Going Green - 22 May 2016

SUNDAY STAR, 22 MAY 2016

special

GOING GREEN

By IAN JEROME LEONG

AS a result of rapid development and booming economic drivers in the last two decades, Malaysia has experienced high levels of urbanisation across its states and federal territories.

The last Population and Housing Census of Malaysia in 2010 reported the country’s most densely populated areas per square kilometre were Kuala Lumpur (6,891 persons), Penang (1,490 persons) and Putrajaya (1,478 persons).

The result of this massive population growth, however, is the increased amount of solid waste generated by households and businesses, which in turn led to socioeconomic problems such as open waste burning, illegal dumpsites and the realisation that proper waste management infrastructure such as landfills, incinerators and recycling centres are sorely lacking in the country.

Among the most alarming of situations is that Alam Flora reported 21,270 tonnes of rubbish were illegally dumped on roadsides, back alleys, riverbanks as well as construction sites in Kuala Lumpur between 2011 and 2015.

Organising positive change

After years of delay, the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleanliness Act 2007 (Act 672) was finally introduced in 2011, to ensure the uniformity of the law in relation to the country’s solid waste and public cleansing industry in the hopes for a more sustainable future.

The Act governs licensing, enforcement, control of solid waste generators and persons in possession of controlled solid waste, reduction and recovery of controlled solid waste, and the approval of any construction, alteration and closure to waste management facilities.

Upon the implementation of the Act, the Federal Government authorised Solid Waste Management and Public Cleanliness Corporation (later renamed SWCorp) to take over solid waste and public cleansing management responsibilities that were previously carried out by local authorities throughout peninsular Malaysia.

United effortWhile the collection,

management and disposal of waste in the country is under the jurisdiction of SWCorp, the implementation of Act 672 also affects the general public.

The most prominent change is the introduction of waste separation at source that began in September last year in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah and Perlis.

Helpful linksFROM Sept 1 last year, all premises in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah and Perlis were required to practise waste separation at source.

This enforcement will be increased starting next month, as households caught not separating their waste will face a fine.

Here are some useful websites should you need more information on how to separate your waste and the governing body.l www.kpkt.gov.my/separationatsource/en/l www.swcorp.gov.my

Households and businesses are required to separate their recyclable waste such as plastic, glass, paper, metal, fabric and rubber products from general household waste such as kitchen scraps or leftover food.

This move was seen to address some of the environmental problems faced by the country, such as reducing the amount of waste that was being sent to available landfills that are reaching full capacity.

Although various recycling activities were promoted and undertaken as early as 1993, Malaysians have been slow to adopt the recycling lifestyle.

Cleaning up our act

The lack of enforcement within these areas has also exacerbated the problem.

Starting next month (June 1), households that do not comply with the waste disposal procedures can be fined.

If enforced, this fine may do much in encouraging the public to comply with the waste separation regulations.

Looking at more developed countries with advanced waste disposal systems and processes, it is hoped that waste separation at its source will increase the recycling rate of Malaysia – an important factor as cities such as Kuala Lumpur generate up to 2,500

tonnes of domestic waste per day.

Uphill battleAccording to Ravindran

Raman Kutty, an advocate for environmental issues in Malaysia and an experienced columnist who has been featured in various publications, “Much more needs to be done in the two most fundamental aspects of education and enforcement.”

He says a bombardment of recycling messages is needed for people to learn that what they throw away is a serious matter and that waste separation involves all sectors of society, including every member of the household and businesses such as corporations, food truck operators and hawker stall owners.

“SWCorp must make a stronger effort through mainstream and online media to inform, educate and communicate to the public. In addition, they should engage with the people that matter,” says Ravindran.

He gives the example that there is not one book about waste management being taught in schools and as school children will grow to become influential leaders, it is important to educate them from a young age so that they make green and environmentally friendly choices – inadvertently ensuring a more sustainable future for the country.

While Malaysia continues to strive to become a developed country, we are however falling short on the environmental front.

The implementation of procedures such as waste separation is a good start towards a greener outcome but this is far from being a sustainable solution.

It is crucial that all citizens recognise that they cannot depend on SWCorp, large corporations or the Government to carry out environmentally friendly activities, as a green Malaysia is only achievable when there is collaborative effort from everyone.

2 going greenSUNDAY STAR, 22 MAY 2016

Fuel-efficient technology

EACH generation of Nissan Serena S-Hybrid has adhered to being spacious, flexible and comfortable. As a high-quality eight-seater family MPV, Nissan Serena S-Hybrid outperformed its competitors in Malaysia, winning the MPV of the Year award at the NST-Maybank Car Of The Year 2015 awards.

With the revolutionary S-Hybrid system, the Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is equipped with Nissan's MR20DD direct-injection and Twin Continuously Variable valve Timing Control (CVTC) engine, which delivers enhanced performance with a smooth response that is exciting yet quiet and refined.

The engine and XTRONIC CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) performs efficiently to achieve high torque at low engine speeds, provides less accelerator pressure, produces better fuel economy and less emission.

In addition, the CVT gearbox allows for effortless, smooth gear changes and better driving experience.

The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid is also equipped with the following technologies:l ECO mode function and smart-

rev control system to maintain constant engine revolutions to maximise fuel efficiencyl Kinetic energy generated from

the wheels braking is converted to

electric energy to recharge the S-Hybrid electric motorsl The Idling Start-Stop System

(ISS) automatically switches off the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop in traffic, and starts again within 0.3 seconds after the brake pedal is released (through assistance from the ECO Motor with Torque Assist Function), allowing the New Serena S-Hybrid to achieve fuel

economy that is best in its class – 15.2km/L (JC08 mode).

The ECO matre is adopted to show current driving conditions and has three alternative displays – instant fuel consumption display, which shows instant and average fuel consumption; eco drive navigator, which shows appropriate acceleration conditions based on the vehicle's speed; and

idling stop timer, which easily identifies how long the ISS has been functioning.

The New Serena S-Hybrid also offers 14-seat configurations, setting it apart from conventional MPVs. Its unique "central walkthrough" arrangement draws the whole family closer, emphasising its spaciousness and versatility.

Thanks to Nissan's latest

S-Hybrid system and smart features, the new Serena S-Hybrid is environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient.

The Nissan Serena S-Hybrid. Your Ultimate Family Car.

n For more information, customers can call Nissan Customer Care Line Toll FREE line at 1800 883 838 or visit www.nissan.com.my.

The new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid boasts exceptional fuel economy.Enjoy ample space and versatility with the new Nissan Serena S-Hybrid.

SUNDAY STAR, 22 MAY 2016

going green 3

Switch on with styleALL homes with electricity are equipped with switches, sockets and circuit breakers but these are not as trivial as you think.

Schneider Electric offers exceptional levels of reliability and innovative products that are easy for homeowners to use.

Switches are often located at eye level and can become eye sores if they do not match the overall interior design.

Schneider Electric’s switches and sockets boast attractive designs that come in different colours, materials and finishes to fit various design concepts.

Why be contented to conform when a little extra attention to detail can go a long way to making you stand out?

Originally created as a control terminal for the intelligent home system, the NEO switches is a popular award-winning series that redefines wall decorations with its superb range of switches and sockets.

With unconventional horizontal orientations, groundbreaking use of LED, first white-on-white fluorescent locaters in the market, Cyber-chic silver and grey tones, there are many reasons NEO switches are

the choice for forward-looking metropolitans. ZENcelo switches, with the patented

Impress mechanism, enables electromechanical switches to achieve the same full-flat form design to give a slim profile at an affordable price.

ZENcelo also features a clever mechanical device called Ondicator to tell if the switch is turned on or off.

Pushing the boundaries of switch design by maximising the jumbo dolly with slim edges, Pieno maintains an overall slim profile, despite the jumbo dolly, due to the innovative SS Mechanism and patented PerfectFace Switch Architecture.

These two innovations also enable quick and high-quality installations on any wall surface. In addition to the existing white and lavender silver colours, Pieno is available now in wine gold.

n For more information, call Schneider Electric’s customer care at 1800 880 877 or visit www.sereply.com to download a switches brochure. You stand a chance to win a XiaoMi Mi4i Smartphone (keycode: 57336M).

(From left) Schneider Electric’s NEO, ZENcelo and Pieno switches come in a range of colours and designs to enhance your home’s appearance.

The Biobased Nano-emulsion of Rotenone.

UNIVERSITI Putra Malaysia (UPM) is one of the leading research universities in Malaysia and continuously seeks innovative ways to accelerate the use of green technologies to protect the ecosystem.

To achieve this, UPM undertakes a lot of ongoing research and innovations to create a better place for humanity.

The Biobased Nano-emulsion of Rotenone was designed by Prof Dr Dzolkhifli Omar for safe, sustainable and effective pest control.

This technology involves a plant-based active ingredient derived from Derris that can be used as an alternative insecticide.

This plant-based formulation reduces the usage of surfactant but increases the safety and effectiveness of the active ingredient.

The toxicity of rotenone against insect pests is better than the currently available potent conventional organic-based insecticides and it is suitable to be used in organic farming.

In the field of engineering, Prof Dr Mohd Zobir Hussein invented the nano-encapsuled organic phase change material (OPCM) to overcome the liquid leakage and low-thermal conductivity problem in PCM materials.

This technology can be used to reduce energy consumption of buildings and

maintain internal building comfort. The Biomass Microwave Carbonizer

(BMWC), an invention by Prof Dr Azni Idris, offers clean technology and applies microwave-assisted pyrolysis to burn biomass wastes into biochar using an efficient and rapid process.

This process is 50% faster than conventional pyrolysis. The biochar produced is a charcoal-like material that gives less smoke, is high in calorific value and lower in volatile content. It is a sustainable solid fuel, giving lower emission.

Dr Mahnaz M. Abdi invented an optical sensor of polypyrrole-chitosan to monitor toxic metal ions.

This technology enables detections of heavy metal ions at a lower concentration with less interference.

The optical sensor is portable and suitable for in situ field monitoring. Operation and handling of this sensor does not require any special knowledge of chemical testing and it is user-friendly.

n For more information, visit www.sciencepark.upm.edu.my.

Innovate for better future

4 going greenSUNDAY STAR, 22 MAY 2016

Worsening asthma, allergies and other respiratory problems

Headaches and nausea

Shortness of breath

Sinus congestion, sneezing and cough

Eye, skin, nose and throat irritations

Memory loss, dizziness, fatigue and depression

1 2 3 4 5 6

Symptoms of indoor air pollution

Greener indoor livingADVANCES in building technology have made most residential and office buildings air-tight to better withstand elements such as rain and strong wind. They are also meant to reduce power costs related to air conditioning.

However, air-tight buildings also trap air pollutants inside and no fresh air can come in. As indoor air is simply recirculated, it can be two to five times more polluted than the air outside. In some cases, indoor air can be up to 50 times more polluted.

Pollution can be caused by a number of sources – gas stoves, building materials and furniture, carpet, household cleaning products, personal care supplies, dust, air fresheners or pesticides.

These sources release liquid, gas or minute particles into the air where they can remain for extended periods of time, triggering asthma and other

respiratory conditions due to the irritation these substances cause to the lungs.

Some pollution sources also contribute to high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the home, which can cause eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders and possible memory impairment.

Studies have found that VOCs are common in the indoor environment and their levels can be 10 to thousands of times higher inside than out.

VOCs are chemicals that evaporate into the air at room temperature. These chemicals are used in many building materials, interior furnishings, textiles, office equipment, cleaners, personal care supplies and pesticides.

Biological pollutants that affect indoor air quality include pollen,

bacteria, dust, moulds, animal dander and mites. These pollutants can cause allergies and infections.

These poor air quality conditions can cause both immediate and long-term effects to our health, termed sick building syndrome.

The immediate effects include irritated eyes, nose and throat, headaches, dizziness and fatigue. Poor air conditions can also contribute to humidifier fever, asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

Long-term effects, including respiratory diseases, may not show up until years after exposure or after long, repeated periods of exposure.

Homes and offices with no natural air ventilation need an air treatment system that can kill germs, eliminate chemical pollutants, and eradicate smoke, dust, mist, bad odour, bacteria, and

mould spores. The good news is that such technology is now available in Malaysia.

Shinoe Tech Sdn Bhd recently introduced a patented technology called Shinoe Purification System that effectively addresses the problems of poor indoor air quality by treating the air through a three-step process of purification, sterilisation and sanitation.

“This patented product is a complete system for mechanical ventilation, air treatment and even lighting necessary to meet the indoor air quality requirements of today’s urban environment. It restores vitality to the indoor air,” says Kenny Khor, managing director of Shinoe Group of Companies.

The internal components of the Shinoe Purification System include a Shinoe Filtration System, a UVC (shortwave ultraviolet) germicidal

system, and STI (Shinoe Tech ioniser) that eradicates up to 98% of smoke, dust, mist, odour, bacteria and mould spores in residential homes.

The product does not require elaborate ductwork or expensive installation and can remove wet or dry particulates.

Because it recirculates clean indoor air, less energy is required compared with cooling air using exhaust fans or ducted mechanical exhausts.

The other technology, called the Shinoe-Kleanland ESP Series, is equipped with Electrostatic Precipitator (ESP) technology for commercial kitchen exhaust purification systems.

It is an electronic filter with more than 90% efficiency for removing cooking oil mist and smoke in the exhaust system.

This product is certified by MyHIJAU under Greentech Malaysia, which is an organisation under the purview of Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water. The technology is also certified by authorities in Singapore.

n For more information, call 03-8021 7155/7255 or visit www.shinoegroup.com.

It is important to address potential indoor air quality problems. If left untreated, air quality issues can have a detrimental impact on our health. Research shows that people are now spending as much as 90% of their time indoors; if the indoor air is polluted, this could pose a significant health risk.