IzanJay-Environmental Articles/News Collection

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Green Technology: Energy management scheme in line with national initiatives

10 October 2012| last updated at 02:31PM

The ASEAN Energy Management Scheme (AEMAS) is a project designed under the Steering of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency and Conservation Sub-Sector Network and subsequently endorsed by the ASEAN Ministers on Energy Meeting. It is now being implemented by the ASEAN Centre for Energy and seven partners in the ASEAN countries including Malaysia with the funding support from the European Commission (Switch Asia programme). The scheme will be a significant contributor to the ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy Cooperation’s (APAEC 2010-2015) cumulative target of reducing the region’s energy intensity by 8 per cent (based on 2005 levels) by the year 2015. The Malaysian Green Technology Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia) has been appointed as the AEMAS country coordinator for Malaysia.

Training and certification

The scheme promotes end users to adopt Sustainable Energy Management System as an effective method of improving their energy performance. The energy manager training includes teaching energy managers on how to establish, implement, maintain and improve energy management systems in their organisations. Energy end-users that adopt the scheme will see cost savings and are then able to enter the certification process under the energy management gold standard.

Energy Management Gold Standard certification

The certification consists of three levels: 1-star, 2-star and 3-star. The scheme specifies that the newly launched international standard — ISO 50001 — as the basic requirement for 1-star certification. Organisations that improve on their energy performance will be entitled for 2-star certification and those who maintained their target performance will be entitled for the 3-star certification.

Certified energy managers are currently developing sustainable energy management systems in their organisations and will apply for certification when ready. Few buildings in Putrajaya are in the process of being certified under the scheme soon. Since the ASEAN Energy Management Scheme specifies ISO 50001 as basic requirement for 1-star certification and since AEMAS will guide energy managers in the methodology and implementation of Sustainable Energy Management, therefore the adoption of AEMAS will enable companies to be ISO 50001 ready.

Supporting national initiatives

The Sustainable Energy Management System will fully assist companies that intend to improve on their energy performance and hence reduce cost, portray a green image and most importantly comply with national regulations. In Malaysia the scheme will support companies that are required by Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga) to submit energy management reports mandated under Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations 2008. Furthermore, the scheme will also support 10 per cent energy reduction in government buildings programme. Additionally, the improvement of energy performance by the Sustainable Energy Management System is also in support of the national green technology policy and our climate change commitments.

For more information, visit www.aemas.org or www.greentechmalaysia.my

Training and awards

Energy manager certification

Thirteen sessions of the Energy Manager Training Course was organised and about 320 energy managers have been trained. The ASEAN Energy Management Scheme Malaysia has set a target of producing 500 Certified Energy Managers under the scheme by 2014.

Energy end-user certification

The scheme also certifies energy end-users from the industry and other areas. Universiti Technology Malaysia, Skudai and TM R&D, Cyberjaya was certified under Energy Management Gold Standard. UTM went further by entering regional competition, ASEAN Energy Award 2012 and was granted the winner in energy management category. The award was received by the Deputy Vice Chancellor of UTM in the ASEAN meeting last month.

Green Technology: Green economy - Building nations with accountability

Source : NST 10 October 2012| last updated at 02:29PM

By JONATHAN A. VICTOR

Green economy is a term that resists a rigid definition because of the sheer complexity and volume of factors involved. At its fundamental, it is defined by the United Nations Environment Programme, it is a system of economic activities related to the production, distribution and consumption of goods and services that result in improved human well-being over the long term, while not exposing future generations to significant environmental risks and ecological scarcities.

The broad nature of a green economy has resulted in many grey areas and less than satisfactory implementation of green economy activities even though most nations agree that this is the way forward especially in view of the critical degradation in global environmental conditions.

Still, the situation is far from pessimistic as governments around the globe have begun putting the green agenda on their political and economic blueprints. It is sluggishly being acknowledged that the concept of a green economy is the solution to the problems plaguing the global economy and environment today. The main reason for this is because the green economy model gives strong emphasis on mitigating dire effects of economic activity on the social and environmental fronts. Economic concepts of the past, have to a large extent, focused on profit, self-interest and increasing market share, which produced a large imbalance and deficit as far as the society and environment was concerned.

It is very important to start looking at economic concepts from a human perspective rather than just a game of numbers and percentages. At a time where earth’s resources are stretched thin, wealth is unevenly distributed and future generations face monumental survival challenges, it is not a matter of choice that the green economy be implemented but more so as a matter of duty towards the continuance the human race. It is not a time for prolonged discussion and crippling bureaucracy; it is a time for firm action.

Dr Noam Chomsky, professor emeritus at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, expounds that the green economy concept faces resistance from big oil, coal, chemical production, and a host of other industries. He also says that the other significant challenge is the fact that investors and banks have been slow to invest in green initiatives. This is because to maximise profits the environmental and social concerns took a backseat. Often in the past consideration of these factors resulted in loss and a lack of competitiveness. However, the good news is that the old ways of operating are becoming increasingly unsustainable not only for the particular industry but also for Mother Nature.

Many initiatives to push the green economy concept to the forefront in the past have gained little traction with nations. A massive effort to reverse this trend was hoped for in Rio De Janeiro this past June as thousands of participants from governments, NGOs and other stakeholders convened for The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development. This convention dubbed Rio+20 focused on how to build a green economy to achieve sustainable development and lift people out of poverty, including support for developing countries that will allow them to find a green path for development, and how to improve international coordination for sustainable development.

Sustainable development – meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs — is divided into three main components: economic development, social development and environmental protection.

Malaysia clearly needs a fundamental shift towards a green economy. This will not be easy due in part to the fact that historically Malaysia has been a country that heavily relied on petroleum, timber and manufacturing to pilot its growth. This heavy reliance on the petroleum and timber industry has significantly eroded Malaysia’s ability to remain economically sustainable.

In his speech at the Rio+20, Malaysia’s Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Datuk Seri Douglas Unggah Embas, said that the development framework for Malaysia as articulated in the Tenth Malaysia Plan 2011-2015 closely mirrors the three components of sustainable development.

He also said that among the initiatives implemented by the government is the feed-in tariff to promote use of renewable energy. The target is to increase the share of renewable energy in the fuel mix to 10% by 2020. The Minister also said that what was critical in assisting developing countries achieve sustainable development was the transfer of environmentally sound technologies on favourable terms to these countries. He responded positively to the Rio+20 outcome document that put in place mechanisms for the development, transfer and dissemination of environmentally sound technologies.

Leadership in the area of green economy implementation cannot be left up to traditional leader nations of the West. Some of these developed nations are the worst polluters and have been the staunchest opponents of a green economy. While many nations agree to the principles expounded, little action is taken. In the face of this new global economic shift, Malaysia stands a chance to rise to greatness if serious effort is made in moving towards a green economy. This is a new global economy that will produce new champions in the long-term. It is time for a paradigm shift in how we think and act. As Einstein aptly said: “The significant problems that we face today cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them”.

Green Technology: Changing Malaysia’s energy landscape

Source : NST 10 October 2012| last updated at 02:24PM

Cypark Resources Berhad is an integrated environmental engineering and technology provider, but it started out in the landscape and infrastructure business.

Landscape here does not have the traditional meaning most people think about – planting trees and designing gardens. Daud Ahmad, Group Chief Executive Officer of Cypark Resources Berhad (Cypark) explains it like this: the built environment is made up of structures (buildings), infrastructure (roads and transport systems) and open spaces (parks, unused land, underground services).

What Cypark does is engineering of external works – it devises the blueprints for the land, remediates and designs it. A good example is the work it has done in Cyberjaya. It was given the challenge of converting disused, abandoned and environmentally degraded land into a usable area.

This in itself is an environmental undertaking, involving treatment of soil that has no nutrients. These open spaces are usually low-value land, the high-value land having competing interests in the form of buildings or infrastructure. By remediating the land, Cypark converts it into high value usable space.

Transition

While the company is still in this business, it has evolved to focus on a more niche business – environmental engineering and technology, and renewable energy.

“This has always been part of our master plan,” says Daud. “But we had to wait for the right moment, for the economic, social and political environment of Malaysia to be just right, and for the mindset and the legal framework to be there.”

The increased environmental awareness of Malaysians has created a new landscape, paving the way for more opportunities in the industry for businesses to thrive, he continues. People always talk about the environment and solutions, but there must be someone to actually deal with the problems.

This is where CRB comes in – providing engineering remediation to environmental problems and developing new environmentally-friendly engineering technologies to replace old and outdate ones.

Green power

Cypark’s vision is to become a major player in the development and generation of green energy in Asia, with the ultimate aim of becoming a green utility company.

Generating energy from fossil fuels is no longer sustainable, and the sustainable solutions that Cypark can provide will solve this problem. The company develops its own technology to produce sustainable green energy and supplies it to the grid to power houses within the area of its renewable energy parks.

The company defines itself under the Renewable Energy Act 2011. One of the sources of renewable energy defined under the Act is waste biomass, which is what Cypark is concentrating on.

Cypark subscribes to the concept of a waste hierarchy: the first thing to do is reuse, and then only recycle. If it cannot be recycled, it should be converted into energy. The last resort is to put it into a landfill.

Society is driven by economy and not ethics, says Daud. Human nature is such that if there is no law guiding how people buy and dispose, they will always opt for the lowest cost. If they do not have to pay, they will demand the highest quality.

This is why landfills have become the norm; they are the cheapest option of the whole waste hierarchy. But human nature will change if economic value takes into consideration the cost to the environment.

“People have been talking about the environment for decades, but it has always been from an ethical point of view. In today’s world, people have come to understand that environmental degradation has a direct economic impact on them, that it affects their lives,” says Daud.

Really good business

The global renewable energy industry is worth about a trillion ringgit. “It is an exciting industry to be in,” says Daud. “The growth is tremendous and there are so many opportunities for businesses. It is an industry you can be proud to be a part of, and your children can be proud of you for it.”

Cypark carries out business that does not harm the environment, but rather enhances it. And along the way, the shareholders enjoy returns on the investment.

Modern communication technology means that every country knows what the other is doing, and so benchmarking becomes common. Society has knowledge of the various ways things are being done, and so expectations and demands become high. This demand is what drives the industry and businesses; without it, it would just be about selling concepts.

Cypark’s projects, such as its environmental remediation project in Pajam, Negri Sembilan and several contaminated land and groundwater projects across the country, are commissioned by the government. This is no surprise, as the company is thoroughly equipped with the technology and the technical know-how.

But Cypark goes a step further and invests capital into converting some of this remediated land into sites for producing renewable energy. The remediated landfill in Pajam, for example, is now an 8-megawatt (MW) solar farm that produces enough energy to sell to the national grid and power 10,000 basic homes in the area.

Cypark has replicated the success of the Pajam solar project in other closed landfill sites through the country and by year end, another three similar projects, generating 13 MW of renewable energy, will be operational.

“There is a business risk, but we can manage this risk because we are the ones that develop the technology and remediate the landfills, so it becomes a manageable risk,” says Daud.

“Risk is related to competence,” he continues. “Having the competence, financial capability and a good track record means that we can continue to change the landscape of this industry and Malaysia’s environment.

Remediated and renewed

As an integrated environmental engineering and technology provider, one of Cypark Resources Berhad’s (Cypark) biggest projects to date was in Pajam, Negri Sembilan, where the company closed a landfill and remediated the land.

The 26-hectare Pajam landfill had received waste from a more urban area. The people living in the housing developments immediately surrounding the landfill were negatively affected by the pollution it caused.

Besides being an eyesore, and causing the obvious odiferous air pollution, ground seepage from landfills can cause water pollution. All this could lead to serious health problems to the surrounding population.

Cypark closed the landfill, putting a stop to its negative environmental impact, and it added another factor – it is using the landfill to generate electricity.

After the landfill was closed and the land remediated, solar panels were installed to generate solar energy. The electricity it generates is fed into the national grid, and is consumed by the residents of Pajam.

“In terms of energy use, the people in Pajam are one step above most of the country,” says Daud Ahmad, Cypark’s Group Chief Executive Officer. “All the power they use in their houses comes from renewable resources and emits no carbon.”

The Cypark Solar Centre of Excellence now generates about 8 megawatts of energy per hour. Within the next six months, it will add another 5 megawatts of solar energy and 2 megawatts of energy generated through biogas from the landfill.

With the landfill now remediated, the land value, which was previously degraded, has now risen by about 100 per cent. Several new developments have sprung up within the last two years.

Cypark’s waste management project has managed to vanquish most of Pajam’s social, health and economic demons in one gloriously fell swoop.

As a technical and technological enabler, Cypark is willing to provide capital investment into projects such as this in order to change the environment, says Daud. It is then able to sell the energy it generates to the grid. This is what providing totally integrated solutions is about.

It is certainly a big investment, but with its proven technology, Cypark will continue to make a difference in society.

Green Technology: Staying true to the essentials of sustainability

Source : NST 10 October 2012| last updated at 02:19PM

Green technology, clean technology and sustainable technology are terms used to describe how various products, systems and equipment are used for the purpose of conserving the natural environment. Green technology plays an important role in both reducing and minimising the adverse impact of human activities on the environment. Due to various forms of industrial productivity, the environment has been badly polluted. Green technology aims to counter such negative effects, and thus boost the quality of life in all living communities. It seeks the conservation and the more responsible use of natural resources, with emphasis on finding more renewable resources.

Products, systems and equipment that fall under the banner of green technology adhere to the conditions that they reduce any, if not all negative impact on the environment, and emit either very little or no greenhouse gases. Furthermore, they should work actively towards the conservation of energy, natural resources, and foster the use of renewable resources.

Green technology as a concept encompasses technology, policies, conservation and resource management, among other things, to reduce anthropological damage to the natural environment. Questions asked by green technology include is it fuel efficient? Is it sustainable? Is it renewable? Are the materials being used recyclable? Is this technology safe for humans and the environment? In terms of application, green technology includes matters such energy generation, building technology, waste management, air purification, transportation, home efficiency and even food production. In a nutshell, green technology equals green living.

Some key areas in green technology include:

Green Transportation

With more than a billion cars zooming around the world today, it is terrifying to think about the amount of fuel consumption, air and noise pollution, and greenhouse gases being released. Issues such as these have led researchers and inventors to create greener modes of transportation. Green transportation refers to vehicles that use alternative energies, have higher fuel efficiency and emit lesser or no harmful gases. Green vehicles include electrically powered vehicles, hybrids, and stop-start engine hybrids. As the name suggests, an electrical vehicle runs on an electric motor, a hybrid car on the other hand, has both the conventional engine and an electric motor, and the stop-start engine hybrids uses a technology that stops the car’s engine when the driver slows down or stops, and starts the engine back up when the driver accelerates. One of the biggest question that arises when we look at green transportation is, is it really as green as it claims to be; as consumers, we look at the affordability of the car. Although most hybrid cars are more expensive than the conventional car, in the long run its fuel efficiency should balance out the initial investment. In Malaysia, the government provides tax incentives to encourage car buyers to purchase hybrid cars.

Green buildings

A green building is a house, office, apartment, school or hospital building that fulfils certain criteria and is built according to particular standards. A building’s ‘greenness’ begins at the construction level, where it uses renewable energy sources, carefully chosen materials (non-toxic) and is eco-friendly. Once built, the building would function with higher energy efficiency, better water quality, improved internal air quality and efficient space utilisation. Green buildings should stay true to their green characteristics even when they are renovated or refurbished and therefore, a green building remains green throughout its lifecycle. Green buildings are safer and healthier for people and the environment and in the long run are cost efficient, as it would have well managed energy and water systems

Waste Management

Waste management is the process of handling waste material, including the transportation and disposal. It is exceedingly important that we adopt the right waste management techniques because space is a scarcity and landfills are filling up at an alarming pace. Different technologies and methods need to be applied in terms of adopting different technologies for different kind of waste; municipal waste, medical waste, industrial waste. Eco-friendly incinerators, landfill rehabilitation, as well as conversion of landfill waste into heat and electricity are some of the methods that could be adopted. Education and awareness are also pivotal in encouraging recycling and other waste reducing practices.

Green Technology: When exceptional fuel efficiency, sleek elegance come together

Source : NST 10 October 2012| last updated at 02:08PM

The Toyota brand is synonymous with high quality and stellar performance. In addition, Toyota has always been committed to providing the best technology for a greener future.

Toyota’s participation in the annual International Greentech and Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM) in the past two years was to showcase how everyday driving habits can be revolutionised and how this can shape our future and the quality of our lives. It intends to do the same at this year’s exhibition.

On display at IGEM will be Toyota’s Full Hybrid models the renowned Prius and PRIUS c which were launched earlier this year. The Full Hybrid system, termed Hybrid Synergy Drive, combines the capabilities of the petrol engine and electric motor enabling it to optimise driving performance for maximum fuel efficiency, low emissions and impressive driving pleasure.

The Prius and PRIUS c are designed with an array of technologies that are eco-friendly and will continue to be the benchmark for city cars of the future.

At the heart of the Hybrid Synergy Drive is the Power Split Device. This device, a planetary gear, eliminates the need for transmission components and the usual stepped gearbox. Because of this device, there is also no need for the rev-lurch-rev-lurch of acceleration that is used in any other regular car. The Power Split Device acts as a continuously variable transmission that has a fixed gear ratio.

Toyota’s Prius models have set the benchmark for hybrids across the world and are the long-awaited answer to address the needs of an environmentally conscious society. The Prius is sleek and its lightweight body together and with its components comprising aerodynamic fins, pagoda roof, undercovers and airspats, is one of the reasons the vehicle is so fuel efficient. The sleekness of the vehicle also allows it to have a low drag coefficient figure of 0.25.

The PRIUS c, the stylish compact hybrid is affordable and also the leader of its class in fuel economy. Its aerodynamic design coupled with the Hybrid Synergy Drive system, makes the PRIUS c an agile performer and gives the driver a pleasurable drive.

The Prius and PRIUS c are equipped with a host of advanced technologies including the Atkinson-cycle, a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system, beltless configuration, electric water pump and intake-side Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence (VVT-i) gives the vehicle excellent performance.

The 1.5 litre 1NZ-FXE engine is specially designed to enhance fuel efficiency. It has a maximum output of 54kW per 4,800 rpm and produces a maximum torque of 111Nm (11.3 kg-m) per 4,000 rpm.

The Hybrid Synergy Drive has an intelligent shift that allows the regulation of the petrol engine and electric motor output during different driving conditions to achieve maximum fuel efficiency.

Another excellent feature of the Prius is its drive mode. This mode allows the user to optimise fuel consumption, throttle response and on-board energy usage. The Power mode delivers extra power when you need it, ECO drive mode allows for a fuel efficient drive. The EV mode, which only uses the electric motor, ensures a quiet and emission-free drive. PRIUS c, on the other hand, offers options of ECO and EV modes.

The regenerative braking system converts the vehicle’s kinetic energy into electric energy when decelerating and braking. This electric energy is used to charge the hybrid battery recycling energy which would have been wasted.

A car of the future, the Toyota Prius and PRIUS c has certainly taken responsible driving now made more pleasurable. With its unique design and outstanding green features, it takes driving to a whole new level.

Benefits of the Hybrid Synergy Drive

The Hybrid Synergy Drive has four key benefits – acceleration, fuel efficiency, low emissions and quietness. Here is a look at these benefits:

Acceleration

The full hybrid system provides drivers with satisfying city driving performance, especially in low to middle range speed.

Fuel efficiency

Enhancing fuel efficiency goes far beyond optimising the performance of the hybrid system. It includes various energy-saving technologies, such as an exhaust heat recirculation system and reducing power consumption, developing an efficient air conditioning system, using LED lamps, and so much more.

Low emissions

The Hybrid Synergy Drive, with its high level of fuel efficiency, complies with strict exhaust emission regulations in various countries across the world. It balances optimum performance and minimum harmful emission of harmful substances including carbon dioxide (CO2) and mono-nitrogen oxides (NOx).

Quietness

Both the driver and occupants will enjoy a peaceful ride thanks to the Prius’ silent motor when driven on EV mode. The optimum placements of noise-absorbing, noise-insulating and vibration-damping materials also contribute to the quietness of the cabin.