going green - 2 august 2015

SUNDAY STAR, 2 AUGUST 2015

special

GOING GREEN

Positive eco living

2 going greenSUNDAY STAR, 2 AUGUST 2015

Changes in urban lifestyle reflect ethical, environmentally savvy behaviours.

Recharge the planetBy TINA CARMILLIATHE concept of green living has grown in global prominence in the last decade or so. We have become more concerned about the environment and the future inhabitability of the planet than ever before due to the rising scarcity of energy sources and the advent of global warming.

Green technology development came about the last century or so to address these concerns. Although these efforts were mostly carried out by state-owned enterprises funded by the government, in recent years, the global green markets have begun to boom.

In March, Costa Rica was reported to be running entirely on renewable energy having done so for 75 straight days without the need to burn a single fossil fuel. The country was able to do so thanks to heavy rainfalls that enabled the nations hydropower plants to generate enough electricity to power the whole country.

Costa Ricas electricity is also further boosted by geothermal, solar and wind energy sources and by the first half of the year, 98.6% of its overall electricity was sourced through renewable energy.

Costa Rica is not a unique case. Countries such as Germany, Iceland and Norway have long led the way in mixed renewable energy generation either for their domestic consumption or even to

serve the export market.The broad goals of green

technology in the industry are to increase the efficiency of green energy and to minimise the use of hazardous materials as the production of toxic waste can harm the environment and the people.

While the responsibility to ensure a sustainable future lies heavily on government agencies at the national and global level, businesses too play an important role to support the policies. Car makers, household appliance manufacturers, cosmetic and personal care items producers, and property developers are just some of the industry players at the forefront of the change to a greener lifestyle.

A fertile ground for sustainable living

In Malaysia, green infrastructure is slowly but surely becoming the hallmark of solving urban and climatic challenges. According to the national urbanisation policy by the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning, Ministry of Housing and Local Government, any urban development involving residential, commercial, industrial,

institutional and mixed-development land use should feature at least 10% of open space and recreational area.

Furthermore, the Real Estate and Housing Developers Association (Rehda) established the GreenRE Township Tool in 2013 as an extension of its existing sustainability assessment tool. The tool enables developments to extend the green building assessment to neighbourhood and community levels for a wider area of evaluation.

The move is expected to drive Malaysias construction industry towards more environmentally friendly and sustainable operations.

Todays modern townships feature nature components so that they adapt to the surroundings to ensure an environmentally low impact, development with less heat stress, better air quality, sustainable energy production, clean water and healthy soils as well as better shade and shelter in their design and practicality.

These self-sustaining townships are not only designed as integrated developments to provide the residents with educational, commercial, healthcare, recreational and transportation

Transportationand mobility

Kuala Lumpur City Hall has introduced bicycle lanes in its efforts to reduce the citys carbon footprint and promote a healthy lifestyle. The first 5.5km bicycle lane from Mid Valley to Dataran Merdeka was completed in April. The increase in the number of cyclists complements the traction gained by hybrid car sales within Malaysia as well as the recently launched electrical vehicle sharing programme in the Klang Valley by CMS Consortium Ecotour.

Renewableenergy

The Sustainable Energy Development Authority oversees the Feed-in Tariff scheme that enables companies and house owners to produce renewable energy from solar photovoltaic, biogas, biomass or small hydropower and sell it to the national grid.

Retail habits Homegrown businesses are gaining patronage from consumers who are turning to locally sourced produce. Several studies, including a 2012 Retail Ethics and Green Retailing research by the Centre for Retail Research in the United Sates, have shown that savvy shoppers are more likely to prefer businesses with greener operations and source their raw materials through fair-trade, ethical means. Not only does this mean that products are made with a lower carbon footprint, it also ensures that the local economy is supported.

amenities within the township; a prominent characteristic of these developments is their attractive eco-friendly atmosphere.

Sustainable communities will undeniably thrive with green infrastructure that in turn benefits the country socially and economically. Urban forests and parks, manmade wetlands and green roofs are among some of the most common features in new

townships and developments across the country.

Not only do these elements help make the neighbourhood pleasant, it encourages collaboration in development decisions and promotes green practices. Engaging the community creates a shared vision for the future based on the rakyats and businesses needs and aspirations for a greener and sustainable lifestyle.

Play your part from homeIN a country with an abundance of resources, the creation of cities and urban townships with a vision that supports harmonious communities and living conditions in a sustainable development is not impossible.

Start an edible gardenInstead of throwing away the root ends of vegetables such as cabbage, lettuce and green onions, save and regrow them. If you are unsure how to start your own garden, you can reach out to several community gardening groups, including Eats, Shoots & Roots that empower urbanites with skills and tools to grow their own edible garden. You will realise you do not even need a patch of land to start one even a sunlit balcony or window sill will do.

Furnish with sustainable fixtures From roofing and paint to lighting and furniture, you can support manufacturers that market functional and sustainable products made from green materials. When decorating a new place, opt for an evergreen design that will never grow old or out of fashion.

Practise garbage separation From next month onwards, mandatory solid waste separation will be implemented in Putrajaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Negri Sembilan. The move will reduce the amount of solid waste sent to waste disposal sites by 40%. Even if you do not live in these areas, begin practising by separating recyclables from waste.

Install a solar photovoltaic system While initial investment can be considered costly in the short term, the long-term benefits of installing solar panels to harness the power of the sun trump that. The building on which these panels are installed can use the electricity that is immediately generated. Not only that, home owners can also sell the power they generate by feeding it into the national power grid.

3SUNDAY STAR, 2 AUGUST 2015


The National Hydraulic Research Insitute of Malaysia strives to address the countrys water issues.

Nahrim conducts water treatment research at its Water Quality Laboratory.

Securing nations water futureMALAYSIA is blessed with abundant water resources. However, the countrys water scenario is in a state of change.

Water resources management is becoming increasingly complicated due to larger concentrations of population, commercial activities and industries, increasing water demand and consumption, increasing water pollution, and the impact of climate change.

The challenge for the future is to ensure an adequate quantity and quality of water to meet human and ecological needs.

To address problems that are likely to emerge in the next 10 to 15 years, decision-makers will need to make informed choices between often conflicting and uncertain actions. These choices are best made with the full benefit of research and development.

For this purpose, the National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysia (Nahrim) was established as a research institute to conduct experimental simulation and numerical hydrodynamic analysis as well as to study the relationship between ecological and morphological processes and human activities.

Nahrim operates as a government agency under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. Its functions, which are laid out in the Ministerial Function Act 1969, are to: l Conduct basic and applied

research in hydraulic engineering, coastal engineering, water resources, hydrogeology, surface water and water quality for the public and private sectors l Provide specialised

consultancy services to public and private sectorsl Collaborate with local

universities and research institutes in hydraulic engineering research l Function as Government

advisors on matters relating to hydraulics l Act as the national centre for

research in hydraulic engineering and become the coordinator of all such research in the country

Nahrims role as a national centre of excellence on water and environment management is to ensure sustainable growth and improve the quality of life and well-being of Malaysians.

It also aims to be one of the worlds premier research centres for water and its environment by 2030.

Facilities and services Nahrims operations are driven

by five research centres and two laboratories, and strengthened by three supporting divisions.

Nahrim actively carries out consultancy works for government and private sectors in: l Bio-chemical engineering

water quality for rivers, lakes,

groundwater and coastal areasl Hydraulic engineering

physical and numerical modelling for water infrastructure

To support the research and consultancy services, Nahrims Hydraulic and Instrumentation Laboratory (known by its Bahasa Malaysia acronym MHI), launched in 2010, provides several facilities, including physical modelling.

Physical modelling is the most effective way of investigating fluid flows such as those around hydraulic structures.

These models are scaled down in terms of both geometry and important forces.

In 2010, Nahrim completed the physical modelling of the mangrove replanting initiative at the Haji Dorani River on Carey Island, Selangor.

Last year, Nahrim completed the physical modelling of the Belibis River flood mitigation project.

In 2013, MHI received the MS ISO9001:2008 accreditation for physical modelling management in hydraulic engineering.

Nahrims Water Quality Laboratory (known by its Bahasa Malaysia acronym MKA), which focuses on water quality research and development and testing, was launched in 2012.

MKA is expected to receive the MS ISO/IEC 17025 certification for water quality testing and calibration this year.

Preparing for the futureWater issues are expected to

increase in the future, especially the degree of water pollution.

Through its awareness campaigns and product innovation,

Nahrim is addressing the various water issues in Malaysia and will continue to do so with further research and development.

n For more information, visitwww.nahrim.gov.my

Managing a precious resourceMALAYSIA receives abundant rainfall, averaging from 2,000mm to 4,000mm annually, and is drained by a dense network of rivers and streams.

As water is considered a cheap commodity, less attention is focused on it despite increasing pressure on the countrys water resources.

The National Hydraulic Research Institute of Malaysias (Nahrim) research and development areas constantly evolve to address the changing trends of water issues faced by Malaysia.

Rainwater harvestingRainwater harvesting

provides an independent water supply when there is a drought, helps to mitigate flooding of low-lying areas and reduces demand on wells, which may enable ground water levels to be sustained.

In 2000, Nahrim set up rainwater harvesting system research plots for non-potable use to monitor the performance of the rainwater harvesting systems in residential areas (terrace houses in Kuala Lumpur and long houses in Sarawak), mosques, administrative buildings and recreational venues.

Nahrim is now embarking on a larger-scale rainwater harvesting system at the Paya Indah Wetlands water recreational area as well as the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry as part of its drive to promote the use of alternative water.

Rainwater harvesting also helps increase the availability of potable water as rainwater is substantially free of salinity and other salts.

In 2010, Nahrim set up a

rainwater harvesting system for potable use in Taman Negara, Pahang. The rainwater from this system will be treated for drinking purposes and commercialised.

Climate changeClimate change leads to

uncertainties in water supply and management of water resources.

Nahrim has completed a study on the impact of climate change on hydrology regimes and water resources in peninsular Malaysia.

This research yielded projection data and hydro-climatic information in peninsular Malaysia for the periods 2025 to 2034 and 2041 to 2050, and showed climate change impacts on the hydro-climatic parameters, rainfall intensity and river flows.

Nahrims next project, which focused on Sabah and Sarawak, yielded projection data and hydro-climatic information for the period 2050 to 2100.

The research results were presented as a notification paper titled Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources during the meeting of the 4th National Water Resources Council in 2009 and contributed to the development of two important policies the National Green Technology Policy and the National Policy on Climate Change.

It also played a part in the formation of the National Green Technology and Climate Change Council, which was established to foster greater ties and coordination between adaptation measures taken by the Government, as well as adaptation acceptance among the public.

Nahrims fiveresearch centres:

l The Research Centre for Coastal and Oceanography is responsible for conducting research and development in coastal engineering, marine and oceanography. l The Research Centre for Water Quality and Environment conducts research and development in the field of water quality and water treatment technology. l The Research Centre for Water Resources and Climate Change conducts research and development in the fields of water resources, hydro-meteorology and climate change impact and adaptation. l The Research Centre for River Basin conducts research and development in the field of river and surface water hydraulics, and generally in environment conservation of rivers and river basins. l The Research Centre for Hydrogeology conducts research and development in the field of groundwater resources management.


Positive eco livingMODERN society offers humanity many benefits, including longer lifespans and unprecedented levels of comfort and leisure.

However, it also produces a downside pollution.

Factories and power plants are major causes of pollution, but peoples homes also contribute to the problem.

When homeowners and residents take action to reduce their own pollution footprint, it has far-reaching and positive consequences.

Going green at home can mean being conscientious about not wasting tap water and turning lights off when they are not in use. This means power plants do not

have to produce as much energy, leading to a reduction in pollution.

All of these little things can really add up in ones pursuit to save the world. If enough people begin going green, the planet will surely stand a far better chance of enduring.

Thus, adopting a green lifestyle at home is an important part of the global drive to protect the environment.

The air-conditioning system accounts for almost half the energy usage in a home. Proper maintenance will keep air conditioners running at peak efficiency, meaning lower costs.

Weather-stripping windows and doors provides insulation and

reduces the need for air conditioning.

Tall trees can cool the home during a hot sunny day by providing shade.

Programmable thermostats are highly effective in conserving electricity because they can be programmed to run air conditioning only when it is really needed.

The concept of Cogeneration Technology, which is tapping waste heat for free hot water shower while running the air conditioner, is another green lifestyle concept that can reduce your hot water bill and carbon footprint.

Adopt an eco lifestyle now and save energy for future generations.

Reducingenergy usageIT has been estimated that 75% of a hotels environmental impact can be directly related to excessive consumption.

It is due to this waste and inefficiency that hotels that practise a green operation are rapidly gaining popularity.

More and more hotels are choosing to reduce their environmental footprint by performing upgrades to reduce energy and water consumption, recycling, composting food, buying from local food producers and being less wasteful.

Hotels have always been some of the biggest energy guzzlers around, contributing to the ever-increasing problem of global warming.

Regardless of the time of day or what the accessible local resources are, hotels generally use more energy per visitor than local residents as they have energy-intensive facilities such as bars, restaurants and pools as well as more spacious rooms.

Hotels must provide each guest with steaming hot or icy cold water and heat or air conditioning as desired and enough electricity to power all electrical devices at any given moment.

Excessive energy use is extremely costly. However, by installing energy-efficient technologies such as energy management systems, free hot water, free cool air, LED lights, ceiling fans, linen cards, lights-out cards and motion sensors for public-access rooms, energy bills can be reduced significantly.

According to the Government-backed Energy Efficiency Label programme, Malaysian hotels spend an average of almost RM2,200 per room each year on energy, which is 6% of all operating costs.

Hotels are starting to realise that reducing this energy usage is good business.

It makes a substantial difference to the environment, their profit margins and reputations.

Efficiency in public buildingsAS Malaysia is moving towards more ecologically sustainable development and lifestyles, the need to prepare for this change is imperative.

Sustainability has become an important initiative discussed and undertaken by developers of not only private residences but also offices, hotels, commercial buildings and hospitals.

Buildings are human habitats and the way people design, construct and operate buildings has a profound impact on peoples health and the environment.

Compared to other building types, healthcare buildings have an especially large impact on the environment because of their round-the-clock use. Thus, the development of green hospitals is important.

Hospitals require strict cleaning procedures and constant air filtration, which adds to the already-high energy

Public buildings such as hospitals should proactively address their environmental

footprint.

Hotels use a lot of energy but proper management systems can make energy consumption more efficient.

Going green at home can mean switching off electrical appliances when not in use.

costs of the 24/7 operations and sophisticated medical equipment that make hospitals among the greatest energy consumers of any institution.

Green hospital concepts will play an important part in the curative process in times to come.

Instead of being referred to as places that house healthcare amenities, the hospitals of tomorrow will focus on wellness and be transformed into welcoming spaces.

A World Health Organization (WHO) report published last year urged hospitals to proactively address the environmental footprint of the healthcare sector by reducing power consumption, utilising alternative energy generation, and recycling and conserving resources.

Compliance with energy-saving regulations is the highest concern for the assessment of the development of a green building.

Technologies have been promoted in the area of heat recovery using air-conditioning systems and heat pumps.

These technologies can produce free hot water, hot air for dryers and natural, cool fresh air. Specially coated wall and ceiling technologies are also implemented to reduce external heat and maintain a consistent room temperature.

In addition, solar energy and LED lighting systems have come a long way and are the basics for any green building.

n For more information, visit www.pecol.com.my


MALAYSIA receives abundant sunlight year round thanks to its geographic location near the Earths equator.

Recognising the potential of harnessing the suns rays as a significant source of energy, the Government has taken steps to develop the solar energy or photovoltaic (PV) industry in the country.

These steps include establishing agencies that are focused on renewable energy as well as the introduction of the feed-in-tariff (FiT) programme.

Experienced PV system provider

Established in 1999, Pekat Teknologi Sdn Bhd has carved a niche for itself as a competent solutions provider specialising in the design, supply, distribution and installation of lightning protection, earthing and surge protection technology.

The name Pekat (perlindungan elektronik daripada kilat akibat transient) means protecting your electronic equipment from transient (technical term for lightning surge).

The Pekat Group leads the market as the biggest lightning protection specialist and PV provider with its own innovative brand of PV surge protection devices that comply to international standards.

Its expansion into the fields of PV renewal energy technology led to the founding of Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd in 2010.

The first PV installer to receive ISO50001:2011 accreditation in Malaysia, Pekat Solar is certified by the Sustainable Electricity Development Authority (Seda) as a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic (GCPV) system provider, complying with power requirements and guidelines set by national governing bodies.

Previously operating on B2B (business-to-business) and B2G (business-to-government) business models, Pekat Solar is now offering B2C (business-to-consumer) services.

The feed-in-tariff

1000 volts (dc)

Conventional PV system

240 volts (ac)

MicroPV Solar System

1000 volts (dc)

Conventional PV system

40 volts (dc)

MicroPV Solar System

Grid power on inverter on

Grid power off inverter off

Hi-tech protection, solar energy

The company has worked on prestigious residential projects, including several phases of Setia Eco Park, Sunway Property projects such as Sunway SPK Harmoni, Sunway Montana, Sunway Rymba Hill and Sunway East Wood, as well as The Treez and The Leafz by Exsim Development.

Pekat Solar is currently commissioned to install solar PV system to 25 blocks of government buildings in Putrajaya, a project under the Government Lead by Example (GLBE) programme.

The company has partnered with leading international PV component manufacturers, including Solar-Log, CSUN, BenQ, Darfon, Delta and Noark.

Pekat Solar is also the authorised service partner for Steca Elektronik GmbH of Germany, a company with more than 20 years of experience manufacturing the finest products in solar inverter technology.

Latest innovationPV systems consist of several

components, including solar panels to absorb and convert sunlight to electricity and solar inverters that convert electrical power from direct current (DC) to alternating

current (AC). Representing the latest trend

in PV technology, people can now choose to install PV systems with AC micro inverters instead of conventional string inverters.

The key difference of the conventional PV system is that it connects all solar panels in a series before transferring all the generated DC energy into a bulky centralised inverter.

In the micro PV system, there are small inverters mounted underneath each solar panel.

One of the biggest advantages of the new Darfon AC micro inverter is that it is much safer for both solar installers and system owners as it eliminates the need for high-voltage DC wiring, says Wee Chek Aik, managing director of Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd and executive director of the Pekat Group of Companies.

The conventional string system can generate currents up to 1,000V and this high DC voltage is potentially fatal if not handled by qualified PV service providers. In most cases, it is beyond the knowledge of homeowners who operate it, says Wee.

Not many electricians are familiar with such high DC power in Malaysia but they would be familiar with 240V AC outputs

produced by the micro inverters.In the case of a fire and when

the inverter and grid power are cut off, conventional systems continue to generate high DC voltage, endangering the lives of rescuers. In a similar situation, PV systems with micro inverters only release a DC output of 40V.

Installing Darfon AC micro inverters optimises power generation from individual solar panels.

This means that even if one solar panel is covered by shade or dirt, it will not drag down the performance of the entire solar array.

In conventional systems, the overall power output depends on the entire string of panels. If one panel is faulty or under some shade, the entire line is weakened, says Wee.

Another advantage of installing the AC micro inverter PV system with Pekat Solar is that it allows the flexibility in terms of solar panel arrangement and future expansion.

The solar panels can be positioned across complex roof structures to receive the most sunlight and system owners do not need to rewire or deal with complicated cabling circuits if they decide to install additional solar panels in the future.

As the Darfon AC micro inverter is not exposed to high power and heat loads compared to central

inverters, the product is also highly reliable and easy to maintain.

Wee believes that this plug and play Darfon AC micro inverter home solar system that comes handy with complete mounting kits can easily be DIY (Do-It-Yourself) in the near future, such as in Australia or European countries, if the Government implements net energy metering.

It will be the wave of the future for several reasons. These AC micro-inverters have taken some of the mystery out of solar installations such as termination of DC cables and made the installation nearly idiot-proof.

Quality serviceIn Malaysia, all PV installations

must be carried out by qualified engineers who are certified by Seda.

All our engineers undergo a stringent Grid-Connected Photovoltaic Systems Design Course set by Seda and our products are sourced from established companies.

Darfon, for example, has acquired more than 1,300 patents worldwide and won eight international design awards in the past 15 years, says Wee.

Believing in testing its products, Pekat Solar has installed the micro inverter PV system at its headquarters, which allows the engineers to understand the products and mitigate any problems that may arise before pushing the products into the market.

We offer a one-stop solution for customers as we provide a comprehensive service from free consultation to on-call after-sales service and maintenance, says Wee.

With a strong company history, partnership and impeccable service, Pekat Solar will continue to develop its in-house capabilities, experience and expertise to lead this niche industry.

n For more information,call 03-2300 8010 or visitwww.pekat.com.my

Diagram of power outputs of conventional and micro PV systems.

INTRODUCED in December 2011, the feed-in-tariff (FiT) programme requires electricity distribution licensees such as one from Tenaga National Berhad to buy all electricity generated from renewable energy sources, including energy from photovoltaic systems owners, at attractive rates.

This tariff was designed to encourage homeowners, business owners, private investors and even farmers to become feed-in approval holders (FIAHs) in renewable energy and to reward them by paying for the electricity they generate.

Not only are FIAHs able to

reduce their electricity bill and feed energy into the grid, they are also able to make a profit in the long run.

The Sustainable Energy Development Authority (Seda) is a statutory body that administers and manages the implementation of FiT mechanism under the Renewable Energy Act 2011.

As the agreement between TNB and individual FIAHs extends over a period of 21 years, Seda is responsible for enforcing payments regarding this agreement and implement additional laws related to sustainable energy.

All PV products and systems are tested at Pekat Solars headquarters.

Wee Chek Aik, managing director of Pekat Solar Sdn Bhd.


Eco toolsDID you know that every little action has an impact on our planet? Did you also know that you have the power to control the damage that you create? Nowadays, everything is becoming more

environmentally friendly from transportation to buildings. There are also green versions of the gadgets that we use everyday.

l Eco-amp The Eco-amp is a must-have for Apple users

(iPhone and iPad) who are looking for a speaker to amplify the volume and clarity of their audio without any external power.

This gadget is also compatible with non-Apple devices, providing its external speaker is situated within two inches of any corner of the device.

Made from 100% Forest Stewardship Council-certified post-consumer recycled fibres, this US-made gadget does not leave any environmental footprint that will cause harm to Mother Nature.

It comes as a flat piece of paper. You can fold it into a cone-shape and easily disassemble it when not in use, allowing you to save space.

n This gadget is available at www.eco-made.com

l OBon PencilThe OBon pencil is made of tightly wrapped recycled newspaper.

The paper is wrapped 48 times around a piece of graphite before it is air dried, followed by a heat-drying process.

The drying process hardens the newspaper around the graphite and prevents air pockets from forming, which in turn prevents the

graphite from snapping. This means that this eco-friendly pencil can last three times longer than usual wood pencils.

You can now bid farewell to traditional pencils that are created from the act of chopping down trees and use these

more efficient, green pencils instead.

n This eco-friendly pencil is available at www.myobon.com

l Waterpebble The Waterpebble is a unique water-saving device that has

the ability to help you reduce the usage of water when showering.

All you need to do is place this gadget near the shower drain and it will monitor the amount of water that flows by.

Three different colour indicators will light up only when the device detects a flow of water green (start), yellow (halfway) and red (end) giving you a certain amount of time in which to use water.

With each use, the Waterpebble will reduce the time in which you can use water by approximately five to seven seconds. Eventually, you may need to turn off the tap while you shampoo to prevent a waste of water flow.

Without you realising it, this gadget puts you in a race against time to use water wisely by reducing your shower time and cutting your water bill in the long-run.

The gadgets lifespan is one million blinks and this palm-sized pebble can be recycled at the end of its life.

n The Waterpebble is available on Amazon or at www.floridaecoproducts.com

l iZen Bamboo KeyboardThe iZen Bamboo Keyboards major selling point

is that it is made from 92% bamboo, greatly reducing the use of fossil fuels in making computer accessories.

The keyboard has a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery and can be charged with a USB 2.0 cable.

Using Bluetooth v3.0 technology, it is designed to be compatible with your smartphone, tablet and also any Bluetooth-enabled device.

n This keyboard is available on Amazon or eBay.

l Squirt Alarm The Bedol Water ClockThe Squirt Alarm is the latest edition to Bedols range of water alarm clocks. The

clock is so named because it is in the shape of a small splash of water. This device does not run on any batteries, chemicals or electricity. Instead, it runs

on ordinary tap water. The ions present in the water are converted to clean energy to power this gadget. The amount of water filled in this unique clock can last for eight to 12 weeks.

A built-in memory chip prevents the clock from losing time while you are refilling the clock with water.

n This gadget is available at www.bedolwhatsnext.com


going green 11

Taylors University School of Engineering students have created a human-powered vehicle as one of their projects during their studies.

Possessing an engineering mindENGINEERS today are tasked with the responsibility of improving living conditions worldwide as outlined in the 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering identified by the National Academy of Engineers (NAE) in the United States.

By addressing these 14 challenges, which include making solar energy economical, providing access to clean water, reverse engineering the human brain and engineering better medicines, we will make sustainable progress into the next century.

To be able to address these challenges, engineers need to equip themselves with system-thinking skills, innovative and entrepreneurial mental habits as well as disciplinary engineering knowledge.

Besides addressing the 14 Grand Challenges, training skilled engineers is also pivotal in enabling Malaysia to achieve developed nation status by 2020.

Prof Dr Mushtak Al-Atabi, Taylors University School of Engineering dean and author of the bestseller Think Like an Engineer, provides insight into the process of developing world-class engineers who are ready to compete globally and address the 14 Grand Challenges.

At Taylors University, we believe in holistic education and are firm believers of creating an environment in which our students can develop technically, mentally and emotionally, says Prof Al-Atabi.

This is achieved by adopting a curriculum that emphasises entrepreneurship, innovation, creativity, critical and systematic thinking as well as emotional intelligence.

By adopting the CDIO conceive, design, implement, operate educational framework that centres on how we feel, think and learn, we are able to anchor our pedagogy in the latest brain research findings and business practices, say Prof Al-Atabi.

Through hands-on project-based learning, students are able to nurture their collaborative, critical- and systematic-thinking skills and are encouraged to push the limits to achieve their full potential.

Each student works in a team on a major project every semester, starting from the first semester of study.

In practice, we have adopted a number of unique educational innovations to empower our students and staff.

To provide our students with a compelling reason to do engineering, we have aligned our research and curriculum to address the 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering.

Taylors School of Engineering is currently

the only school outside the US that has a Grand Challenges Scholar Programme approved by the NAE, says Prof Al-Atabi.

He continues, Students who complete this programme will receive a certificate from the NAE in addition to their academic certificates.

We are also one of the few engineering schools in the world where entrepreneurship is taught systematically, allowing our students to raise funds for their projects using crowdfunding techniques.

According to Prof Al-Atabi, this gives Taylors engineering students a clear edge when they join the workforce as they would have benefited from exposure to the importance of economical and financial aspects of engineering.

Not only does this prepare graduates to be successful engineers, it also enables them to take on career challenges beyond engineering should they choose to do so.

Another unique feature of our programme is that students attend an experiential course to build their emotional intelligence.

In this course, engineering students cultivate their self-awareness, self-management, social awareness and relationship management. A growing number of employers are reporting that emotional intelligence is a necessary skill for graduates to have, shares Prof Al-Atabi.

In Think Like an Engineer, Prof Al-Atabi provides insight into the educational philosophy of Taylors School of Engineering.

President of Yale University Prof Peter Salovey states that he is struck by the similarities between the approach described in the book and the outcomes seen in Yale Center for Engineering Innovation and Design, where artists and business students work alongside engineers.

Taylors School of Engineering offers four-year degree programmes in three disciplines l Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Engineeringl Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Electrical & Electronic Engineeringl Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Mechanical Engineering

The School of Engineering also offers the Taylors Grand Challenges Scholar Programme to high achievers.

The programme exposes them to a series of learning experiences that enables future engineers to improve the quality of life of others.

n For more information,call 03-5629 5000, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.taylors.edu.my/tgcsp


Smart sustainabilityGO green has become the motto for many organisations.Organisations are now looking to incorporate green initiatives in their existing day-to-day work routine to enhance efficiency and productivity while addressing the need for sustainability and responsibility of business practices.

Fuji Xerox supports this initiative, which is why its products are specially made to reduce costs while improving business efficiency and minimising negative environmental impacts.

Through its eco-friendly multifunctional devices and green solutions, Fuji Xerox assumes the responsibility of minimising carbon dioxide emissions throughout its products life cycle.

This is in line with Fuji Xeroxs greater goal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by seven million tonnes per annum by 2020.

Collective performanceAs organisations move towards

becoming technology-driven businesses, offices are trying to allocate more devices to enhance workforce operation.

However, this can create a cluttered environment that over-complicates operation and compromises security by leaking confidential information.

To initiate and implement green office solutions in the workplace, Fuji Xerox has introduced the total management solution ApeosWare

Management Suite (AWMS).AWMS is an integrated software

suite that eases the central management of various output devices while minimising paper wastage and reducing carbon footprint.

AWMS offers an all-in-one solution by consolidating five management functions on a comprehensive platform.

The device, user, log, print and flow management functions can be utilised independently, but they work best together to cut down

cost and time while enhancing workplace productivity.

The software also encourages employees to be more environmentally responsible by actively keeping track and displaying rankings of carbon dioxide emissions reduced and the amount of paper saved.

Adding to the AWMS sustainable edge are the eco information accounting and report creation functions, which track the companys environmental footprint and display them in graphs and

ECO (Energy Company Obligation) reports.

Effective simplicityFuji Xeroxs AWMS presents a

method not only to make companies accountable for their business impacts on the environment, but also to integrate with office solutions so that productivity is not compromised.

Since it is embedded in the business process, AWMS improves simple automated workflow,

including cost recovery and reporting.

For example, companies can track jobs in a common shared multifunction device to issue separate bills reflecting respective usage.

The system configuration of AWMS is flexible and its extensibility makes it suitable for long-term use as it expands to match the growth of businesses.

The integrated document life-cycle management function of AWMS promotes security and productivity while reducing the total cost of operations.

Its user-centric design makes it easy to pick up and use administrators can install and configure the initial setup without much hassle.

Fuji Xeroxs Multifunction Device User Interface also improves operability for the end user.

Fuji Xerox AWMS brings together the best of office management solutions on one standardised platform so organisations can usher in a new age of sustainable smart technology.

n For more information,visit www.fujixerox.com.my

Fuji Xeroxs ApeosWare Management Suite is a total, eco-friendly management solution.


going green 13

Ko Chuan Zhen (left) and Poh Tyng Hwey are +SOLARs co-founders.

Impactful energy solution+SOLAR was set up in 2013 to offer turnkey solar photovoltaics (PV) solutions. It aimed to be a leader in the renewable energy revolution, emphasising operational, marketing and technological innovations.

Its market offering includes the introduction of cutting-edge energy generation, energy savings and energy storage solutions at a premium value and affordable costs.

+SOLAR has enjoyed its fair share of success. We have worked on more than 26MWp of solar PV systems of various applications, from the industrial sector to the commercial and residential sector, says Ko Chuan Zhen, one of the co-founders of +SOLAR.

This is thanks to our young and passionate team who shares the common vision of revolutionising the energy distribution climate in Malaysia.

Like many start-up companies, we actively seek new talents who share our vision and want to join our team of passionate and enthused young professionals, says Poh Tyng Huei, another co-founder of +SOLAR.

With the introduction of Feed-in-Tariff (FiT) policy and price drop of solar PV modules, it makes economic sense to own a solar PV system.

Under the FiT policy, owners of a solar PV system are eligible to sell the energy generated from the system to their local utility company at a subsidised tariff.

To most people, this means that the investment made on the solar PV system can be an additional sustainable stream of revenue for the family.

On top of that, the price of solar PV modules has dropped by more than 50% compared to 10 years ago, making it a very attractive and accessible investment opportunity for most people.

I thought these reasons were enough to convince someone to get a solar PV system until I met clients with different points of view. One of our clients installed

a solar PV system to teach his children the importance of both sustainable living and investment, says Poh.

On the other hand, for commercial and industrial owners, the 15% return of investment allows them to benefit from this relatively low risk investment that is less susceptible to economic fluctuations.

We are currently devising several innovative solutions to cater to a larger market of energy users, including a platform for energy conservation, says Poh.

He adds that these new products can help cut down a buildings energy consumption by at least 10%, which will benefit building owners.

While it is important to expand market reach, each corporation has a fundamental social responsibility to contribute to the community.

We actively collaborate with education institutions such as Multimedia University to drive participation in seminars for sustainability-related topics as one of our corporate social responsibility initiatives, says Ko.

+SOLAR is also actively engaged in corporate social responsibility programmes that help set up rooftop solar PV systems for educational institutions.

One of the most important pillars of +SOLAR is to be involved in community energy sharing, says Poh.

As a renewable energy company, it is up to us to raise awareness on the importance of sustainable living among our next generation, he says.

Industrial, commercial or non-profit institutions that are interested in leasing the roofs of their buildings are invited to get in touch with +SOLAR to see how they can not only reap financial rewards, but also contribute to the environment and the next generation.

n For more information, visit www.plus-solar.com.my


Great eco-friendly investmentFOUNDED in 2003, Solarland Malaysia has evolved to meet the increasing demand for solar energy products and power solutions.

Solarland works with many well-known domestic photovoltaic production enterprises and research institutions to apply new technology and provide products for the solar industrial field.

It commits to offering completed solutions to customers by combining project financing, planning, system integrating and engineering construction in its services.

Stable and long-term energy returns from the sun guarantee that one is making a good investment.

Solarland has completed several international projects in collaboration with its parent company China Machinery Engineering Corporation. These projects, involving commercial solar power plants and ground photovoltaic stations, allow project owners to benefit from the investment without having to pump any capital into the project.

The commercial solar power plants are built on empty rooftops

A 3MW distributed photovoltaic power station in Wuxi, China, built on factory roofs.

An Earthship is built with inexpensive natural materials and uses a variety of resource management system.

of factories so that the factories can use the power generated from these plants.

These projects involve installing photovoltaic solar panels on available flat rooftops, which comply with the principle of proximity for efficient power generation, grid connection,

projects in various parts of China.The ground photovoltaic stations

are usually built on unused land such as coastal land and other open areas that are free of shade. The stations whole system will connect directly to the national grid.

The stations are stable, easy to

The sustainable home ship

IN the 1970s, architect Michael Reynolds sought to create a sustainable and economically feasible home that relied solely on natural energy sources.

It was a time when environmentalism was beginning to boom in the wake of 1960s counterculture. He came up with a passive solar house that was designed to be almost entirely self-reliant and off-the-grid.

The houses were built using natural and recycled materials such as earth-filled tyres for the walls, and had a unique water harvesting and waste management system.

The set-up was also conducive to all-year-round crop production. These environmentally responsible homes were aptly dubbed Earthships.

Non-primitive sustainability

These homes are now designed and marketed by American company Earthship Biotecture. Earthships have gained quite a following in its place of origin, New Mexico, and have been built in numerous other locations around the world, including African countries.

Today, Reynolds vision is embodied in the form of the common U-shaped earth-filled tyre homes.

Earthships have been hailed the homes of the future for their sustainability measures and relatively low cost and labour requirements.

They promote an owner builder approach, urging prospective homeowners who are environmentally conscious to build their own Earthships using inexpensive natural materials.

These alternative homes are

designed as autonomous structures without centralised utility sources. Water is harvested using rain and snow catchment with potable water production from a pump and filtration system.

Treated water is used sparingly for cleaning, cooking and farming.

Earthships are largely solar-powered while some also utilise turbines to harvest wind as an energy source.

These methods create enough energy to power various modern day electronic devices, which means that inhabitants will not be entirely cut off from technology despite this seemingly primitive set-up.

They also utilise the properties of thermal mass and passive solar heating and cooling to regulate temperature indoors.

The load-bearing walls absorb heat during the day and radiate it at night. Earthships are commonly built for optimum solar exposure,

with a solar-oriented wall angled to allow maximum exposure to the sun in winter.

In tropical countries such as Nicaragua, the Earthship has been modified to block sun out, prevent overheating and increase ventilation.

This can be done by adjusting angles of the glass front, using large roof overhangs and a low-mass attic, as well as burying long cooling tubes in the earth.

The complexity of novelty

Despite being around for more than 40 years, these buildings are still considered experimental housing even in their home base of the United States.

This means that they do not adhere to the same laws as urban housing developments in fact, Reynolds encountered many complications in attempting to

convince people that Earthships were a safe and viable housing option for the masses.

Lack of funding and appropriate insurance coverage have also been identified as major drawbacks in purchasing and maintaining these homes.

Earthship owners have reported various problems with the structure and design of their homes, and the lack of suitable insurance means they are left to fix these problems themselves. Sustainability clearly has a cost of its own.

Relying solely on its design for temperature control does come with its own set of issues too, especially if there is a lack of proper insulation.

Since the original Earthship was created for the warm and sunny weather of New Mexico, the design needs to be altered to suit weather demands if built elsewhere.

Research and development

must be carried out to create designs that work best for the area.

Earthships present an idea that challenges conventional modern housing.

It will likely take some time and wider adaptation by the masses before it is viable on a global platform.

After all, these houses were originally designed in the 1970s and some updating is required for them to functionally exist today.

While they hold potential as a green living option, the bare minimum nature of Earthships call to question our complex modern needs and how much we are willing to sacrifice in the name of sustainability.

Beyond that, however, Earthships serve as a reminder of the numerous ways we can play a part in the green movement by slightly altering our lifestyles and expectations.

conversion and consumption.The power plants are connected

to factory substations and the power generated is consumed locally. Any excess power is uploaded into the national grid, easing the areas strain on electricity production.

Solarland has completed such

build and maintain and, most importantly, maximise local solar energy utilisation.

Nowadays, this type of photovoltaic station is built on a large commercial scale and has become an important component of the power generation industry.

These ground photovoltaic stations have been built by Solarland in Germany, Italy, Spain and China.

Photovoltaic stations can also be installed on the rooftops of high-rise residential buildings and multi-storey or single-storey houses.

The electricity generated can be entirely uploaded to the national grid, consumed by the buildings residents or partially consumed with the excess uploaded to the grid.

The typical payback period is between six and 10 years, while the remaining years of power generation (at least 15 years) are considered profit years.

The photovoltaic station is almost silent and emits virtually no pollution.

n For more information,visit www.solarland.com.my


going green 15

THE 6th International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia (IGEM 2015), themed Powering the Green Economy, is organised by the Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry (KeTTHA) and co-organised by Malaysian Green Technology Corporation.

IGEM serves as a central platform for leading green technology companies from across the globe to exchange innovation, expertise and knowledge, while encouraging cross-country business opportunities.

Participants have an avenue to network with key influencers who are shaping the global green landscape, including international industry leaders, policy-makers and government officials, who will be present at the various concurrent events.

Diverse opportunitiesOne of the exciting events to

catch at IGEM 2015 is the Green Financing Forum, themed Driving Green Investment: Unleashing Public and Private Finance for Growth, which will feature leading global minds from influential financial institutions such as the World Bank, the UK Green Investment Bank and Connecticut Green Bank.

Another event not to be missed is the 3rd E-Mobilia World Conference, which is the premier hybrid, electric, energy-efficient and future mobility conference in

the Asean region. Held in conjunction with IGEM

2015 for the first time, this conference will address key issues in the areas of sustainable mobility development, implementation and adoption. This will be done by bringing together key international government agencies, academia, industries and private corporations.

Since 2010, IGEM has generated more than RM6bil in green business leads and encouraged the

growth of the green technology sector within Malaysia and further afield via cross-country promotion and dialogues crucial to the progress of this nascent sector, says Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Energy, Green Technology and Water Minister.

We are confident that IGEM 2015 will once again contribute significantly to Malaysias socio-economic growth as the regions foremost green technology

Key events Date Admission fee

Green Financing Forum

MIDA Business Consultation Sept 9 to 12

One-to-One Bizmatch Programme Sept 9 to 12

Sept 9 RM500

Malaysia Global Business Forum Sept 11 RM480 to RM3,850

3rd E-Mobilia World Sept 10 and 11 Early bird rate(before Aug 7): US$895 (RM3,413)Regular rate: US$1,095 (RM4,176)

Renewable Energy Seminar FreeFree

Free

Free

Matrade Business Matching

Green enthusiasts and entrepreneurs should not miss out on the chance to participate in these programmes.

exhibition and conference. Therefore, I greatly encourage

those who wish to be a part of the global green economy to come join IGEM 2015, he adds.

International platformIGEM 2015 brings together

prominent organisations from all over the world, including the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUMCCI).

The EUMCCI has been a supporter of IGEM for six consecutive years through the European Union (EU) Pavilion.

It is a key platform from which European companies are able to showcase their products and

solutions with exclusive access to top government officials, EU ambassadors and major industry players, says Minna Saneri, general manager of EUMCCI.

The EUMCCI recognises IGEM as a perfect avenue and is proud to continue our ongoing partnership with the Malaysian Government.

Through events such as IGEM and the Asean-EU Business Summit, we look forward to promoting, supporting and strengthening the EU business community in Malaysia, says Saneri.

n For more information, visit www.igem.my

Minna Saneri, general manager of the EU-Malaysia Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili, Minister of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia.

Power your green biz


100% natural latex.

THE key to restful and healthy sleep lies in a good mattress with good materials for your skin and body.

Realising this, one of Malaysias top premium mattress brands, Slumberland, has developed a new range of LivinGreen mattresses.

Slumberland LivinGreen mattresses are manufactured under strict quality standards with natural materials that are beneficial to the body to ensure maximum sleeping comfort.

Natural materials, modern design

The new range of LivinGreen mattresses is equipped with the unique, TecNature Hybrid System, which combines a gentle touch of

nature with its high-performance spring technology.

The natural latex mattresses are designed with care to offer the perfect balance of back support and unparalleled comfort for uninterrupted sleep all night long.

The TecNature Hybrid System contains natural materials such as 100% natural latex, ZoneCare Natural Memory Foam, pure lambswool, organic cotton fabric ventilation case and the new QuadroFlex Hybrid Spring System to provide ultimate comfort.

Made with a combination of modern design and a touch of elegance, the new LivinGreen mattresses offer a fresh, sophisticated and contemporary look to complement a wide range of bedroom styles for young and modern families.

Available in three models Eco Plush, Eco Flex and Eco Nature the new LivinGreen mattresses 100% natural latex and organic cotton fabric balance comfort with proper spine support.

It allows good air-

circulation to minimise moisture and heat build-up, allowing the mattress to stay fresh and dry. It is also hypoallergenic, thus preventing allergies and skin irritation.

Certified by OEKO-TEX Standard 100, the soft organic cotton used is grown without the use of pesticides or fertilisers, making it free from harmless substances.

Selected models feature the ZoneCare Natural Memory Foam, a palm oil-based memory foam that is natural with high resilience and high density.

It is designed to relieve pressure points on the spine, joints and nerves, conform to your body contours and provide optimum support.

To provide a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment, the mattress exceptional ventilation case maintains sturdiness across the entire mattress while holding its structure, allowing you to enjoy the same level of support and comfort regardless of the part of mattress you lie on.

The mattress has unique breathable pinholes and an open-cell structure that allow the foam to breathe, creating the right level of pressure reduction and body contouring.

Support and comfortThrough its breakthrough

technology and relentless drive for quality, Slumberland is proud to introduce its newly invented QuadroFlex Hybrid Spring System,

the first spring system in the market to give ultimate comfort to your sleeping experience.

Consisting of four-ply pocketed-spring rows alternated with Comfort Plush Pocketed Spring rows, QuadroFlex Hybrid Spring Systems unique fusion is designed to provide the proper support required for each body zone, including extra firmness for your back.

Both Eco Plush and Eco Flex Mattresses feature the QuadroFlex Hybrid Spring System.

High standardsSpeaking at the launch of

LivinGreen, Hilding Anders Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director Michael Teoh, said, The new range of LivinGreen mattresses is a result of our commitment to developing products that offer thorough protection and enable our consumers to enjoy comfortable and healthier sleep in a natural sleeping environment.

This new range, specially designed for those who are seeking mattresses that provide visible benefits to their health and well-being, offers comfort from nature as it is made from natural materials.

When advanced technologies meet nature, the result is a new range of mattresses designed to

Organic cotton fabric.

LivinGreen mattresses provide maximum sleeping comfort.

Ultimate comfort,better sleep

help create a natural sleep environment that is free of interference and provides better comfort for a fresh start to the next day.

At Slumberland, we are committed to constantly bring innovative products to our consumers by exploring the use of new materials and technologies.

We seek to address the needs of the younger generation by combining modern designs with high standards, setting our mattresses apart from other brands, said Teoh.

Slumberland LivinGreen mattresses are priced from RM2,330 to RM8,000 and have been made available at authorised dealers nationwide since June.

All its mattresses come with a 15-year warranty against manufacturing defects.

To complement the new LivinGreen mattresses, Slumberland has extended its expertise by producing three new bedframe models with contemporary designs so that the mattresses can be a perfect fit for any home or room.

Crafted with attention to detail, the new bedframe models come with three different headboard designs with selected features, such as a pull-out divan drawer or Slumberlands unique posture spring divan, for a longer mattress lifespan and better comfort.

n For more information,call 03-8926 8888 or visitwww.slumberland.com.my

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going green - 2 august 2015

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