experimental Procedure Several measuring site was identified in connection with a permanent pollution monitoring station, operating by DOE, which are in Kuala Selangor, Port Klang, Petaling Jaya, Banting and Shah Alam. Continuous traffic counts were collected on the traffic flow. The meteorological data used for the model calculations with OSPM was also obtained from DOE and Malaysian Metrological Department (MMD). Measurements of wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity and global radiation were obtained from several agencies such as ASEAN Specialized Meteorological Centre (ASMC) and Public Works Department of Malaysia.
Mathematical modelling
Concentrations of exhaust gases are calculated using a combination of a plume model for the direct contribution and a box model for the recirculation part of the pollutants in the street. The model can be used for streets with irregular buildings or even buildings on one side only but it is best suited for regular street-canyon configurations. The model should not be used for crossings or for locations far away from the traffic lanes. The model is designed to work with input and output in the form of one-hour averages (Berkowicz et al, 1996). The required input data are hourly values of wind speed, wind direction, temperature and green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
global radiation. The model requires also hourly values of urban background concentrations of the modeled pollutants. Beside the hourly input parameters, the model requires also the data on the street geometry and the traffic in the street. The basic equations used for description of the mean flow are the continuity equation: ui (1) 0 xi
and the steady state momentum conservation equation
u
j
1 p ui ui ; i 1, 2,3 u 'i u ' j v x x j x j x j i
(2)
where + ui are the three mean velocity components (i=1, 2, 3 or x, y, z), +
u 'i are the turbulent fluctua-
tion components (deviations from the mean velocity); the over bar means time averaging, + p is the pressure, + ρ is the air density Modeling dispersion of pollutants in streets is inevitably connected with wind flow modeling (Mestayer et al, 1995). The mathematical principles are basically the same, for example, the governing equation is the steady state mass conservation equation for a scalar, uj
c ' ' cu j S x j x j
(3)
where c denotes the mean concentration and c’ is the deviation from the mean value. S represents here all possible sources and sink terms, for example emission or chemical reactions. Turbulence represents the irregularity or randomness of the flow. For this purpose, a method of Reynolds averaging is used. The wind velocity at the inlet is not uniform due to roughness and topography and for this reason a wind profile, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulence dissipation rate was introduced as a user defined function (UDF) in the selected traffic simulation software (Yamartino et al, 1986). The k–epsilon turbulence model is the most used for modelling flow and turbulence in street canyons and it was also used in this study, more precisely the RNG k–epsilon turbulence model.
This model derived from the standard k–epsilon turbulence model, using a mathematical technique called renormalization group methods (Bishop et al, 2000). This model improves the accuracy for rapidly strained flows and for swirling flows, provides an analytical formula for turbulent Prandtl numbers and an analyticallyderived differential formula for effective viscosity that accounts for low Reynolds number effects (Efisio et al, 2009). The wind profile is represented by the following equations: U y y (4) ln U ( y)
f
k
y0
0
where + U ( y ) is the wind speed at the height y (m/s), + k is the Von Karman constant (0.42), + y0 is the roughness (m), An important reason for nonuniversality of the constants in the k-epsilon model is that the model is not a first principle turbulence closure model, but entails several assumptions and approximations that may result in different coefficients, when important aspects of the flows are different. Theoretically, the difference between industrial and atmospheric flows is the much larger length-scale interval available to atmospheric flows which means that for the same dissipation and turbulence stress, the turbulent kinetic energy will usually be much larger in the atmosphere than in a tunnel simulation (Briggs, 2007). Nevertheless, the approach flow-boundary layer conditions used in this study have been well defined by the software used, with the wind normal to the main canyon axis, and measurements have been taken of canyon wall and air temperatures and profile of mean velocities as well as turbulence intensities.
Results and discussion
The trend of the pollutant can be observed onwards when the average daily between measurement and simulation are compared according to the month. In this study, first quarter of year 2012 is selected. Three places that recorded highest concentration for each pollutant are shown in Figure 1-2 to see their pattern.
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Energy
Ahmad Fadzil Ahmad Shuhaili was a student at IIUM doing his Masters. He is currently pursuing his PhD at UTP. Dr. Sany Izan Ihsan is a lecturer in the Mechanical Engineering Department, working in the area of vehicle dynamics, modeling and simulation, vibration and renewable energy. He is currently seconded to the International Islamic College (IIC) as Deputy CEO (Academic). Dr. Waleed Fekry Faris is a Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department, working in the area of vehicle dynamics, internal combustion engine design and dynamics, nonlinear systems, vibrations and modeling and simulation. He is currently the Director of the International Institute for Muslim Unity (IIMU)
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Concentrations of PM10 have shown on average a decreasing trend. The limit values were not exceeded, in any of the measurement locations on the daily averages. However, still there is exception to this situation when very unfavorable metrological conditions for particulate matter, such as too little rainfall in the middle of the year 2012. For ozone, in first quarter year of 2012, unusually low temperatures and the associated circulation patterns are responsible for the lowest ozone observed at most of these places. During the heat wave of February 2012 by shows that ozone was drastically decreased throughout the boundary layer of the atmosphere. Also levels of nitrogen dioxide have shown a steady increase. Nitrogen dioxide is a fraction of the concentration of nitrogen oxides (NOX), which consist of NO and NO2. The decrease in NO2 is smaller than the decrease in the measured concentration of NOX. This is probably due to the fact that the fraction of directly emitted NO2 by road traffic has increased. If this trend in measured NO2 concentrations continues, then compliance with the limit value for 2012 cannot be guaranteed in some locations. Meanwhile, average daily carbon monoxide concentrations have shown inconsistent measurement. All monitoring stations have statistically significant decreasing trends, except for Port Klang. The highest carbon monoxide concentrations are found in large city centres, which at Port Klang and Shah Alam.
Figure 1: Daily Averages for ozone in January-April
Conclusion
The analysis presented has revealed that moving vehicles creates a significant impact in air quality on the specific locations. Good correlations between measured and modeled data also indicate that OSPM simulation can be used to predict the actual readings of air pollution in Malaysia’s environment. More knowledge and information should be acquired on local meteorological phenomenon, road condition, traffic volume and driver’s mobility and vehicle profile. Also, the impact of nonprecipitation weather elements such as wind, sunlight and temperature should be explored further.
Figure 2: Daily Averages for NO2 in January-April
Acknowledgements
The authors are grateful and wishes to thank Department of Environmental of Selangor Branch, Department of Transport Malaysia and Meteorology Centre for providing environmental data from the pollution monitoring stations and assisting in the research. The Research Management Centre (RMC), International Islamic University (IIUM) is also acknowledged for providing the financial support for the work. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
www.pollutec.com/gb
Malaysia’s Premier Eco-friendly,
Sustainable and Green Business Magazine
Energy
JKR and UNDP’s Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project Contributions to the building industry Current energy consumption trends
Building sector electricity consumption is increasing at a rapid rate. As figure 1 shows, electricity consumption in Malaysian buildings has grown at an increasing rate in a highly predictable manner since 1990. If this trend was continued to 2020, building sector electricity consumption will be 50% higher than in 2012. Furthermore building sector electricity consumption has grown at a faster rate than GDP (constant prices). In 2012 building sector electricity consumption intensity was 49% higher per unit of GDP than in 1997.
What is BSEEP and what is BSEEP’s contribution to Malaysia
The Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project (BSEEP), with financial support of Global Environment Facility (GEF) /
By Kevin Hor (Project Manager and Component 3 Consultant) kevin.hor@jkr. gov.my
UNDP, and implemented through JKR (Public Works Department), aims to reduce the annual growth rate of GHG emissions from the Malaysia buildings sector. BSEEP aims to do so by improving the energy utilization efficiency in Malaysian buildings, particularly those in the commercial and government sectors by promoting the energy conserving design of new buildings and by improving the energy utilization efficiency in the operation of existing buildings. The realization of this objective will be facilitated through the removal of barriers to the uptake of building energy efficiency technologies, systems and practices (https://www.jkr.gov.my/ bseep/). B S E E P s t r ive s to a s s i s t Malaysia to meet its commitments to reduce its CO2 emissions by 40% by the year 2020. This commitment made at the 15th Conference of Parties (COP 15) in
Figure 1 - Trend line of building sector electricity consumption projected forward to 2020. Based on Energy Commission (EC) for Malaysia on the Malaysian Energy Information Hub, in accordance with the following categories: Agricultural, Transport, Commercial, Residential (Domestic) and Industrial, with Commercial and Residential assumed to represent building sector electricity consumption. GDP is based on data published by the Malaysian department of statistics, with a reference of the year 2000 = 100.
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Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009, was ambitious especially for the building sector in Malaysia.
Is it possible to decouple energy use and GDP
Energy efficiency can break this trend and provide other benefits. It is possible to have GDP growth without ever increasing energy use. In the UK between 2000 and 2012 GDP grew by 58%, yet energy use dropped by 12%. In Australia electricity consumption in the National Electricity Market has dropped 8% since 2008/09, yet GDP has continued to grow. Belarus, whose GDP and GDP growth matches Malaysia’s, reduced its energy intensity per unit of GDP by two-thirds between 1990 and 2010.
Why consider energy efficiency
Broadly speaking it costs much less to save one megawatt-hour (MWh) of electricity than it does to purchase one MWh of electricity. BSEEPs modelling indicates that energy efficiency can cost effectively deliver large savings at a cost of roughly RM 0.15/ kWh, far lower than the RM 0.30/ kWh required to generate electricity from fossil fuels as reported by the Malaysian media. To meet the growth in electricity demand it is cheaper to invest in energy efficiency at the point where energy is used – in buildings – rather than investing in new power plants, transmission and distribution infrastructure. Treating energy efficiency as the first fuel – as California has done since the 1970s – provides wide ranging economic, environmental and social benefits. The most cost effective time to undertake energy efficiency in a building is at the design stage, and with strong rates of construction, Malaysia has the opportunity to deliver savings at lower costs than in developed countries where retrofits form the backbone of energy efficiency policy. Malaysia has had an active green building community since 2007, focussed on reducing the energy consumption of new buildings. Based on data estimates for the first 50 green certified buildings provided by the Malaysian Green Building Index (GBI), BSEEP calculates that every ringgit invested in making a building more efficient reduces green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Energy
electricity consumption by RM 0.30 per year. Over a 25 year building lifetime this results in a total return of RM 7.50 for every RM 1 invested. However for existing buildings there is also opportunity to cost effectively improve the performance buildings. This is particularly the case at the time of refurbishment, which typically happens every 15 to 20 years. Upgrading to the most efficient lighting or air conditioning has a lower lifetime cost than purchasing a cheaper less efficient system. Malaysia’s electricity supply has over recent years moved to greater dependency on imported coal. As a result the greenhouse gas emissions factor – the amount of greenhouse gas produced for each MWh of electricity generated – has increased. Energy efficiency reduces carbon emissions, a key environmental benefit. Energy efficiency is labour intensive, unlike electricity production which is fuel intensive. As a result more jobs are created when investment is made in energy efficiency than when it is invested in generation.
electricity consumption would be 94,000,000 MWh in 2020, and 50% higher than in 2012. Compared with other countries, Malaysia’s building sector EE policies are still predominantly voluntary as illustrated in a poor score shown in Figure 2 above as postulated by BSEEP.
There are, however, a range of barriers that require government intervention in order to capture the benefits of EE. These barriers have not yet been effectively addressed in Malaysia, with the consequence of ever increasing electricity consumption as shown in figure 1.
Policy recommendations
Benefits of energy efficiency yet to be realised in Malaysia
As figure 1 shows, electricity consumption in Malaysian buildings has grown at an increasing rate in a highly predictable manner since 1990. A number of EE building sector initiatives have been undertaken – for example rebates on energy efficiency chillers – and whilst these initiative have been effective in reducing energy use in individual buildings, they have not be done so at a sufficiently large scale to make an observable impact on Malaysia’s overall building sector electricity consumption. If this trend was continued to 2020, building sector green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
BSEEP has carried out work to assess the energy efficiency scenario in Malaysia and has come up with the following recommended strategy to drive the adoption of energy efficiency by the industry and public. These are: enable the market, create a stable financing mechanism, incentivise the market, have government lead by example, strengthen institutions, and monitor and evaluate.
Enabling the market:
+ The Uniform Building By Laws, 2012, which incorporate energy efficiency provisions from MS 1525, need to be gazetted by the states and municipalities who have not done so in Malaysia (readers should note that only the state of Selangor has gazetted this). + Energy usage and the opportunity provided by energy efficiency needs to become more visible through the mandatory disclosure of energy building performance. To enable this an energy efficiency rating tool
Figure 2 - Malaysia’s Building Sector Energy Efficiency Policy Score. As reported in the 2014 International Energy Efficiency Scorecard, ACEEE. *Malaysia’s policy performance was not reported in the scorecard, but has been derived by BSEEP using the methodology presented in the scorecard
for existing buildings which covers a range of building types needs to be available. + A National Building Energy C o n s u m p t i o n D at a b a s e (NBECD) needs to be developed. + Awareness should be raised t h ro u g h A p p l i a n c e a n d Equipment Standards and Labelling (S&L) and expansion of the S&L program to cover commercial equipment, notably chillers and commercial air-conditioners. + Subsidies on electricity prices should be totally removed.
Create a stable financing mechanism and tools
+ Create a public-private for profit investment fund dedicated to energy efficiency projects + Create a revolving fund for large energy users to access ESCO delivered project + To setup a on bill financing schemes
Create the market
+ As mandatory disclosure is introduced incentives can be used to drive early compliance. + Create market based incentives using methods which clearly enable energy savings to be determined, should be used. When energy savings can be clearly quantified, incentives can be created (and funded) based on the “negative
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Energy
watts” saved, which can be priced to compete with generated megawatts. A Utility Energy Efficiency Obligation or dedicated Energy Efficiency Generator could be established to enable this.
+ E n e r g y M a n a g e m e n t Guidelines (Draft) + Energy Efficiency Policy Reviews and Proposals https://dl.dropboxusercontent. com/u/40344193/BSEEPEE_policy_for_bldgs.pdf
Have government lead by example
+ Energy Efficiency Financing Best Practices https://dl.dropboxusercontent. com/u/40344193/ BSEEP_A1_EE_financing_best_practices_v6.pdf
+ Government ministries should be required to adhere to energy performance requirements for their buildings. + Mechanisms and contracts should be in place to enable ESCOS to deliver EE to government + Government should adopt green procurement principles. + Greatly increase resourcing for the administration of EE programs + Enhance capacity including cooperation with the private sector
Monitor and Evaluate.
+ Compliance with MS1525 + The disclosure of building energy consumption (enabled through analysis of data in the National Building Energy Consumption Database) + Monitor compliance with Standards and labelling + Monitor the impact and effectiveness of incentives + Improve the monitoring of how well government is leading by example (i.e. PEMANDU) + Input the results of monitoring and evaluation into the Malaysian Sustainable Consumption and Production Indicators (MYSCPI) – a comprehensive SCP monitoring system
Public offerings
BSEEP has produced a range of useful design guidelines and reviews which can be access for free by the public. These documents provide readers with information on how to design and manage effectively the energy use of a building.
The documents below can be downloaded:
+ Review of best practices around the world for Energy Management programs https://dl.dropboxusercontent. com/u/40344193/EM%20 Program%20Report%20 %28final%29.pdf
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+ Report on Building Energy I nte n s it y Ca lc u lat ion Methodology https://dl.dropboxusercontent. com/u/40344193/ Report%20on%20 the%20Development%20 of%20Proposed%20 BEI%20Computation%20 Methodology%20-%20 Part%202.docx + Assessment report on viability of local industry to manufacture EE building materials, equipment and components (C5) https://dl.dropboxusercontent. com/u/40344193/ BachelorThesis_S. Kupfer_FinalDraft.pdf + Active and passive technical design guideline http://www.scpmalaysia.gov. my/?q=node/73
Conclusion
As living standards and comfort expectations rise in Malaysia, energy use per building is increasing. The rapid construction rate – at current rates of growth in 2031 Malaysia will have twice the number of electricity consumers that is now has in 2014 – is also causing building sector consumption to rise. The building sector accounts for 54% of Malaysia’s electricity use. Building sector electricity consumption is growing faster than industrial electricity consumption, and at current growth rates by 2020 buildings will use 50% more electricity than they did in 2012. Carbon emissions and coal imports will increase accordingly. This trend of ever increasing consumption can be halted with energy efficiency (EE) – using less energy to provide the same outcome. For example using less
energy to illuminate a workspace. Energy efficiency provides three key benefits:
Economic benefits. These ben-
efits can be very high. For example, investing RM 1 million to make a building more efficient can yield up to RM 15 million in lifetime energy savings. Over the 20 years from 2016 to 2035, RM 34 b of government investment in building sector EE could yield RM 174 b in energy savings across Malaysia. It costs less to save 1 GWh than it takes to generate 1 GWh of electricity. Which is why globally there is a shift to make energy efficiency the “first fuel”.
Environmental benefits. The building sector represents around 15% of Malaysia’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 274 million tonnes of GHG could be saved by 2035 with the investment outlined above, reducing building sector emissions by one third compared with Business as Usual (BAU). Social benefits. Investments in
energy efficiency are labour intensive and geographically dispersed. Roughly 5 times as many jobs are created in EE than when the same amount of money is invested in building and operating fossil fuel power plants. 15,000 jobs could be created by 2025 with the investment in building sector EE outlined above. EE creates jobs and builds skills for the growing global green economy. Whilst energy efficiency (EE) is economically, environmentally and socially more beneficial than building more power plants, government intervention is required to address the barriers to EE and create a market for EE. The barriers to building sector EE include a widely disconnected market between developers and occupants of buildings, low awareness of the value of energy efficiency, fragmented and weak institutional setups, gaps in regulation and enforcement and lack of data on building energy use. Addressing these barriers involves enabling and incentivising the market, creating a stable financing mechanism, having government lead by example, strengthening institutions, and monitoring and evaluation. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
GREEN ECOLABEL SEMINAR
NEXT GREEN ECOLABEL SEMINAR 2-3rd DEC 2014 Greentech Malaysia International Conference on Eco-labels
13-18th DEC 2014 Study Mission on Construction and Demolition Waste Perth, Australia.
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Architecture
The makings of a hybrid city Marriage of old, contemporary and futuristic will form new architecture
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resh from hosting City Time Traveller, a 12-part architectural travel series that recently aired on Channel NewsAsia, award-winning Singapore-based British eco architect and professor Jason Pomeroy shares reason for the inspiration behind his love of design, his favourite project and what cities may look like in the future. 1 Tell us what eco-architecture is all about, and what is a sustainable building Eco-architecture pays particular respect for the natural environment and harnesses the elements (sun, wind, rain) in a positive way to drive down our daily water and energy consumption - thus preserving the environment, and our resources for future generations. What the ‘eco’ appendage also suggests is that there is a
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human needs to create places that draw the essence from a peoples cultures and traditions.
Jason Pameroy.
particular emphasis on ecology and bio – diversity, thus ensuring that whole life eco-systems that include insects, birds, flora and fauna live in balance with humans in building designs that are not only sensitive to these inhabitants, but enhance their prospects. Our work embraces such ideas but goes further in its sustainable building quest to balance the importance of
2 What inspired your love for architecture? Strangely, it was playing in my parents back garden – a humble, yet lush green space with an abundance of flora, fauna and a pine tree. It is not only where I got up close and personal with nature, but where I learned to ride my bike, build earthern enclosures and set up a whig wham tent – early forays into sustainable architecture! But a visit to St Pauls Cathedral when I was 8 years old sealed my fate and quest to be an architect – I was blown away by the domed structure and the lofty interior of this amazing building. Everytime I return to London, which is usually twice a year, I will always return to this cathedral green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Architecture
that was designed by the great court architect Sir Christopher Wren. I also tend to visit Cambridge, my alma mater, once a year for research, and enjoy some of Wren’s other buildings, like Trinity college library. 3. Why were you drawn to ecoarchitecture in particular? I guess I’ve been conditioned by the places where I have lived. I grew up in London, for me one of the great cities of the World that has wonderful parks, garden squares interspersed within the urban habitat. So when studying architecture at Canterbury I was interested in high-density cities, like Hong Kong and Singapore, and how they try to salvage open space for recreation and retain low carbon footprints despite their potentially energy intensive, high-density settings. That led me to doing my research degree at Cambridge, where I explored high – rise ecoarchitecture and the role of skycourts and skygardens. I’m thankful to be now working in a part of the World that allows me to utilize this knowledge and to see our projects coming to fruition in some major Asian cities, such as Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Beijing, and Singapore. 4. What is your favourite green building you have executed
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here in Asia? Tell us why it’s your choice. For now, I think the Idea House – the first zero carbon house in Asia, which was certainly advanced for its time. I was fortunate to be able to pre and post-project demonstrate its green credentials through a book (‘Idea House: Future Tropical Living Today’, published by Oro Editions) and a documentary, which helped spread the importance of zero carbon development in the interests of owners never having an energy bill again. The lessons learned from this exercise is allowing us to design a pair of carbon negative (i.e generates more energy than the occupant can use) bungalows in Singapore at the same cost of the average landed bungalows. The sooner developers and designers realise that the key to zero carbon design is a return to highly passive structures with optimized thermal performance, the sooner we can de-bunk the myth that it is more costly, and we can have a greener built environment. 5. For most people, a building is just a building. As an architect, what is the first thing you see when you look at a building? I’m particularly passionate about passive design in order to reduce consumption - something that architects
have been doing since the b e g i n n i ng of t i me . T he Georgian terraced houses in London stick in my mind as incredibly versatile buildings that embrace natural light and ventilation. Technology has allowed us to forget this, and consequently increases our carbon woes by relying on energy consuming light fittings and air conditioning. A return to basic design principles is key to successful sustainable design that balances functionality, emotional content, cost efficiency and environmentally responsiveness. So I tend to be drawn to traditional buildings as a starting point for design reinterpretation. This allows my Studio to create sustainable buildings that have a low carbon footprint, are modern and yet bear the essence of traditional cultures. 6. Do you think more can be done in terms of green building in the region and in your opinion, are Asian architects/builders moving in the right direction? The s h i f t toward s more sustainable development is slowly happening. Boutique developers seeking first mover advantage by highlighting energy and water savings in addition to quality design; bigger corporate developers satisfying corporate social responsibilities, or green governmental legislation
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Architecture
have made buildings green. According to the World Bank, by 2015, half of the World’s new building construction will take place in China, which has one of the largest carbon footprints in the World. This necessitates swift action to kerb emissions, and so the government seeks to reduce energy consumption by 45% by 2020. Coupled with China’s major expansion into renewable energy technologies (they are now the largest producer of solar cells and wind turbines) we will be seeing more green projects from this Asian super-power that seek to reconcile economic progress with more sustainable developments. 7. What do you think are some of the challenges in green building? The biggest challenge is perception. People need to understand that it’s not what a sustainable building costs, but actually what it saves. Hopefully, the stigma of green design costing 30% more than normal buildings will continue to be challenged and de-mystified as more and more green buildings are assessed in terms of their capital costs and operational costs in comparison to non-green buildings. Common perceptions that sustainable design is costly will then continue to change, with an increased awakening that the costs initially associated with green design are marginal (1-5% over non-green buildings) and the upsides considerably outweigh the former. Improved habitable conditions, reduced energy and water consumption and therefore utility bills and greater social mobility all contribute to an increase in savvy property purchasers basing their decisions on such tangible savings and lifestyle improvements. 8. In your opinion, which country (if you could pick one) is leading the green building pack? Singapore is taking bold steps towards greening the urban habitat. The garden city is quite literally greening many a hardened city surface area through the exploration of
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skycourts and skygardens. In many respects, I’m delighted to see that the ideas from my recent book are being executed in reality, with Singapore taking active steps to consider the social, economic, cultural and environmental benefits of urban greenery. Its next wave of development though needs to be resolutely cultural, as the eco-architecture being created still remains within a slightly superficial realm of people’s common perception of sustainability – i.e solar technology or recycled and / or natural materials. 9. Why is eco/sustainable architecture the way forward in building terms? 80 million barrels of oil are consumed on a daily basis to satiate our consumerist lifestyles – enough to fill five pyramids of Giza! The built environment constitutes 45% of global carbon emissions, and at our rate of current development we will be heading towards cataclysmic climatic changes that will result in transmigration of populations given drought, tsunami and food shortage. Needless to say, designing with nature in mind to stave off climate change is key to our survival. The natural environment is
important to our design works. Temperature, humidity, sun and wind path, noise, and the natural greenery and biodiversity of a place are the starting points to our design creations, as are the local socio-cultural forces that are ripe for reinterpretation and abstraction. These elements allow us to create award-winning green cities, buildings, landscapes and interiors. 10. What did you learn about the sites (some ancient) you visited during the filming of City Time Traveller? Aesthetics may change with time but the basic spatial and cultural needs of man have remained the same for hundreds if not thousands of years. I’ve had the privilege of researching and exploring many different Asian civilizations, and the buildings and places they created. They have been forged through an almost Darwinian process of natural selection, where only the strongest design ideas survive. Superfluous detail gets quickly erased in history – what is retained is what is often key to people’s living habits. In Asian cultures, we see the heightened importance of the kitchen as the centre of the home, the verandah as a green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Architecture
social space, and occasionally the courtyard as the provider of natural light and ventilation. These elements transcend geographic location, and we can see similar models from Thailand to India. 11. Were ancient builders already implementing aspects of green building back then? Have you come across an example of this? The places I visited have spanned the breadths of time, ranging from the 7th century ancient city of Varanasi, rich in spiritual content, through to the majestic Palaces of Hue, and the magical ruins of Ayutthaya. What transcends culture though is an indigenous civilization’s understanding of basic environmental and social needs, embodied in many of these historical buildings. Shelter from the elements, natural light, natural ventilation, locally sourced materials and a spatial ‘encoding’ as to who can come in and occupy a particular space, and who must stay outside, can be found in all. This insight as to how people once lived before the advent of technology, and how many of the basic principles of the past can be distilled to sustain communities for the present and future, is what has become applicable in our green building design method - from the macro scale of the city to the micro scale of the dwelling. 12 If you could single out just one experience on the show, which would be the most memorable to you? Tell us why.
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It’s hard to single out one experience. After all, it isn’t everyday that you get to explore 12 cities in six countries in a 3-month period! It’s like cramming years of architectural education and research over a long weekend! I’ve had the privilege of travelling the World extensively, but the more you travel, the more you realise how little you actually know, which is an amazingly humbling experience. I’ve watched the Hindu rituals on the river Ganges in Varanasi, I’ve participated in the ancient tea ceremony in Kyoto, I’ve stood at the pinnacle of the Birds Nest in Beijing and observed the skyline, I’ve climbed the ancient ruins of Wat Chai Wattanaram in Ayutthaya, and paid respect to the altar of Emperor Khai Dinh in his ‘palace of death’ in Hue. All have left their indelible mark on me, and I look forward to sharing stories with my family and friends. 13. Which places (top two spots) would you recommend people visit to take in the architecture? London. This is where I was born, raised and previously worked. It’s the perfect blend of ancient, historic architecture and contemporary architecture. I love the Roman ruins in the old city; Sir Christopher Wren’s Baroque masterpiece - St Pauls Cathedral; and modern interventions, such as Renzo Piano’s tallest mixed use building in Europe - the Shard. The street and market culture is also captivating, and the structures that retain
them, such as Borough Market. As the poet Ben Jonson said, ‘if you’re tired of London, you’re tired of life’. Venice. Its one of the places where I lecture every summer in an urban design workshop at the University of Venice. Every little alleyway and canal explored reveals something more about this historic city that was an epicenter for trade, commerce and culture for centuries under the Ducal rulers of this magnificent city. Arabian, Asian and European traders of the past have been replaced by tourists today, but the vestiges of its former glory are preserved as an urban museum of nostalgia which I constantly enjoy wandering around. 14. What is the future of architecture? What would buildings look like 50 years down the road and what are some of the technologies that we can look forward to in building terms? The 19th century colonial or indigenous past (the ubiquitous shophouses of Telok Ayer in Singapore, or the Hutongs in Beijing) will be retained as urban artefacts of nostalgia to remind us of yesteryear. The layering of the contemporary (the tall buildings and new structures) will act as a reminder of economic progress and technological advancement in the 20th century. A marriage of old, contemporary and futuristic will form new architecture within the ‘hybrid city’. By the end of the 21st century however, layering will come as a result of climate change, inner city migration / population increase and further technological advancement. Buildings may not need unsustainable demolishing - they will parasitically extend above the rooftops and will be interlinked to other structures via skybridges. Skygardens will be in abundance given the need for alternative social spaces for people to interact with such increasing inner city densities. They would also provide an opportunity for roof top urban farming as well as help reduce the noxious pollutants in the atmosphere and the searing heat of the city. – travel3Sixty.
For more information on Prof Jason Pomeroy, Pomeroy Studio and Design Green! please visit: HYPERLINK “http://www. pomeroystudio. sg” www. pomeroystudio.sg To view episodes of City Time Traveller, please visit: HYPERLINK “http://www. channelnewsasia. com/tv” http://www. channelnewsasia. com/tv
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ARCHITECTURE
BCA’S 2nd green building masterplan 80% of buildings will be green by 2030
B
y the year 2030, BCA’s 2nd Green Building Masterplan has set to achieve the BCA Green Mark Certified rating and to have a target of 80% of its buildings in Singapore Green that the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Sustainable Development (IMCSD) has set for Singapore’s built environment. To achieve this target, the Bu ildi ng and Construc tion Authority (BCA) is progressing onto its 2nd Green Building Masterplan in which is a roadmap that sets out specific initiatives to achieve a viable and sustainable built environment in Singapore by the year 2030. This 2nd Green Building Masterplan will result in annual savings of 1.6 billion in terms of energy cost reductions as and when it is fully implemented. The heightened increase in the number of BCA Green Mark Certified new building in 2007 is proof of the success of BCA’s 1st Green Building Masterplan that was launched in 2006 that placed an emphasis on new buildings and those undergoing major reconstruction. To boost the potential for cost-effective energy saving in its built environment, BCA’S 2nd Green Building Masterplan will be expanding to cover three main
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development areas, specifically its New Buildings, Existing Buildings and Beyond Buildings. BCA’s 2nd Green Building Ma s te r pla n place s s p e c ia l emphasis on ‘Greening’ existing buildings as with the large existing building stock consumes a third of or our national end-use electricity. Recognising its financial considerations as one of the key barriers for building owners to upgrade the building energy performance and to jumpstart the ‘greening’ of existing buildings in the private sector, BCA is introducing a sum of S$100 million for its Green Mark Incentive scheme for existing buildings. In wanting to achieve the improvements in energy efficiency, this cash incentive scheme aims to encourage private owners of existing buildings to undertake retrofitting works. When the cofunding scheme has been fully implemented, private building owners would be able to enjoy collective energy savings of about $120 million per year. BCA and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have decided to offer incentives in the form of bonus Gross Floor Area (GFA) to encourage private developers to construct new buildings that attain a higher tier Green Mark rating for example;
Green Mark Platinum or Green Mark GoldPlus. . URA will contribute additional floor area over and above the Master Plan Gross Plot Ratio (GPR) control for developments attaining to the Green Mark Platinum or GoldPlus URA’s Group Director of Development Control, Han Yong Hoe, said: “The bonus GFA scheme is a mechanism used by URA to incentivise the provision of desirable building features like balconies in residential buildings. We are happy to extend this to BCA Green Mark to contribute to the vision of making Singapore a more green and sustainable city.” In order to achieve higher Green Mark standards for projects developed on government sales sites, the higher Green Mark standards will also be set as land sales conditions for new developments in selected new strategic growth areas to ensure that these land sales projects are truly green, high quality and distinctive. Added BCA Director of the Technology Development, Tan Tian Chong: “This will help to accelerate the adoption of environmentally-friendly green building technologies and building design practices to enable the development of more economically viable green buildings in the long haul.”
BCA’s 2nd Green Building Masterplan places special emphasis on ‘Greening’ existing buildings as with the large existing building stock consumes a third of or our national end-use electricity.
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Architecture
Eco-smart new home has highest green credentials New property harnesses host of renewable energy and eco-friendly construction techniques
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t is not only large-scale commercial projects that are now adopting Web Earth’s approach to eco-responsible design excellence. The practice is involved in a number of cutting-edge residential projects, including the massively innovative Barlow Residence in Kuala Lumpur. Web Earth is currently working with award winning architects Hijjas Kasturi Associates (Hijjas) to help create this high-end residential property near to the centre of the city. The new property, being built for a private developer, is harnessing a host of renewable energy and eco-friendly construction techniques. Hijjas, founded in 1977, deliberately develops designs that reconcile contemporary space and function with a modern aesthetic quality. The introduction of ‘intelligent’ features to temper climate and conserve energy allows Hijjas’ recent designs to evolve towards organic form and detail that can exploit construction systems for new solutions. Web Earth has set a target for Barlow Residence of not just a Green Building Index Platinum Certificate but zero energy consumption.
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Richard Outhwaite, director of Web Earth, says that target can be achieved without reducing the quality of the development or its striking architectural appearance. He explains: “We are rising to the challenge of creating a zero energy property in a number of ways, including the installation of an integrated photovoltaic array - a linked collection of solar panels - as part of the design process. “This has been designed in such a way as to not detract from the aesthetics of the building, but to add to the striking design concept of the house as a modern, high-end residential property.” However, the concept goes far beyond renewable energy. Every aspect of the design and construction process is part of the drive to achieve the zero energy target. Richard continues: “Zero energy grade concrete is being used in the building process and that is made possible through a large amount of passive design. “The orientation of the building is really important, to get the right amount of shading needed for the glazed area and strategicallyplaced balconies are also being utilised in this process. “We are also trying to avoid the use of any external fasciae and
finishing, the concept throughout being that less is more. And wherever possible we are using materials with very low embodied energy. “The client has embraced all the design aspects needed to create a zero energy property and we are using them in a variety of ways to reach the target required.” He added: “We’re working on a number of similar zero energy projects for clients who want their properties to be something special. “An important aspect of projects such as these is that you don’t have to spend large amounts of additional money to achieve the aim. “And it is an investment in the future, because the fact is you are going to get the money you have spent back.” Web Earth is at the forefront of developing passive design solutions to construction. Passive design responds to local climate and site conditions to minimise energy use by using free, renewable sources of energy such as sun and wind to provide household heating, cooling, ventilation and lighting, thereby reducing or removing the need for mechanical heating or air conditioning. – www.webearth. com.sg green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Architecture
Taking a two-way approach to hotel energy systems Façade will be highly insulated, using a variety of highperformance glass and materials to shield it from the sun
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eb Earth’s environmental experts are taking a two-way a p p ro a c h to their work helping create Kuala Lumpur’s first eco-responsible hotel. At the heart of their innovative designs for the new £95 million 52-storey mixed development of hotel and office is a system that recycles waste energy and water from the proposed building. Heat from the hotel floors will be used in the hotel’s hot water system after being recovered using heat exchangers. And in a move in the opposite direction, water from the hotel’s showers and long-baths will be treated and filtered – and then reused in the cooling towers of the hotel air-conditioning system. It’s just one part of the ecoresponsible approach being taken by Web Earth in the construction of the new development replacing the landmark Hotel Equatorial that was part of the KL skyline for almost 40 years before its demolition last year. Built in the 1970s, it hosted international dignitaries, statesmen, sports personalities and celebrities from the entertainment world during its lifetime. The one million sq ft hotel and office complex is being designed by acclaimed architects GDP for Hotel Equatorial’s owneroperators as they look to create a new and stylish iconic building in the city. It has a host of eco-responsible, carbon-reducing features brought to the project by Web Earth. The façade will be highly insulated, using a variety of high green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
performance glass and other materials to shield it from the sun. There will also be large amounts of vegetated space to help reduce the “urban heatisland effect” and reduce the buildings’ air conditioning load
Richard Outhwaite, Director of Web Earth
and energy consumption. As much as practically possible, daylight will be used to light internal spaces. Rain water is also being harvested for use in the buildings. Web Earth has also adopted a stringent life cycle strategy. Construction involves the use of locally sourced and recycled materials and the structural frame is being created with alternatives to high carbon producing cement. Hotel Equatorial’s owners are targeting the new building for local Green Building Index certificate to establish it as an environmentally friendly leader in the hotel sector. Richard Outhwaite, director of Web Earth, says: “The new development has been created with high levels of passive design, energy efficiency and waste recovery. “We’ve looked at the two different usages in the development and created what we believe is a symbiotic relationship between them. “It includes the creation of a plant room in the building to synchronise the recycling operation. “We’ve ensured that all the components of recycling and energy saving do actually make a difference. We’re not doing this because it is trendy or because it is required by legislation; we are doing this because it makes economic and environmental sense for this building.” In keeping with the ecofriendly approach to the development, which is set to open its doors in 2018, rubble from the demolition of the old hotel was used locally on another nearby development site as aggregate. – www.webearth.com.sg
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hen something is lost forever, we can no longer sustain, we can no longer care for it or nurture it nor revive it. Imagine the globe without the ozone layer? A world without sufficient drinking water? Earth without fertile land? Countries without adequate food supply? We have read about these phenomena happening somewhere, affecting someone else. Have you thought for a moment what if this happens to you? Most of us are oblivious to the gradual strain we are causing mother earth through our daily consumption lifestyle. Some make small changes in their daily routine. They participate in recycling projects in the office. Some adhere to the no plastic bag rule on Saturdays, on March 30th most observe Earth Hour. In one way or another we make an effort to play a part in Sustainable Living. Sustainability creates and maintains the conditions under which humans and nature can exist in productive harmony, that permit fulfilling the social, economic and other requirements of present and future generations. Sustainability is important to ensure we have and will continue
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Sustainability emerged because of significant concerns It’s about how much responsibility one assumes
By Sunita Devi Appukuttan
to have, drinking water, materials, and resources to protect human health and our environment. Sustainability has emerged as a result of significant concerns about the unintended social, environmental, and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of our natural resources. Every nation now has got Sustainability in its national agenda and policies. The difference is one derives results while the other stays as a policy. NGOs usually take to become environmental watchdogs, striving to ensure that industries meet legal requirements to control pollution, while governments develop theory, tools, and practices that enabled it to move from controlling pollution to preventing it. To d ay , s u s ta i n a b i l it y i s
upscaled to the next level by drawing on advances in science and technology to protect human health and the environment, and promoting innovative green business practices. My personal awakening with Sustainability started almost four decades too late due to my work. One day I was asked to interview green product producers in our country and the background homework led me into a whole new world of knowledge. At first it was rather perplexing due to the various jargons the industry and businesses have adopted, this includes book titles. I have been enlightened that in a nutshell, Sustainability is about how much Responsibility one assumes, as a policy maker, as a businessman as the general public in protecting the place we live green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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in so that we may continuously enjoy what we have now. In pursuit of refining this new knowledge I embarked on a post doctorate research on the same topic in the attempt to identify how effective are government policies in real life practice. As preliminary search, I went back to basics, academia. An article featuring the first in Sustainable research by Taylor’s University tells the story in this issue alongside an industry approach in long term CSR results as in the Green Ranger movement by a property developer. In the next issue I look forward to share with you our national Sustainable Consumption Policy progress, a story of a Sustainable City in this country, right here in the state of Selangor. As we move along I look forward to your feedback and would love to read about your experience with Sustainability. Moving forward methods and jargons in Sustainability will be unraveled for businesses to leverage on their Sustainability issues or goals in a more practical manner. + Purpose: The purpose of this research paper is to explore the understanding of sustainable development and sustainability reporting concepts among Malaysian local authorities’ personnel. + Design/methodology/ approach: The research involved interviews with 23 respondents from 16 selected councils in Malaysia. Interview results were analysed by using the interpretive textual analysis. + Findings: The meaning of the sustainable development concept is quite broad from the local authority’s perspective in Malaysia. Local authorities’ personnel view sustainable development as: societalist, ecologist and individualist. Only staff directly involved in the sustainable development activity implementation understood the meaning of the sustainable development concept. The respondents indicated the importance of educating people on the awareness of sustainable green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
development in their understanding on this concept. Consistent with the western values, 13 councils (81 per cent) agreed with the definition by GRI. + Research limitations/ implications: The research is restricted to Malaysian local authorities and is descriptive in nature. The findings are limited to case studies in several states, thus generalizing the results is not possible at this stage. + Practical implications: There is a deeper appreciation of where local authority personnel gain their understanding of sustainable development issues, and how they
participate in the discourse around sustainable development. + Originality/value: Very little research has been undertaken into how local authority personnel gain their knowledge, either about sustainable development and sustainability reporting or about their views on the subject. The research attempts to fill this gap and the way for similar work to be undertaken overseas. Accordingly, this paper calls for further discussion on local authorities’ role in achieving sustainable development and on the public sector interpretation of sustainable development in general.
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Energy
Low carbon economy Truly green companies will apply sustainable practices throughout their operations
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fter the first two decades of our life, economy may seem to make sense. Usually this happens when we begin earning an income, when one becomes a contributor to the economic growth of a company and country. Traditional economic models are drawn based on simple logic, price, demand and supply. Moving into the 21st century and ahead many countries have come to realise the pains and constraints of the “Conservative Consumption Economy”. From such solution seeking efforts e me r ge t he “ Con se r vat ion Economy”. There are growth opportunities in moving to a “Low Carbon Economy”. Briefly, societies and organisations realised achieving continuous economic success required care for the environment or Sustainable Development Plans. There was clear focus on economic progress that minimizes damage to the environment and delivers better quality of life to communities through Sustainable Economic Development. The root cause of such development was to mitigate the adverse effects of Climate Change in other words, reducing greenhouse gas
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By SUNITA DEVI APPUKUTTAN
emissions more significantly the human race evolution, through adaptation activities, just as how it had done in the past. Now this brought about the emergence of Low Carbon Economy which supports jobs and businesses in response to the climate change pressures. Countries reviewed strategies and drew policies that involves changing how energy is produced and used, and extends to areas like low carbon supply chains, skills, infrastructure and leadership. This clearly enables the quality of life to become an increasingly important indicator of the prosperity of society and promote health benefits as well as wider social benefits. The conventional rationale for what economic growth is meant to deliver is often assumed rather than stated, but logically it is based on the idea that growth not only supports quality of life through providing income, work and the ability to buy things, but that it also drives tax revenue and therefore the ability of governments to spend money on services or infrastructure that society needs. The problem with this model was that it did not give a holistic mitigation measure and consideration for the after-effects towards
the environment. Typically, high growth is associated with higher carbon emissions; whilst social inequalities persisted due to differentiation in environmental advantages and disadvantages. The advancing technologies contributed both to merits and demerits of growth. Now with the advent of Low Carbon Economy, the principles for such large scale economic transitions begin with influencing smaller communities to take charge of climate change and adapt. Although an upscaled activity commonly drives results, from the low carbon economy perspective, bigger economic opportunities can be enjoyed with least cost. Evidently, some countries are still struggling to manage the cost of climate change effects. Therefore, it makes economic common sense to move towards Low Carbon Economy because of the substantial cost savings components, in many sectors and subsectors of an economy through effective use of resource and energy efficiency actions. However, without public policies to drive such initiatives, everything will be in vain. The low carbon approach to management of resources and business, only enhances the resilience and security of an economy ensuring that the benefits flow to all sections of society, and that most vulnerable communities, individuals and businesses are well supported such transitions. The scale of change required across the whole economy is something that the market may be well-placed to deliver. However, without sufficient levels of investment any ambitious statutory targets for emissions reduction will not be achieved as planned. Securing such levels of investments should be made wisely with the help of regional communities and organizations that fund growth in those given regions. The United Nation’s Commissions, the European Union and the Asian Development Bank webpage will provide you loads of information on projects they fund all over the world. In 2014, there were 86 Switch-Asia grant projects in 16 different countries with an average grant amount of 1.7million Euro. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Going green is becoming increasingly attractive as a business strategy, because green industry practices not only enjoy benevolent public sentiment and the psychic income of a lower carbon footprint, but increased cost savings, supportive government policies, and ever-increasing profitability as well. Tre nd s i n con s u m pt ion , government policy, and costs all point towards even more green industry business opportunities in the years ahead. Leaders make sustainability a key consideration in decisionmaking throughout the organization. Recognising the importance of our planet’s dwindling natural resources, the green industry seeks to meet the demands of today without compromising the needs of tomorrow. From energy-saving light bulbs to insulation made from recycled denim, there are varying degrees of going green. Large factories may install solar panels to reduce energy costs while a local restaurant may deliver by bicycle to reduce emissions. Increasingly, companies are recognising the potential profitability of going green and are taking steps, small and large, toward greater sustainability. While any effort can be considered positive for the environment, many companies are guilty of “green washing”, in which they market themselves as green while merely going through the motions. Some companies, for example, tout their organic products but fail to mention the pollution caused by their factories or the energy inefficiency of their supply chain. It is not enough to simply go paperless or use hybrid vehicles; truly green companies will apply sustainable practices throughout their operations. Before purchasing products, investing in shares, or considering green franchise opportunities, it’s best to make sure companies practice what they preach. There are a number of standards and guidelines to help find out if a company or product truly fits within the green industry. In our increasingly connected world, consumers are becoming better educated about the dangers of a growing population competing over rapidly depleting natural resources, and many are green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
looking for ways to lessen their impact on our environment. Though the scientific cause and effect of many environmental issues remains debated by some, what is undeniable is a growing consumer interest in environmentally friendly business practices and products. Clearly, consumers care more now than ever about green industry and have the resources to find the products that meet their requirements. From huge multinational companies and local businesses to the meaningful growth in green opportunities, the green movement is in full swing and reaping benefits. And the trend is not driven by customer interest alone, as sustainable business practices help companies save money over time. PricewaterhouseCoopers indicates that companies reporting sustainability efforts have a greater return on assets than companies that do not. It may cost more to install solar panels but monthly savings on energy bills add up fast. Increasingly, businesses are looking to enhance their operating efficiency through sustainability efforts, and opportunities in the sector will continue to abound for years to come. Here are some examples of Green and Sustainable Business opportunities world over. Landscaping professionals can now focus on reducing pesticides and chemical fertilizer while returning valuable organic material to the soil through composting and mulching. + Energy Auditing can help home and business owners reduce monthly bills and lower reliance on the traditional energy grid. Increasingly in demand, efficiency experts help modernize and green existing structures. + Cleaning Services provide traditional services with eco-friendly products and processes. Opportunities exist for pet cleaners, maids, car washes and more. + Solar Installations are growing as panels are becoming smaller and more efficient. From rooftop installs to small data transmitters to decorative displays, solar energy use is one the rise. + Restaurants using fresh organic produce are serving up nutritious meals in environmentally efficient settings to attract health conscious consumers. + Home Improvement can be a combination of several services such as increased energy efficiency or the use of environmentally-friendly building materials. + Organic Food Production can take place on large and small scales. Franchisees focus on installation and cultivation within homes, schools and businesses. + Printer Ink Recycling franchisees provide a valuable service to their community while significantly reducing environmental waste. Green industry is on the rise because they’re increasingly demanded by consumers, sought after by shareholders, and required by governments. Sustainable business practices acknowledge the finite resources available and reduce costs through renewable and reusable inputs; they attract niche customers early and have enormous potential to grow into
the mainstream. Having looked at opportunities, here are some common threats that’s contributory to the growth in Low Carbon Economy. + Fossil fuel is more expen
sive:
Hybrid cars, electric vehicles, car pooling, public transportation are trends emerging out of this effect.
+ Producing greenhouse
gases is causing more damage to the pocket:
Taking advantage of this trend the renewable energy and energy efficient technologies have become more popular. Gove r n me nt p ol ic ie s for sustainability, tax incentives for carbon offsets and environmental sustainability reporting systems are evident to a large extent now.
+ Appreciate one most
scarce resource: Water!
Water conservation technologies are hot. Grey water management systems give competitive advantage in business. Experts in these areas are an asset to manufacturing sector. + Conserve Energy: The “Earth Hour” has become strong branding element. Business opportunities are there for green brands. Explore! + Research and Develop Renewable Energy: Wind and solar power are clean, renewable and proven technologies and have paved the way for growth in the supporting Small Medium Entreprise (SME) services which supports these large conglomerates who invest highly on Research and Development of such technologies and outsource conventional business management functions. + Increase Brand Value with
Green Certification:
Just get certified and make the best of marketing exercises. Companies did this with the ISO, now its another certification process, which helps increase revenue and gives visibility to business. We are seeing the economy shift in a new direction, a shift with long-term implications. The shift from consumer to conserver holds a wealth of opportunities for businesses in Low Carbon Economy.
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Energy
Building dams: The Sarawak Project
What are often preconceived and speculative opinions serves only to rob Sarawak of its chance to tap into its hydropower potential
E
xperts in the field of hydropower, such as the President of t he I nte r n at io n a l Commission of Large Dams, Chairman of the British Dam Society and international accredited engineers view hydropower dam projects as a resource that can support the economic advancement of developing nations. Foreign Investment garnered from energy-intensive industries’ ventures into the State will be reinvested, contributing to the development of Sarawak’s interiors, creating job opportunities, and, consequently elevating the socioeconomic conditions of those most important of stakeholders – the Sarawakian people themselves. But current conversations surrounding Sarawak’s hydropower projects have centred one-sidedly on the overrun of costs, construction times and the alleged intrusions into the lands of Sarawak’s indigenous people. The Cost Benefit Analysis offers a thorough view into the greatest excess benefit over cost, evaluating non-monetary and monetary evaluations. It is absolutely vital to understand the cost to benefits ratio of hydropower dam projects based on the facts before forming opinions. What are often preconceived and speculative opinions serves only to rob Sarawak of its chance to tap into its hydropower potential; incredible potential that can support the socio-economic development of Sarawak, while safeguarding Malaysia’s energy security.
What are hydropower dams?
The mechanics of dams are often overlooked, which is highly unfortunate, given a dam’s simplicity, effectiveness and environmentally-friendly credentials. The waterwheel placed in the centre of the river starts to turn as water flows through.
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As the waterwheel starts to turn, the mechanism within the mill starts working after being propelled by the force of moving water. Flowing water when captured can be turned into power, known as hydropower. The technologies of hydropower have a long history, and today is still is a powerful resource that can help countries generate clean, renewable and sustainable power. Kinetic energy is harnessed from the motion and flow of water converted into mechanical power to turn turbines. The rotation of turbines within a hydroelectric plant is transferred to a generator that generates electricity. Put simply, water can be a resource for countries to meet their energy demands sustainably by using the power of Mother Nature.
How does Hydroelectric Plants (HEPs) essential work?
Basically, there are several methods by which hydropower technologies can generate electricity. Most large-scale hydropower projects today use the
impoundment system whereby water is stored in a reservoir, and, upon the release of stored water from that reservoir, the motion of flowing water rotates the turbine within the hydroelectric dam to generate electricity. Hydropower dams can also be built as a power storage facility. When demand for electricity is at its peak, the pumped storage hydropower dam operates like any other ordinary traditional hydropower dam by releasing water to turn the dam’s turbine to generate electricity. However, when the demand for electricity is low, the pumped storage hydropower system operates backwards and pumps water to an upper reservoir. Water is then stored in the reservoir until it is needed to meet high electricity demands. A third type of hydropower project is a diversion hydropower system, also known as the runof-the-river system. The diversion hydropower system can be thought of as a roadblock in rivers. The system diverts a portion of the flowing water to a canal (or pressurised pipeline) known as a green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Energy
penstock to move a waterwheel or turbine. The rotating turbine then moves a shaft that can be used to pump water, power a generator or generate electricity. This technology is also known as a micro dam, and does not require the construction of large dams, instead utilising the natural flow of water to generate power. According to a study Navigant Consulting, the hydropower industry currently accounts for more than 200,000 jobsnd promises to create millions of direct and indirect full-time job opportunities by 2025. With more than 37,500 thousand dams in the world, hydropower is moving mainstream.
Building the Sarawak dam projects
The Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE), established in 2009, is an initiative to tap into Sarawak’s abundance of resources, especially renewable energy. More energy-intensive industries are turning to Sarawak for cheap energy produced from renewable sources. Sarawak’s natural typography and an annual precipitation of 4000mm attributes to its suitability for the implementation of hydroelectric plants (HEPs). The construction of hydropower dams paves the way for foreign direct investments (FDIs) in the renewable power industry and energy-intensive industries in its Samalaju Industrial Park, acting as a catalyst for the development of the State. Sarawak’s energy output currently stands at 1,182MW at its peak, while demand is close to 1,000MW. Current energy output does meet the current nergy demand but in the coming years, the development of SCORE and the Samalaju Industrial Park will see an increase in energy demand to a projected 6,000MW in the coming years. The constructed Bakun dam, with an installed capacity of 2,400MW, will not be adequate to meet SCORE’s projected future energy demands, especially for energy-intensive green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Collectively, these agreements represent a total of 2,560 megawatts (MW), which means that the entire output of the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric facilities and the Balingian coal-fired project have already been sold or committed. – Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan Second Minister of Resource Planning and the Environment
industries whose energy bills can be up to 30% of their total operating costs. Tapping into Sarawak’s hydropower potential, HEP projects are essential. The first of which is the Murum dam, which will support the State in meeting future energy demands of energy-intensive industries, while offering clean, steady and reliable electricity at a competitive rate. “Collectively, these agreements represent a total of 2,560 megawatts (MW), which means that the entire output of the Bakun and Murum hydroelectric facilities and the Balingian coal-fired project have already been sold or committed,” said Second Minister of Resource Planning and the Environment, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan. As these industries start to invest and build their businesses in Sarawak, the increasing opportunities and FDIs will in turn stimulate Sarawak’s business and investment environment. This will enable the State to re-invest in itself and industrialise quickly to create high-income job opportunities for the people. To a greater extent, as new industrial and economic activities develop, a domino effect will entail, spurred on by greater economic growth as well as the creation of more direct and indirect job opportunities. Minister of Welfare, Women and Family Development, Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, said: “The direct job may be filled… based on person’s qualifications, from the unskilled to the highest position. However, women also can get involved in SCORE through services
such as catering, food supply, laundry and so forth.” Manpower demand for various industries stimulated by the growth of SCORE is estimated at a total of 836,000 jobs by 2030. This will help elevate the socio-economic standards of Sarawakians and move the State to a high-income status.
Hydropower dams’ social impact
Of course, with any hydropower project, there is a need to consider the merit of a dam’s construction by assessing the many facets of each project. A dam project may have social and environmental impact that includes the need to resettle people as well as the impact to wildlife, flora and fauna, as well as other environmental factors. Over the years, with continuous research and advances in hydropower technologies, the sustainability of hydropower dams has improved immeasurably. Dam projects around the world have taken measures to address this through ‘impact assessments,’ such as the Social and Environment Impact Assessment (SEIA). A case in point is Sarawak’s Murum dam. The Social and Environment Impact Assessment (SEIA) was conducted to assess the feasibility of the proposed dam and the scale of the impact in order to ensure that the implementation of such projects is consistent with the wishes of the surrounding communities, environment, and many other factors. For the Murum dam, active community consultation commenced with the State, the District Office and the
directly affected communities in 2008. The affected communities were engaged continuously to ensure that they had all the facts, and so that their opinions were heard, respected and acted upon. The proposed resettlement came with the consent of the affected communities and their wishes as part of the agreement were ensured alongside the Government through the Murum Resettlement Action Plan. The Wildlife Monitoring and Rescue Operation (WiMOR) was also implemented by the constructor – Sarawak Energy, the State’s leading energy provider – in collaboration with the Sarawak Forestry Corporation. The agreement saw hundreds of wildlife, flora and fauna – many of which are listed as protected species – taken out of the affected area of the Murum hydroelectric dam and relocated to preassessed suitable locations.
Are hydropower dams damned projects?
There is no doubt social and environmental impacts are absolutely essential pre-requisites in the development of larger hydropower electric plants. On one side, they dams are viewed with scepticism, or even hostility, giving rise to inflammatory and often spurious claims by third parties, including some NGOs. To the other, dam projects are an environmentally-friendly investment to drive the development of developing countries through FDIs and domestic investment. The only certainty is that to go down the road of speculation and assumptions, without an objective and balanced analysis of the facts, is to do the people of Sarawak a huge disservice. The people of Sarawak deserve transparency and honesty. If they are afforded both these virtues, they will surely resolve that the benefits – with safeguards – far outweigh the negatives, and so the promise of economic growth and energy security for future generations can finally be realised.
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ECO TOURISM
U
N W T O ’ s To u r i s m Towards 2030 emphasises on longterm sustainability of tourism destinations in the world. It expects growth trends to continue in 2013 and beyond somewhere within the 3% to 4% projected figure. In order to tap into the growth potential of tourism and to realise Malaysia’s aspiration of becoming a high-income country by 2020, Malaysia launched the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP). Towards this end, tourism has been identified as one of the national key economic areas (NKEAs) to propel this economic transformation. In this regard, the Malaysia To u r i s m T r a n s f o r m a t i o n Programme (MTTP) was formulated to achieve the targets of attracting 36 million international tourists and generating RM168 billion in terms of tourist receipts. This translates to an expansion by 3 times the foreign exchange earnings, thus contributing RM3 billion (USD1 billion) revenue per week in 2020. This strategic ambition will be achieved through, inter alia, the 12 Entry Point Projects (EPPs) proposed under the Tourism NKEA based on the themes of affordable luxury; family fun; nature adventure; business tourism; and international events, spa and sports. In 2011, with 24.71 million tourist arrivals registered, Malaysia was placed as the ninth most visited country of the UNWTO top 10 list. In 2012, 25.03million arrivals, followed by 25.72million arrivals with receipt of RM65.44 Billion in 2013. In the month of April 2014 2,175,009 arrivals were recorded bringing the total for the firt quarter of 2014 to 9,266,442million arrivals according to Tourism Malaysia. Tourism and Culture Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Ong Hong Peng agrees that the trend among foreign tourists to stay in homestays give them a chance to experience the lifestyle, culture and food of locals in the rural community. He added that the domestic tourists were also choosing homestays. The revenue from homestays for the first four months of 2014 was RM7.3 million
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Sustainable rural tourism in Malaysia Homestay programmes identified to develop rural tourism and economy of locals By SUNITA DEVI APPUKUTTAN compared with RM6.3 million last year. Homestay programmes were one of those identified by the Ministry of Tourism to develop rural tourism and the economy of locals. There are so far 3,486 homestay operators registered with the ministry and 4,834 rooms available. At its best, rural tourism combines the virtues of a slower pace of life, getting closer to nature and learning about agriculture, and experiencing authentic local cultures by living among local villagers.
T h e Mu lt i D i m e n s i o n a l Responsible Rural Tourism Capacity for Sustainable Tourism is a fundamental study in innovating new approaches by developing indicators to holistically measure the multi-dimensional relationships between different tourism models and the linkages to local economies and environment in key natural and rural destinations in Malaysia. This collaborative interdisciplinary and multi-institutional study consisting of a variety of stakeholders, government, green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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2. Elaborate work has been done over the year relevant to the outputs of this Sustainability Project. As an afterthought, how could this have derived more productive results?
universities, NGOs, and tourism professionals plays a holistic role in sustaining the fragile rural tourism industry of Malaysia.
The study sites included:
+ Bario, Sarawak + Lower Kinabatangan River, Sabah + Taman Negara, Pahang + Setiu Wetlands, Terengganu + Gopeng Ecoadventure, Perak + Sipadan/Mabul Island, Sabah + Perhentian Island, Terengganu + Sg. Kilim Geopark, Langkawi + Royal Belum Temenggor, Perak + Kuala Selangor, Selangor + Island of Semporna & Kota Kinabalu + Linggi, Negeri Sembilan + Pulau Pangkor, Perak + Pulau Redang, Terengganu The Programme Leader, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vikneswaran Nair of Taylor’s University, Malaysia had this to say about the project. He shares the rubrics of the project and his personal aspiration in seeing to the success of this project, funded by the Ministry of Higher Education. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
1. This is first time such a project has been awarded to a private university in Malaysia. In your opinion, what merits does the government bestow academia and industry in doing so? Indeed, this project was the pioneering step in awarding a mammoth research grant to a private university to lead. Over the years, Taylor’s University has proven to be one of the leading private universities in the country. Taylor’s University’s School of Hospitality, Tourism and Culinary Arts is the first to achieve Tier 6, rating as recognition of the school’s international reputation for superior quality as well as teaching and learning excellence as deemed by Malaysian Qualification Agency (MQA). Thus, this proven track record was apt for the government to appoint a private university in its efforts to develop best practices in sustainable tourism development for Malaysia.
This collaborative interdisciplinary and multi-institutional study consists of a variety of stakeholders - government, universities, NGOs, and tourism professionals, who play a holistic role in developing a model to sustain the fragile rural tourism industry of Malaysia. The project objectives are: + To discover the various models used in economic, socio-cultural and environmental responsibility and carrying capacity in rural tourism destinations; + To investigate all stakeholder’s perspective on the economic, socio-cultural and environmental responsibility and carrying capacity in rural tourism destinations; + To establish appropriate economic, socio-cultural and environmental model to measure stakeholders’ impacts in rural tourism destinations; + To develop economic, sociocultural and environmental responsible and carrying capacity indicators for rural tourism destinations; and + To develop tourism barometer to assess and monitor t he e conom ic , so c io cultural and environmental responsible impact of rural tourism destinations using an integrated decision support system. A total of six projects are structured under the programme. They are: • Socio-Cultural Responsible Rural Tourism Framework; • Economical Responsible Rural Tourism Framework; • ( 3 ) E n v i r o n m e n t a l Responsible Rural Tourism Framework; • S o c i o - E c o n o m i c s Rural Tourism Capacity Framework; • Physical-Environmental Rural Tourism Capacity Framework; and • Management and Modeling System.
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The six projects under this programme are all on track and currently progressing at 60% completion, where it is moving from the fundamental aspect of the study to the system development of the barometer. Currently, the final indicators are used to evaluate selected rural destination. The integrated management system is developed using the indicators discussed for evaluating and monitoring the status of all rural tourism sites in Malaysia based on responsibility and capacity. As an afterthought, including some industries and local authorities as stakeholders to this project could have had a complementary effect. Data Layers for the programme has been developed to measure Rural Tourism Health Index. The health index is based on the responsibility and capacity indicators. The layering of data is outlined in Figure 2. A total of 35 postgraduate students (PhD & Masters) from both the public and private universities are involved in the research project. The project has to date produced 64 journal publication with 139 conference papers. The project has won several innovation awards in Malaysia, UK and Germany. 3. To draw complementing similarities of this project to those around the world, where international recognition/ funds and support have been very endowing, what would you say they were? Malaysia, being a developing nation that is progressing well to become a fully developed nation by 2020, may be at a disadvantage as far as international funds are concerned. We do not qualify for most of these funds and support as we are supposed to be self-sufficient and an exemplary for the other more developing countries to benchmark. Hence, it is critical that Malaysia amulates several developed nations’ ideas in sustaining their gross domestic product (GDP), per capita income, level of industrialization and amount of widespread i n f rastructure based on
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Figure 1. Conceptual Framework of Study
Figure 2. Data Layering for the Tourism Barometer
research. What is more important is the general standard of living which also includes managing and sustaining the eco-system around us namely the environment (flora and fauna), the socio-cultural and the socio-economic aspects. 4. As academia this project has set precedence not just for this sector, within the region but also a far more outreach to industry. How would you find industry merit from the project and its findings? Could you share in a few lines (pix can illustrate industry academia outreach). This project can cut across
South-east Asia as the ecosystem and the socio-cultural setting is almost similar. Although the cultures may vary, the indicators that will determine the success of the rural tourism destination are similar. Tourist psychographic analysis carried out for rural tourism destinations showed that the main attractions in all rural tourism destinations are based on two types of attractions: (1) Attraction based on culture and lifestyle; and (2) At t ra c t i o n b a s e d o n physical environment and unique activities. This is outlined in Figure 1 below. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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the requirement of the bodies currently managing the sustainability of the rural tourism sectors. 6. Your opinions/ words of wisdom on this project as the key person spearheading such a Project. Figure 1. Salient elements of rural tourism psychographics
Rural tourism product is can be further classified into three types of products according to the increasing spatial scale, namely: + Core product; + Ancillary product; and + Augmented product. These are essential for rural tourism to be successful in the region including Malaysia. Details of the framework are outlined in Figure 2.
Figure 2. Rural tourism product framework
5. You and your team have through several conditions achieved tremendous results and goals as outlined in the Project plans/ schedules. Could this have been managed with more government/ industry/ academia/ general public support, would you say? Indeed the project will become “white-elephant” if there is no support from the government/ industry/ general public. Hence, it is important for all projects to continuously have engagement with all these stakeholders as they will become the beneficiary from this project. For this project we are already in close engagement with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in ensuring the input in developing the tourism barometer confirms to green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
As rural tourism becomes increasingly popular, a need has emerged for both industry standards and procedures, and for monitoring compliance with such requirements. Such standards and monitoring procedures can distinguish valid rural tourism projects from other enterprises that have appropriated the rural tourism label without commitment to its principles. Such measurements are also necessary to help honest rural tourism projects appraise their performance and move closer to the ideal of sustainability. Today, a need has emerged for both standards and procedures to monitor compliance with these standards. Client evaluation is a simple procedure available to all rural tourism operations that can serve to both enhance tourist education and provide a simple system of monitoring. As an educational tool it can be used to focus the tourists’ attention upon rural tourism criteria. As a monitoring system it has an advantage over either surveys or on-site investigation because it provides information by observation supplied over an extended period of time. The management of sensitive ecosystem in the rural tourism context can one way protect a country’s heritage and make it available for local education and tourism. The investment in such facilities is usually repaid through tourists who come in larger numbers and stay longer because there are more things to see and do and at the same time be contended that the sustainability of the site has been looked into. In conclusion, as rural tourism continues to grow, greater pressure will be placed on rural tour operators, lodging establishments, trade
associations and governmental bodies to ensure a high quality tourism experience for its customers, to protect the natural and cultural resources that are utilized, and remain economically sustainable. To accomplish this goal, the rural tourism sector in countries, regions and destination areas are also going to have to make tough decisions regarding how they hope to ensure the future of the industry. An underlying tension will always exists among the different rural tourism providers on how to best achieve this goal. The tension is between self-regulation by a business, the collective development and enforcement of objectives and guidelines by an ecotourism association, or through regulation by a governmental entity. Rapid questions (only requires 1 - 4 word responses): a) In one or two words how would you describe the effect of such a Project to you personally/ to your department (the Human Capital value/ enrichment from this project. Eye-opening b) Who else you think should emulate/ initiate such Projects in the future? The formation of Higher I n s t it ut ion Ce nt re for Excellence (HiCoE) for Sustainable Tourism niche. c) What would you say is a key inhibition for achieving goals in this project? Team work and persistency. d) Being a long standing and award winning academic by profession for all the work you have done this far, where do you see yourself in the next 10 years? Leading a project under the banner of United Nations. e) What is the one aspiration you wish to convey to other scholars /academics/ industry/ government relevant to your work in this project? Always remember our time in this world is finite. We need to do our part for the infinite generation to experience what we are enjoying now.
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FOREIGN NEWS
Atlanta bikers are pedaling their way to a greener world
Riding bikes prevents minute particles from entering earth’s atmosphere
If you’ve spent hours in traffic making your way to work in Atlanta, you probably understand the frustrations felt by many. In addition to the wasted hours and the carbon monoxide, the activity triples the toxins polluting the air as commuters drive to and from work each day.
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W
ith energy-efficient appliances and technological gadgets becoming more advanced, more people are becoming concerned about how their carbon footprint negatively affects the planet. Here are four important ways riding your bike can save the world one pedal at a time!
Better Air Quality
While recycling and conserving water are excellent places to start, simple exercises such as biking versus driving can significantly impact the air quality of the city for the better. If you drive a car to
work for your entire career, you have introduced over one billion cubic yards of contaminated pollutants to the air!
Generates Less Debris
You’ve probably navigated your way to work and have seen tires, hub caps and other car parts littering the roadway. In addition to air quality, riding a bike can prevent unwanted worn vehicle parts, tires, brakes and other debris from collecting on your route each day. Riding your bike to work also protects the roadway and prevents minute particles from that same debris from entering the earth’s atmosphere.
Increases Productivity
Companies who encourage their employees to use their bikes can benefit when it comes to productivity. Exercise can improve a person’s mental and physical health and wellness. Being active also makes you less lethargic throughout the day and allows you to focus on work.
Biking Saves Cost
Atlanta cyclists that have kicked the car habit will find that they save money on fuel, maintenance and parking costs each week. Now that’s something you can sit up and notice right away! – www. examiner.com green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Energy
The global warming hoax Scientists fabricate data to blame humans for climate change by Jon Miller,
M.A., M. Div., Author, Societal Analyst & Wellness Educator
The chemtrail toxins, as well as the methane that geoengineering appears to be releasing, will choke out life on this planet if not stopped.
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C
arbon emissions from “fossil fuels“ are blamed for global warming or climate change by world leaders and the minions they have been able to convince. The truth that is inconvenient for the powers that are moving to control the world by taxing and killing us for breathing, is that this climate fraud is being exposed. Still trying to blame human life for what they are now calling “global climate disruption” or the “climate crisis” to drum up some attention, the powers promoting this hoax, use it to justify other actions they engage. They are testing ever more serious sounding test phrases to learn which one resonates best with the hypnotized public. There has been an investigation of the purposeful manipulation of statistics to support the false theory of a long term global warming trend. This notion has been thoroughly shown to be a sophisticated hoax by corrupt officials, although there are still disinformation posts on propaganda websites to keep the myth going. Falsely created and wrongly interpreted inconclusive statistics used to suggest consistent global warming were promoted starting over 20 years ago. These inaccurate conclusions were cited for reasons of politics, profit making and population control by the powers that be. Many of the global warming stats intentionally encouraged and even funded by the elite, have been shown to be fraudulent. Volcanic activity, especially eruptions, and movements of underground magma are effecting the apparent changes in the climate, and so are solar cycles. The quiet geo-engineering of the “solar radiation management” program, and the manipulation of weather systems by The High-frequency Active Auroral Research Project (HAARP) and other advanced technologies, are major factors effecting climate and weather as well. There is warming in some areas of the planet, and cooling in others. The real evidence indicates that overall, global cooling is more likely the reality. Some scientists
argue that there is cooling near the surface and warming in the stratosphere. Both the arctic and Antarctic ice sheets have recently expanded dramatically, not diminished. A ship carrying scientists that believe in global warming was recently trapped in ice on the way to Antarctica in summertime! Then the icebreaker rescue ship got stuck in the heavy ice as well! There is actually evidence that we have been in a period of global cooling for 17 years, and could be entering a mini ice-age in conjunction with the lowest level of sunspots in 100 years. Even during the current 11 year solar maximum there have been fewer solar flares than normal. A summer frost could destroy many crops and create a food crisis. An exceptionally heavy snow could lock down and put humans out of commission for a while. For those in cold winter weather areas, it is wise to prepare ahead with a food supply, water, alternative heat sources, blankets and other items.
Alternatives theories of climate change
Most climate variations and weather disturbances are being caused by natural Earth and solar changes, as well as by artificial manipulation through chemical and electromagnetic manipulation. Weather modification was developed in the mid 20th Century. It can be used as weapon as it was in Viet Nam. Today storms can be generated as well as moved to a target location. HAARP and other high tech methods are used in conjunction with atmospheric aerosol chemtrails to generate storms, or on the other hand to extend drought conditions in target areas. The HAARP antenna array in Alaska can bounce frequencies off of the metals in the sprays to generate, guide and intensify weather conditions, which is now being done from orbital platforms as well. People have caught on to the chemical nucleated snow. It is being tested by more and more people due to video postings on
the internet. Geo-engineering with chemtrail sprays, which is the real source of the atmospheric “greenhouse effect”, causes methane to be unleashed often from stores beneath the ocean floor, and sometimes from melted polar ice when that occurs in summer. Geo-engineering and released methane may be one of the greatest threats to life we face. In the areas of the planet where warmer temperatures have occurred, it is partly from natural changes in the sun and the Earth, and dramatically worsened by the very geo-engineering manipulation by the chemtrail spraying, which is fraudulently justified and mandated by global bureaucrats to counter the false “global warming” problem. The chemtrail toxins, as well as the methane that geo-engineering appears to be releasing, will choke out life on this planet if not stopped. Further, although CO2 has increased slightly in recent years, the current world CO2 level is near the lowest ever recorded. Plants and trees need carbon dioxide to grow and be healthy. Carbon dioxide is a nutrient to plants, not a pollutant to the environment. It is an essential part of the biological cycle needed by plants and trees in their life cycle.Carbon dioxide is one of the best supporters of “green”! (NOTE: Oil and natural gas are probably not really from fossilized ancient biological materials. That is said by investigative scientists to be a myth fostered by the petrochemical industry to convince the public that these are scarce limited resources to justify high prices and controlled usage. The best evidence is that these substances are naturally created inside the planet, not from long dead organic matter.) Support for green should be about lowering pollution, but carbon emissions from energy use is not the cause of climate changes. These are natural processes of the Earth and solar system that are being manipulated with advanced technology by the elite powers. Prepare now for reasonable survival of the increasing disturbances of life as we have known it. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Energy
Size and age of plants impact their productivity more than climate Theory based on new dataset assembled from more than 1,000 different forest locations across the world
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he size and age of plants has more of an impact on their productivity than temperature and precipitation, according to a landmark study by University of Arizona researchers. UA professor Brian Enquist and postdoctoral researcher Sean Michaletz, along with collaborators Dongliang Cheng from Fujian Normal University in China and Drew Kerkhoff from Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio, have combined a new mathematical theory with data from more than 1,000 forests across the world to show that climate has a relatively minor direct effect on net primary productivity, or the amount of biomass that plants produce by harvesting sunlight, water and carbon dioxide. The findings will be available as an advance online publication by the journal Nature on July 20. “A fundamental assumption of our models for understanding how climate influences the functioning of ecosystems is that temperature and precipitation directly influence how fast plants can take up and use carbon dioxide,” said Enquist, a professor in the UA’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology whose research lab led the study. “Essentially, warm and wet environments are thought to allow plant metabolism to run fast, while cold and drier environments slow down metabolism and hence lower biomass production in ecosystems,” he said. “This assumption makes sense, as we know from countless experiments that temperature and water control how fast plants can grow. However, when applied to a the scale of entire ecosystems, this assumption appears to not be correct.”
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Sean Michaletz (left) and Brian Enquist take a break from measuring trees in an old-growth forest in Oregon. The large tree behind them is an example of an old, large tree with a low growth rate, absorbing carbon from the atmosphere and making food for animals like squirrels and birds.
To test the assumption on the scale of ecosystems, the team developed a new mathematical theory that assesses the relative importance of several hypothesized drivers of net primary productivity. That theory was then evaluated using a massive new dataset assembled from more than 1,000 different forest locations across the world. The analysis revealed a new and general mathematical relationship that governs worldwide variation in terrestrial ecosystem net primary productivity. The team found that plant size and
plant age control most of the variation in plant productivity, not temperature and precipitation as traditionally thought. “This general relationship shows that climate doesn’t influence productivity by changing the metabolic reaction rates underlying plant growth, but instead by determining how large plants can get and how long they can live for,” said Sean Michaletz, lead author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher at the UA Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. “This means that plants in warm, wet environments can grow more because their larger size and longer growing season enable them to capture more resources, not because climate increases the speed of their metabolism.” The finding does not, however, mean that climate is unimportant for plant productivity, the researchers said. “Climate is still an important factor,” said Michaletz, “but our understanding of how it influences ecosystem functioning has now changed.” The team’s new findings suggest that mathematical models used for predicting the effects of global climate change can be improved by accounting for the effects of plant size and plant age on net primary productivity. “Understanding exactly how climate controls net primary production is important for understanding the plant-atmosphere feedbacks that control climate change,” said Michaletz. Enquist said: “In other words, to better predict how ecosystems will change with climate, we need to understand what influences the amount of plant biomass in a given area as well as its age.” green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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Energy aplenty from solar PV
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n Europe, PV manufacturers are optimistic that solar power will now grow by 20% pa. Mexico has been doubling its PV capacity and Japan has more than doubled solar energy resources. To record the league tables of “solarity,” a (very) rough list from The Earth Policy Institute: + Germany 36.0GW + Europe (inclusive) 81.0 GW + China 18.3GW + Italy 17.6GW + USA 12.0 GW + UK 4.7GW + Canada 1.2 GW + Japan 13.6GW + Australia 3.3GW + India 2.3GW + South Korea 1.5GW + Thailand 0.7GW + Brazil 0.7GW this year + Mexico 240MW this year These figures mirror the great amounts of energy absorbed during June this year, as the cloud cover in Europe disappeared and the summer sun provided the necessary. France, Italy, Denmark, the UK and Germany all reported green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Credit: © Shutterstock
solar as supplying record amounts of their electricity demand. The solar industry doubled capacity last year in many parts of Europe, even though households have lost government incentive schemes recently in many countries. This downward trend meant that new installations dropped by early 40%! Elsewhere, with California’s natural lead, the US is finally taking to solar power. 4,800 MW were added in 2013, increasing capacity by 65%. Although half of this was in California, Arizona, North Carolina, New Jersey and Massachusetts also shone a little brighter. On the same continent, Mexico nearly doubled capacity and Canada built an extra 440MW. In Australia, the sun demands 25% of homes use solar power in some states with the country overall having one in 7 homes with PV capacity. South Africa’s industrial base means they dominate n Africa, but the Chinese have been building a
In the leading solar energy nation, it’s possible to fill up your car in Hamburg with half solar energy/half wind power!
4GW “park” in Ghana and Nigeria is beginning the installation of 3GW by 2019. China added at least 11.3GW in 2013, transforming the table by overtaking Italy .The far west has most installations, meaning the transmission of electricity to urban centres is a problem there. However, with a lead in wind power generation, Chinese systems look likely to take over the renewable energy market in th near future. It seems that Asia is the future, despite Europe’s early lead. Japan of course has dumped nuclear power and is another rising star, with a 60% increase last year. Similar boosts to the electricity grid were added by South Korea (40%) and Thailand’s Lopburi Solar Farm (part of an 80% annual boost.) PV leads energy technologies as providing the 40 gigawatts installed worldwide That 30% increase in one year should mean the loss of some fossil fuel development as similar increases create a cleaner, and a cooler, world.
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he failure of carbon capture (CCS) schemes is often put down to the giant finances needed for start-up. With fracking and carbon capture still most popular in political thinking, the need for scientific investigation is obvious. The failure of two British projects by EON and Scottish Power and several others in Europe and the US leads to one conclusion. Capture Power’s White Rose and Shell’s Peterhead projects followed in 2013 and 2014, but completion by 2020 is highly unlikely. The carbon targets that nations are supposed to achieve by 2050 may be reached using carbon capture, but the direct routes using renewable energy sources could prove to be more feasible. More money will be needed from central finances for nuclear and CCS funding, while renewable energies tend to be more self-supporting. To save cost, the CCS plants are “clustered” around transport and storage hubs. This would save up to 75% of developing infrastructure. The whole CCS technology was created in efforts to correct the imbalance caused by 515 gigatonnes of carbon we have released into our atmosphere since the Industrial Revolution. At the moment, we look likely to be able to double that. But temperatures
What to do with CO2
Credit: © Shutterstock
Union Wood at Ballygawley, Ireland is one example of the few remaining ancient examples of carbon storage that covered the planet.
will certainly rise above the critical 2 degrees Celsius rise in global temperatures. Industrialists see the potential of 545 gigatonnes of carbon storage like a green light for more burning. However, the IEA World Energy Outlook conclusions as recently as 2013 thought CCS was a distant objective, although it still thought is was essential to avoid further global warming. In Canada, at a cost of $1 billion, Saskatchewan will be the very first large-scale CCS operation. Saskatchewan, is unfortunately the site of CO2 “leakage” from earlier attempts at carbon storage. This raises the
Energy aplenty from the tides
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h e Universities of Edinburgh and Oxford are just two of the academic institutions gambling that some of their intrepid researchers will identify the most efficient tidal energy machine. After numerous “ducks” and turbines, the engineers have offered an insight into how 1.9GW would be gained from the Pentland Firth alone. The UK is like a cold and wet version of the Greek Islands, with its reality being whirlpools and tidal races as good as any (in Europe, at least.) Now computer models can show up the best systems and locations for innovative engineering. 42GW is achievable if 100% efficiency could be achieved within the strait between Orkney and the Scottish mainland. With the Crown Estate leasing the width of the Firth
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Credit: © Energy Technologies Institute
Tidal and wave energy converters abound, but the monitoring of their efficiency is becoming key to their development and confidence in their productivity. This is a wave energy converter, shown by ET.
to various energetic companies. Oxford’s Guy Houlsby believes a lot more is possible. He states “The UK enjoys potentially some of the best tidal resources worldwide, and if we exploit them wisely they could make an important contribution to our energy supply.” Well, 1.9GW is half of the Scottish national energy
natural response that we don’t have any real evidence that the gas stays put, after this huge expense. Only the US and the United Arab Emirates seem likely to finalise any other projects in the near future Funding in Canada has been encouraged unfortunately by the prospect of yet more oil to be forced to the surface by injecting the carbon dioxide into wells. The direct route of avoiding our fossil fuel use is rarely connected with CCS. Perhaps the whole idea is a political dinosaur, doomed because of this perpetual connection with coal, oil and gas. Perhaps it’s a paper tiger, too!
usage, Professor, so at least one country could be satisfied. The PerAWaT project aims to reduce the level of uncertainty currently present when science estimates tidal energy capture and therefore increase the confidence that project developers can have in the return on their investment. Monitoring and models from Wave Farmer and Tidal Farmer produce the kind of results that gave us these figures from PerAWaT (Performance Assessment of Wave and Tidal Array Systems.) The European Marine Energy Centre in Orkney has now achieved the building of the largest tidal array in Europe, great employment potential and the cooperation of engineers throughout the British Isles. We wish them all well, as Scotland, the UK and the whole of Europe press ahead with a complete renewable energy portfolio. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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The last of the Indonesian forest?
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he EU is creating some improvement in Indonesian forest conservation. The sponsored auditing process by which trees are tagged with serial numbers is wide open for abuse, but this is an attempt to introduce a legal structure to a thoroughly corrupt system. The disappearance of two million hectares (20,000 square km) of forest lands under mining and logging “permits” is the sign of a trend, as we watch species, large and small become extinct. Think also Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant and orang utan, but also tiny insects, other mammals and birds. The use of Far Eastern paper products and palm oil has to be considered carefully now we know how they are produced. The Indonesian jungle leads EU timber imports from Asia, with the government hoping to double its timber exports to $2 billion pa. However, that clear conscience we have in western countries is rarely matched by transactions that are arranged in Indonesia. Emily Harwell, who writes for Human Rights Watch, but obviously cares about habitat commented: “This system is basically asking, do you have a permit, and if you do, that box is ticked. It’s saying anything that the government does is considered legal.” Emily’s interest also stems from the reputation of the Indonesian Forestry Ministry. The national Corruption Eradication Commission is hopefully feared by all such officials. When this respected KPK comes calling, the reason is often suspicious logging permits achieved through sheer bribery. The necessary environmental impact assessment or community consultation (carried out in only one-sixth of cases) is often sidelined while the timber companies carry on regardless. Many countries run this same system, corrupt to the very heart of the wood! Police have been involved in Indonesia, following the arrest of Labora Sitorus at his $150 million business in eastern Papua. His timber products have likely provided you with cardboard, dining table and even your beautiful floor! Other nation’s military are extensively involved in timber
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Wouldn’t you love to visit the habitat of the wild Sumatran tiger? - if there are any left when all the wood has been extracted from Indonesian forests. With only a few hundred tigers left, in pockets of less than 50, Panthera tigris sumatrae parts have also been found, smuggled out to Taipei and other Chinese destinations. There is obviously no place left for them to thrive.
industries, although it is often impossible to check a top general’s business interests ! Borneo has been more successful, with Sumalondo Lestai Jaya tagging everything it cuts and using Dayak communities near Berau to negotiate their concession’s usage. The locals get cash, school tuition and some infrastructure, after this one company realised they were stripping the forest and giving nothing back. The people who changed their minds were WWWF Indonesia, who have worked tirelessly in all the major islands for conservation of some of the fauna and flora. The Berau forest is now gone, of course, but at least that one company (Sumalondo) can now hope for the EU Forest Stewardship Council’s superior certificate of fair trade and sustainable actions. The backlash could be that we need to stop buying timber completely, even when the claims of sustainability can be backed up with a piece of paper. Japan or Australia, the US or the EU may then continue buying of course, unless the agreement at the consumers’ end is international and as verifiable as the forestry ministries certificates may become, in time. The forest is almost gone, in any case-scenario.
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ith the rise in ivory prices in China, today’s news of unregulated Thai markets gives a horrific new insight into why so many African elephants, mainly Loxodonta Africana, are being killed. In a monthly monitoring by TRAFFIC, the World Wildlife Fund report that ivory trading in Bangkok has trebled over just 18 months. Many more Bangkok outlets are also selling ivory this year. In January 2013, 5,865 worked ivory items were found, but in May 2014, there were 14,512 ivory products. With the Thai government currently in the hands of the army, the limited legislation over ivory in Thailand is being flaunted the vast majority of items sold is illegal under international commitments by the country. CITES (the Commission
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olar photovoltaic cells (PVs) are developing efficiency fast and there is no more advancing area than the optimisation of usage with suitable software. One company that uses its software with a subsidiary of Macquarie is the UK’s PassivSystems. Irradiance-adjusted data from rooftops has helped develop the software, with the future suggesting a large subscription base of users, all contributing more data. Subscribers are tied to a 5-10 year contract. The “free solar PV” roll-out targets up to 25,000 homes’ rooftops. The software monitoring platform adjusts to irradiance and also captures data and faults so that the maximum yield is available at all times. Free solar panels for residential premises will be available for 1500 houses per month, depending on the installers. Zero carbon homes in Italy are the inspiration b eh i nd Pa s s iv Sys te m s va r i o u s te c h n o l o g i e s . green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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The end of elephants? Credit: © Shutterstock
African tourism to see the families of elephants intact, or trekking with elephants in Northern Thailand would seem a much preferable habit for people of any nation, rather than collecting their ivory.
o n I nte r n at io n a l Trade i n Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora met in Geneva in July. Countries such as Thailand and Vietnam will have to account for their failure to put promises into action. They seem to be conduits for ivory to reach China from ports in Cameroon and many other African sources of poached elephant ivory. The poor old domestic Asian elephant, Elephas maximus, in Thailand could contribute only 650kg a year, which is much less than the mass of ivory on sale. 13 tonnes of African ivory have been seized in Thailand in six years, but obviously much more is being allowed through Bangkok. The trade in poached elephant ivory exists only in one or two nations on either side of the Indian Ocean. Can we stop their shortsighted trading, or will the extinction of these species be upon us very quickly? With the death of Satao here - Elephant king is killed, we perhaps reported one of the last Kenyan “tuskers”.
Solar electricity comes to your home-free!
Credit: © PassivSystems
While Macquarie are rolling out up to 25,000 PV installations on private and social housing in the UK, PassivSystems are further enhancing their software to match the specific housing types. Nottingham and Bournemouth are likely to be among the first to appreciate the extra efficiency of the software analytics. The result will be additional document management, green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
asset tracking workflow, audit and management software in 2014. Individual homeowners can take advantage of a platform holding the software in www. reducemyheatingcosts.com . 21 million UK households have internet connections, in addition to cell-phone use (mobiles.) so the vast majority of the population will have access to a free system,
Solar energy panels.
paid for by the supplier! Good news indeed. The followup of massive solar installations will hopefully leave Britain with a solar capacity greater than the tremendous wind and tidal power uptake to date. The short-term winners are the end-users in their house, with no costs and free daytime electricity. We have no way of making the sun shine at night yet, but you never know. Income from excess FIT , fed into the National Grid and subsidised by the UK government will be inflation-proofed seems to go to the companies owning the equipment. The founder of PassivSystems is Colin Calder who is capable of putting it all in a nutshell with “The way in which organisations monitor their solar PV systems can make the difference between an investment fully realised and an investment exposed to unnecessary risk. The rooftop PV systems managed on the PassivPro platform will provide consumers with green sustainable energy and help to reduce their energy bills.”
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Wind turbines save your city
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a r k Z . Jac o b s o n , Cristina L. Archer and Willett Kempton have written a paper in Nature: Climate Change that provides a magnificent excuse to build more wind farms. Hurricanes are causing coastal damage as they come onshore at greater and greater velocities. Clean electricity is one thing, but any reduction in the damage done by storms would be just as welcome. The energy extracted by wind turbines has to go somewhere, which is, of course, to be converted into electrical and heat energy. The natural source is the kinetic energy of the sub-surface winds. This kinetic energy has to be reduced during any transfer of energy, so a lot of wind turbines would theoretically reduce wind force by a large amount. The same effect happens whenever a hurricane hits landits energy begins to reduce, while over the ocean, it builds up its power. Large arrays of turbines produce more than 300GW of energy for electrical grids. This would reduce near-surface wind speeds by between 25 and 41 metres per second. That is equivalent to 56 -92 mph. The storm surge could
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equally be reduced by 6-79%. The place for these arrays to have the most benefit would be to the windward side of a city or exposed coastal strip. Costs would be alleviated by the added benefit of prevention of hurricane damage, leaving fossil fuels even more expensive s power station fuel sources. Sea walls can cost between $10 million and $40 million in some exposed sites. This cost could also be reduced where storm damage was less, although it would be a brave man or woman to declare that sea walls would not be needed! The turbines can currently run up to wind speeds of 112mph. This matches the speed of a smaller hurricane of category 2 or 3, the advantage being that these wind speeds would be dramatically reduced if a very large array of turbines combated the storm. On to actual case studies, a computer model reveals that Hurricane Katrina could have been reduced significantly by a massive array of 78,000 turbines in the Gulf. Amazing though that sounds, the model indicates a reduction of 36-44 m/sec (80-98mph) while the storm surge would have
NASA here shows a sight we never want to see. A huge hurricane like Katrina approaches Cuba and the southeast of the US.
been reduced by a possible 79%. Hurricanes Isaac and Sandy would have been reduced in effect in a similar way, thought the storm surge from Sandy would only reduce by 34%. For reference, Hurricane Sandy caused $82 billion worth of damage in the 3 states it blew over. Reduce that by 34 % for a fair estimate! Many factors influence the argument for wind energy. Though politically in the US, it is dynamite, with objections even to a few hundred turbines. Despite the objections, global warming, air pollution, energy wastage, storm damage and flood caused by storm-surge all reduce, giving Professor Jacobson good reason to state that, “these factors, each on their own, reduce the cost to society of offshore turbines and should be sufficient to motivate their development.” The three authors hail from Stanford University and the University of Delaware and used Ma r k ’ s G ATOR - - - � G C MOM atmospheric---�ocean model that he developed at Stanford. More on wind energy and its fruitful take up in other places can be found in The Future Offshore is Wind. green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
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Recycling, waste and profit
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hen those old laptops, and even worse, desktops found their way to a better place, few thought how they would finish their journey. The 3kg of lead in some CRT screens seem pretty obviously hazardous, but the rare metals in more modern electronics should find a market. A typical circuit board can contain copper, gold, zinc, beryllium, and tantalum. Interpol have just released figure indicating the large quantities that we have been exporting to the developing world. It doesn’t seem to be helping anybody there much! Ruediger Kuehr is the executive secretary of StEP, which monitors every nation’s e-waste. He explains: “Christmas will see a surge in sales and waste around the world. The explosion is happening because there’s so much technical innovation. TVs, mobile phones and computers are all being replaced more and more quickly. The lifetime of products is also shortening.” The StEP Report shows up each country’s purchase and wastage levels, but Interpol has fund 30% of containers, leaving the EU, just an example, contain green+. IGEM 2014 Special Edition
Credit: © Shutterstock
Natural systems have strong species, able to hunt, scavenge and complete cycles by their decisive action. The Botswana sun doesn’t put off these young entrepreneurs. Maybe our unnatural wastage can be turned around by industrial systems that comply with safety and moral issues with recycling.
illegal e-waste. White goods such as old fridges, toothbrushes (motorised), toys, TVs, phones and computers are involved, and form a growing stream because of the short lives enjoyed by technical goods. They are outdated before they are sold, leaving a useful but badly-used mechanism to allow them longer lifespans with second owners. On an annual base, each US citizen “liberates” 29.55kg of his or her e-goods. Even rapidly-growing Chinese consumerism manages a healthy 5kg. Norway and Liechtenstein lead the European exodus of goods, with the EU average around the UK’s level at 21kg. It’s all very well to throw numbers around, but what about the dangers involved? Instead of the label, “used”, many of these goods are totally non-functional. West Africans or Asians receiving the containers are often individuals who have few health or pollution safeguards. Legitimate recycling would cost more, so the needed treatment is carried out without any rules or regulation. The EEA (European Environment Agency) are aware of the used electrical waste,
estimating an annual 250,000 to 1.3m tonnes, depending on their exact classification. A spokesman related, “These goods may subsequently be processed in dangerous and inefficient conditions, harming the health of local people and damaging the environment.” In the US, MIT have guessed that millions of computers, phones and TVs find their way t Hong Kong, the Caribbean and Latin America. Landfill is unfortunately an alternative “sink” for the goods - perhaps up to 33%. As we mentioned, the future will certainly see us recycling such incredibly rare and expensive metals. What is needed right now is a commercial operation to recover all of this loot. This is happening in Africa and Asia, but there is no need for this careless dumping onto a less-developed, even less careful community. Cars are already recycled by several major manufacturers, and so they should be. Perhaps these industrial icons are the potential key with which to unlock the whole industrial system. We must persuade people involved to be compliant with a universal code of recycling. Simple, isn’t it?
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