Green Innovations, Our Future Together

Contents

Winners

Featured Works S&T projects

Digital Receipts

Moving High Rise Solar Facades

Rain Drain Bar

Submerged Piezo Wave Power Essays

EU-SEA Climate Change Initiatives Compared

Green Innovations, Our Future Together

Balancing Economic Progress with Sustainability

Green Energy, Brighter Future: Danish Applications

Leading the Green Movement: Youth Action

Future State: Singapore 2020 Artwork

Green Journey

When Falling Becomes Possible

Our Dream, Our Homeland, Our Mother Earth

Collaboration in Climate Change

Singapore in 2020

Bamboo: Perfect Non-Timber Architecture Multimedia

Together We Heal The World

Sort It Out!

The Tap

Protecting Our Environment Through Waste Management Prose & Poetry

What If We Had Become Vegetarians?

The Story of the Lake

Our Duty

Ode to Earth Day

The Barrier of the Sky

Symposium Programme & Acknowledgements

4 6 8 9

12 18 23 29 34 39

45 47 49 50 52 53

55 56 57 58

60 61 62 62 63 64

1

Director’s Foreword The Green Innovations, Our Future Together Symposium was organised to showcase technological and policy innovations from the European Union and Singapore both in the public and private sector. In the lead-up to the Symposium, a theme competition was held for students and members of the public to submit their interpretations of what they understood by “Green Innovations, Our Future Together”. They were also told to research on what the European Union and its member states have done in the area of climate change and green innovations for some inspiration. The submissions could be in works of art, poems, prose, essays, their S&T projects and multimedia clips. I am glad to note that we had received over 120 entries - a reflection of the interest many young Singaporeans showed over the issues of climate change and environmental sustainability. This book highlights and summarises some of many entries we received, some factual, written with alacrity, others creative and imaginative. One thread runs across the selected entries though. That is, all recognise it takes a global effort to combat a global problem. Aside from demonstrating an understanding of the lead that the EU takes on environmental issues, the works selected display consciousness for all of us to do our small part for the well-being of our earth. We would like to thank all who had participated and their efforts in thinking about the Symposium theme. We hope it was educational and that this collection will inspire more ideas on green innovations and environmental sustainability. The EU Centre is also making available the full entries of these short-listed works on our website. Watch the excellent short-listed video clips by visiting www.nus.edu.sg/euc/greeninnovationsourfuturetogether. We also want to express our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, particularly Davis Langdon & Seah, Siemens, to all our partners and all the speakers who have made this whole event possible.

Dr Yeo Lay Hwee Director European Union Centre in Singapore

Winners

Secondary Category

Winner Green Innovations, Our Future Together (Essay)

Dileen Ee, Nanyang Girls’ High School

Merit Balancing Economic Progress with Sustainability (Essay)

Clara Li, Nanyang Girls’ High School

Pre-University Category

Winner Together We Heal The World (Multimedia)

Soh Kok Wee & Wee Weijian, Singapore Polytechnic

Merit Green Journey (Poster)

Lee Jian Wei Robin, Singapore Polytechnic

Open Category

Winner EU-SEA Climate Change Initiatives Compared (Essay)

Jasmin Choo, Singapore Management University

Merit Digital Receipts (S&T Project)

Chu Yuet, National University of Singapore

S&T Projects

Digital Receipts Concept by Chu Yuet, Design & Environment, National University of Singapore (NUS)

ZAP it Away

38 cm long

MERIT

5

Living in the twenty-first century, when technological advancements have opened gateways to digitalise and replace the need of paper in many facets of life, the concept of producing printed receipts has remained unchanged. In Singapore, one of the most common types of waste is paper. About 1.2 million tonnes of paper waste was generated in 2007. As a result, it is an imperative that we begin to rethink about the way we use paper, and where possible, eliminate the excessive use of paper. My idea is to allow receipts to be digitalised in the form of cards. In fact, most of the time, the lifespan of receipts does not last longer than 3 seconds. It can be annoying getting ridiculously long receipts, probably requiring a tri-fold to fit into your wallet, that may well come from an insignificant item that does not need a receipt. These receipts are thrown into the bins by the shopkeeper as most customers refuse to take receipts for small purchases. We often also see overflowing ATM bins. The collection of receipts has become so habitual, most people are simply doing it out of routine than a real need for that piece of paper. Last year, UK grocery chain Sainsbury became the first European retailer to adopt double-sided receipt printing. This is projected to save 40% of the paper use, equivalent to 500,000 rolls of receipt paper. As governments and firms begin to refrain from printing hard copies of newsletters, bills and letters, it is time to reflect on the need of printing receipts. My idea is to have a sort of magnetic strip or other technology that can facilitate the transfer of information from cashiers to the card. At a ‘zap’, shops can know all the previous transactions they have with the customer and the record can also be retrieved online when buyers return home. Digitising receipts eradicates the dependency on receipt paper completely. It offers the convenience of carrying a card instead of a load of printed receipts. Not only is it more sustainable, there can be myriad functions like keeping track of infinite transactions, durable storage and archival resistant to moisture, wear and tear, and fading. The card can be hybridised with cash cards and reward points schemes and companies can integrate their marketing plans with such cards to make it even more attractive. Moreover the buyer can protect the privacy of the items purchased as there are no tell-tale pieces of paper lying around. In short, digital receipts rid buyers of endless dumping of receipt paper. It saves money for the businesses in the long run. Economic benefits aside, receipt cards may consume significantly less energy than recycling overall. It is always better to reduce than to recycle. The government or environmental groups should take the lead to bring about change that is needed, so that we can live up to our ‘garden city’ name and be a positive model for the world.

Moving High Rise Solar Facades Concept by Ma Chenyin, Li Ya & Dr Vu Khac Kien, Civil Engineering, NUS

7

Given the increase in both economic and environmental costs of energy, there is a high demand to design and build sustainable, low energy consumption buildings. Among all the renewable energy options, solar energy is the only solution that can be truly self-sustaining, affordable and low-cost to maintain. Integrated photovoltaics installed on roofs are popular on low buildings as the roof area is larger compared with facades (sides). One exceptional example is the rotating house in Freiburg, Germany, which moves according to the movement of the sun. Instead of moving the structure however, our proposal is to move the photovoltaic (PV) panels. This takes less energy, and can exploit the vast façades of high rise buildings of cities. The novel system will move PV panels periodically using guide rails. Since each façade accepts solar energy for a few hours, a moving system requires fewer PV panels to be installed, lowering the cost of the setup, yet maximises the yield of solar energy compared to static panels. Our system accomodates varying building designs as the horizontal distance between each panel can be adjusted to cater to a façade of the building that may be wider than another, for example. We propose a single-axis panel with declining axis fixed in an optimal slope position to catch the greatest intensity of rays. This design is relatively simpler and cheaper than a two-axis design. Timing the movement according to Singapore’s seasons means fewer components, no light sensors needed, and overall lower setup cost. Since the movement is not continuous or angle optimisation complex, the process draws little energy. Powered by sunlight, the entire system is self-sustaining, and hence feeds more energy back into the building’s electrical grid. Falling production costs of thin-flim photovoltaics will soon bring the energy payback period down to one year or less. Meantime, the building occupants can enjoy timely shade from the photovoltaic panels, an emission free power source, and clean electricity for decades to come.

8

More than 1 billion people world wide do not have access to drinking water from improved sources, with more than half of them from Asia. The Rain Drain Bar is a low cost, ingeniously simple solution that serves every type of human settlement, formal as well as informal. One small piece, the Rain Drain Connector, links the traditional water collection via the roof and existing bottles, to provide fresh, clean drinking water, all without expensive infrastructure.

Rain Drain Bar

Concept by Triarini Insani Dewi, University of Jakarta, Dominic C H Poon and Asst Prof Christian Boucharenc, with direction from Dr Joerg Rekittke, Director, Dept of Architecture, NUS

9

Submerged Piezo Wave Power

Concept by Ng Joe Hoong, NUS Photocredits: Pelamis Wave Power Ltd & S.O. Kasap. Materials like quartz, which are piezoelectric in nature, can be used to provide power in the unlikeliest of places, in the ocean to harness the power of the waves. Solutions such as the UK Pelamis Wave Energy Converter illustrated above, which help collect the hydraulic energy of wave movement, are being used at Aguçadora, Portugal, Orkney and Cornwall of the UK to produce GWhs of power annually. A possible drawback is that the Pelamis absorbs some energy from waves in generating electricity, limiting the amount of potential power that can be produced. The setup is also affected by wave direction. However if the wave convertor relies on a piezoelectric material instead, the ‘absorbed energy’ would generate electricity. This is as piezoelectric matter when compressed, such as by waves, produces electricity. Based on the assumption of using piezoelectric generators by Innowattech Ltd (IPEGs) our calculations showed that the annual power generated by a Submerged Piezo System is comparable to the Pelamis, offers a similar payback period, return per annum, and potential revenue, but requires one quarter of the capital cost. Such a system would be clean, renewable and reliable, and can be theoretically scaled up and used in more locations.

Spotted

Firm, fresh, lucious cherry tomatoes grown at a self-sustaining micro-farm by Yishun Town Secondary School students. The plants grown in compost are fed by rainwater. The rain is pumped into the farm by solar energy power. The vegetable garden is located on the roof, taking up a small footprint, at a height that provides good sunlight and ventilation. The micro-farmers have successfully cultivated squashes, gourds and honeydew melons.

Essays

12

EU and Southeast Asia Climate Change Initiatives Compared By Jasmin Choo, Singapore Management University Introduction – Global Warming and Climate Change

The Industrial Revolution was the pivotal point that changed our relationship with Earth’s natural environment. The “processes of industrialization, population growth and urbanization” (Berliner, 2003) have since significantly modified the environment. One of the most important resulting changes has been increased carbon dioxide (CO2), a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission driven by the increased demand for energy, rise of fossil fuel as a primary energy source, and land-use changes. 1 This rise causes the Earth’s surface to warm above the natural level, an effect known as global warming. This is best supported by the fact that 11 of the hottest years on record have taken place in the last 12 years. 2 Global warming and consequently climate change are causes for concern as the effects are far-reaching, affecting not just the environment but socio-economic sectors as well. Climate change anticipates temperature and precipitation changes, and in their accompanying wake, rising sea levels and increased incidences and intensity of extreme weather events. As a result, areas such as food security, human health, water resources, ecosystems and, settlements and society face the threat of being severely undermined (IPCC Synthesis Report, 2007). However, addressing climate change on the international stage has been an arduous undertaking. The problem lies in the global nature of the Earth’s atmosphere. It is an open-access resource unbounded by traditional sectoral and national borders. Such transcendence makes it almost impossible to assign individual rights and enforce accountability to communities and nations of differing circumstances and interests. Global discussions have taken on a ‘North-South’ approach in general. States are primarily divided along ‘North’ industralised countries or ‘South’ developing countries. The ‘North’ has been and is still responsible for the vast majority of emissions to date, registering the highest per capita emissions levels. Given its advanced economies, and thus the capacity to effectively address climate change, it is argued that the ‘North’ should take the lead and shoulder majority of the duties required to combat climate change.

Winner

13

While developed countries are still some of the largest emitters of GHGs, the annual average growth rate of carbon dioxide emissions of developing countries has been between 2.5 - 5 per cent over the past decade. 3

Continuing at this growth rate, it would take less than 30 years for the ‘South’ to be on par with the ‘North’ with their GHG emissions (Warrick and Farmer, 1990). With their rising demand for energy to service development and economic growth, the focus in the fight to combat climate change is increasingly being shifted onto developing countries. Therefore this paper seeks to examine the measures that have been undertaken by both sides in addressing climate change. The European Union (EU) is the world leader in directing the development and implementation of environmental policies that target climate change. With the European economies largely integrated, this has greatly facilitated regional policy development and implementation. Southeast Asia (SEA) could be seen as a comparable regional representation of ‘South’ countries. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), established in 1967, has been striving to achieve economic integration in the SEA region. However, with membership made up of primarily developing countries, there is still much to be done to reach the established economic status of the EU. There are additional coordination challenges to implement environmental policies that complement economic development. Kyoto Protocol – Bringing the World Together

The most significant global effort dedicated towards addressing global warming and climate change took place in Rio de Janeiro, 1992 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED). Under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the subsequently adopted Kyoto Protocol serves as a binding international effort that commits member countries to mitigate the effects of climate change through the reduction of GHG emissions. The Protocol emphasizes that industrialized countries, specifically stating that they “shall, individually or jointly, ensure that their aggregate anthropogenic [man-made] carbon

dioxide equivalent emissions of the greenhouse gases… do not exceed their assigned amounts, … with a view to reducing their overall emissions of such gases by at least 5 per cent below 1990 levels in the commitment period 2008 to 2012” upon ratification (Kyoto Protocol, Article 3.1). In order to facilitate target realization, three market-based mechanisms, namely Emissions Trading (ET), Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) and Joint Implementation (JI) are offered. 4

14

The European Union – Assuming the Leadership Role

Prior to ratifying the Kyoto Protocol in 2002, the EU, through its executive branch of the European Commission, had been actively issuing climate related initiatives. Under its initial Community strategy in 1991, emphasis was placed on renewable energy and carbon dioxide emission mitigation. These efforts have shaped the progress of

the EU’s efforts to combat climate change and led to a bloom in green technologies such as the wind farms that we can see in member states, for instance Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Portugal and the UK. 5

In 2000, the European Commission launched the European Climate Change Programme (ECCP) “to identify and develop all the necessary elements of an EU strategy to implement the Kyoto Protocol” before its ratification in 2002.5 In ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, the EU “committed itself to reducing its emissions of greenhouse gases by 8% during the period 2008-2012 in comparison with their levels in 1990.” (Green Paper,2000).6

Therefore, at the heart of the EU’s strategy to combat climate change is the EU Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS). The European Union took on the EU ETS in 2003. The Directive 2003/87/EC, approved by the

Council of the EU and passed by the European Parliament, laid out the provisions that provided the framework for “greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community… in order to promote reductions of greenhouse gas emissions in a cost effective and economically efficient manner” (Article 1, 2003).7

Under this directive, member states are required to “develop a national plan stating the total quantity of allowances that it intends to allocate for that period and how it proposes to allocate them” (Article 9, 2003). 8 Since its implementation in 2003, the EU ETS now “covers around 10,500 installations across the 27 Member States of the European Union plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway”.9

In addition, Article 21 of the directive stipulates the yearly submission of progress reports by member states to the Commission. This reinforces accountability and financial credibility, as well as provides an updated collection of data for evaluation.

The Second European Climate Change Programme (ECCP II) in 2005 also highlighted the need for adaptation by the EU as the impact of climate change unfurled itself in intense heat waves during summer and in shorter winter periods. ECCP II working groups have been established to investigate the impact of climate change on subjects covering water resources, marine life and coastal zones, human health, agriculture, forestry and biodiversity. Research areas also include the built environment and construction, the role of insurance, and

15

regional and urban planning in an attempt to provide effective management of the human landscape in the face of climate change. It has since identified the need for national adaptation strategies, just like the National Allocation Plans (NAPs) for the mitigation of carbon dioxide emissions. I understand that there is currently no regional mandate directing member states in their development of national adaptation strategies, although there have been significant adaptation policies implemented at the national level in member states such as Denmark, Finland, France, the Netherlands, Spain and the UK..10

The regional institution associated with SEA takes the form of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN. Implementation of environmental policies at the regional level by ASEAN is largely non-existent due to its lack of legislative and executive legitimacy in the region. The non-interference and non-confrontation policy approach taken by the organization has in my view impaired the advancement of regional climate change policies as the organization’s primary focus has largely been on the economic front. The region’s economic status as mostly developing countries also faces doubts on its ability to able to self-finance regional environmental programmes.

Southeast Asia (SEA) – Coping with Climate Change Generally, SEA countries belong to the non-Annex I group of industralised nations in the Kyoto Protocol and therefore have no GHG emissions reduction obligations (Sanderson and Islam, 2007: 131). As such, there is significantly less pressure on the region to tackle the problem of climate change. However, SEA is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change with its exposure to monsoon seasons, low-lying coastal settlements and heavy dependence on the agriculture industry.

The Manila Declaration, signed at the landmark 1995 Asia Pacific Leaders’ Conference on Climate Change (ASPAC-LCCC) in Manila, was the first concrete regional effort made by ASEAN. 11

By and large, regional environmental resolutions such as “the 1990 Kuala Lumpur Accord on Environment and Development, the 1992 Singapore Resolution on the Environment, the 1994 Bandar Seri Begawan Resolution on Environment and Development, the 1995 ASEAN Cooperation Plan on Transboundary Pollution and the 2000 Kota Kinabalu Resolution on the Environment” and subsequent ASEAN Environment Program (ASEP) have been broad-based with sustainable development as the primary objective in combating climate change (Sanderson and Islam, 2007: 155).

16

Moreover, the majority of the climate change programmes in SEA are run by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financially supported by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Global Environment Facility (GEF) (Sanderson and Islam, 2007: 33). Other non-governmental organizations have also played a significant role in establishing an “academic network in the region whose focus is climate change issues” (Sanderson and Islam, 2007: 34). Some of such multilateral environmental organizations include the Southeast Asian Regional Committee for START (SysTem for Analysts, Research and Training), the Global Change Impacts Centre for Southeast Asia and the Asia Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) (Sanderson and Islam, 2007: 34). Most of their work focuses on developing viable adaptation strategies that seek to complement the progress of sustainable development. This ranges from research done to overcome inadequacy in data collection, the application of methods and tools, and the utilization of climate information and geographical information systems to the choice of crops used that will be more resilient to the effects of climate change (UNFCC, 2007). Conclusion – Facing the Future Together

Both regions have taken on differing environmental policy paths in dealing with climate change. In order to meet its CO2 emission reduction obligations under the Kyoto Protocol, the EU’s policy focus has been on mitigation. SEA, on the other hand, has pursued adaptation measures that propagate sustainable development. There is a need for integration though, to provide a global system of collaborative efforts that will have a much greater impact in the fight against climate change. As European countries start to face limiting mitigation capacity within their own national and regional borders, the untapped markets of non-Annex I countries provide excellent opportunities for collaborations with mutual benefits. 12

The EU has recognized this potential. In the updated Directive 2004/101/EC, a provision was made for the “linking of the Kyoto project-based mechanisms to the Community scheme” (Point (3) on L 338/18). This essentially meant that emission reduction units (ERU) and certified emission reduction (CER) units obtained from Joint Implementation (JI) and the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)

projects respectively can be used by EU operators (Article 1.2.1). It allows for the inclusion of non-Annex I countries into the EU ETS through the reselling of ERUs and CERs to Annex I countries. 13

However, there are quarters which regard the lacking national capacity and uncoordinated capacity development of the SEA countries as having hampered its successful participation in the CDM (Chow and Yap,

17

2004: 117). In a coordinated effort to overcome this shortcoming, the Asia Least Cost Greenhouse Gas Abatement Strategy (ALGAS) was established “to provide technical assistance to 12 Asian nations… to build their capacity to benefit from the financial mechanism for developing countries under the Kyoto Protocol (CDM).” 14

There is much common ground between the two regions for further collaboration. Technical transfers through the establishment of institutional support such as Designated National Authorities (DNA) and inter-system tie-ups that facilitate meteorological information dissemination are just some examples of mutual benefits to be gained in combating climate change on both the mitigation and adaptation fronts. Such inter-regional integration is the necessary next step in the global fight against climate change, as well as contributing to the overall Global Environmental Governance regime.

Mainly funded by “a US5 million Netherlands Co-operation Fund for the Promotion of Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Abatement (PREGA); a US3.2 million dollars Canadian Co-operation fund on climate change; and a US 3.5 million dollar Danish Co-operation fund for renewable energy and energy efficiency in the rural areas”, the ALGAS effort covers Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam in SEA (Chow and Yap, 2004).

18

Green Innovations, Our Future Together By Dileen Ee, Nanyang Girls’ High School

For many years, environmental efforts and creative innovations have seemed to exist as two separate entities, bordering on two extremities at times. Passionate and fanatical mavericks constantly seek to let their individuality shine through their wild creations which they deem as their abstract forms of art, while environmentalists and researchers maintain that stern austere look as they follow lines and lines of investigations on how to make the world a greener place, putting on their thinking caps, constructing simulations and models in all complexity to address serious environmental issues. The term “green innovations” is almost an oxymoron in our world, as no one really bothers to identify environmental researchers as budding and artistic “innovators”. Yet, as people from all over the world come together to spearhead green technology, it is time to take a step back and relook at the conceptions of these researchers. They have come up with their undoubtedly interesting ideas, ranging from hybrid electric vehicles to converting waste to energy and non-toxic cleaning products. Extraordinary things that we can never think of, but when

implemented, they strike a “eureka” in us, and we question “why didn’t we think of that earlier?” The flattering title of a “green innovator” is indeed deserving for them. Today, green technology and innovations are an established part of research and innovation. Cliché as it sounds, to have such an extensive sphere of influence in the world demands the work of many more people behind the scenes: organizations, states and individuals. I love the way environmental technology is a product of scientific principles that we are exposed to even in school. In biology, we learn about anaerobic digestion in which microorganisms break down biodegradable material in the absence of oxygen. In France and Germany, researchers are guided by this principle to produce renewable energy from waste materials, because this process produces a methane and carbon dioxide rich biogas suitable for energy production in helping replace fossil fuels. A friend of mine had the privilege of visiting the Lübeck Waste Treatment Facility in Lübeck, Germany, which was built in 2005 and has since opened its doors for eco-tours. She was thoroughly impressed by the fact that

Winner

19

the excrement expelled after meals was essential in supplying domestic heat and electricity to the town of Neumünster, something so out of the world that she returned, explaining to me at length the elaborate mechanisms through which the dedicated combustion facility produces converts her discharged matter to energy. I guess everyone ought to be just as awed at the individuals who have come up with such an idea, which would otherwise have been plainly dismissed as overambitious or plain preposterous. Even the United Nations Development Programme has recognised anaerobic digestion as one of the most useful decentralised sources of energy supply, as it is less capital intensive than large power plants. 15 The system design at Lübeck has been the inspiration for three facilities planned for construction by Viridor Laing, a UK waste management and infrastructure investor consortium, as part of the Greater Manchester Waste PFI project.16

It is interesting to note that while environmental initiatives have been the rage in recent years, it is always the independent organisations which seem to be perpetually at the frontline of green technology, such as Haase Energietechnik Gruppe in the above instance of Lübeck, as well as UK’s Viridor Laing. However, people on the receiving end of news do not recognise that their role is to provide leadership and skills to spearhead these innovations, and more importantly, there is often an overlooked body,which is the government. Many a time, what we see on papers would be a semblance of “Organisation X spearheading technology” rather than “Government supporting Organisation X to spearhead green technology.” Regrettably, the role of states in green technology is not often seen. Rather, states do “behind-the-scenes” work like funding and policy control when non-governmental organisations engineer green innovations. We should recognize that politicians and civil servants should not be the ones coming up with elaborate studies in the fields of environmental science and technology- let the task fall on the backs of private enterprises with the necessary skills. Yet, the contribution of the state should not be in any way underestimated. For one, Viridor Laing’s Greater Manchester Waste PFI [Private Finance Initiative] project, Europe’s largest waste contract, involves major capital investment and is a government backed deal, receiving more than £529m funding from public sources, including, according to a Viridor Laing spokesperson whom I contacted, 100 million in government PFI credits. The support role played by states and international organizations in green innovations may not be in the actual conception of novel ideas, but definitely necessary.

The route of research and innovation of solar energy is a classic example of this. Just a month ago, I read an article on the papers that the 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference and Exhibition 2009 is scheduled in September this year in Hamburg, Germany. 17 Solar energy is an established concept many of us are familiar with, being frequently mentioned in resource materials for green technology and even in my primary three textbook. But in complete honesty, it is still not that

20

established nor accessible. Yet, it is that spirit of continuous research and enterprise that has kept this sector of technology still viable, with good user potential for the future. The European Commission, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization and various other international bodies have helped sustain this conference as institutional supporters, facilitating a decades long dialogue and exchange of ideas worldwide. Today, we see results being reaped in terms of continual improvisation, such as in hybrid solar lighting as well as many solar photovoltaic power stations, with some of the largest globally built in Europe, examples being the

Parque Fotovoltaico Olmedilla de Alarcon in Spain, Portugal’s Parque Fotovoltaico Moura Alentejo photovoltaic power station and the projected world’s largest thin film PV system, the Waldpolenz Solar Park in Germany. Because of the governments’ and international bodies’ unwavering sustenance of the potential of this field, I believe we can wait in anticipation for the cheaper alternatives for the extensive and dynamic establishment of harnessing solar energy even by ordinary households. An innovation, the very idea of re-thinking and proposing changes to the existing, gives an indication that change is seen as essential. In our world of endless reports on climate change, global warming, intensified greenhouse effect et

cetera, innovations have been necessitated to make our lives substantially different from before, so as to solve existing problems we face. The goal of innovation is positive change, and as the saying goes “to make the world a better place”. I suppose that is how all of us come into the picture; how “our future together” will be shaped by creativity and innovation in the present. Revisiting the past, let us take a look at how things have changed ever since green innovations in the past years have been implemented. Perhaps, this would give us a clue of how our future would change in the light of dedicated commitment to innovations. I read that Bulgaria was a country that failed to mitigate the environmental consequences of her policies that encouraged heavy industry. As a result, in the early 1990s, she faced grave environmental crises- severe pollution in water, air and land, yet her lack of administrative and economic strength prevented the curtailment of many dangerous practices, even in the mid-2000s.18

I expect Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union just two years ago, in January 2007, to raise her environmental standards further. The 5th International Congress for South-East Europe Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy Sources is to be held in Sofia in April this year, and I am awed at the extensive coverage of issues in the Congress programme, such as mobilizing investment in renewable energy in Bulgaria, introducing high efficiency power plants, high quality thermal isolation, solar architecture and zero energy houses at a affordable costs19. These have the ultimate intention of salvaging the environmental crisis within the context of Bulgaria, using innovational strategies that have been “tried-and-tested” by developed countries. It is certainly

21

inspiring how people come together to improve the situation for Bulgarians, and this paints an optimistic and confident outlook for their future. Romania is another late bloomer in the European Union, admitted alongside Bulgaria in 2007. Today, investments in renewable energy have boosted the country's economy, especially critical in the given worldwide context. Czech power group CEZ is building a 1.1 billion euro wind park, the biggest inshore windpark in Romania. Half of the wind park is stipulated to be here in mid 2009, the rest a year later. This is one of the strategic measures that has been taken by the state in response to the adopted EU climate change package proposal and energy policy, expected to raise costs for fossil fuel energy production from 2013. 20. Environmental management has been one of the priorities for the Romanian government in view of European accession. Several decades of industrial development have left Romania with a legacy of environmental challenges: ensuring a reliable and clean water supply for both domestic and commercial uses throughout the country; controlling air pollution; reducing greenhouse emissions; managing the country’s natural resources and conserving biodiversity; and providing a reliable supply of energy for both domestic and commercial issues, while promoting energy conservation. 21 Israel has started capitalising on their know-how, to implement a new approach for wastewater treatment and solar energy in Romania. This includes the drop-irrigation system, a water efficient infrastructure, which has been employed successfully in the United States, China and Mexico.22

This would in effect allow the present and future generations to have better quality of life. In this regard, introducing innovation as a strategy strengthens the Romanian government’s ability to provide real environmental leadership.

Romania and Bulgaria are just two of the many testimonies of the potentially huge influence that the field of green technology has on the world. The present expectation is that this field will bring innovation and changes in daily life of similar magnitude to the “information technology” explosion over the last two decades. In these early stages, it is impossible to predict what “green technology” may eventually encompass, but one thing for sure is that tomorrow’s environment is enhanced with the thoughtful intentions of today. Green technology has been engineered by private organisations, introduced by states for themselves and for other countries, and it serves for others to raise their standard of living and act as a resolution for environmental quandaries. Yet, the word “innovation” skirts the line between “idea” and “invention”, that is, it may or may not have an actual rate of success in its implementation. An invention is tried and tested; an innovation is still in its conceiving stage. What ultimately makes a difference would not be the quality of the thought, but the determination of the innovators to carry their plan and design through till the end. The manifestation of these innovations to conceive and execute ideas in the mind would often be made possible by individuals who push for these efforts to be implemented, and believe in what they do. The common thread that runs through the works of these outstanding personalities is the endeavour for a better world. Their remarkable efforts have been recognised by accolades such as Nobel Prizes, and people truly appreciate and benefit from it.

22

Many a time, we see researchers report their supposed groundbreaking “scientific discoveries,” and at the end of the day, why do we often question their ultimate intent? Admittedly, several scientists possibly harbour the thought of winning a Nobel with becoming famous and wealthy as the motivation behind their scientific pursuit. Perhaps, there are those who bordering on desperation yearn to advance themselves by trying to discover something about nature that was not previously known. However, in the works of an environmental researcher and innovator, one senses the genuinity of researcher’s heart for his Earth. The innovations he creates through his hands are truly relevant and practical ways to salvage the intensifying environmental crisis. He does not come up with not revolutionary items with ambitious aims to change our entire lifestyles, but intricately crafts ideas that originate from the humble meaning of wanting to overcome environmental problems. In short, they work for the betterment of the Earth- these unassuming individuals contribute in their own special ways for a more beautiful world. As their hands hold the fine brushes of intellect, interest and innovation, they paint spectacular images on our canvas and touch up on flaws and stains that have been left by others around them. These artists painstakingly reinvent, recreate and mould our Earth into their works of art. Indeed, their green innovations mould our future together.

23

Merit

Balancing Economic Progress with Sustainability By Clara Li, Nanyang Girls’ High School There is a general consensus that the rise of greenhouse gases from energy consumption has greatly contributed to global warming, with potentially catastrophic and irreversible consequences. 23 These effects have become increasingly salient in the last decades. Mountain glaciers, ice sheets and sea ice, so crucial to the survival of polar creatures, are melting at alarming rates. Sea levels are rising drastically, endangering low-lying countries. Changes in the temperature and salinity of seawater and the atmosphere have caused severe imbalances within the delicate ecosystem. This impacts flora and fauna worldwide and ultimately, humans. 24 The Earth’s environmental systems now balance on a crucial tipping point beyond which costly, disruptive, and irreversible impacts will be inevitable. 25 Now, the very future of our planet lies in our hands. If current patterns of consumption continue, it is estimated that global resource use would quadruple within 20 years.26 Unless we act now, with a sense of great urgency, there is an incalculable risk that we would soon be staring down the mother of all messes. To avoid this devastating end, the world needs a clean, abundant, workable and immediately available solution. In view of the recent global economic crisis, the world needs something cheap. Furthermore, to remain competitive in today’s global arena, countries need a solution that does not compromise their economic progress in their effort to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. I believe that energy efficiency is the key. To begin with, it behooves us to clarify what is meant by energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is often misunderstood as conservation – that is, driving less or turning off the lights when not in use. It is not. Energy efficiency is about driving cars that use less fuel for greater horsepower, and using light bulbs that use less electricity to offer a brighter light. It is doing the same or more with less, and certainly does not necessitate sacrificing comfort. In other words, energy efficiency aims to consume less energy to get the same amount of output, without compromising on our quality and standard of life. 27

24

Figure 2- Source: UN Foundation Expert Figure 1 - Source: NRC (2005)

Advantages of Energy Efficiency

In doing more with less, energy efficiency offers a refreshing solution for countries who do not want to compromise on economic progress for the sake of the environment. On the contrary, efficiency encourages economic progress. According to the EU, energy efficiency cuts greenhouse gas emissions and increases sustainability and security of supply. It supports economic development, creates jobs, and reduces energy costs for households and businesses.”28

Unlike foreign oil, efficiency does not promote a reliance on foreign imports; unlike ethanol, it does not inflate food prices; unlike nuclear plants, it does not cause discomfort over the possibilities of terrorist attacks or radioactive-waste storage; it does not take a decade to build; unlike conservation, it does not compromise on comfort or economic progress; unlike solar and wind, it is not weather-dependent; and unlike hydrogen, clean coal and tidal power, it is cost-effective and easily accessible for all, to quote Michael Grunwald in “Wasting our Watts” .29

Most of all, energy efficiency is the world’s only human energy resource. It is dependent on the whole-hearted effort and drive of the global population. We already know the enormous potential of energy efficiency. A case in point: Figure 1 charts the actual industrial energy use in Canada between 1990 and 2003 against the estimated energy use without energy efficiency improvements. 30 Yet, how far the human ability can drive

25

energy efficency is unknown, because the human ability is unique, immeasurable and can be stretched. As such, the potential of energy efficiency have never been explored – till now. EU Targets In December 2008, the EU adopted an integrated energy and climate change policy. Among its ambitious targets for 2020 is to reduce “energy consumption by 20% through increased energy efficiency”.31 The ultimate goal is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by almost 800m tonnes a year and save up to €100b.32

Use Efficient Machinery

We can reach this target in two basic ways, one of which is to use efficient machinery. Firstly, efficient machinery can be implemented in buildings. This is important because buildings account for 40% of EU energy requirements. In recent years, the EU has taken steps to ensure buildings are better designed and use more efficient lighting, heating and cooling systems.33 The 2003 “Recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive” sets minimum standards of energy efficiency in buildings, puts into place the energy certification of buildings and ensures inspection and assessment of heating and cooling systems. 34

In 2005, Denmark began to build various types of housing accredited with the “Swan” eco-label, Denmark’s symbol to indicate an environmentally-friendly product. These houses meet a range of environmentally-friendly requirements, including strict

specifications for energy efficiency in running the house. 80 houses have been built in the town of Herfølge south of Copenhagen, which use 50% less energy than ordinary houses.35 The same has occurred in Upper Austria, where higher minimum standards were set. Figure 2 illustrates how this has lead to higher efficiency.36

.

Second in priority is road transport, which accounts for 26% of EU energy requirements. 37 To encourage energy efficiency in this sector, governments may improve vehicle technology performance, by accelerating advances in engine, vehicle and battery technologies, such as employing aerodynamics and lightweight materials. 38

A third priority lies in manufactured household products, which account for 25% of Europe’s energy needs.39 From the demand perspective, the EU has introduced rules on the labelling of a range of domestic appliances, from dishwashers to refrigerators. The labels provide Europeans with information about a product’s energy consumption and energy efficiency, allowing consumers to make informed decisions when shopping. Examples include the abovementioned “Swan” eco-label of Denmark, the EU Eco-Label scheme and the Energy Star programme, a voluntary labelling scheme for office equipment.40

26

From the supply perspective, some governments have established regularly updated minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) to ensure the phase-out of inefficient equipment. 41 One example is the Philippines, where the 2008 Philippines Energy Summit saw President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo calling for a ban of incandescent light bulbs by 2010, in favor of more energy efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs).42

I have thus far elaborated on how to use efficient machinery to achieve the EU targets, but what about using machinery efficiently? The second basic thrust to achieve the EU goals aims to avoid the unnecessary wastage of energy. For example, we could weatherise the home by replacing ill-fitting windows, insulating pipes and ducts as well as caulking doors and windows. This would greatly reduce the energy wastage in the form of heat loss.

Use Machinery Efficiently

43 In the same vein, President Obama was adamant that inflating car tires and maintaining the engines could save the United States as much oil as new offshore drilling would produce. 44

Challenges of Energy Efficiency

However, achieving energy efficiency brings challenges that we must overcome. Firstly, one believes that many developing

countries may have to bypass the traditional energy-intensive industrialisation process so as not to worsen the current global situation. However, a key barrier to the use of more efficient products and technologies in developing countries is their higher initial cost. Although most efficiency investments are relatively cheap, and pay for themselves in three years, people in developing countries who live at or close to the poverty line simply cannot afford the up-front costs. Developing countries cannot meet their objectives by themselves. The responsibility of supporting them thus rests on the shoulders of developed countries, through technical cooperation, financial instruments and international policies. The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), under the Kyoto Protocol, is one such policy. Under the CDM, a developed country can earn saleable certified emission reduction (CER) credits for financing emissions-reducing projects in developing counties. This mechanism financially bolsters those developing nations that might not otherwise be able to “afford” sustainable development; the CER credits also allow developed countries to meet their own targets under the Kyoto Protocol45

.

27

The second challenge is that both above mentioned methods of achieving energy efficiency require a certain level of technology, capital and technical know-how. While current technologies are adequate in ensuring a short-term global survival, constant research and development into energy efficient technology are imperative if we are to secure a sustainable future. Such research and development requires costs which deter governments, businesses and individuals from striving for energy efficiency. To encourage research and development, some governments set up related grants and programmes. In Singapore, the Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (IES) Fund is a grant administered by the National Environment Agency (NEA). It provides seed funding of up to $2 million for energy efficiency projects, which could contribute to the long-term environmental sustainability of Singapore. 46 The NEA also administers the Grant for Energy Efficient Technologies (GREET), which funds up to $2 million for owners and operators of industrial facilities to invest in energy efficient equipment or technologies. Such funding creates a demand for energy-efficient technology, which encourages further innovation. 47

The third challenge is that money is king. As mentioned before, sustainable development is about the classic battle between economic progress and environmental welfare. Thus, policies which tie the two together, allowing countries to progress economically even while ensuring environmental welfare, is a very effective way of incentivizing energy efficiency for governments. One way to do this is through rate restructuring to decouple profits from sales, and to reward investments in energy efficiency more generously than investments in new energy supplies. For example, while utilities in most of the United States reap profits if they sell more power, those in California and the Pacific Northwest make money saving energy. As a result, these utilities promote efficiency aggressively. In so doing, they have kept per-capita electricity use in those states stable for three decades- while the number has ballooned 50% in the rest of the country.48

Alternatively, governments could stimulate the market for efficient products. While the previously mentioned phase-out of light bulbs is one option to create a market for alternatives, a similar approach can be taken on property. In Almada, Portugal, a system of certification has been implemented, which certifies the level of energy consumption of a building, much like energy labeling schemes for electrical appliances. For tenants and buyers, an awareness of a building’s energy performance would allow them to make informed decisions. For owners, the long-term savings that green buildings bring increases demand and thus market value. 49

With this, builders have an economic incentive to construct green buildings.

As seen above, the challenges of achieving energy efficiency are undoubtedly surmountable. Furthermore, it is a resource of great potential. A McKinsey study found that with global effort to boost efficiencies with existing technologies, the world can eliminate more than 20% of world energy demand by 2020, according to Grunwald.50

28

Nevertheless, energy efficiency alone cannot solve global energy problems. The world has sunk so deep into the irreversibility of global warming for any amount of efficiency to turn the clock back. Though efficiency can dramatically slow the growth in energy demand and emissions, it cannot completely erase it. 51

However, teamed with global effort, conservation and the development of renewable resources, it can form a sustainable future the world can look forward to, together.

Energy efficiency, is just the very first step.

29

Green Energy, Brighter Future: Danish Applications For Singapore By Pham Nhat Binh, Sng Li Hui, Novia Tan Li Theng, Victoria Junior College

Denmark, part of the European Union, is the smallest of the Scandinavian countries, situated in Northern Europe, on a peninsular north of Germany. It is well-known as one of the leading countries in green technology and particularly, wind-energy industry. Denmark gets 19% of its electricity from wind power and it has since reduced its carbon emissions by 13.3% from 1990 levels. With the successes achieved in the green-energy field, the country deserves to be one of the world’s models for going green and growing green. Denmark’s decision to use wind power as an alternative energy was born from an emotion that is now common because of prevailing recession

fears. When the 1973 oil crisis hit, Denmark was badly hit because almost 90% of its energy came from petroleum. Since that experience, Denmark decided to come up with policies to minimize their dependence on other countries. As a result Denmark is famous for its enormous wind-industry that generates US$4 billion each year (sale of turbines only) and its wind turbines can provide up to 6.9TWh annually (updated in 2008). Also, with environmental concerns, Denmark has replaced CO2-emitting energy sources with green energy in their various industries. This is honorable because while economic growth is high (56% since 1980 according to one report), her primary energy consumption remains lowest among the EU nations (2% higher in 2004 compared to 1980 levels). In short, green technology has made Denmark one of the most energy efficient economies around the world. The journey Denmark has gone through was certainly not sweet nor easy. The Danish government has put their best effort in constructing strategies that orientate the country’s development towards energy efficiency and committed themselves fully to the chosen path. On the other hand, although they are geographically advantageous by possessing a bountiful source of wind from the sea (wind speed estimated at 7.6m/s), they have had to overcome many challenges when deciding to invest on this intermittent natural resource.

30

Incentives for Wind Energy By and large, the government didn’t directly support the wind energy industry in term of economic investments, but rather provided political and indirect aids that boosted it. Among the incentives Copenhagen was offering subsidies and loan guarantees to help kick start the wind industry. In the capital, investment costs can be covered up to 30%. Large turbine exporters, such as Vestas, are also provided guaranteed loans to expand their business. In addition, during the initial stages of this new industry, environmental restrictions were relaxed to facilitate the construction of wind turbines in fields. With a liberal law made particularly for wind industry, it was then easier to get permission from the authority to construct windmills than any other projects. As such, windmills attracted more investors and the industry eventually attained financial stability to grow on its own. Currently, the government has made the regulations stricter so as this nascent industry can be well controlled.

Secondly, the Danish government also introduced taxes on carbon dioxide emissions to encourage the use of green energy. The taxes collected are then channeled into research centres for funding in research to improve the wind turbine technology. Thus, with financial support, researchers and engineers have successfully developed wind turbines such that their efficiency has increased remarkably (e.g. Vestas' 3 megawatt V90 turbine). Furthermore, as the production cost of wind energy is higher than energy from electric power utilities (EPU) that burn oil and coal, there is always a risk that wind

energy will be sabotaged by EPUs on the market. In order to prevent this, a law was implemented to force the EPUs to make use of wind power from private windmills. In other words, EPUs are forced to buy the electricity of private windmills and then sell at equal price with their own product. This policy helps minimize risks that wind industry might have to face, implicitly protecting it until its mature stage. Besides, the pressure of product consumption is shared with many EPUs so that less would weigh on this newly born industry. Lastly, the government also encourages families to buy shares for investment in construction of windmills. The number of shares bought corresponds to the amount of energy delivered to their homes annually (1000kWh=$500¬$800/share). Therefore, instead of spending money for the electricity from EPUs, the people become co-investors and the government decides not to tax on their shares. This policy has favoured a majority of families and thus there is public acceptance of wind energy.

31

Strengths and Weaknesses of Wind Energy In brief, efficacious policies have helped the government to gain economic and social support for the wind industry and have made full use of the numerous advantages of exploiting wind energy. How so? First of all, wind is widely and readily available in Denmark, thus the government has decided on utilising this resource as an alternative source of energy. Wind energy does not produce any by-products such as carbon dioxide and is environmentally friendly. By building wind turbines, factories created by the Danish government to manufacture windmills have generated jobs for local Danish people and boosted the economy. Research and development centres have been set up by the government to facilitate in building better, improved turbines to harness wind energy both on land and on sea. Employment opportunities created range from meteorologists and surveyors to structural engineers, assembly workers and mechanical operators. By selling excess wind energy, and wind turbines they manufacture or their wind technology abroad, Denmark further gains revenue and this boosts their economy. However, there are also several disadvantages of wind power as a renewable energy source in Denmark. More often than not, too much power is harnessed from wind turbines when power is least needed, therefore, these large amounts of energy are then sold to other countries at minimal prices. The intermittence of wind is a problem that cannot be controlled but Denmark’s research laboratories have been working on improving storage systems and upgrading the energy network for consumers to have ready access to energy when it is in abundance. Also, wind turbines are expensive to build and the research and development of windmills are costly. However, government subsidies have helped in cutting down the cost of private companies and helped in the rapid advances of the wind industry. Wind turbines create noise which may affect the residents and farmers and thus discourage the erection of windmills near residential sites in the countryside. Another main problem in harnessing wind energy in Denmark is the high cost of setting up sea wind farms. Although the air currents at sea are stronger and steadier, it costs 50% more than the amount to construct wind turbines on land due to the expensive foundations and grid problems. Maintaining the wind turbines at sea is very expensive. Government subsidies have also been cut back because of fluctuating political priorities with problems in overcompensating turbine operators, thus, greatly reducing the amount of renewable energy generated. However, in January 2009, the government had decided to double the amount of energy generated by wind thus increasing the amount of subsidies.

32

Despite the disadvantages of using wind energy, it can be an effective way of helping Denmark reach sustainable development, or the development of a country that does not compromise the needs of future generations. Thus, the usage of wind energy proves to be a useful way to slow down the rate of depletion of natural resources such that future generations will not be deprived of natural resources that they might need and at the same time the development of the current generation will not be jeopardized. Learning Points for Singapore Singapore, as a Southeast Asian country, can extract many learning points from Denmark. In fact, there are similarities in the level of government aid in green technology between Denmark and Singapore. However, considering community involvement, Singapore’s level is much lower and she definitely needs to quicken up her pace if in any hopes of emulating Denmark. The Danish government has provided generous subsidies and loans in the past 30 years and in Singapore, public funding of up to $350 million has also been committed to green technology. Also, Denmark’s government has good coordination to facilitate smooth administrative procedures for works concerning green technology. We think that Singapore is not very far behind in this. The government is also lending its gardens and buildings to grow the green economy, including solar energy. A difference may be that Danish government chose green energy as a solution for its desperate energy supply problem during 1973 oil crisis, while Singapore may stand at a more autonomous position to decide her strategies in this respect. As seen from all these, both the Danish and Singapore governments see potential in green technology. However, the communities of Denmark and Singapore do not respond in the same way as their governments. In Denmark, people take part in cultivating this industry by buying shares and paying taxes for CO2-emitting activities. The Danish success is undeniably thanks to their cooperation and commitment to their chosen path. One example would be Samsø Island, which was awarded the title "Denmark's Renewable Energy Island" in 1997. The island is effectively CO2 neutral and the island’s renewable sources not only cover its energy requirement, but are enough to export to other parts of the country. Beginning with Soren Hermansen’s motivation, Samsø residents have laboured with the common goal of obtaining sustainability for Samsø’s future. Over the past 10 years, they have banded together, spending weekends and nights to learn about renewable energy, especially wind, solar, biofuel and they are now receiving recognition worldwide as the leader in sustainable alternative energy development. The story behind

33

the scenes is simple, but it is emulable. Clearly, diligence, passion and cooperation are proven to determine the communal success and it is up to the people to decide their future. Like Tranberg, a farmer on the island, said: “We’re not the special people here”, implying that they believe Samsø’s success can be replicated elsewhere. In Singapore, we suspect that some people are hazy as to matters of green technology. Recognizing that, the government has been putting in efforts to educate our people through social activities and educational competitions. Banners, posters calling for environmental conservation and promoting energy-saving activities are making their rounds nationally, and increasingly, green events, conferences and forums are being held, such as the National Sustainability Conference 2009 and Singapore Water Week. To be effective, campaigns should avoid being perceived as propaganda, which may generate negative responses. Greater emphasis can be placed on green innovations via our efficient media channels and reputable education system. Innovative and interactive approaches would attract people of all ages and across walks of life. Education can even be made compulsory when the matters about green technology become more influential in the Singapore economy as solutions are needed to the energy crises faced by all mankind. This is worthy of consideration and we need to plan for our long term environmental future in spite of recession fears. While we do not necessarily have to consider wind energy in Singapore as we may not share the same denominators, other forms of green energy that can be effectively harnessed should be explored. In conclusion, green energy is not only an effective way of protecting the environment from further damage, it can also contribute to the economical growth of a country. In our opinion, Denmark has set a very good example that other countries can learn from, while the rest of the world has to catch up, so that we can reach sustainable development and not jeopardise the needs of our future generations.

34

Leading the Green Movement By Michelle Poh, Nanyang Girls’ High School “Did the planet betray us? Or did we betray the planet?”52 I believe that this is the fundamental question that befuddles many people today. In actuality, human activity and the environment are entangled in a complex dynamic in which one party can impact the other. In 2005, Dr Rajendra Pachauri, Chairman of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) expressed that man's carbon emissions were reaching such concentrations that "immediate and very deep cuts in the pollution are needed if humanity is to survive."53

Climate change has brought forth the threat of an end to humanity. In light of this, Singapore as a responsible first-world nation must contribute to efforts to address the global problem of climate change. What better way than to start by encouraging Green practices in our young? After all, they are the future leaders of the 21st century; besides, they are the generation who will witness and suffer the devastating effects of climate change in time to come.

Not long ago, the Straits Times reported about National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre and Chief Executive Laurence Lien’s hopes of making volunteerism a regular and spontaneous way of life. 54

I share his hopes and aspirations for Singapore.

My idea of a Green ‘Youth’ movement is a feasible, low-cost and relatively simple innovation. It can be like the ‘Go Green Campaign’ - brainchild of People and Planet from the United Kingdom. 55

Their aim is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in schools and colleges by targeting specific areas which impact the climate most. In essence, the Go Green Campaign consists of two major steps. Step One is to get the Principal of the school to sign a “Go Green Pledge”. Step Two comprises four main goals, namely, “set up a climate action group”, “cut your emissions”, “get everyone on board”, and “adopt a carbon reduction policy”.

The first goal requires forming leadership to oversee this campaign by getting representatives from both the teaching staff and student body. The second is about forming an action plan of consciously cutting emissions and then measuring the reductions. The third is about getting everyone involved through means like giving assembly talks and incorporating knowledge about climate change into lessons. The last goal is the most

35

important. It is where green practices are enforced through a formal carbon reduction policy which will commit the whole school or college to reduce carbon emissions for the long term. The policy will incorporate the other Go Green Goals such as making the climate action group permanent to ensure the continuation of good Green practices. This innovative idea has paid off. As of 2008, 71% of UK universities have cut their carbon emissions and there is a 25% increase in full-time environmental staff in the UK.56

People and Planet has also set up a ‘Green League’ that categorizes the 121 participating universities in UK under five categories: “solid environmental performance”, “fair but could do better”, “must try harder”, “poor environmental performance”, and “fail”. These universities were accessed on 9 areas: environmental policy, environmental staff, environmental audit, Fairtrade university status, ethical investment policy, energy sources, waste recycled, carbon emissions per head and water usage. Figures 3 and 4 show part of the 2008 Green League Environmental Performance Report.

The Green League puts healthy pressure on universities to constantly strive to achieve a better status in its environmental performance. A case in point: a top university in the world had been categorized under the “Must try harder” category in the Green League Environmental Report. Due to its performance, the climate action group there got 1000 cards signed during the Go Green Week and a leader of the Green Party to speak to the students about their poor credentials. In fact, the rank was enough to spur the university to employ a Head of Sustainability

and to develop a comprehensive waste management system, thereby meeting two of the group’s three ‘Go Green campaign’ demands. 57

Figure 2: Cartoon taken from Environmental Groups by Patricia D Netzley

Figure 2: 'Go Green Pledge' from People and Planet

36

Figure 4: Some of the universities ranked under the ‘solid environmental performance’ category in The Green League Environmental Performance Report, 2008

Figure 4: Universities ranked under the 'fail’ category in The Green League Environmental Performance Report, 2008

The immense success of the Go Green Campaign goes to show that innovative yet simple ideas can go a long way to combat daunting issues such as climate change. Such campaigns reflect the enthusiasm and willingness of the youth to help make our world better. However, they are only possible if the youths are willing to volunteer and take charge. What is noteworthy about this Go Green Campaign is that the organisation merely facilitated and provided guidelines for the schools to carry out their Green movements. The campaigns and activities were entirely spearheaded by the students. As such, student activism and volunteerism are instrumental to the success of such campaigns. Our youth have the potential to be a catalyst for change. However, many have failed to recognise the benefits of getting involved in Green efforts. Some do not see the point in devoting their time to volunteer work. Why stand in the sun distributing flyers on a Sunday afternoon when you can slouch in the comfort of your chaise lounge and play video games at home? Well, if you care for humanity and want to prevent further destruction to our Earth, then show your support for Green efforts. Volunteerism provides many benefits. One of which is having the opportunity to help shape one’s communities. Riding on the increasing popularity of youth activism, many Green organisations have organized events specifically targeted at the youths. Singapore for one has stepped up the environmental challenge by organizing the nation’s biggest environmental project, the National Youth EnvirOlympics Challenge (NYEC). 58 This was organized in conjunction with the upcoming Youth Olympics 2010.59 NYEC is the first youth-initiated

37

project at a Group Representation Constituency (GRC) level, and is open to all secondary schools. The Challenge is amazing-race styled, where students travel around Singapore and stop to play interactive games with the public at each station. NYEC hopes to engage the older generations as well to participate to foster a sense of community spirit. As such, they will award extra points to teams that actively involve the participation of the members of the public. NYEC has recognised that although there seemed to be a general increase in environmental awareness amongst the public nowadays, people still lack the initiative and the will to combat environment degradation. Their project, which targets students and the public, hopes to “bind our fellow generations to work together as one to strive towards a greener environment through community-based environmental participation”. 60

Like many Green competitions, they hope to simulate analytical and critical thinking in students so that they can come up with interesting solutions to environmental problems. They want to make use of the outreach to increase environmental awareness and participations amongst the public. This is because as youths themselves, they know that many youths have an untapped potential to influence the people. At the same time, this competition will serve to create a platform for outstanding student leaders to interact with one another and hone their leadership skills.

Evidently, the active participation of youths is central to the project. In such a competition, the youths are given a chance to exert their influence over their community by taking a pro-active approach in response to such activities. Many youths want to make an impact. Through simple initiatives or large-scale projects like the NYEC, they can do just that. Apart from influencing one’s community, I had learnt that youths stand to receive lifelong benefits from volunteerism and activism. The inaugural Youth for Community Activism Symposium (YCAS) in 2008, which I participated in, had truly been rewarding for me. Founded with the larger objective of promoting community activism amongst youths aged 15-18, the symposium focuses on raising awareness of the tenets and applications of Service-Learning to actual community issues. 61

Last year these included “Animals and the Environment”, where its scope of discussion was “Conservation of Biodiversity”. Over a three-day period, participants were engaged in plenary exchanges with leaders and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as interactions with the communities directly affected by these problems so as to get a fuller picture of the issues involved. After garnering this knowledge, participants exercised their mental capacities by proposing creative solutions. The proposals were subsequently submitted to a government feedback body, REACH (Reaching Everyone for Active Citizenry @Home), and presented to the symposium Guest-of-Honour, Dr Amy Khor, Chairman of REACH and Senior Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources. Through this dialogue, every idea conceived by youths could well materialise into concrete actions. And YCAS is not a governmental initiative. It is youth-initiated project.

38

This goes to show that our youth have the potential to produce innovative ideas if they so desire. Our youth need to contribute more to Green efforts. Apart from participating in school-mandated community service projects where some serve are pre-requisites to graduation, youths should go all out and source for volunteer work to show their support for a cause they feel strongly for, like the Go Green Campaign. They can spearhead and initiate their own Green Projects consciously for the betterment of our community. Simple acts that reduce one’s personal carbon footprints on the environment like recycling should be encouraged. However, our youth need to go beyond that and catch the wave of student activism, through which they can truly play their part in effecting social change. No doubt, volunteerism and activism are time-consuming and require devotion and commitment. They can be overwhelming - especially for youths for whom academics are a priority. Moreover, many are too pre-occupied with life to realise that nature declines on a daily basis. Yes, forking out time to commit in volunteer work is no easy task. But remember, the future of our world is a shared responsibility. Youths certainly cannot be excluded from taking ownership of the problems faced by our community and our world. Volunteerism is a good habit to inculcate from young. It is reported that formal and informal volunteer experiences during one’s teenage years increase the possibility of continued volunteering in adulthood. 62 Thus, being a volunteer for a worthy cause can have a prolonged influence on our lives and of the lives of others. Robert F Kennedy, brother of John F Kennedy once remarked, "Each time a man stands up for an ideal… he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance."63

This current can belong to our youths, and I strongly believe that this ripple of hope is on its way.

39

Future State: Singapore 2020 By Sanju Borana, Project Officer, Nanyang Technological University

Our planet is in trouble! We know that threats like pollution, acid rain, global warming, the destruction of rainforests and other wild habitats, the decline and extinction of thousands of species of animals and plants exist and that humans have caused them. It all sounds so depressing but we cannot despair. Every one of us can do something to help slow down and reverse some of the damage. We all have a responsibility for our environment. We must all learn to live in a sustainable way, learn to use our natural resources judiciously in parallel with innovation in green technologies such as microbial fuel cell technology, hybrid cars, and e-books, and, explore

alternative natural sources such as power from bagasse, biodiesel from algae, and one of the most vital ecosystems- the hydrologic and ecotone wetlands. Let’s imagine Singapore in 2020. When we flip a light switch, the electricity would be coming from a very unlikely source- sugar. That’s because sugar mills across the world are generating electricity. It is a simple process: after juice is squeezed out of the sugar cane, the remaining fibers, known as bagasse, are burnt to produce steam. These boilers then power turbines that produce electricity. This renewable energy source has the benefits of reducing emission of air pollutants, lessening dependence on foreign oil imports, and generates electricity for surrounding communities via an energy self-sufficient source. It also enhances the sugar industry’s significant contribution to the economy, and provides jobs, literally turning waste to dollars. In 2020, algae as a new source for biodiesel is an innovative, cheap technology. Easily, it is a panacea for carbon fuel problems. Algae can serve as a feedstock for first generation biodiesel, for ethanol plants, for aviation fuels and biocrude and biogasoline. And algae is by far the highest producer of biofuels with soya producing between 40 and 50 gallons of biofuel per acre, rapeseed between 110 and 115 gallons per acre, mustard at 140 gallons per acre, palm oil at 650 gallons per acre and algae at 10,000 gallons per acre. 64 Biodiesel feedstock markets worldwide are in transition from increasingly expensive first generation feedstocks like soya, rapeseed and palm oil to alternative, lower cost, non-food feedstocks like algae. In the US and the EU, algae-based biodiesel ventures are growing in response to demand for clean fuels, demonstrating increased public and private sector interest in non-food, second generation markets. No wonder 10 years back, the UK Carbon Trust launched the

40

Algae Biofuels Challenge to commercialise the use of algae biofuel. Beyond 2020, algae-based biofuel has the potential to replace a significant proportion of fossil fuel used in road transport and aviation, saving hundreds of millions of tonnes of carbon every year globally whilst creating an industry worth tens of billions. Carbon emissions are known to be a major cause of global warming and climate change. Measuring and reducing carbon emissions have reduced the impact on the environment and effects of global warming. Electric Vehicles (EVs) are blooming. In 2020, electric motors are mechanically very simple, and release almost no air

pollutants. They can achieve 90% energy conversion efficiency over the full range of speeds. Power output can be precisely controlled. Another advantage is that electric vehicles typically have less vibration and noise pollution than a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine, whether it is at rest or in motion. It gives the greatest degree of energy resilience. 65

The Volt costs less than 2 cents per mile to drive on electricity, compared with 12 cents a mile on gasoline at a price of $3.60 a gallon.

Perhaps taxation structures have helped fuel the present day electric vehicles boom. 10 years ago in Denmark, petrol cars were taxed substantially. However EV cars were only taxed 25%, with free parking and recharging in Copenhagen and other

cities. In Portugal, the government linked up with car-makers to further the use of electric cars by investing in electric charging stations across the country and in raising awareness of the vehicle's benefits. In October 2008, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown had pledged £100 million in government money to support electric, hybrid and other more environmentally friendly car projects over a five-year period to help make Britain "the European capital for electric cars". Denmark had planned to introduce a greater number of battery driven electric cars on the streets - charged on renewable energy from the country's many windmills in 2009. By 2014, Spain had 1 million electric cars on the roads as part of a plan to cut energy consumption. Portugal and Spain had also created the first green car in Iberia, which generated 150 million euros worth of investment and 800 new jobs in the region's then struggling motor industry. 66

Green buildings in Singapore have reduced operating costs by increasing productivity and using less energy and water, improved public and occupant health with better indoor air quality, and reduced environmental degradation. This present day legacy is based on past wise decisions. In 2004, the European Commission initiated the GreenBuilding Programme (GBP). This programme aimed to improve the energy efficiency and expanding the integration of renewable energies in non-residential buildings in Europe on a voluntary basis. In a pilot phase in the years 2005-2006, the GreenBuilding infrastructure was set up in ten European countries, supported by the European Commission’s Intelligent Energy Europe Programme. 67

41

Now I would like to describe a new eco-friendly paperless technology commonly used by many Singaporeans called Kindle, which had dealt a blow to reckless cutting of trees. Amazon’s Kindle is a software and hardware platform for reading electronic books and was launched in the United States on November 19, 2007.68

Today in Singapore, wetlands have added to the beauty and glory of Singapore’s ecology.

Kindle was priced at over 200 dollars then but it led to environmental savings in the paper manufacturing, recycling, publishing and printing industries. It also saved the world needless chemical leaching from some print inks some of which were toxic. Kindle can hold 1,500 books. In 2020, Singaporeans are using Kindle to read their papers. It had made no sense to waste billions of trees for printing on something that was essentially a single day commodity. Kindle has enabled everybody to store a whole lot of information in less amount of space. Due to its popularity, it has now become cost effective for the majority. There are other brands besides Kindle like the Netherland’s iRex and France’s Orange. Now many websites provide subscriptions for e-papers and e-books on these devices.

69 Wetland treatment systems are presently an excellent focus and facility for implementing community wide environmental education, water reclamation, wetland ecology, watershed management, and energy conservation. The system utilizes wetland plants and micro-organisms, which are the active agents in the wastewater treatment processes. 70 In Singapore, pilot scale constructed wetlands were recently installed in Seletar and Kranji reservoirs to treat wastewater. There have been numerous seminars on the role of wetlands held, including in the EU, with many NGOs of member states participating. In retrospect, this could be due to the adoption by the European Council on 4 March 1996 of the Commission's "Communication on wise use and conservation of wetlands", a great step forward by the EU legislator towards integrated wetland, water and catchment basin management.71

Singaporeans in 2020 may? drive family cars running on biofuel derived from algae, live in green buildings, with electricity produced by microbial fuel cell technology from wastes like sewage or organic food debris using bacteria and bagasse. People, especially many students use e-paper devices. Electric motor bikes are the current craze among all the youths. Wastewater is being treated by phytoremediation technology like our wetlands, a new national heritage, nearby where children love to play and where families can have favourite picnic spots. Children walk through the wetlands on the way to school, enjoying the biodiversity of nature. All these green innovations prevalent worldwide have led to peace, prosperity and freedom in a fairer, safer, healthier national and global environment.

42

Reference 1 Atmospheric concentration of CO2, which hitherto been relatively constant over 1000 years at 278 parts per million (ppm), substantially increased to 379 ppm in the span of just one century, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerabilities and Adaptation in Developing Countries, 2007) 2 Source as above 3 This is a significantly higher than the 0.7 per cent observed for industrialized market-economy countries (IC). China, alone, is expected to register an annual growth emissions rate of at least 11 per cent between 2004 and 2010, according to http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/03/080310155857.htm) 4 http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/items/2830.php 5 Having identified renewable sources such as solar power and wind as viable alternatives, a directive was passed to promote the production of electricity from renewable energy. Car makers were also encouraged to make voluntary commitments to reduce carbon dioxide emission from their manufactured cars by 25%. In addition, proposals have been made to tax energy products (http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/eccp.htm) 6 Full Source: Commission of the European Communities (2000) Green Paper on greenhouse gas emission trading within the European Union European Climate Change Programme Working Group II Impact and Adaptation Building National Adaptation Strategies Sectoral Report 7 Full Source: Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC 8 Two periods are identified in Article 11 (source as above). First is the three-year period beginning 1 January 2005 (Article 11.1), followed by the five-year period beginning 1 January 2008 9 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/climat/emission/citl_en.htm 10 Granted that “the development of National Strategies falls within the remit of Member States, not the EU” under the subsidiarity principle. (Source: Page 7, ECCP Working Group II Impacts and Adaptation Building National Adaptation Strategies Sectoral Report) 11 The Manila Declaration highlighted the commitment of the Asia Pacific to the issue of climate change. Its subsequent Regional Action Plan for Climate Change in the Asia Pacific saw three main objectives to be achieved. They are “(1) national/regional measures for scientific and technical advice and public education; (2) national/regional measures for adaptation to climate change impacts and vulnerabilities and (3) national/regional measures for mitigation of anthropogenic GHG emissions” (Sanderson and Islam, 2007:pp33). 12 The Danish government has highlighted that it “will be lacking GHG emissions reductions corresponding to 20-25 MtCO2e/year during the commitment period of 2008-12 unless additional measures are taken.” It estimates that it will have to rely on the flexible mechanisms of Kyoto Protocol to meet the “major part of the compliance gap (up to 15-20MtCO2e/year).” (Varming, 2004) 13 In Thailand alone, the estimated CERs revenue has been projected at 2.6 million USD (at 5USD per tCO2 e.q) from the five CDM projects identified by the Danish Royal Embassy. (Varming, 2004) 14 http://www.adb.org/REACH/algas.asp 15 “Biogas Bonanza for Third World Development”, Institute of Science in Society website: http://www.i-sis.org.uk/BiogasBonanza.php 16 Article from New Civil Engineer online version: http://www.nce.co.uk/greater-manchester-waste-pfi-deal-completed-with-treasury-cash/5200302.article 17 WIP Renewable Energies, 24th European Photovoltaic Solar Energy Conference, 2009. www.photovoltaic-conference.com, Retrieved 20 March 2009. 18 Library of Congress Federal Research Division, Country Profile: Bulgaria, 2006. http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Bulgaria.pdf. Retrieved 20 March 2009. 19 Via Expo Ltd, 5th International Congress for South-East Europe, 2009. www.viaexpo.com/congress-ee-vei/eng/congress.php, Retrieved 20 March 2009. 20 Mlcochova, J. CEZ to Build Biggest Onshore Wind Park in Europe, 2008. Planetark, http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/49997/story.htm, Retrieved 20 March 2009. 21 Fancoj, G., The Emerging Environmental Market, 1997 (Source: http://www.rec.org/REC/Publications/EmEnvMarket2/Romania3.html) Retrieved 20 March 2009. 22 Placintescu, V., Green technology attracts Israeli investments, 2008. Bucharest Business Week online: http://www.bbw.ro/articol_51764/green_technology_attracts_israeli_investments.htm Rretrieved 20 March 2009. 23 United Nations Foundation Expert Group on Energy Efficiency. (2007). Realizing the Potential of Energy Efficiency: Targets, Policies, and Measures for G8 Countries. Washington, DC. 24 National Geographic. (2007). Effects of global warming. [on-line]. URL: http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-effects.html (10 March 2009) 25 United Nations Foundation Expert Group on Energy Efficiency. (2007). Realizing the Potential of Energy Efficiency: Targets, Policies, and Measures for G8 Countries. Washington, DC. 26 European Commission. (2008a). Environment fact sheet: Sustainable consumption and production — a challenge for us all. City of Publication unknown 27 Grunwald, Michael. (2009). Wasting our Watts. TIME, 173(1), pp. 22-26. 28 European Commission. (2009a). More Energy Efficient. [on-line]. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/climateaction/eu_action/energy_efficient/index_en.htm (10 March 2009) 29 Grunwald, Michael. (2009). Wasting our Watts. TIME, 173(1), pp. 22-26. 30 NRC (Natural Resources Canada). (2005). Improving Energy Performance in Canada – Report to Parliament under the Energy Efficiency Act for the Fiscal Year 2004-2005. Ottawa. 31 European Commission. (2009b). EU action against climate change. [on-line]. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/climateaction/eu_action/index_en.htm (10 March 2009) 32 European Commission. (2009a). More Energy Efficient. [on-line]. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/climateaction/eu_action/energy_efficient/index_en.htm (10 March 2009) 33 European Commission. (2009a). More Energy Efficient. [on-line]. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/climateaction/eu_action/energy_efficient/index_en.htm (10 March 2009) 34 Bowie, R. and Jahn, A. (2003). European Union - The new Directive on the energy performance of buildings – Moving closer to Kyoto. Brussels. 35 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. (2007). Energy Efficiency – Do you realize the potential? Copenhagen. 36 United Nations Foundation Expert Group on Energy Efficiency. (2007). Realizing the Potential of Energy Efficiency: Targets, Policies, and Measures for G8 Countries. Washington, DC. 37 European Commission. (2009a). More Energy Efficient. [on-line]. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/climateaction/eu_action/energy_efficient/index_en.htm (10 March 2009) 38 United Nations Foundation Expert Group on Energy Efficiency. (2007). Realizing the Potential of Energy Efficiency: Targets, Policies, and Measures for G8 Countries. Washington, DC. 39 European Commission. (2009a). More Energy Efficient. [on-line]. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/climateaction/eu_action/energy_efficient/index_en.htm (10 March 2009 ) 40 European Commission. (2009c). Electrical and electronic equipment. [on-line]. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/energy/citizen/energy_efficiency/electrical_electronic_equipment_en.htm (10 March 2009) 41 United Nations Foundation Expert Group on Energy Efficiency. (2007). Realizing the Potential of Energy Efficiency: Targets, Policies, and Measures for G8 Countries. Washington, DC. 42 Philippines to Ban Incandescent Bulbs. (February 8, 2008). The Associated Press 43 Grunwald, Michael. (2009). Wasting our Watts. TIME, 173(1), pp. 22-26. 44 Obama, B. (2008). Sen. Barack Obama's answer to meeting energy demands. [On-line YouTube video]. City: Springfield, Missouri (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XzZNP4tTfV0&feature=related),(14 March 2009 45 UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). (2008). Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). [on-line] (Source: http://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol/mechanisms/clean_development_mechanism/items/2718.php, 14 March 2009 46 E2Singapore. (2009a). Innovation for Environmental Sustainability (IES) Fund. [on-line]. URL: http://www.e2singapore.gov.sg/ies-fund.html (10 March 2009)

43

47 E2Singapore. (2009b). Grant for Energy Efficient Technologies (GREET). [on-line]. URL: http://www.e2singapore.gov.sg/greet.html (10 March 2009) 48 Grunwald, Michael. (2009). Wasting our Watts. TIME, 173(1), pp. 22-26. 49 European Commission (Producer). (2005). Energy use in buildings: Use it better, use it less. [on-line]. City: unknown. URL: http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/energy_transport/video/energy_buildings/energy_buildings_en.mpg (10 March 2009) Case Study: Incentives and Information for the Public - Almada, Portugal http://www.managenergy.net/products/R454.htm 50 Grunwald, Michael. (2009). Wasting our Watts. TIME, 173(1), pp. 22-26 51 Grunwald, Michael. (2009). Wasting our Watts. TIME, 173(1), pp. 22-26 52 As quoted from the trailer of the film An Inconvenient Truth. Available at: http://climatecrisis.org/ 53 “Is This Humanity’s First Planetary Emergency?”, Bill Blakemore, ABC News online: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/GlobalWarming/Story?id=1843086&page=2 54“Thinking BIG”, Page A20, The Straits Times, 13 March 2009 55 Available at www.peopleandplanet.org/gogreen 56 Green League key results 2008; Available at http://peopleandplanet.org/gogreen/greenleague2008/whatitshows 57 2009, 17 February. People and Planet News: “Oxford Uni P&P get Green Party Leader to demand their Uni Goes Green... then it does”. Available at http://peopleandplanet.org/navid7116 58 As expressed in the ‘About Us’ section of the NYEC website; available at http://www.nyec-challenge.org/About.html 59 As expressed in the NYEC website; available at http://www.nyec-challenge.org/ 60 Aims and Objectives of NYEC, taken from http://www.nyec-challenge.org/index.html 61 Youth for Community Activism Symposium 2008 Handbook 62 Taken from a 1996 report by Independent Sector, a Washington-based consortium of non-profit organizations 63 June 6, 1966. Robert F. Kennedy. Address Day of Affirmation, University of Cape town; quote available at http://www.rfkcenter.org/lifeandvision/selectedquotes 64 According to Will Thurmond, President of Emerging Markets Online and author of the “Biodiesel 2020” and “Algae 2020” report, who spoke at the European Biofuels Conference and Expo in the UK 65 Grove, A., 2008. Science and Technology. The Journal of American Enterprise Institute 66 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_vehicle 67 http://www.eu-greenbuilding.org/ 68 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amazon_Kindle 69 Wetlands are marshes with shallow water regions dominated by emergent marsh plants such as cattails, bulrushes, rushes and reeds. Constructed or manmade wetlands offer many multiple use values such as the creation of habitat, water quality improvement, flood control, and production of food and fibres (also termed as constructed aquaculture wetlands). Constructed wetland systems can potentially tolerate variable volumes of water and varying contaminant levels. These biological filters have helped solved environmental and water quality problems by relying on several basic processes to purify polluted waste water: uptake of nutrients by plants; bacterial degradation and oxidation of pollutants; sedimentation and adsorption of particles and dissolved substances in the waste on to the substrate. The sources include municipal and domestic wastewater, urban surface runoff, agricultural wastewater, industrial effluents and polluted surface waters in rivers and lakes. The wetlands are also aesthetically pleasing and serve as an attractive destination for tourists and local urban residents. 70 Kadlec, R.H., Knight, R.L., 1996. Treatment Wetlands. CRC Press Inc., Boca Raton, FL, USA 71 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, November 2000 (Source- http://www.ramsar.org/mtg/mtg_eu_water_frmwk.htm)

Artwork

46

The Green Journey By Robin Lee, Singapore Polytechnic Remember Jack? His beanstalk took him all the way to the giant’s castle but we have to go further than that to cure mother earth’s illnesses. Every person in every continent, in every country and in every city has a magic bean. Watered and cared for they will grow, fuse together and evolve into one mighty beanstalk. The beanstalk represents the road, created through a collective effort, to overcome man-caused global warming, adverse climate change, pollution, excessive waste and other challenges. In the area of clean energy, biofuels are merely stepping stones on this long journey. Solar, wind and tidal energy are the milestones. Beyond that we have many more green innovations to come. Biofuels are the bridge to renewable energy. Eight out of the top 15 countries producing biofuels are EU members. One day, algae might power Venice. Seven of the world’s top countries producing wind power are also EU member states, including Denmark where a fifth of electricity is powered by wind. The country is also one of the world’s energy efficient economies. Seven of the world’s 13 biggest photovoltaic plants are EU members. The 40MW Waldpolenz Solar Park in Germany is expected to be among the largest. The bike rental scheme in Paris. Cleaner soap to reduce water pollution in Belgium. In Singapore, the 3R programme will reduce waste, with recycling bins placed in schools and residential areas. These are but a few environmental heroes. Are you ready to plant your magic bean?

Winner

48

Our poster revolves around the theme of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to tackle global warming and climate change. The reduction of greenhouse gases is crucial as studies have highlighted the potential dangers if global temperatures are not limited to 2 degrees Celsius below that of pre-industrial temperatures. The title of our poster embraces two essential meanings. Firstly, it conveys our belief that greenhouse gas emission levels can be made to fall through combined efforts of organizations and individuals. Secondly, the title also warns of the impending fall of Mother Earth should climate change persist. Hence, we hope to encourage the large scale implementation of measures to forestall such a scenario. The title is tied to the main subject depicted -- a popular brick game, UNO Stacko, in which players draw pieces from a tower without toppling it. In our poster, the towering stack of bricks represents greenhouse gases, with the red bricks (red symbolizing utmost urgency) representing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that has increased tremendously since industrialization, due to mechanization and deforestation. Relating to the game’s objective, we hope that the bricks, i.e. greenhouse emissions, will be removed before the tower topples. This is because should the tower collapse, it signifies “Game Over” -- the total upset of the balance between Man and Nature. The roles of EU and ASEAN are represented by the dice, because in the game the rolling of the dice determines the number of bricks removed. Hence, both organizations share the pivotal role of coordinating the implementation of measures to reduce greenhouse emissions. One such measure is the emissions trading system, which is helping the EU to fulfill its aim of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases by 8% from 1990 levels in 2008-2012 that it made in signing the Kyoto Protocol. The ominous, overcast sky against which the tower is depicted carries a foreboding verdict of the world-to-be should greenhouse gases continue to escalate. However, the tinges of green at the lower ground signify hope for a greener future; a harmonious balance between Man and Nature. Our work holds our towards a drastic reduction of greenhouse emissions and alleviation of the climate change due to global warming, so that we may all look forward to a brighter future together as citizens of Earth.

When Falling Becomes Possible By Lai Jun Yu, Ng Hui Qi & Ong Shu Qin, National Junior College

49

Our Dream, Our Homeland, Our Mother Earth By Ngoc Nguyen Quang, Lu Ying Ying, Jurong Junior College

We used a photo mosaic to construct this artwork. The idea behind the collage is to highlight that earth is overly exploited by human activities, represented by the grey half of the globe. However the planet can regain its former, natural state through the use of alternative green energy. The EU, as the leading player in green technologies helps hold the globe up, as represented by the stars, to guide the world in moving towards a beautiful, green destination, as the island of Singapore depicted in the upper half of the globe and image sides. Singapore, treading the path of green technologies, is steadily changing herself. From a bird’s eye view, this work depicts a blueprint for Singapore in 2020, soaring and transforming the state into a clean, green eco-friendly city. The collage is made up of hundreds of pictures taken from across Europe and Asia, put together using software. Some pictures represent green technologies, including wind energy, solar and hydro-power and biofuel. Others are photographs we took during a study trip on clean energy to Germany and Switzerland, and of our collaboration with the Public Utilities Board on inhibiting algae growth to improve the quality of water supply. The collection also contains examples of how these technologies can be applied in our daily life for a greener planet. It is a microcosm of how we can use different green innovations to build a magnificent world.

50

Collaboration in Climate Change Both posters by Ng Cheong Ghim, School of Digital Media and Infocomm Technology, Singapore Polytechnic

51

52

Singapore in 2020 By Ashlyn Wong, School of Design, Singapore Polytechnic

My artwork was inspired by what the EU hopes to achieve in terms of reducing global emissions. I have illustrated a new Singapore in 2020 when many types of energy conservation methods will be used, albeit humourously. I suggest that in 2020, most people would work from home, thus reducing traffic in the country. Big construction cranes will be redesigned for passenger usage. By swinging the carriage from one place to another, people can get to their destinations quicker and with an element of fun. Fireflies are bred in street lights along areas like Clarke Quay to reduce electricity use and provide ambience. Public icons like the Merlion are transformed into art, simply by the use of recycled materials. Additionally, solar panels are placed along the river to absorb sun's energy in the day to fuel the lights for use in the night. The reflective surface of the panels also reflects light, thus improving river aesthetics. Bicycles are commonly loaned out to provide short distance transport. In these ways, we will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases.

53

Bamboo: Perfect Non-Timber Architecture By Jannrius Lim Hock Guan, Interior Design, Singapore Polytechnic

Bamboo truly is a remarkable renewable resource. It is a centuries old material that has been and continues to be used by over half the world's population for applications as varied as food, shelter, fuel and clothing. One of the earth’s fastest growing plants, bamboo is a vital non-timber resource that releases 30% more oxygen than hardwood forests. With a tensile strength superior to steel, it is one of the most versatile and durable natural resources. Here, I propose using bamboo and bamboo fibre to construct the canvas canopy, stalls and storage boxes for a semi-permanent flea market. The easy to assemble modules are designed to be above the ground, keeping moisture and creepy crawlies away and to allow unobstructed air flow, without compromising on the distinct quality and surface texture offered by bamboo. The solution will reduce waste disposed by stall vendors after the flea market is over.

Multimedia

55

Together We Heal The World Soh Kok Wee & Wee Weijian, School of Business, Singapore Polytechnic Our main purpose in the video was to highlight European Union efforts to combat the devastating effects of global warming and climate change on the earth by synching images with text based frames and music tracks. We also wanted to highlight the work done by Singapore Polytechnic in engaging youths, one of our most important stakeholders, via the Blue Earth Greening web competition and workshop. This is a collaboration between Singapore Polytechnic Schools of Business, SMIT and DBIT, Vestas Wind System, and the National Environment Agency. The competitors proposed suggestions on how to reduce the use of fossil fuels, such as using ‘lallang’, a type of grass found in Singapore, amongst other interesting initiatives.

Winner

56

Sort It Out! By Lee Yee Ching, School of Art, Design & Media, NTU Sort It Out! is a campaign to create awareness about excessive consumption and waste disposal patterns through visual installations and a web platform. The campaign is planned to appeal to 13-25 year olds. The webfront contains many video clips and images on waste disposal habits in Singapore, and offers practical, easy to do solutions to recycle everyday objects around us. The premise and concept behind the design is that advertising and promotion can use recyclable materials, and can minimise reliance on paper for brochures, flyers and posters. Redefine the notion of design with Sort It Out! Be informed, entertained, and learn how to write your own green manifesto from Sort It Out!

57

By Koh Ming Guang & Wilson Lim, Commonwealth Secondary The Tap is a story about an ordinary 12-year-old boy, who may know about water conservation but not practice it in his daily routine. He constantly wastes water by leaving the tap running such as when brushing his teeth. Due to this, his conscience is constantly reminded by his own mirror image. Water is a precondition for life and an indispensable resource. The stakes and high and issues transcend borders. But as the video demonstrates, green habits and lifestyles can be ingrained if one makes a conscious effort to do so.

58

Protecting Our Environment Through Waste Management By Alvis Yeo & Peh Ting Yong, Compassvale Secondary This documentary on Singapore’s Waste Management Strategy charts our school visit to the Pulau Semakau Incineration and Offshore Landfill. We were able to find out how much waste passes through the plant in a day, how waste is incinerated, and how landfill operations were conducted. We concluded our video by explaining the need to reduce, reuse and recycle, and included a demo on what you can do with your drink bottles instead of throwing them away.

Poems & Prose

60

What If We Had Become Vegetarians? By Boon Yi Cheng, Malaysia “Keith, come on down for your breakfast or you will be late for school again!” “I am coming, Mom, I am coming!” This is the typical morning conversation that I will overhear while I skim the newspaper for any interesting events. Looking out of the window, I see a peaceful neighbourhood, waking up to yet another day. Yes, a typical day indeed, aboard the last remaining spaceship, Green-II. With a total population of 138,442 residents, Mankind is faced with the imminent threat of extinction. The crucial problem is food. Over the many years of failed revolution on vegetarianism, the majority of the meat-eaters have finally prevailed, and humans have evolved to become intolerant of vegetation. Demand for livestock soared dramatically, and more people engaged in this profitable activity of raising livestock. The resulting effect on global warming was disastrous; the scientists monitoring global temperature could not believe the measurements at first, but the ensuing catastrophes convinced them. The alarming report was finally acknowledged, and immediate actions were taken for a world-wide evacuation. Alas, none of the nations were prepared for such drastic measures, and only two prototype spaceships were available. The world was flung into chaos as the nations’ VIPs battled it out for a place on the spaceships, literally. Massive bloodshed ensued on that fateful day, 21st December, 2012, otherwise known as Armageddon. Finally, after the World War III, the remaining healthy survivors that managed to avoid radioactive exposure were scarce enough to fit into the two spaceships, and they took off, away from the place they once called Earth. As the survivors celebrated, another sad incident happened. “BOOM!” Everyone was shocked, and before long, cries of agony filled the remaining spaceship. Green-I has exploded. Grief and sorrow filled the heart of all that was onboard, and despair soon replaced their sorrow. Analysis by the scientists on board Green-II came to the conclusion that the explosion of Green-I was due to the imperfect design of the spaceship, and so Green-II will embrace the same fate, sooner or later. Some went crazy after hearing the news, while others dropped to their knees, speechless. One thing everyone shared in common was that they all had fear in their eyes. Every moment could be their last, and such anxiety was unbearable. That was two years ago. Now, most people have slowly come to terms with all the misery they have faced and are accepting the possibility of today being their last day alive. But I could not help but wonder: What if we had heeded the many warning signs? What if we took “The Inconvenient Truth” seriously? What if the UN Report of “Livestock’s Long Shadow” was not ignored? What if the vegetarianism revolution was successful? What if… we had become vegetarians? Regret and remorse are feelings that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. However, in memory of all that have lost their lives, I shall live on, even if there is no future waiting for me ahead.

61

The Story of the Lake By Dan Bee Shin, South Korea Before the days of your grandparents, their grandparents and their grandparents there was a time when few on Earth, yes, few, too few, were green. Rusty imitations of the Sun brandished brushes bathed blood-red. Brazen tips dipped deep in power sealed the senses of those uncoloured. In their scarlet wake – Destruction. Verdant whispers brushed over unheard. Warning grass sways brushed by unseen. They painted and painted in scarring sweeps, themselves and each other and another and more – their pot was perched oh-so precariously. Leaves released earthwards in premature showers Flames a-flourishing in feverous rushes Oceans unbound by the searing trident Forces spurring wars towards apocalypse – The pot of paint threatened to crash. Blind, perhaps, to destruction done their backs, after all, had long since been turned against Truth, Reality, Nature of Life.

The untainted Greens, for a few did escape the swipes, saw that the Reds could not see, saw the need the Reds could not see – for a green glass with a silver coat, an eye with which to see what they ought. From the embrace of the shared vision was born a small ball, Nature’s rendition. Such audacity! Energetic capacity! Deaf to sceptical sneers, cynical susurrations emerged from the orb an emerald puddle, grew from pond to pool to lake damping doubts down to a dubious muddle. Shh – hush. The Reds now saw what the Greens had seen, what you could have had seen but they could not. Silence bound them in a drawn out gasp as they stared into the eyes their reflected selves. No one likes to be told what to do – Often one’s plans dissolve bitterly when suggested afresh by another’s voice. Yes, strange, I know – we are strange that way. And so the Greens held their end of the fragile string of silence their eyes fixed intently on the staring Reds. There was a sigh – Then a hum. Then a whoosh, a forest of whispers fuelling itself into a fire of ferocity! A roar of renewal, new will and promises. Green fingers reached to right the red roll, smoothed brushes to wash the stains off the world. The cauldron was cooled to calm contentedness iridescent potion poured to give life. To the heavens, a fairer share of the nighttime stage, genuine gratitude for their gifts. To the Earth? Overdue respect for its rights to its own treasures.

Things you and I today take for granted, they saw for the first time and as seeds, they planted. Two wheels instead of four No more contemplating war Walks in the rain that sooths, not burn Summer breezes that caress concern Trees a-rustling above and below Timely snow setting cheeks aglow Wake up to a home bird’s morn song To dreamland, cricket lullabies carry you along Crimson hues drained from many a hand Some soon learned to blend in with the land. Sometimes few by few, at others, in masses the Greens grew in number. The grandparents of the grandparents of your grandparents, they were Greens. They each taught their children what it means to be a Green – To keep their borrowed world Green, to return it just as Green. And that’s the story you wanted to hear the story of the Lake, this very one here, of how today’s world came to be flourishing, alive, so naturally free.

62

By Kevin Koh Zhi Rong, Tanjong Katong Secondary OUR DUTY Scientists’ voices called sharply, Like bullets swirling Through a sandbag. Insistent, but Futile. We are concerned. We are perplexed. Vexed, indignant and dissatisfied. Convincing, but Merely a façade. Good-willed gratuities For all our accomplishments! CFC down 0.01%! Haze curbed! Success at last! But, We silently leave in our private jets.

By Dawn, Pierce Secondary

Ode to Earth Day

I went to Marina Bay,

To celebrate Earth Day. We are here to protect the trees;

Things to remember are three; Recycle, reuse and reduce. We will always be amused,

What irony, it is funny, that we exploit Earth’s free resources for money.

Without trees, animals cannot live, Yet we do not believe.

Tales like this, Makes me feel unease.

Species since prehistorical times Go extinct without a crime,

So even as we speak, Deforestation advances in speed.

Hence to do our part, Our light departs,

For one lonely hour. We conserve money more than a tower

So let us join our hands, To make this not the end.

Remember to Reuse and Recycle paper waste, Follow the call, Reduce for all!

63

The Barrier of the Sky By Jose Tan, Adriel Yeo, Wong King Lam, First Toa Payoh Secondary

The sky was lighted by the pre-dawn. I lay motionless on my bed looking out of the vast glass wall that overviewed the coast below, waiting. As the Sun’s first rays poked over the horizon, I sat up and pressed the button on the table next to the bed and the lights came on. “Good morning, Arthus,” greeted a voice that seemed to come out of the walls themselves. “Morning HSSone,” I replied to my personal home security system before turning on the television, reporting some rubbish about the environment again. I immediately shut it off. After completing my daily mantra of eating, washing and changing, I headed out to work. I saw my car waiting for me as I walked out of the door, made just for me.

At the office, I finished up my latest design for a new prototype combustion engine, a revolutionary design that would change the way cars worked forever. No more long driving times. Plus with only a small drawback of increased exhaustion, something no one would care about when they can make a previously hour long journey in a whooping ten minutes, without fear of accidents with my safety lock system I might add, that now can navigate roads via magnetic currents that prevented collisions and derailment. After countless meetings and planning sessions, I finally drove back home, putting HSSone to sleep mode for the night before retiring to my room. I settled myself into my bed and re-checked my designs. I was in the air with an eagle’s view of the world. I was looking down upon my office, recognizable by its height, towering above the rest of the skyscrapers. The world seemed to be shrouded in haze, thick clouds covered the world. I swooped down for a closer look through the haze. A world obviously not in my present time. The first thing I noticed were the flashes of sleek, powerful cars, zooming left and right. Yet, the cars all seemed to heading for the city shelter built for emergencies. Only then did I notice with a deep chill that seemed to cling to the haze. A frost had descended from the sky, a fog that blocked out the Sun. I swooped further down to see billboards burning, cars upturned and destroyed, and people running. A riot had occurred not long ago. I examined the remains of a burnt billboard. Something about mass pollution, the return of the ice age and me. I felt my heart skip a beat. I snatched a newspaper from the nearest rubbish bin and read: “Global pollution finally tracked down to its cause. Revolutionary combustion engine has caused clouds to remain frozen, forming a barrier of the sky. Thick clouds have blocked out the sun. Planet Earth is not heating up fast enough and a continuous drop in temperature is to freeze the planet back into the ice age. Only one percent of the world’s population is expected to survive the return of the modern ice age.” “What have I done?” I asked myself in horror as the world literally froze from the final descending chill. I felt the chill creep its way into my heart and I knew I was dead. I heard a person scream in terror only to find out that I was the one screaming, sweating furiously from the horrible dream. Dawn came to wash away the darkness that had swirled within my heart. I destroyed the designs for the combustion engines immediately and vowed to find an alternate energy source, one that was powerful and eco-friendly. I completed my daily mantra and walked to work for a change.

64

Symposium Programme

Plenary 9.00am - 9.15am Welcome

Tony Mayer, Chair, EU Centre Steering Committee, Senior Science Officer & Registrar, NTU

9.15am - 9.45am Keynote on EU Initiatives His Excellency Holger Standertskjöld, Ambassador, Delegation of the European Commission to Singapore

9.45am - 10.10am Awards Ceremony 10.00am - 10.25am Morning Break and Tour of Exhibition 10.25am - 10.55am German Strategy for Adaption to Climate Change

His Excellency, Jörg Ranau Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany to Singapore

10.55am - 11.15am Creating Energy: Sustainable Challenge Thierry Pflimlin, CEO, Total Oil Asia Pacific

11.15am - 11.35am Market Sense of Going Green Deborah Ong, Partner, Human Capital, PricewaterhouseCoopers

11.35am - 11.55am Intelligent & Sustainable Buildings Frank Lee, Executive Vice President, Siemens Building Technologies ASEAN, & Dr Osman Ahmed, Head, Global Research & Innovation, Siemens Building Technologies

11.55am - 12.15pm Telecommunications Technology Benefits to Society and Environment Ian Koh, Snr Director, Solutions & Network Design, Ericsson Telecommumnications

Afternoon Session

1.20pm - 1.40pm Space: A Commodity Worth Preserving, Sustainable Solutions for High Density Development Jason Pomeroy, Director, Broadway Malyan Asia

1.40pm - 2.20pm Pneumatic Waste Collection, Successful Business Models for Sustainable Cities Tan Chin Tiong, Managing Director, Envac Group Pte Ltd

2.20pm - 2.40pm Collection & Recycling, Sustainable by Nature Tetra Pak Model Ong Lye Huat, Manager, Environment, Tetra Pak Jurong

2.40pm - 3.00pm Global Approach Towards Green Technology for Sustainable Water Management Koh Wai Keat, Director, Business Development, Veolia Water Solutions & Technologies SEA

3.00pm - 3.20pm Protecting Our Coastal Marine Environments Ole Larsen, Director, DHI-NTU Water & Environment Research Centre, DHI Group

3.20pm - 3.40pm The Original Solar Cells: Microalgae & Carbon Sequestration Assoc Prof Jeffery Obbard, Director, Tropical Marine Institute & Programme Manager, Biofuels Group, ICES, A*STAR

3.40pm - 4.00pm Afternoon Break and Tour of Exhibition 4.00pm - 5.15pm Partnerships for a Sustainable Future

Panel Discussion & Forum

5.15pm - 5.30pm Announcement of Quiz Winners, and Exhibition Closing

65

Acknowledgements The EU Centre in Singapore would like to thank the following for their support of the “Green Innovations, Our Future Together” Symposium, Exhibition and Theme Competition and anyone who helped in one way or another :

Silver Sponsor

Merit Prize Sponsor

Partners

Competition Judges

Dr Malone-Lee Lai Choo, Director, Centre for Sustainable Asian Cities, SDE, NUS Assoc Prof Karina Gin Yew-Hoong, Division of Environmental & Water Resources Engineering, NTU

Dr Clara Portella, Asst Prof, Political Science, SMU Assoc Prof Barnard E Turner, Academic Convenor, European Studies, NUS

& Senior Fellow, EU Centre in Singapore

Images

Microsoft Clip Art & Focus Multimedia

The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not reflective of the EU Centre’s position. ©Copyright, EU Centre in Singapore 2009. ®All rights reserved.