MAY 2, 2014 Low PART 2 carbon cities > Iskandar’s unique blueprint AST week, we touched on the research institutions from Malaysia and memorandum of understanding Japan, including Universiti Teknologi (MoU) between GreenTech Malaysia (UTM), Kyoto University, Okayama LMalaysia and Iskandar Regional University and the National Institute for Development Authority (IRDA) that is Environmental Studies. While designed for intended to facilitate the regional Iskandar Malaysia, the blueprint, which is DID YOU KNOW? development’s 50% carbon intensity target derived from a research project on According to the United States by 2025. The two-year partnership will see “Development of Low Carbon Society challenge Environmental Protection Agency, GreenTech Malaysia implement the Low Scenarios for Asian Regions”, can also projects for black carbon (BC) is among the strongest Carbon Cities Framework and Assessment be used as a model and template for other schools, promoting light-absorbing component of particulate System (LCCF) in stages in an effort to countries in the region. It outlines 12 actions energy-saving devices, matter (PM), and is formed by the reduce carbon emissions within Iskandar to reduce carbon emission (grouped in providing interconnected incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, Malaysia. The role of GreenTech Malaysia three themes): pedestrian walkways and biofuels and biomass. include generating a baseline study report, cycle lanes for greater use of identifying low carbon strategies plus Green Environment: bicycles, and creating a pedestrian-friendly It has emerged that BC is a major action plans and finally executing, 1. Walkable, safe, livable city design city and neighbourhoods. contributor to global climate change, tracking and assessing the effectiveness 2. Smart growth possibly second only to carbon dioxide of the action plan, in line with IRDA’s Low 3. Green and blue infrastructure & LOW CARBON CITIES VS (CO2) as the main driver of change. Carbon Society (LCS) blueprint. rural resources ECONOMIC GROWTH These BC particles strongly absorb 4. Sustainable waste management Besides low carbon cities encouraging a sunlight, thereby giving soot its black WHAT IS THE LCS BLUEPRINT? 5. Clean air environment healthy and sustainable environment, colour. BC is produced both naturally Essentially, the LCS blueprint has a similar it has a great impact on socio-economic and by human activity. Primary sources objective as the LCCF in that it promotes Green Economy: development. The vision for Iskandar include emissions from diesel engines, the low carbon development of a city. 6. Integrated green transportation Malaysia as a low carbon region was in cooking stoves, wood burning and What sets the LCS blueprint apart is that it 7. Green industry essence to holistically and sustainably forest fires. is unique to Iskandar Malaysia. It features 8. Low carbon urban governance benefit the development of an BC increases warming in two ways. methodologies, contents, actions, 9. Green buildings & construction economic powerhouse. When suspended in air, BC absorbs measures and programmes to reduce 10. Green energy system & renewable energy According to UTM Faculty of Built sunlight, generates heat in the greenhouse gases, to ultimately establish Environment Prof Ho Chin Siong in an atmosphere, which warms the air “a strong, sustainable metropolis of Green Community: article on Iskandar Malaysia: “...the and can affect regional cloud formation international standing by 2025”. However, 11. Low carbon lifestyle integration of two competing goals – ‘strong’ and precipitation patterns. When it does not have an assessment system, a 12. Community engagement & and ‘sustainable’ in a single development deposited on snow and ice, it absorbs function the LCCF compensates. IRDA consensus building vision poses great challenges to Iskandar sunlight, again generating heat, which chief executive officer Datuk Ismail Malaysia’s growth policies and development warms both the air above and the snow Ibrahim expounds: “The LCS blueprint Through the application of the LCS planning.” Ismail espoused: “IRDA planned and ice below, thus accelerating melting. is a model to minimise carbon emission in blueprint, Iskandar Malaysia will encourage a that there must be a comprehensive and Because BC remains in the atmosphere Iskandar Malaysia, while the LCCF is a tool lifestyle that minimises carbon footprint in holistic approach on the development of for only one to four weeks, its effects on to calculate the green house gas (GHG) the environment. This includes promoting Iskandar Malaysia, so as to ensure that climatic conditions are largely regional. emissions resulting from human activities more use of public transport, mobile growth is maintained in a sensible, timely Its short lifespan also mean that its effects in cities within a defined area.” management system for public transport, and sustainable manner. As such, setting on the climate would dissipate quickly if Sponsored by Japan International use of hybrid vehicles, green office practices, targets for a low carbon future, enabling black carbon emissions are reduced, thus Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Japan green hybrid or freight transportations, positive support and promotion of a green benefiting, most directly, the countries or Science and Technology Agency (JST), harnessing solar energy, smart working economy through increased investments in communities that invest in policies to the LCS blueprint is a partnership between lifestyles i.e. working from home, eco-life environmental assets and green technology reduce BC emissions. and production must all be properly planned and managed.” Ultimately, it involves policies and strategic engine for socio-economic growth. strategies on green economy, green The impact of green technology adoptions community and green environment to and deployment is expected to increase the decouple rapid growth from carbon number of high income jobs, encourage a emissions in Iskandar Malaysia, wrote Ho. proficient workforce, reduce fossil fuelled Interestingly, Malaysia aspires to be a power, plus increase renewable power and world hub for green technology by 2030. The increase gross national income/gross objective of GreenTech Malaysia (formerly domestic product and investments. known as Pusat Tenaga Malaysia), which was restructured in 2010 in line with the National X Please email your feedback and queries Green Technology Policy 2009, is to catalyse to: [email protected] BERNAMAPIX green technology deployment as Malaysia’s Shell Malaysia grants for sustainable projects ENVIRONMENTAL sustainability relies 1. Running a safe, efficient, responsible and on conditions that facilitate harmony profitable business between humans and the natural world. 2. Bringing wider benefits to the communities Due to industralisation, the symbiotic and countries in which it operates relationship has been detrimentally 3. Shaping a path to a sustainable energy future altered. Hence, businesses are increasingly expected toto make vital and necessary In 2014, Shell Malaysia awarded changes to its practices. To make a RM294,000 to six organisations under its greater impact, bigger organisations are Shell Sustainable Grants programme. The consequently exhorted to support non- programme, inter alia, covers environmental governmental organisations (NGO) in conservation and community development. their environmental saving efforts. Shell Malaysia chairman Iain Lo said: “These Shell Malaysia, one of the largest projects are distinguished by the long-term Shell Malaysia chairman Iain Lo (5th from left) and Natural Resource and Environment international investors in Malaysia’s difference they will make to the host Minister Datuk Seri G. Palanivel with the recipients of the Shell Sustainable Development Grants energy sector, is also a supporter of NGOs communities in environmental conservation that are invested in environmentally and sustaining livelihoods.” sustainable efforts as well as community The six organisations awarded are: 5. Caring Community Centre for two reasons: programmes. Working in collaboration 1. UK Marine Conservation Society 6. Biji Biji 1) That the national economy is inter-related with businesses, governments and civil 2. Persatuan Ibu Bapa & Guru Guru SK (2) with our capability to conserve natural society, including non-governmental Damansara Jaya Minister of Natural Resources and resources and safeguard our environment organisations (NGOs), Shell’s 3. Enactus Universiti Utara Malaysia Environment, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel was 2) It reflects the growing involvement of CUT AND KEEP approach to sustainability works across 4. Land Empowerment Animals the guest of honour at the awards ceremony. businesses in the conservation of our three levels: People (LEAP) He asserted that Shell’s efforts are significant nation’s rich natural heritage. MAY 9, 2014 Stylish eco-friendly interiors > Environment-friendly products to beautify the home O the uninitiated homeowner, the that impact physically and mentally,” term eco-friendly interiors may says Asley Liew of Beans Concept evoke images of confusing décor Interior Design. PLANTS Tachieved through a complicated With growing environmental awareness, No eco-friendly list would ever be complete without plants. and expensive process. The truth is, manufacturers are recognising the Perceive them as versatile and lasting decor which enhances “green” interiors can be stylish, easy conscious consumer’s need for interior the beauty of a home. Plants