With reference to the
article “Sustainability Efforts_ Gardens by The Bay” , environmental
sustainability is one of the principles behind the planning and design of
Gardens by The Bay.
The Garden Lake system
(Dragon lake and Kingfisher lake) naturally filtrate water for the Gardens
catchment by incorporating essential ecological processes and functions which
helps provide aquatic habitats for biodiversity. The aquatic
plants and reed beds reduces nitrogen levels and
phosphorus which is critical in ensuring better water quality. The different
aquatic plants, good water circulation and aeration tackles potential problem -
mosquito breeding.
The conservatories are
like energy efficient cooling system which applies sustainable engineering
technology. A customized glass fitted on the conservatories allows
sufficient sunlight for plants yet reduces a considerable amount of heat.
Through thermal stratification, hot air is then emitted at high level. By
dehumidifying the air using liquid desiccant before cooling, the amount of
energy required in the cooling process is lessened. With Combined Heat Power
steam turbine, the reliance on the electrical grid reduces. Electricity to run the
chillers in the Conservatories are generated on site while waste heat is utilized
to reconstruct the liquid desiccant.
Supertrees contributes to environment sustainability
efforts by having photovoltaic cells on their canopies to harvest solar energy
and some serve as air exhaust repository.
While the park’s efforts in conserving energy have shown to be of
significant improvement, it still requires a collective effort in ensuring a
positive environmental change. Henceforth, I believe there is a need for other
existing sectors to actively contribute to this global endeavor.
As enumerated, transportation hubs like Changi Airport have also
adopted distinct measures to support energy conservation, water and waste
management. Despite its overnight operations, the airport has spearheaded local
environmental sustainability efforts by using cutting-edge technologies to save
resources. While we are all fully aware of how the hub operates through the
night as well, minor services may have been compromised in order to support
this act. Creating awareness is certainly of no issue now as the airport’s
altruistic actions involves utilizing unique roofs that relies on natural
sunlight to illuminates the hub instead of peripheral lightings that requires
energy. The site - Changiairport.com also highlighted how travellators and
escalators have been operating lesser during off-peak hours. With double-glazed
glass windows and solar shading devices, it helps control the brightness within
the hub while managing the temperature throughout it. Additionally, the hub has
notified that it will use eco-friendly light tubes instead.
Apart from energy conservation, saving water is also one of the
airport’s primary focus in contributing to environmental sustainability. The
site mentioned how the hub utilises rainwater from precipitation for irrigation
purposes, ultimately enhancing the airport’s aesthetic. Singapore’s NEWater
technology was another adopted mean in saving water by substituting drinkable
water with those that are recycled for non-potable purposes - flushing of
toilets etcetera. These water are better controlled when automatic taps were
installed to curb water wastage. According to site, the reduction of 66% from 6
litres per minute to 2 litres per minute has proven that the airport has indeed
contributed significantly to local efforts.
With rising awareness but no active contributions, it will be
tough to facilitate this effort of sustaining our environment. The national
airport can only do this much by creating awareness and leading through its
actions. Henceforth, in order for a more successful attempt, it requires a collective
effort from everyone.
