Reader's Response (First Draft)

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.