Week 13-2 Ecotourism Saves Species

Griffith University's new research found that ecotourism can save endangered species from extinction. Population viability modelling was used to quantify the impact of ecotourism on threatened species for the first time. Before then, net effect of ecotourism increasing or decreasing risk for endangered species, a crucial parameter for conservation efforts, could not be evaluated. Population viability models are widely employed in practical wildlife management to estimate cumulative population changes by simulating births and deaths thousands of time repeatedly, one generation at a time. Based on the models, scientists calculated future population alterations for 9 threatened species (orangutan, hoolock gibbon, golden lion tamarin, cheetah, African wild dog, New Zealand sealion, African penguin, great green macaw and Egyptian vulture).

All ecotourism effects whether positive or negative were transformed to ecological parameters. 7 species were found to have benefited from ecotourism factors (private reserves, habitat restoration, reduction in habitat damage, removal of feral predators, anti-poaching measures or captive breeding and food supplementation). The research also showed that net effects of tourism depends on species and sub-populations, which are influenced by local environment (scale and intensity of ecotourism, size of initial populations, rates of predation and impacts of other industries such as fishing, poaching and logging). Moreover, the research affirmed that ecotourism is not always successful as it can have net negative effect on threatened species in rare cases. However, for majority of endangered and rare bird and mammal species studied, ecotourism can help with their survival.

Resources
https://app.secure.griffith.edu.au/news/2016/02/19/can-ecotourism-save-threatened-species/?src=hp

Week 13-1 Paper Recycling Printer

We are not printing so much nowadays as we rely on electrical versions and most paper is from managed forest. However, we still print, such as paper for editing is easier than looking through electronic screens and meeting handouts prevent distractions from electronic devices. Epson had developed PaperLab, “world’s first compact office papermaking system capable of producing new paper from securely shredded waste paper.” This will create a closed-loop recycling system in an office when its production start in Japan this year.

PaperLab's other advantage is decreasing energy consumption and confidentiality. It cuts out services and transport when recycling paper. Confidential papers even when shredded, no one is sure what happens once they leave the office, but PaperLab reprocess them immediately. The technology invented by Epson is quite simple. Waste paper is disintegrated into fibres without water with a treatment process called 'dry fibre technology.' When the fibres then bounded strongly enough, the user can add tint or fragrance or flame retardants for security and public safety, and choose paper thickness. However, it is unknown for number of times the process can repeat. Epson's innovation would be sustainability gem in an office if it is affordable and scalable.

Resources

http://www.triplepundit.com/2015/12/epson-rolls-out-printer-that-also-recycles-printed-paper/

Week 12-2 Smart Cities & State Policies

We all have changed the way we live, work and communicate as homes, businesses, cities continue to shift to newer and faster technologies. Internet-based advanced technologies are now the primary tool for cities and communities to gather, grow and share. There are currently 15 billion internet connected devices and the number is estimated to be 50 billion in 2020. To keep up with the demand, we need public policies that support transition from outdated networks to modern infrastructure,

A bill, AB 2395 has been passed in California to shift from outdated phone system to advanced IP-based technologies and services from 2020.  This will allow them to communicate effectively, quickly and intelligently to mitigate risk and conserve resources as urban population grows. Drought-plagued California's loses over 220 billion gallons of drinking water every year. The technologies can identify risks, and collect and analyse increasingly vast amounts of data to manage important resources better.

Old networks, which can no longer support cities' future needs avert investment and resources from modern infrastructure. Therefore, it is crucial for policy-makers to support modern network technology infrastructure for exceptional data and information sharing. IP-based technologies and services can improve quality of life and sustainability of the cities.

Resources
http://cityminded.org/intersection-smart-cities-smart-state-policy-15533

Week 12-1 Two-faced Solar Panels

Solar energy becomes cheaper than ever as the market is more competitive so manufacturers lookout for new ways to differentiate their modules and make their products more efficient. To get more value out of solar panel, the sunlight reflected from the ground can also generate electricity. The bificial panels does exactly that aside from the usual sky-facing surface converting sunlight into power.

The firm Yingli China, one of the biggest solar module manufacturers in the world created bificial panels TwinMax series with their special technology known as Panda cells. They used 10% more efficient phosphorous instead of boron to treat silicon for conducting electricity. Panda cells gave more energy at the beginning and end of day.

As a result, TwinMax panels are 30% more productive than conventional modules. They also provide 30 year warranty, making them durable and reliable. This case shows that competition in sustainability technologies to make them work in better ways faster, and it is very exciting to look forward to the next better technology that will lead to a more sustainable future.

Resources:
http://www.eco-business.com/news/why-two-faced-solar-panels-are-a-bright-idea/

Week 11-2 Three Ps for Companies

At present, companies need to reconsider their sustainability as the customers pay more attention to the topic, affecting their purchase decisions. Neilsen survey in 2015 revealed that brands that commit to sustainability grew more than 4% globally while those without grew less than 1%. Moreover, 66% respondents would pay more for sustainable goods, which is 11% increase from 2014.

Processes: Businesses can incorporate more sustainable practices in their business strategy such as reusing recycled parts in new products when manufacturing.

Products & Services: Businesses can create eco-friendly supplies and get certified by environmental bodies, such as Forest Stewardship Council to engage with customers.

People: Businesses can provide avenues for staff to participate in environmental initiatives, such as Earth Hour, nurturing them to give back to community.

Other than positive brand reputation, which can increase sales, sustainability initiatives can reduce operation costs. Sustainability initiative by companies are very effective because they also influence their partners, staff and customers. It is time for them, regardless of industry or size, to contribute more significantly for a sustainable future for upcoming generations.

Resources

http://www.eco-business.com/opinion/sustainability-can-be-profitable-too/

Week 11-1 Eco Action Day 10 Years

Companies are hesitant to make more sustainable offices by switching to cleaner sources of energy or investing in energy efficient technologies due to economic or time constraints. Global Eco Action started in 10 years ago in Japan, encouraging employees, corporate partners and other organisations to reduce energy use. The Eco Action Day campaign was launched in Singapore a year later with 18 supporters such as a hospital, multinational corporations and a school.

Eco Action Day is now Singapore's oldest and longest campaign with more than 700 public and private sector organisations. The participants pledge sustainable actions such as switching lights off during lunchtime, and participants with especially ambitious and innovative pledges were rewarded. As a result, 200 tonnes of carbon emissions were avoided.

They believe "communicating environmental messages and conserving resources are the two cornerstones of sustainable environmental management." The government started to support Eco Action day by encouraging businesses, community and individuals to mange carbon footprint. They continue to expand globally and get everyone on board for a more sustainable living.

Resources

http://www.eco-business.com/news/eco-action-day-marks-10-years-of-environmental-leadership/

Week 10-2 Bleaching Great Barrier Reef

According to the recent findings, half of northern reef is dying because of coral breaching due to increase in temperature from global warming. Although scientists previously thought the waters would be too cool for bleaching, the worst breaching episode in Australia's history has occurred, and it would take several decades to recover from this damage. The coral reefs brought aquaculture and tourism, employing almost 70,000 Australians and produced higher than $5 billion for Australian economy every year.

However, the Australian government's budget for 2016-2017 reveals their continual support for polluting industries including coal and natural gas, rather than for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by cutting budget on renewable energy development. The Liberal's budget allocation missed out to lead globally with clean economy, providing jobs in public transport and clean energy to tackle global warming. It is is time to stop the polluters and protect essential services like clean energy, education and health.

Resources

http://www.eco-business.com/news/australian-budget-falters-on-climate-change/

http://www.eco-business.com/news/more-than-half-of-great-barrier-reef-corals-dying-as-bleaching-spreads/

Week 10-1 Green Buildings' Health Benefits

Not only green buildings are environmentally sustainable, a recent study has proven that they have social and economical benefits as well. Therefore, green building advocates should also focus on improving well-being of occupants that could also lead to economical sustainability, other than lessening emissions and increasing energy efficiency in the built environment.

John Mandyck, chief sustainability officer in United Technologies Corporation stated that  human resources cost a lot more than energy bills in a building’s operating costs. Therefore, it doesn't make sense to try to think of the payback time for sustainable fixtures when they don't cost as much.

The Impact of Green Buildings on Cognitive Function study hosted 24 participants in laboratory conditions to stimulate indoor environment in sustainable structures with enhanced ventilation, green buildings and conventional buildings. The results were that compared to participants in conventional environment, those in green environment scored 61% higher and those in enhanced ventilation scored 101% higher.

In addition, researchers found that USD14-42 spent on a person per year on improving indoor health air could improve employee's productivity by USD6,500 annually. The findings will not only accelerate green building movement but also a better economic sustainability for investing in clean technologies.

Resources
http://www.eco-business.com/news/the-hidden-health-benefits-of-green-buildings/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=April%206%20newsletter&utm_content=April%206%20newsletter+Version+A+CID_90865690d186e4d024e54ce533fe04b7&utm_source=Campaign%20Monitor&utm_term=The%20hidden%20health%20benefits%20of%20green%20buildings

Week 9-2 Make Recycling Easier

Packaging is not trash because a lot of it can be reduced, reused, recycled and even composted to gain back value from the materials that were used to make them. Seeing packaging as valuable makes more sense to recycle, diverting from landfill for environmental and economical sustainability as it conserves natural resources and reduces environmental impact.

In America, when items are recycled, they get processed in material recovery facility, where they get separated by material into paper, plastic, glass, metal, cartons and magazines or newspaper. After the separation, they are sent to reprocessor facilities, who pays for them to create new products.

Sorting out recyclable items can be confusing and a bit time consuming. How2Recycle has created a new, simple system for that purpose. The labels as shown above tells if the items are widely recycled, check locally, not yet recycled or store drop-off. How2Recycle has resources for check locally and also collects feedback. There are more than 40 participating members.

I think the system is very easy to understand and makes recycling of packaging a lot more efficient. I think other countries should try to follow this example. I can already imagine more recycling being done since it is easier and takes less time to sort them.

References
http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/research-innovations/sponsorvideo/think-you-know-how-recycle-think-again?utm_campaign=treehugger-native&utm_source=taboola&utm_medium=referral

Week 9-1 Lilyfield Housing Redevelopment

As an Architecture student, while searching about housing in Australia, I came upon Lilyfield Housing Redvelopment. It not only provides affordable home for the citizens. but was also the first social housing project to receive the highest Green Start rating of 5 from the Green Building Council of Australia.

1. Passive solar design and natural ventilation eliminates energy hogging air conditioning (thermal performance of the units are 60% better than standard residence)
2. No car parking but space for residents' and visistors' bicycles
3. Water tanks capture over 100,000 litres of rain on the roof for toilets and communal vegetable gardens, grown by the residents and raise community spirit
4. Solar photovoltaic and solar thermal panels create on-site electricity production and gas-boosted solar hot water.
5. 9 of the 88 modern apartments are designed for disability access
6. Central courtyard and barbecue area also facilitates neighbourhood atmosphere
7. Lighting in common areas have daylight and motion sensors to decrease energy usage. Outdoor lighting was targeted that less than 5% of light output is wasted by escaping skyward, which solves a big flaw of Australia's light pollution.

The redevelopment considers sustainability in all aspects, environment, economy and social. The aim of the project was to inspire other cities and it deserves recognition and praise for combining several environmental innovations to make a more self-sufficient affordable housing with a lively community into a reality.

References
http://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/australias-first-green-star-public-housing-project-opens-in-sydney.html