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KKKA6414

SUSTAINABLE URBAN PLANNING

Prepared by

MOHD ROZAIDI BIN ISMAIL

[ P72431 ]

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1.0 Introduction

Climate change is changing our economy, health and communities in diverse ways. Scientists

warn that if we do not aggressively curb climate change now, the results will likely be

disastrous. Carbon dioxide and other global warming pollutants are collecting in the

atmosphere like a thickening blanket, trapping the sun's heat and causing the planet to warm

up. Although local temperatures fluctuate naturally, over the past 50 years the average global

temperature has increased at the fastest rate in recorded history. Scientists say that unless we

curb the emissions that cause climate change, average U.S. temperatures could be 3 to 9

degrees higher by the end of the century.

At present Earth appears to be facing a rapid warming, which most scientists believe

results, at least in part, from human activities. The chief cause of this warming is thought to

be the burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which releases into the

atmosphere carbon dioxide and other substances known as greenhouse gases. As the

atmosphere becomes richer in these gases, it becomes a better insulator, retaining more of the

heat provided to the planet by the Sun.

Question: Supposed you are living in a coastal city. The city

administrator has noticed that the mean sea level has been rising for

the past 50 years. The raising is small but over a long period of time it

may cause problems in the city centre as the level of that part of the city

is quite low. If you are hired as a consultant, write a plan of action on

what can be done to reduce or mitigate the problems.

Figure 1.0: The Global Warming

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2.0 Strategy

The total consumption of fossil fuels is increasing by about 1 percent per year. No steps near

future. The challenge today is managing the probable effects while taking steps to prevent

detrimental climate changes in the future.

Damage can be curbed locally in various ways. Coastlines can be armoured with dikes

and barriers to block encroachments of the sea. Alternatively, governments can assist coastal

populations in moving to higher ground. Some countries, such as the United States, still have

the chance to help plant and animal species survive by preserving habitat corridors, strips of

relatively undeveloped land running north and south. Species can gradually shift their ranges

along these corridors, moving toward cooler habitats.

Figure 1.0: The Global Warming

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Global warming is due to increased concentrations of greenhouse gas emissions in the

atmosphere. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) act to hold the heat of the sun rather than allow it to

be reflected back into space, much as a greenhouse does. Climate change and disruptions

associated with climate change occur as a result of this global warming.

There are two major approaches to slowing the built up of greenhouse gases. The first

is to keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere by storing the gas or its carbon component

somewhere else, a strategy called carbon sequestration. The second major approach is to

reduce the production of greenhouse gases.

2.1 CARBON SEQUESTRATION

The simplest way to sequester carbon is to preserve trees and to plant more. Trees, especially

young and fast-growing ones, soak up a great deal of carbon dioxide, break it down in

photosynthesis, and store the carbon in new wood. Worldwide, forests are being cut down at

an alarming rate, particularly in the tropics. In many areas, there is little regrowth as land

loses fertility or is changed to other uses, such as farming or building housing developments.

Reforestation could offset these losses and counter part of the greenhouse build up.

Many companies and governments in the United States, Norway, Brazil, Malaysia,

Russia, and Australia have initiated reforestation projects. In Guatemala, the AES

Corporation, a U.S.-based electrical company, has joined forces with the World Resources

Institute and the relief agency CARE to create community woodlots and to teach local

residents about tree-farming practices. The trees planted are expected to absorb up to 58

million tons of carbon dioxide over 40 years.

Carbon dioxide gas can also be sequestered directly. Carbon dioxide has traditionally

been injected into oil wells to force more petroleum out of the ground or seafloor. Now it is

being injected simply to isolate it underground in oil fields, coal beds, or aquifers. At one

natural gas drilling platform off the coast of Norway, carbon dioxide brought to the surface

with the natural gas is captured and reinserted into an aquifer from which it cannot escape.

The same process can be used to store carbon dioxide released by a power plant, factory, or

any large stationary source. Deep ocean waters could also absorb a great deal of carbon

dioxide. The feasibility and environmental effects of both these options are now under study

by international teams.

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In an encouraging trend, energy use around the world has slowly shifted away from

fuels that release a great deal of carbon dioxide toward fuels that release somewhat less of

this heat-trapping gas. Wood was the first major source of energy used by humans. With the

dawn of the Industrial Revolution in the 18th century, coal became the dominant energy

source. By the mid-19th century oil had replaced coal in dominance, fuelling the internal

combustion engines that were eventually used in automobiles. By the 20th century, natural

gas began to be used worldwide for heating and lighting. In this progression, combustion of

natural gas releases less carbon dioxide than oil, which in turn releases less of the gas than do

either coal or wood.

Nuclear energy, though controversial for reasons of safety and the high costs of

nuclear waste disposal, releases no carbon dioxide at all. Solar power, wind power, and

hydrogen fuel cells also emit no greenhouse gases. Someday these alternative energy sources

may prove to be practical, low-pollution energy sources, although progress today is slow.

2.2 REDUCE GREENHOUSE EMISSION

Figure 3.0: Greenhouse Gas Emissions

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To achieve these goals, adapt to climate change, and promote sustainability, this task

identified countywide strategies for energy, transportation, land use, water resources, and

waste and green purchasing.

2.2.1. Energy

To reduce GHGs generated through the use of energy, the community must undertake actions

to:

Use energy more efficiently to reduce the demand for fossil fuels which referring to

behaviour of reduce lighting when daylight is sufficient and electric usage.

Replace energy from fossil fuels into hybrid.

Install renewable energy on site such as solar energy, geothermal energy, biomass

energy, hydropower and ocean energy which suitable for coastal country surrounded

by tidal waves and wind power.

Change in behaviour which include reduce lamp use during the day.

Replace Incandescent Bulbs into :

CFLs (compact fluorescent bulbs) which use approximately 1/3 of the

energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and have a lifespan of 6 to 15 times

that of incandescent bulbs. CFL functionality compares favourably to

incandescent lights. As with other fluorescent bulbs, CFLs contain a small

amount of mercury and must be properly managed at end of life.

Attachment 9 to the Action Plan, Recycling, includes actions to address this

issue.

LEDs (light emitting diodes) are far superior to traditional light sources as

they use 4 times less energy and produce less heat than conventional bulbs.

LEDs can last for more than 10 years. LEDs are most useful when aimed

directly at what is to be lit and work well in traffic signals, parking garages,

street lights and other outdoor lighting applications. LEDs are also mercury

free and don’t require special disposal.

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Solar powered lighting can be used outside and in remote locations. This not

only reduces consumption of electricity, but it eliminates the need to supply

power.

The Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, product

manufacturers, local utilities, and retailers have collaborated to implement the Energy

Star program. This voluntary program rates appliances for energy use and gives some

money back to consumers who buy efficient machines.

Retrofitting and Renovation of Existing Structures to improve energy efficiency is to

identify how and where energy is being lost and to identify methods to eliminate or

reduce the loss. This can be determined through an energy audit.

Energy audit :

Replace windows – Windows can be 10 to 20 times less energy efficient

than walls. They provide a real opportunity for improvement. Installing

double pane glass can double their efficiency and triple pane can improve

this even more.

Weatherize, seal air leaks, and install insulation – Closing holes through

foundations or walls, adding weather stripping and installing additional

insulation can improve energy efficiency and can be inexpensive first

actions with high return in reduced energy costs.

Install automated controls – Timers and sensors can help reduce energy use

by shutting off when no one is in the room or using the equipment. This can

also control the use of energy by equipment that, while not in use or even

turned off, draws power simply by being plugged in. Examples include

computers, televisions and remote control equipment. This use of power is

known as vampire power, as energy is being consumed even when the

equipment appears to be off. A “smart switch” is another type of device that

can be installed to ensure energy is not being wasted. A smart switch is a

single switch that can be used to turn off multiple circuits.

Add heating and cooling zones – Adding zones allows the adjustment of

heating and cooling to just the areas being used. Install light coloured

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roofing Light coloured roofing reflects sunlight and as a result acts to

somewhat mitigate global warming.

Upgrade boilers – Often, older boilers can be retrofitted with high efficiency

components such as high efficiency burners.

Buy ENERGY STARTM equipment – The federal government requires

labeling of energy efficient appliances, heating and cooling equipment, and

other devices.

Green IT Systems - Technological systems or computing products that

incorporate green computing principles take into account economic

viability, social responsibility, and environmental impact.

2.2.2 Transportation

To reduce the GHGs generated through transportation, community should

Reduce transportation demand.

Use carpools and van-pools and share rides.

Share transportation pools with other nearby establishments, when possible.

Participate in ride sharing programs such as Sharide.

Practice car use a Zipcar. This saves money on owning and maintaining a

car as well.

Set up a private transportation network and use it.

Consolidate transportation across school districts by establishing a county-

wide network of school district coordinators for clean transportation.

Shift from single-occupant vehicles to reliance on mass transit and ride sharing and

carpooling. Provide extensive network of bus and train services that can be used

within the region. Improve infrastructures to encourage public transport.

Use alternative modes of transportation, such as biking and walking.

Use hybrid vehicles or non-fossil fuels in motor vehicles including vehicles used for

mass transit. Opportunity to purchasing or lease new green vehicle at low price.

Reduce fuel consumption.

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Establish the Fleet Wise program to cut carbon dioxide emissions. A comprehensive

survey to determine fleet needs matching of vehicle size to the required tasks to the

extent possible. Retrofit buses with devices that limit idling. This prevents

unnecessary idling and unnecessary burning of fossil fuels. Retrofit older buses with

tailpipe and crankcase filters to reduces air pollution emissions.

2.2.3. Water Resources

To manage water resources, community can:

Mitigate flooding consequences associated with global warming as storm water runoff

generated in a community can lead to flood.

Adapt to rising water levels.

Protect and preserve drinking water reservoirs and watersheds.

Conserve and promote water conservation including opportunities to replace potable

water, gray water re-use.

2.2.4. Waste Reduction, Recycling and Green Procurement

To reduce the GHG emissions associated with consumption of goods and disposal of waste

and to minimize the overall negative effects on the environment, the Community of

Westchester must find ways to:

Reduce waste by applying zero waste principle.

Increase reuse by improving purchasing which is durable can be reused, repaired,

recycled or composted, made with recycled, low toxicity, and renewable resource

content and produced locally.

Increase recycling by enforcing regulations and taxing.

Increase composting by providing composting bin and educate on the right technique

to compose.

Increase use of green products.

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2.2.5. Land Use

To reduce GHG impacts and adapt to climate change, community should :

Preserve appropriate environmentally sensitive undeveloped land and open spaces so

as to reduce sprawl, capture carbon and protect natural ecosystems including wetlands

and forests.

Encourage higher density mixed use development in centers and along major

transportation corridors.

Improve existing land use planning processes.

Enhance current regional planning efforts.

Integrate climate change concerns and sustainable site development

concepts into planning processes.

2.2.6. Public advise

Promote best practices. Government, business, and education should identify and promote

examples of local best practice for energy use such as:

Energy efficiency projects,

Green buildings and development that demonstrate return on investment,

Applications of renewable energy in buildings,

Use of smart meters in demonstrated projects,

Use of Energy audits to plan and implement energy savings, and

Implementation of employee programs to encourage conservation in and out of the

office.

These examples should be jointly promoted through public reporting of results,

building tours, events, press releases, and cable television. The opportunity to use them as

venues for citizens and professional associations meetings should be explored.

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In addition to reducing GHG emissions, these lifestyle strategies will lead to multiple life

quality benefits for our community and the world. For example:

Promoting use of mass transit and development around urban centers also curbs the

use of energy.

Preserving open space increases the quality of life for Westchester residents and also

sequesters carbon from the atmosphere.

Reducing GHG emissions generated from combustion reduces conventional air

pollution and improve the quality of life for everyone in the county.

Using energy efficiently not only protects the environment; it preserves resources and

saves money.

Walking and bicycling allow the enjoyment of nature and also contribute to improved

health.

Walking to school helps fight obesity-related illnesses through everyday exercise, and

also helps connect children to the natural world.

Using mass transit reduces traffic congestion and accidents.

Reducing driving safeguards our air quality and contributes to better breathing for the

community. Consuming and wasting less frees up resources.

Conserving energy and improving efficiency saves money, enhances national

security, and reduces our reliance on foreign fossil fuel.

Promoting local agriculture boosts the regional economy, enhances biodiversity, and

preserves open space

Promoting organic agriculture reduces the use of petroleum based fertilizers and

pesticides and contributes to fossil fuel independence.

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3.0 CONCLUSION

Mitigation Combination Adaption

Reduce air travel

Energy conservation

Reduce motorized

transportation

Capture landfill gas

(methane)

Expand public transport

Green roof

Better insulation

Permeable pavement

Reduce peak demand

Expand tree canopy

Renewable energy

Sewer Upgrade

Drainage Upgrade

Heat alert system

Business Continuity plan

Control of invasive species

Disease control

Many local governments are also working against greenhouse emissions by conserving

energy in buildings, modernizing their vehicles, and advising the public. Individuals, too, can

take steps. The same choices that reduce other kinds of pollution work against global

warming. Every time a consumer buys an energy-efficient appliance; adds insulation to a

house; recycles paper, metal, and glass; chooses to live near work; or commutes by public

transportation, he or she is fighting global warming.

THANK YOU.