Green+ Malaysia's Premier Eco-friendly, Sustainable and Green Business Magazine

in this issue
Ü Tea Team produces results
Ü Weaving hope for future
Ü Pomeroy unveils Newpark
Ü China’s land treatment
success
NRE’s 11 goals
towards a better
environment
Implementation of CAAP critical in
reducing greenhouse emissions
and combating global warming
Nam Cheong
launches new
‘green’ AHTS vessel
Not just cost-effective
but also fuel efficient and
environmentally-friendly
Technology
Provider
As a premier solution provider, President
and CE Dato’ Dr Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof
is the driver behind SIRIM’s quality and
technology innovations that help
companies to compete better

Editor’s Note
Publisher
HK Gan
hkgan@theplus.my
Managing Editor
Johnson Fernandez
johnson@theplus.my
Photo-Journalist
Kevin Wong
kevin@theplus.my
Columnists
Lim Gene-Harn
Zaini Abdul Wahab
Kenny Hoo
Kevin Hor
Editorial Coordinator
Sarah Zain
sarah@theplus.my
Creative Director
Ahmad Aliff Azeem
ahmad@theplus.my
Head of Marketing
Wong Tze Cheen
tcwong@theplus.my
Head of Business Development
Alexander Lee
alexanderlee@theplus.my
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Back to the future
In 1990, Zainal Abidin recorded the song “Hijau”. It climbed to the top of the Malaysian
charts, defying naysayers who said any Malay song without “luka”, “duka” or “cinta” in
it was doomed.
But Zainal’s song “Hijau” (Green) was about the environment. Ignore the dialect in the
latter verses, focus on the first six verses. The song is a grim reminder of the rape of the
forests, the pillaging of the environment, the don’t-care-less attitude of both government and
private sectors whose only motivation is wealth, lots of it.
And why was that allowed to happen? Well, Zainal tells you why in the sixth verse:
Korupsi, oppressi, obsessi diri
Polussi, depressi di bumi kini
Well, of course now there is (seemingly) concerted effort to do something about the environment.
There are several ministries looking into preventing the devastation – Ministry of
Energy, Green Technology and Water, Ministry
of Natural Resources and Environment and the
Ministry of Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local
Government.
We have committed
to the
Technology
Provider
As a premier solution provider, President
and CE Dato’ Dr Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof
is the driver behind SIRIM’s quality and
technology innovations that help
companies to compete better
in this issue
Ü Tea Team produces results
Ü Weaving hope for future
Ü Pomeroy unveils Newpark
Ü China’s land treatment
success
NRE’s 11 goals
towards a better
environment
Implementation of CAAP critical in
reducing greenhouse emissions
and combating global warming
Nam Cheong
launches new
‘green’ AHTS vessel
Not just cost-effective
but also fuel efficient and
environmentally-friendly
international community
to reduce
carbon emissions
intensity by 40 per
cent by 2020.
That pledge was
made by Prime
Minister Datuk
Seri Najib Razak in
2009, some twenty
years after Zainal
espoused that
something be done
about the environment,
lest the earth
be destroyed and we
leave nothing for our children.
But it’s always better late than never, while
there’s still something of the earth to be saved.
Now there’s green technology, green business,
green lifestyle, green architecture and
even green finance.
We’re definitely moving in the right
direction.
Malaysia’s exchange of green technology
via numerous international collaborations
like Malaysia-China Chamber of Commerce
(MCCC), Belgian Economic Mission, Malaysian-
German Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
Malaysian-Dutch Business Council (MDBC) is
purposed to ensure that sustainability is a way
of life.
Everyone seems to have their shoulders to
wheel, pushing in the same direction so that we
are able to return this land to the future.
JOHNSON FERNANDEZ
HIJAU
Bumi yang tiada rimba
Seumpama hamba
Dia dicemar manusia
Yang jahil ketawa
Bumi yang tiada udara
Bagai tiada nyawa
Pasti hilang suatu hari
Tanpa disedari
Bumi tanpa lautan
Akan kehausan
Pasti lambat laun hilang
Duniaku yang malang
Dewasa ini kita saling merayakan
Kejayaan yang akhirnya membinasakan
Apalah gunanya kematangan fikiran
Bila dijiwa kita masih lagi muda dan
mentah
Ku lihat hijau
Bumiku yang kian pudar
Siapa yang melihat
Di kala kita tersedar
Mungkinkah terlewat
Korupsi, oppressi, obsessi diri
Polussi, depressi di bumi kini
Oo... anok-anok
Tok leh meghaso mandi laok
Bersaing main ghama-ghama
Ale lo ni tuo omornyo berjoto
Koto usoho jauh ke daghi malo petako
Ozon lo ni koho nipih nak nak aghi
Keno make asak hok biso, weh
Pase maknusio
Seghemo bendo-bendo di dunio
Tok leh tahe
Sapa bilo-bilo
2
november-december, green+.2014

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the perfect spot
to grow the
future.
That’s right, the Earth. Our
interests in agribusiness currently
span across 10 countries while
opportunities for further
expansion continue to knock at
our door. And keen to keep the
planet green, we always take care
to innovate and cultivate
responsibly.
For more info, visit www.feldaglobal.com
www.feldaglobal.com
Ingenuity Incorporated

CONTENTS
11 goals towards
a better environment
Implementation of CAAP critical in reducing
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and
combating global warming – Pages 12-15
Democratisation
of Malaysia’s
electricity supply
industry
Independent & free solar energy
or harnessing the sun’s energy using Solar
PV for electricity – Pages 16-19
12-15
Regenerative Design,
the Next Conversation of
Green Built Environment
Why going ‘Green’ is merely the opening
chapter towards the better built environment
we need to be in – Pages 30-33
Key elements must
be clearly stipulated
and agreed upon
Investments from EPC projects
implementation could also contribute to the
growth – Pages 34-35
2014 KeTTHA
Excellence Awards
Aim to encourage excellence service,
innovation and entrepreneurship – Page 20
2014 MCCC-AEET
Green Award
Alwin does Malaysia proud – Page 22
Charging stations
in KL soon
Mindset of associating vehicles with social
status must change – Page 23
‘Change towards
greener lifestyle’
Malaysia managed to reduce more than 33 per
cent carbon emission intensity – Page 24
Royal flavour
HRH Princess Astrid represented the King of
Belgium at the event – Page 25
Malaysia’s great
green potential
Best of Chinese and Indian influences
combines with the rich indigenous Malay
culture to create a unique gem of a nation –
Pages 26-27
Building for
a better tomorrow
Inaugural Green Buildings & Parks World 2014
designed to provide platform for developers,
professionals and government bodies to
converge and share – Page 28
20
26-27
Tips for Lifepath
enhancement
House with good Feng Shui features can be
an excellent ‘tool’ or channel for personal
lifestyle and lifepath enhancement, include
the health, relationship, prosperity and
wealth accumulation for family members
– Pages 36-37
Energy efficiency
as a fuel to compete
with electricity generators
All EU-28 countries are legally obliged to
achieve a certain amount of final energy
savings by 2020 – Pages 38-39
MDBC Sustainability
Awards (MSA) 2014 winners!
Submissions considered by panel of
independent, expert judges, led by Chief Judge
H.E. Harry Molenaar – Page 40-41
Sarawak Energy inks
contract with
Shanghai Electric
… for construction of 2 x 300MW Balingian
coal-fired main power plant – Page 42
Sarawak Energy CEO Awarded
CEO Of The Year at 2014 Asian
Power Awards
Datuk Torstein was recognised for his
leadership – Page 43
GPNM seminar on Green
Initiatives
Green Recycling and Green Purchasing
Opportunities & Business partnership
– Pages 44-45
4
november-december, green+.2014

APAC TUNNELS &
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CONTENTS
62
Busy as a Bee
Bees actually essential to the life of many
plants – Page 46
Nam Cheong launches
new ‘green’ anchor
handling tug supply vessel
Not just cost-effective but also fuel efficient
and environmentally-friendly – Pages 48-49
Weaving hope for
the future
And true beauty is priceless – Page 50
Tea team
produces results
Clones of drought and frost resistant tea being
grown – Page 52
Luxury eco-development
at Sanctuary Ridge
PanaHome Malaysia enters JV with Gasing
Meridian – Pages 54-55
Pomeroy Studio
unveil Newpark
A new eco-township set in the 100-year-old
former colonial town of Kluang – Pages 56-57
Shining with
sustainability
System also allows members of staff to
monitor energy consumption daily from
laptops and iPhones to ensure it is working
correctly – Page 58
Google: A better web
Better for the environment – Pages 60-61
Two perspectives
on the biosphere
Economic growth is useless if all the forests
are gone – Page 62
46
56-57
Why the phrase ‘Busy as a Bee’
may be becoming extinct
Bees actually essential to the life of many
plants – Page 63
Horse Sense
Horse meat was very popular on the menu of
early humans in Eurasia – Page 64
Mad about Madagascar
Science has to struggle with the niches of
each individual species – Page 65
Hydropower means
a lot worldwide
Twenty per cent of global electricity has been
made by using renewable sources this year
– Page 66
If you can’t stand the heat...
Warm water now storing heat below the
surface is liable to cause future atmospheric
temperatures to rocket – Page 67
Forest loss in NZ
reveals fire prevention ploys
Land use has shifted recently to
accommodate frequent large fires – Page 68
Our ancient ancestors
couldn’t digest milk
Other genes were found relevant to
population changes – Page 69
Climate: What
does the UN want?
Severe irreversible effects must be managed
with stringent mitigation activities – Page 70
Future for Aral
Sea hopefully assured
Still extremely unlikely dead sea will ever
resume its former glory – Page 71
6
november-december, green+.2014

COVER STORY
CLOSING THE DEAL: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the cooperation was signed by SIRIM Berhad’s President and Chief Executive,
Dato’ Dr Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof and Fraunhofer‘s Member of the Management Board, Dr. Lorenz Kaiser. The signing, held at the Prime Minister’s
Department in Putrajaya, was witnessed by Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak. Also present at the signing ceremony were Minister of
International Trade and Industry Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Dr. Ewon Ebin, SME
Corp. CEO Dato‘ Hafsah Hashim, and SIRIM Chairman Datuk Jamaliah Kamis.
The only
partner
you need
A premier solution provider in
quality and technology innovation
By Kevin Wong
SIRIM is a champion of quality and
a recognised technology partner.
The body, which was incorporated
on Sept 1, 1996 as a wholly-owned
Government institution under the
Ministry of Finance, has over 40 years
of experience and expertise in technology
innovation and research.
As a premier solution provider,
SIRIM drives quality and
technology innovations that help
institutions and companies to
compete better through every
step of the business value chain.
Its technology focus areas are
aligned with national strategic
initiatives in energy and environmental
technologies, plant
and machinery expertise and
medical technologies.
SIRIM is also dedicated to
helping local communities raise
their incomes by improving their
businesses and trade practices.
President and CE Dato’Dr
Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof
said while big multinational
corporations (MNCs) and
government-linked companies
(GLCs) have their own research
and development units, the small
and medium enterprises (SMEs)
do not have that luxury.
“A partnership is critical for
SMEs which lack research and
development capabilities,” said
Dr Zainal Abidin.
“They can rely only on someone
like us. That’s where we come
in, to form a strategic alliance.”
“We can provide R&D capabilities,
design and engineering
expertise as well as standards
consulting all under one roof. We
combine technological innovation
with a business-oriented
approach that delivers products
and solutions which are relevant
to today’s marketplace.”
As the national standards
development agency, SIRIM’s
extensive expertise in standards
and certification helps
SMEs meet the requirements of
international markets. Dr Zainal
Abidin said their network of
regional offices would offer support
nationwide.
SIRIM’s consultants could
help evaluate the commercial
viability of ideas, turn it into a
solid product proposal and then
build a working prototype of the
product. That can be followed by
organizing product trials, quality
improvement initiatives and
other pre-commercialisation
activities before designing the
product packaging and final
proof-of-concept.
SIRIM’s services are built
around three business areas
that have the most impact on the
world’s economic and societal
well-being: industrial machinery,
ecological sustainability and
healthcare.
These business lines are
served by professionals in
multidisciplinary ‘flagships’
that offer end-to-end solutions
across the value chain – from
product designers and researchers
to standards experts and
8
november-december, green+.2014

COVER STORY
We can provide R&D
capabilities, design and
engineering expertise
as well as standards
consulting all under
one roof. We combine
technological innovation
with a business-oriented
approach that delivers
products and solutions
which are relevant to
today’s marketplace.
– SIRIM President and CEO
Dato Dr Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof
testing technicians.
“Basically, SIRIM offers everything
you need under one roof,”
added Dr Zainal Abidin.
He pointed out the key areas in
SIRIM’s capabilities as:
PLANT & MACHINERY: SIRIM’s
engineers and consultants can
design solutions for various
industries including food and
agriculture, construction, manufacturing
and line assembly.
Design and modelling
Machine design
Plant engineering
System design
Tooling and component
development
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: Like
the rest of the world, Malaysia
needs to achieve greater energy
independence. SIRIM is focused
on supporting businesses
committed to environmental
conservation and to mitigating
the effects of climate change.
Energy generation
Energy storage
Eco-product development
Environmental technologies
MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY: SIRIM
researchers have made important
advances in medical
technology over the years. Many
of these innovative technologies
are available for licensing and
commercialisation.
Drug delivery systems
Implants/prostheses
Medical devices and
equipment
“Our experts are well-versed
at developing full-scale pilot
plants for all kinds of products.
We help ensure that products
meet local and global product
standards during and after full
scale-up. And if you have an idea
we have not yet explored, we
would love to hear from you.”
“We also offer independent
third party testing, inspection and
verification services to ensure
that products or services comply
with local and global regulations,”
said Dr Zainal Abidin.
SIRIM’s extensive experience
in R&D gives their professionals
a unique understanding of what
makes a good product. They can
determine if a product is commercially
suitable, and actively
collaborate with other research
institutions, government agencies
and businesses to develop
new, innovative products.
By leveraging on their
expertise and experience, SMEs
especially can benefit from
their full range of products and
services as well as their state-ofthe-art
facilities.
SIRIM and Fraunhofer
of Germany tie-up
to assist local SMEs
adopt technological
innovation
SIRIM on December 2 established a strategic cooperation relationship
with renowned German research organisation, Fraunhofer
Gesellschaft Institute (Fraunhofer), Europe’s largest applicationoriented
research organisation.
The strategic alliance with Fraunhofer was made to strengthen
SMEs development in the country through adapting the German
eco-system of SME development, and to collaborate in advanced
technologies, commercialization and upscaling.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the cooperation
was signed by SIRIM Berhad’s President and Chief Executive,
Dato’ Dr Zainal Abidin Mohd Yusof and Fraunhofer‘s Member of
the Management Board, Dr. Lorenz Kaiser. The signing, held at
the Prime Minister’s Department in Putrajaya, was witnessed
by Prime Minister Datuk Sri Najib Tun Razak. Also present at
the signing ceremony were Minister of International Trade
and Industry Dato’ Sri Mustapa Mohamed, Minister of Science,
Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) Datuk Dr. Ewon Ebin, SME
Corp. CEO Dato‘ Hafsah Hashim, and SIRIM Chairman Datuk
Jamaliah Kamis.
Fraunhofer is one of Europe’s largest research institutions with
more than 23,000 employees and 67 institutes with an annual
research budget amounting to 2 billion Euros. The key objective of
Fraunhofer is to transform scientific expertise into applications
to benefit private and public enterprise and society as a whole.
As a link between academic research and business practice,
Fraunhofer contributes considerably to technology transfer
between universities and industry.
SIRIM has always significantly contributed to the growth
of both large industrial players and the small and medium
entrepreneurs by focusing on discovering and developing
new technologies that bring about improvements, impact and
competitive advantage to the Malaysian industry.
Dr Zainal Abidin said, SIRIM has introduced the Industrial
Innovation Model, which adopted and adapted the principles of the
Fraunhofer model on applied research for SME development, to
push the initiative of SME technology penetration, upgrading and
technology audit.
Through this platform, the Malaysian Industrial Innovation
Network would be established from qualified Centres of
Excellence to pool technical competencies and technologies to
provide technological solutions for industries, he said.
“SIRIM will leverage on Fraunhofer network of institutes to
increase technology uptake of SMEs, with emphasis on joint
research and technical services; exchange of personnel and
information; and strategic innovation studies,” he said.
Cooperation between SIRIM and Fraunhofer will encompass
on the following fields of key interest: Health and Environment,
Mobility and Transportation, Communication and Information,
Energy and Resources, Production and Services as well as Safety
and Security.
Both research institutes will also cooperate in strategic studies
on the basis of shared analysis and regular monitoring of market
developments in Malaysia; initialisation and implementation of
R&D projects to support the development of regional enterprises;
and joint organisation of conferences, workshops and seminars.
The collaboration will be for a period of two years.
green+.2014, november-december 9

ENERGY
SIRIM introduces new labels
with enhanced security features
Launches carbon footprint certification scheme and SIRIM Eco-Innovation Services
By Kevin Wong
CARBON FOOTPRINT
SIRIM QAS International
Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary
of SIRIM Berhad,
will introduce new
design labels for its
Product Certification Scheme,
with enhanced security features
beginning January 1, 2015.
The introduction of the
labels is in line with efforts to
ensure consumer goods such
as electrical, helmets, seat
belts and fire protection equipment
controlled by the Energy
Commission, Department of
Road Transport Malaysia
and Malaysian Fire and
Rescue Department, pass
the required testings and
only use valid labels from
SIRIM.
The new labels are
equipped with enhanced
security features including the
use of thermochromic ink and
new designs; are applicable to all
controlled items except telecommunications
and multimedia
devices that will continue to use
the existing labels.
SIRIM Berhad’s Senior Director
of Energy and Environment
Flagship, Research and
Technology Innovation Division,
Dr Chen Sau Soon said: “The
carbon footprint label is being
used in Thailand, Korea, Japan,
China and Europe.
“The scheme is another step
forward to reduce CO2 emissions.
A group of companies has successfully
received the honour
of being among the first manufacturers
to have their products
certified under the scheme, with
carbon footprint information
displayed on their products.”
The labelling scheme was
developed as a result of the
Switch-Asia Grant to SIRIM
Berhad for the development of
an Environmental Declaration
Scheme for Construction and
SIRIM Eco-Innovation Services was launched by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Dr.
Ewon Ebin in conjunction with the opening of the National Innovation Conference and Exhibition (NICE) 2014
. SIRIM Eco-Innovation Services is aimed at packaging economic and environmental target into business
strategies to enable companies gain competitive advantage, new market segment, or new revenue stream.
Building Materials.
Chen added SIRIM also
developed a toolkit called
the Karbon Kalkulator to
enable companies calculate
carbon emissions,
based on the specific PCRs.
The verification of the data
collected according to the
requirements of each PCR is then
done by SIRIM QAS International,
as an independent third party
certification body. If the results
are acceptable, certification will
be granted.
SIRIM Berhad began work on
the scheme in January last year,
with 45 companies invited to
participate.
Chen pointed out the response
by the companies has been very
encouraging, despite participation
being on a voluntary basis.
After several engagement
sessions to explain to them the
relevance of this scheme, SIRIM
is now assisting them via the
Karbon Kalkulator to calculate the
carbon figures.
SIRIM QAS International
Sustainability Certification
Section Head Aminah Ang said
the main objective of the carbon
footprint labelling scheme was
to develop guidelines, tools
and supporting mechanisms
for product footprinting and
Dr. Chen Sau Soon, Senior
Director, Energy and Environment
Flagship, Research and
Technology Innovation Division,
SIRIM Berhad
labelling that meet the needs
of the local and international
market, and to create the
recognition and preference for
sustainable products from small
and medium enterprises.
She added that purchasers
and users would find the scheme
helpful in making product comparison.
Companies could make
an assessment of the carbon
footprint based on the figure
printed on the product.
The scheme also aims to
provide information for assessing
the environmental impact of
products over their life cycle and
encourage continuous improvement
of the environmental
performance of products.
“The scheme will provide a
quantified greenhouse gas profile
for the life cycle of a product
to enable better comparisons
between products,” she pointed
out.
SIRIM ECO-INNOVATION
SERVICES
The newly launched SIRIM Eco-
Innovation Services is aimed at
packaging economic and environmental
target into business
strategies to enable companies
gain competitive advantage, new
market segment, or new revenue
stream.
The business model that will
be developed will identify innovations
whether at the product
(goods/services) level, market
approach and even organisation
structure.
The SIRIM Eco-Innovation
Services was launched by
Minister of Science, Technology
and Innovation, Datuk Dr.
Ewon Ebin in conjunction with
the opening of the National
Innovation Conference and
Exhibition (NICE) 2014 here,
Friday.
SIRIM’s President and Chief
Executive Dato’ Dr. Zainal Abidin
10
november-december, green+.2014

ENERGY
Mohd Yusof said in line with global
trends especially in developed
countries to decouple the link
between economic growth and
environmental emissions in an
economy, SIRIM has taken steps
to develop a new area of service
that intertwines economic and
environmental benefits.
“The eco-innovation service
incorporates the business
approach while addressing sustainability
challenges,” he said.
“Using existing expertise
in eco-materials, eco-design,
renewable energy, cleaner
production, resource recovery,
pollution abatement, accredited
and OECD-GLP recognised
testing, and environmental management
techniques, SIRIM will
assist local companies produce
eco-products (including services)
and enhance their marketability
through instruments such as
eco-labels and carbon footprint
labels,” he added.
Dato’ Dr Zainal Abidin said, it is
SIRIM’s aspiration to maximise its
multi-disciplinary human capital
and well-equipped facilities,
the most recent being the Eco-
Industrial Design Centre (EIDC) to
contribute towards societal wellbeing
and business sustainability.
Companies or organisations
that adopted the Eco-Innovation
business model, among other
things will gain added value such
as access to new and emerging
markets, being ahead of standards
and regulations, attract
financial resources, reduce production
costs along their value
chain, and increase their productivity
and technical capacity.
As a service provider of Eco-
Innovation, SIRIM will enhance
business performance and
growth through services that
include:
Pollution Abatement
GLP Compliance
Carbon Footprint
Eco-label
Eco-product
Eco-design
Resource Efficiency
Renewables
Cleaner Production
Resource Recovery
SIRIM also offers Testing
Services to support
Eco-Innovation which include
Non-Clinical Testing (Industrial
Chemicals, Cosmetics, Pesticides
and Pharmaceuticals), Chemical
and Consumer Products Testing,
Material Characterisation,
Mechanical Testing, Physical
Mechanical Testing, and Electrical
and Electronics.
Other testing services offered
are Energy Efficiency, Plastics
Testing, Civil and Construction
Testing, Fire Testing, Radio
Frequency and Electromagnetic
Compatibility; and Microbiological
Test.
The SIRIM Eco-Innovation
Services also consists of services
by SIRIM’s new Eco-Industrial
Design Centre (EIDC) which was
set up as cross-cutting enabler to
drive the manufacturing and service
sectors towards sustainability
and global competitiveness.
The scheme
will provide
a quantified
greenhouse gas
profile for the life
cycle of a product
to enable better
comparisons
between
products.
– SIRIM QAS International
Sustainability Certification
section head Aminah Ang
Dr Ewon: Environmental
labeling gaining acceptance
By Kevin Wong
THE world’s witnessing
various challenges where
physical development needs
to be in equilibrium with the
environment. In relation to
this, said Minister of Science,
Technology and Innovation,
Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin, the world
has begun to see the effects
and changes caused by
environmental crises across
the borders. He pointed out
this did not only affect the
environment and the people’s
well-being but also economic
development.
“Therefore, the industrial
sector should also play a
role to reduce the impact of
global warming now. This
can be done by reducing the
carbon footprint by all parties
in the country’s efforts to
move towards becoming a
developed nation to be in line
with the sustainable management
of natural resources and
biodiversity conservation in
the country,” said Dr Ewon in
his speech at the 2014 Sirim-
Industry Night on Nov 21.
“It is in response to this
that the Carbon Footprint
Certification Scheme was
introduced, to reduce the
impact of human activity
on the climate through
carbon footprint. The Carbon
Footprint Certification
Scheme is based on the
Declaration of standard ISO /
TS 14067.
“Through these certification
schemes, the greenhouse
gas emissions associated with
the product will be measured
using a life cycle approach
(LCA) to ensure the product
is produced and used in the
most sustainable way.”
The scheme was
developed due to the growing
impact of global warming on
the world. It’s without doubt
that climate change is closely
linked with global warming
and seriously threatened the
environment and sustainable
development, thereby affecting
the welfare of mankind
and the global economy.
Accordingly, efforts
to develop a certification
scheme by SIRIM QAS, a
subsidiary of SIRIM Berhad,
are expected from industry
players and entrepreneurs in
the country.
“Environmental labeling
is gaining acceptance as an
instrument for improving the
sustainability of the industry
and to prevent pollution,
whether in Malaysia or
internationally.
“The initiatives to create
a certification scheme for
sustainable products are also
in line with one of the main
goals under the 10th Malaysia
Plan, namely Shaping Climate
Resilient Development
Strategies For Malaysia.
“Product certification
under the Carbon Footprint
Certification Scheme will to
some extent help achieve
our national goals to reduce
carbon emissions by up to
40 per cent by 2020,” added
Dr Ewon. The development
of Carbon Footprint Labeling
Program in SIRIM started in
2013 through collaboration
between SIRIM, Carbon Trust
(CT), Association of Malaysian
Manufacturers (FMM),
the Federation of Malaysia
Green Building (GBC) and
the Association of Building
Materials Distributor Malaysia
(Samdam).
Carbon Footprint
Certification Scheme was
initially open to local companies
in the construction and
building materials sector. A
total of 45 companies from
building materials sector
have registered to participate
in the pilot program for this
certification scheme. This
scheme will be phased into
other sectors.
Through these certification
schemes, these companies
can report the performance of
their products to customers
in terms of product impact on
the environment throughout
the life cycle of the product.
green+.2014, november-december 11

ENVIRONMENT
PART 1
ENVIRONMENT has always
been a concern for Malaysia.
In an interview with
Green+, Datuk Seri G.
Palanivel, the Minister of
Natural Resources and Environment,
said they had identified several action
plans to improve the environment.
They are:
a. Emission Reduction of Greenhouse
Gases (GHG)
b. Development of Malaysian
Environmental Performance Index
(EPI)
c. Utilizing Global Environment Facility
Fund (GEF) for Global Environmental
Benefits
d. Strengthen Environmental Quality
Act (1974)
e. Strengthen Enforcement Activities
f. Enhancing Water Quality
g. Enhancing Marine Water Quality
h. Enhancing Air Quality
i. Protecting Ozone Layer
j. Development of Environmental
Awareness and Commitment Index
k. Enhance Awareness on Environment
and Climate Change
EMISSION REDUCTION OF
GREENHOUSE GASES (GHG)
Palanivel said the Clean Air Action Plan
(CAAP) was drawn up in line with the
“7th Green Strategy” in the National
Policy on the Environment. The CAAP
presented a set of strategies and indicators
that together provide a roadmap
to achieve better air quality by reducing
the frequency, severity and duration of
poor air quality episodes.
In the implementation of the CAAP,
apart from achieving good air quality,
it also generates co-benefit in terms of
reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
and combating global warming.
“Major contributors of GHG emissions
that are addressed in the Plan
include emissions from motor vehicles,
industries, forest fires and open burning
activities. It is also aimed at contributing
to the country’s commitment of achieving
a 40% reduction in carbon intensity
by the year 2020,” said Palanivel.
Example of efforts to combat
climate change outlined in the Plan are
as follows:-
(a) Improvement in emission standards
from motor vehicles;
(b) Improvement in fuel quality; and
(c) Implementation of the Fire Prevention
Programme at Peat Lands.
DEVELOPMENT OF
MALAYSIAN ENVIRONMENTAL
PERFORMANCE INDEX (EPI)
Palanivel pointed out Malaysia was
enhancing its monitoring network
11 goals towards a
better environment
Implementation of CAAP critical in reducing greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions and combating global warming
By JOHNSON
FERNANDEZ
Datuk Seri
G. Palanivel
Major contributors of
GHG emissions that are
addressed in the Plan
include emissions from
motor vehicles, industries,
forest fires and open burning
activities. It is also aimed at
contributing to the country’s
commitment of achieving
a 40% reduction in carbon
intensity by the year 2020.
to include monitoring of PM2.5 in the
ambient air. The full coverage of the
network is expected to be completed
early 2015. With the establishment of
the PM2.5 network, Malaysia will be in
a position to provide sufficient information
for the PM2.5 component in the
Malaysia EPI.
STRENGTHENING THE
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
ACT (1974) AND ENFORCEMENT
ACTIVITIES
With regards to strengthening the
enforcement activity for the environmental
protection and conservation,
the Department of Environmental
has made some amendments to the
Environmental Quality Act, 1974 in 2012.
“We took some pro-active measures,”
said Palanivel, listing them
down as below.
1. Deterrent Enforcement
Enforcement of environmental laws
under the Environmental Quality
(Amendment) Act 2012 emphasizes
the element of prudence and strict
enforcement (deterrent measures)
with amendments and additional provisions,
such as a higher increase
in fines under Section 34A (8), a prohibition
order and stop work order
under Section 34AA and the power
to arrest under Section 37C. Through
strict implementation of the provisions
under EQA and deterrent enforcement,
the process of nation-building can
be achieved in a sustainable manner
through awareness and high commitment
of developers and industries
on the aspects of environmental
management.
12
november-december, green+.2014

ENVIRONMENT
National Park,
Terengganu.
2. Self Regulatory
Through the provision of Section 49A,
such as a competent person and special
provisions under the Environmental
Quality (Scheduled Wastes) Regulations
2005, Environmental Quality (Sewage)
Regulations 2009, Environmental
Quality (Industrial Effluents)
Regulations 2009 and Environmental
Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 2014,
the developers and industry players
need to self - monitor their own process
activities and management of
the waste so that its complies with the
requirement under EQA. Each and every
industry or project needs to have dedicated
competent persons (recognized
by the Department of Environment
(DOE) through certification programs)
that will be responsible in environmental
management of industrial involved
segment of scheduled wastes, water
and air as to ensure compliance with
the standards set limits and without
the need for regular inspections
by the DOE. This indirectly also optimizes
the use of resources, whether in
the industry or DOE. Self-monitoring
and self-reporting by industrial sectors
also involved the use of applications
system such as continuous emission
monitoring system (CEMS) for monitoring
of emissions to air in real time;
electronic consignment note (E-CN) for
monitoring the production, movement
and disposal of scheduled wastes; and
monthly discharge monitoring report
(MDMR ) for effluent discharge monitoring
and reporting. Performance
monitoring aspects on pollution control
equipment whether water or air is also
applied in respect of self-regulatory
program. This is to enable the industry
to monitor and ensure that pollution
control equipment operates optimally
at all times, thereby ensuring compliance
with emissions or discharges limit.
3. Continuous revision of the environmental
rules and regulations
Revisions, amendments and development
of regulations under the
Environmental Quality Act 1974 also
made holistic ​so that it is more comprehensive,
effective and consistent with
the current technology (best available
techniques economically achievable).
Studies also made before any
regulations enacted or amended to
enable DOE to assess whether limits
or standards can be achieved by the
industry in line with the availability
of technology or technology-related
changes related to pollution control. In
addition, the stakeholder’s consultation
Paya Indah
Wetlands.
The river water quality
information provided from
monitoring program will assist
the enforcement in many
ways such as identifying
possible polluter, assessing
their effectiveness and helping
in strategizing stronger
enforcement in the future.
was also held to obtain feedback from
stakeholders in the industry to enable
compliance with the prescribed limits
or standards can be achieved (achievable)
and can be effectively enforced
by the DOE (enforceable) and to protect
public health and safety.
4. Internal Control
In addition to the setting rules and limits
or standards under the Environmental
Quality Act 1974, the DOE also improve,
update and provide training on internal
work procedures or Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs). The DOE given priority
and emphasis on investigation
of the repeated complaints cases and
emergency cases related to pollution,
especially those involving the interests
of public health and safety including
illegal dumping of scheduled waste,
illegal discharges into river and open
burning. Continuous monitoring and
enforcement of the sources of pollution
made ​through early detection approach
such as Pollution Sources Survey
(PSS). Enforcement is also through the
involvement of public which involves
active participant from Rakan Alam
Sekitar (RAS) which is called Pollution
Monitoring Team (Pasukan Pemantau
Pencemaran - 3P).
ENHANCING WATER QUALITY
An essential part in enhancing water
quality is river quality monitoring.
Consistent and long-term monitoring
strategies will provide valuable information
on pollutants content levels
in rivers. Such information helps to
strengthened enforcement activities
apart from shaping our future development
planning while preserving river
water quality at its best state.
“Currently, DOE is implementing
the river water quality monitoring
through its 891 manual stations and 10
automatic stations covering 477 rivers
within 140 identified river basins. Fiftyfive
of the manual stations have been
set up to monitor river water quality at
upstream of selected raw water intake
for domestic raw water treatment
plants.
“DOE will continue to step up its
enforcement on pollution sources and
industries discharging effluents into
rivers to ensure all related legal requirements
stated in Environmental Quality
Act, 1974 were successfully complied
with.
”The river water quality information
provided from monitoring
program will assist the enforcement
in many ways such as identifying
possible polluter, assessing their effectiveness
and helping in strategizing
green+.2014, november-december 13

ENVIRONMENT
stronger enforcement in the future,”
added Palanivel.
In 2013, there were 275 (58%) rivers
classified as clean, 173 (36%) slightly
polluted and 29 (6%) as polluted based
on river Water Quality Index. The
percentage of clean rivers has slightly
decreased by 0.6% compared to previous
year. The same trend also has been
recorded in the number of polluted
rivers which has decreased by 1.9%.
ENHANCING MARINE
WATER QUALITY
The Minister said Malaysia implemented
various strategies in order to enhance
the marine water quality status for
beneficial uses in particular to recreation,
fishing and marine parks. Efforts
undertaken by the Department of
Environment Malaysia (DOE) to curb the
pollution namely from shipping activities,
oil and gas exploration, marine
installation and ports activities include:
i. Enforcement via Environmental
Quality Act, 1974 and Exclusive
Economic Zone Act, 1984 to ensure
effective control of sources of marine
pollution and illegal discharges;
ii. Implementation of National Marine
Water Quality Monitoring program
that consists of 321 monitoring
stations that was established at
estuaries (76), islands (90) and
coastal areas (155). Based on the
marine water quality monitoring
data in 2013, 30 stations were
categorized as poor, 229 stations
categorized as moderate, 56 stations
categorized as good and 6 stations
were categorized as excellent.
iii. Established the sustainable development
through conservation of
resources via Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA);
iv. Promotion of environmental education
and awareness through forums,
joint programs and seminars such
as National Oil Spill Combat Exercise
that engaged other relevant government
agencies, port and platform
operators as well as industries;
v. Inter-Agency and Federal-State
Cooperation via joint enforcement;
vi. Strengthening the bilateral, regional
and international cooperation
between littoral states and ASEAN
countries; and
vii. Implementation of National Oil Spill
Combat Plan (NOSCP) during oil spill
incidence in Malaysian waters.
ENHANCING AIR QUALITY
As an enforcement agency, the DOE
had been enforcing the Environmental
Quality Act 1974, to control emissions
from various sources such as industries
National Park,
Pahang.
and motor vehicles with the view that
Malaysians will enjoy a cleaner, safer
environment and at the same time have
a better quality of life.
“In addition, the Clean Air Action
Plan (CAAP) was drawn up in line
with the ‘7th Green Strategy’ in the
National Policy on the Environment.
The CAAP presents a set of strategies
and indicators that together provide a
roadmap to achieve better air quality
by reducing the frequency, severity and
duration of poor air quality episodes,”
said Palanivel.
Referring to the recent transboundary
haze, Palanivel said Malaysia has
urged Indonesia to immediately extinguish
land and forest fires in Sumatra
that are causing the haze in the country.
The urge was extended to Indonesia in a
letter by Department of Environment’s
Director-General to her Indonesian
counterpart recently. The letter
expressed Malaysia’s concern with the
We may not guarantee that
the haze will not return, but
Malaysia is hopeful that nations
affected by the haze would
be able to find a joint solution
in the spirit of ASEAN and
continuously take preventive
measures to prevent land and
forest fires and the recurrence of
transboundary haze.
increase of hotspots which cause haze
intermittently in the country since June
2014. The southwest monsoon played
a major role in bringing the haze to
Malaysia and this was expected to continue
until middle of September 2014.
“As transboundary haze pollution
remained a major and persistent challenge
to ASEAN region, we must not
quit from finding concrete solutions and
retain our momentum in tackling this
perennial problem. ASEAN member
nations must acutely implement the
action plan at ground for the initiative
to witness tangible outcomes.
“We may not guarantee that the
haze will not return, but Malaysia
is hopeful that nations affected by
the haze would be able to find a joint
solution in the spirit of ASEAN and
continuously take preventive measures
to prevent land and forest fires and the
recurrence of transboundary haze,”
said Palanivel
At national level, Malaysia will continue
to take all necessary mitigating
measures to prevent haze resulting
from local sources such as open burning,
emissions from motor vehicles and
industries and earth works activities.
Malaysia has also prepared a plan of
actions to face with a likelihood of
El Nino developing in the second half
of 2014. The plan of actions includes:
multi-agency intervention in curbing
open burning and land and forest fires;
intensifying law enforcement against
offenders; and strengthening our
national preparedness and firefighting
capabilities.
“In addition, we had reviewed our
National Haze Action Plan and the
14
november-december, green+.2014

ENVIRONMENT
amended version of the Plan has been
approved by the Malaysian Cabinet
Ministers in June 2013.
“The amendment to the National
Haze Action Plan is to ensure
actions taken by the key agencies
such the National Security Council,
Ministry of Education, Ministry of
Health, Department of Environment,
Meteorological Department and other
relevant government departments are
implemented at early stage according
to the air quality status and current
weather condition.
“The amended Plan will enable the
agencies to take more practical and
proactive measures in dealing with
recurrent deterioration of air quality and
haze as well as to prevent the air quality
from worsening.
“The action lines will also ensure
the public to get accurate information
on the air quality status and thus be
more alert to take preventive measures
in their health care during the haze
particularly to the high risk people
such as the elderly, children, patients
with respiratory problem and asthmatic
patients,” said Palanivel.
Under the auspices of the
Agreement, ASEAN over the years has
developed and implemented numerous
activities at the national and regional
level in the areas of prevention, monitoring
and mitigation of haze. Substantive
measures and concrete on-the-ground
activities to address land and forest fires
in the region include among others:-
1) implementation of the Regional Haze
Action Plan (RHAP);
2) implementation of ASEAN
Agreement on Transboundary Haze
Pollution;
3) implementation of ASEAN Peatland
Management Strategy (2006-2020)
to promote sustainable use of peatlands
and alternative livelihoods,
while preventing land and forest
fires as peatlands are a major source
of smoke haze in the region;
4) adoption of zero-burning /
controlled-burning policy and strict
enforcement of the policy;
5) establishment of Panel of
ASEAN Experts on Fire and Haze
Assessment and Coordination to
undertake rapid assessment for fire
suppression ; and
6) the establishment of ASEAN
Sub-Regional Ministerial Steering
Committee (MSC) on Transboundary
Haze Pollution in 2006 to oversee the
plan of action, foremost of which
to foster and strengthen regional
cooperation to effectively tackle
transboundary haze pollution
resulting from land and forest fires.
Palanivel said despite preventive
Hills surrounding FRIM
are shrouded in mist.
measures, Malaysia recognised more
concrete and well-coordinated procedures
for immediate fire suppression
need to be outlined and adopted
by ASEAN countries. In this regard,
Malaysia hosted the inaugural ASEAN
Task Force Meeting to Review Alert
Levels and Trigger Points on Fire
Suppression on June 11-12, 2014 in Kuala
Lumpur.
This ASEAN Task Force comprising
of Panel of Experts on Fire and Haze
Assessment and Coordination is established
pursuant to the Environment
Ministers’ decision at the 9th Meeting of
the Conference of Parties to the ASEAN
Agreement on Transboundary Haze
Pollution (COP-9) held on Sept 25, 2013
in Surabaya, Indonesia. The ASEAN Task
Force Meeting agreed to recommend to
the upcoming Meeting of Conference
of the Parties to the ASEAN Agreement
on Transboundary Haze Pollution (COP)
in Lao PDR in September 2014 to adopt
the alert levels, trigger points and
actions on fire suppression to ensure
expeditious response in preventing the
occurrence of transboundary haze.
OZONE LAYER PROTECTION
Malaysia acceded to the Vienna
Convention and ratified the Montreal
Protocol on Substances that deplete
the ozone layer on 29 August 1989.
Kuala Muda Bird
Sanctuary.
Being classified as Article 5 country
under the Montreal Protocol, Malaysia
is qualified for financial assistance
from Multilateral Fund to the Montreal
Protocol and thus eligible for technical
assistance including transfer of technology
in phasing out ozone depleting
substances to the industries.
Ministry of Natural Resources
and Environment, via Department of
Environment, is the focal point for
the Montreal Protocol in coordinating
the implementation of projects and
activities related to phasing out the
ozone depleting substances (ODS) in
the country. Under Multilateral Fund
financial assistance, ODS phase out
projects are implemented with support
from other international agencies
such as United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP), United Nations
Development Programme (UNDP),
United Nations Industrial Development
Organisation (UNIDO) and World Bank.
Malaysia took early action towards
controlling consumption of ODS with
prohibition on import of chloroflurocarbon
(CFC), halon and carbon since
1st January 2010. Prohibition of Methyl
Bromide used for non-Quarantine
Preshipment will prohibited by 2015.
The latest Malaysia’s obligation under
the Montreal Protocol is to phase out
hydrochlorocarbon (HCFC) by 2030
with the development of HCFC Phase
out Management Plan (HPMP).
The objectives of the HPMP’s
strategy are to facilitate Malaysia’s
compliance with control targets
for HCFC Consumption with
minimal impacts on the national
economy and environment. The
implementation involves combination
of interventions such as technology
transfer investment, policies and regulation,
technical assistance, capacity
building of industries and enforcement
officers, management coordination and
monitoring.
The HPMP is currently being
implemented with the support from
UNDP for HPMP Stage 1 (2012 – 2016) in
order to meet the 2013 freeze and 2015
reduction target of 10% of HCFC under
the Montreal Protocol. HPMP Stage 2
(2016-2020) is a way forward to address
further reduction of HCFC in Malaysia
until it reaches its total phase out by
2030. HPMP Stage 2 is still at its preliminary
stage and the proposal will be
submitted to the Executive Committee
of Multilateral Fund for approval on the
funding.
PART II: The Minister speaks about
Malaysia’s efforts in sustaining the
forest and tackling country’s water
woes
green+.2014, november-december 15

ENERGY
Democratisation of Malaysia’s
electricity supply industry
using solar photovoltaics
Independent & free solar energy or harnessing the sun’s energy using Solar PV for electricity
GREEN+ had the opportunity
to visit and interview Ahmad
Shadzli, President, and Chin
Soo Mau, Vice-President of
the Malaysia Photovoltaic
Industry Association (MPIA). MPIA’s
ambition is to make Solar PV a mainstream
energy source through
programmes which are measurable
with reasonable payback period. Its
possibly the most proven self-sustaining
operation and may be one of the
most viable solutions for free energy
source to power our future generations
with democratising of electricity supply.
This is especially true since the energy
source is free forever.
Shadzli and Chin were both very
enthusiastic about renewable energy,
especially their solar PV industry systems,
displaying their wide knowledge
and experience during our discussion.
They were ever-ready to forward their
BY
ALEXANDER
LEE
much-collated statistical reports and
propositions on interesting possibilities
to use Solar PV as one of the most reliable
way of forever harnessing the solar
energy from the sun.
Their reasons and concerns are
obvious – in the coming decades more
than 70% of fuels for electricity generation
comes from imported coal and
gas. The forecast energy mix issued by
government authorities are as follows:-
Consequently, the propositions
were tabulated systematically and are
calculated based on scenarios for viable
return on investments that are measurable.
It will also be meaningful for the
electricity supply industry on many
fronts in terms of investment, distribution
and transmission, independence,
sustenance, savings and also job creation
and good spin offs for the industry
and its alternative use of technology
under their proposals.
It is without question using Solar
PV through the existing Feed-in-Tariff
(FiT) mechanism has benefitted many
PV developers, solar farms investors
and Rooftop installations for home,
commerce and industries for the overall
PV Industry. However, they reckon the
FIT quota system needs to be more
balanced especially in benefitting
direct consumers and those who are
making contributions for the 1.6% levy
on electricity.
Most of the investments for solar
farms are capital-intensive projects
and usually taken up by the “big
boys”, whereas rooftops for homes,
industrial and commercial applications
were quite limited going by the quota
system for FIT applications approvals.
MPIA requested the authorities to
democratise the energy supply market
to benefit the solar PV Industry.
MPIA is keen to propose applying
16
november-december, green+.2014

ENERGY
Ahmad Shadzli (left) and Chin.
their alternatives for democratization
of the electricity supply market that
can be achieved by commercializing
of Rooftop PVs for all without quota
limits with means like the Net Energy
Metering Program added in that may
avail investors to get their payback
from such investments in less than 10
years without recourse to premium FiT
payment by SEDA. Their request to the
authorities concerned, like KeTTHA
and SEDA, to increase the FIT allocation
for up to 400MWp by 2017 has been
ongoing. These figures are derived from
comparing with the geographical region
current PV Capacity Targets from 2014,
2020 and 2030 with other countries
where it’s very positively applicable
and can be done with political will and
support for this infinite energy from the
sun. (Refer to Fig1).
MPIA presented their case of
solar PV market scenario and energy
capacity usage with the 2014 Global PV
Utilization chart. Malaysia is seen to be
only having about 200MWp of installed
capacity by end 2014 compared to other
countries like China (34,000MWp),
Japan (12,000MWp), Korea (1,500MWp),
Thailand (800MWp) and Taiwan (~
350MWp).
Comparing 2014 against 2020, there
are exponential percentage growth
projections in capacity ranging from
nearly 300% for China (100,000MWp),
Japan (28,000MWp, 230% increase),
Korea (~6,000MWp or~400% increase),
Thailand (3,000MWp or 375% increase),
Taiwan (4,500MWp or 1285% increase)
and Singapore increasing from 45MWp
in 2014 to 600MWp (1,300% increase) by
2020 projection out of which 350MW (
or 770% increase) are designated to be
investments by the Singapore government
itself.
These figures signify the convincing
commitment by major Asian countries
including our neighbour’s commitment
to invest in the future on PV, putting
Business Spin Offs of PV Industry
Local Manufacturing of Solar PV
Components
RM 300 million for
local steel
manufacturing
industry
JOB CREATION
6000 new generation of highly
skilled workers
600 technicians /supervisors
100 Engineers
Economic Benefits
RM 300 million for
domestic electrical/
electronic industries
RM 150 million for
local and international
consultancy
RM 45 million for R
& D and training
DC
Circuit
Breakers,
DC fuses,
DC SPd’s
Malaysia Current PV Target and Comparison with other
Countries
Geographic R egion
Current
cumulative
I nstalled
capacity (MWp)
in 2014
Target
Capacity in
2020
(MWp)
Target capacity
in 2030
(MWp)
Target % Solar
PV
Contribution
To
Energy mix
China 34,000 100,000 20%
Japan 12,000 28,000 53,000 10%
India 2,200 20,000
Korea 1500 ~6,000
Thailand 800 3,000
Taiwan ~350 4500 6,300
Malaysia 200
FI T - 400
(2017)
Singapore 45 600 (350 MWp
by Govt)
confidence in solar energy. By harnessing
the energy from the sun, it is
without doubt the way forward, as it is
safe, independent and one of the most
plentiful, reliable and non-depleting
resources. No inhibitions or concerns
of inflationary costs like feed-stocks
purchasing, preparation or transportation
and distribution cost or from any
untoward price increase or crisis of a
finite nature.
Moreover, it may be in the long
term the most suitable green solution
to reduce costs and CO2 emissions. It
will also benefit the Electricity supply
players by relieving them from the
need for high investment costs for
utilities planting up, reducing need for
heavy grid distribution investments
and maintenance costs and reducing
4.8% in 2025
Australia 3,800 2,800 23,000 20% by 2020
green+.2014, november-december 17

ENERGY
energy loss due to distribution of energy
through the grid.
Chin indicated in The World PV
Market scenario, at present in the
beginning of 2014, Malaysia had
100MW installed. It will have a cumulative
capacity of 150MW (as at Sept
2014) or 180GWh/year that is only
0.17% of National Electricity Demand
compared to the average Global
indicators of 43.5GWp installed with
cumulative 139GWp (2013) or 160TWh/
year indicating a 0.85% usage of Global
Electricity Demand, whereby IEA forecasted
growth to 11% of global electricity
demand by 2030.
With 85% of Solar PV modules
being manufactured (36GWp) in Asia,
whereby China and Taiwan are the
major producers, Malaysia is still contributing
about ~3,800MWp (approx.
10.5% ). It is perceived that Malaysia
should also take a lead in PV installations
and benefit from Solar energy as
one of the major producing countries
in Asia.
The Malaysian Photovoltaic Industry
Association would like to suggest the
following:-
NET Energy Metering (NEM)-Allow
the Commercial and Industrial players
to produce their own electricity but
using the NEM methodology to have
independence and security of energy
supply.
The idea of net metering came
about as electricity generation from
RE resources by users has become
more competitive compared with that
from conventional fuels (mainly coal
and gas). The most important of these
initiatives have been the growing competitiveness
of grid-connected solar
PV systems, although other renewable
energy sources such as biogas, biomass
and small to mini-hydro can also
qualify.
PV is a rapidly growing RE resource
due to its substantial and sustained cost
reduction over the years resulting from
its production volume “explosion” and
technology development. PV provides
the option of a “clean, green & indigenous”
source of electricity generation,
with virtually unlimited generation
capacity. It also has the advantage of
generating its output during the
national system peak demand period,
just when it is most needed and most
costly to generate from conventional
generation sources like Open Cycle Gas
Turbines (OCGTs).
In the Malaysian context, Net Energy
Metering (NEM) has now become a very
viable option to complement (or even
displace) the current Feed-in-Tariff
(FiT) mechanism as the latter is seen
as an undesirable (and even socially
Proposed Strategies and Future PV
Landscape for Malaysia
Commercial and Industry - NET ENERGY METERING (2015 – 2025)
2015-2020 - With Investment Tax Allowance (1.75GW)
2021-2025 - Without Investment Tax Allowance (5 GW)
2026-2035 - Without Investment Tax Allowance (22.4 GW)
Extension of FIT +NEM – Individual/Residential Quota Only (2016-2025)
2016-2025 – 10 years Power Purchase Agreement (1.65GW) - 200,000 rooftops
2026-2035 – Net Energy Meter ( 8.45GW) – 1,000,000 rooftops
PV Utility Scale Installation - Future
unjust) burden on the electricity consumers who have
to pay for the FiT’s “top-up” tariff. Moreover, the RE Fund
levy limitation constrains more rapid expansion of the PV
market due to the limitations of available fund from the 1.6%
levy imposed on the affected electricity customers. These
are contributions from consumers.
The NEM scheme would give greater opportunities to
the consumers concerned to generate their own electricity
from RE resources, especially solar PV for their own
consumption thereby hedging against any future tariff
increase.
MPIA also proposed strategies and future PV landscape
for Malaysia for Commercial and Industrial market with
NET Energy Metering including FIT + NEM for individual
/Residential installations as per above self explanatory
diagram.
Utilities may perceive NEM as a major threat but it could
actually benefit all parties –from the energy users or customers
to the utilities and the country as a whole.
Guiding Principles for Net Energy Metering (NEM)
The following guiding principles should be considered for
the adoption of the NEM mechanism:-
Self-Generation and Access to the
Utility Grid: Qualified retail electricity
customers should have the right
to install RE generation facilities
such as rooftop solar PV systems
at their premises and connect
them to the utility grid without any
discrimination.
Value of Solar PV generated
Electricity: Rooftop owners of solar
PV generation systems can offer
many benefits to the electricity
supply system and the nation. These
include:-
➲ Reduction in utility capacity and
energy generation requirements,
especially during the peak demand
period that coincides with the PV
generation profile.
➲ Reduction in distribution
system losses.
➲ Avoidance or deferral of distribution
and transmission system
reinforcement investments.
➲ Hedging against fuel price volatility
especially for imported fossil
fuels.
➲ Reduction in greenhouse gas
emissions and water usage.
These benefits should be quantified
to determine the true value of solar PV
generated energy delivered to the grid.
Capacity Limit on Rooftop PV
Installations: No capacity limit should
be imposed on the total rooftop PV generation
as it forms “generation at point
of use” and is a valuable addition to the
national electricity generation fuel mix.
However, the terms and conditions can
be considered for NEM applicable as
follows with a proposed NO QUOTA
LIMIT :-
➲ Maximum Installation capacity:
18
november-december, green+.2014

ENERGY
80% of declared maximum demand
➲ Energy Export Limit: Shall not be
more than 25% of energy imported
➲ Export Tariff: 10% lower than the
import tariff.
➲ Access to Billing Data: Billing
statements from utilities should
clearly show the consumer’s total
electricity use and the net energy
exported to the utility grid.
➲ Metering Equipment: The NET
Meter system should be introduced
under a new amendment for the RE
Act
➲ Customer Classes: All customers
should be able to participate in
net energy metering.
Proposed Net Energy Metering (NEM)
Programme
Based on the above Guiding
Principles, MPIA wish to propose the
following:-
A consistent and pragmatic NEM
program starting from 2015. The
details below show proposals for
the first 10 years up to 2025. A
comprehensive review of the NEM
will be made during and after 2025 to
ensure its effectiveness and fulfill its
intended benefits.
Based on Suruhanjaya Tenaga’s
long term load demand forecast as
contained in Peninsular Malaysia
Electricity Supply Industry Outlook
2013, we hereby propose the possible
annual PV capacity installations for
the period 2015 to 2025, as follows:-
General Cost / Benefits Analysis of NEM
The proposed capacity of rooftop
PV systems is planned to be limited
to 30% of the national electricity
system maximum demand to shave
the system peak and reduce the
need for costly peak period generation
plant like OCGT. This means that
the maximum capacity rooftop PV
systems can be as high as 6,634
MWp by 2025. [See Table 1 above]
Foregone revenues for PETRONAS
to provide gas for power generation
will be eliminated as gas subsidies
are removed.
The peak period energy generation
cost to a utility is normally well
above the average retail selling
price. Thus TNB should see a net
gain in profits even though its overall
revenue may drop slightly. This is
because every KWh sold during the
peak period that is generated from
conventional generation plant would
have cost more than the average
revenue derived for the sale.
TNB will also gain in reducing the
consumption of natural gas in
running Open Cycle Gas Turbines
(OCGTs) during peak demand, as
solar PV will meet it during that
TABLE 1
Forecast Forecast Proposed Cumulative Cumulative Contribution
Annual Annual MD Annual PV PV Installed Cumulativex from
Electricity NEM (MWp) under NEM generation solar PV
Sales (GWhr) (MWp) from PV
(GWhr)*
(MW) (%)
2015 108,167 17,671 150 150 93.75 0.08%
2016 112,586 18,338 195 345 309.38 0.25%
2017 116,540 18,926 244 589 583.59 0.46%
2018 120,780 19,558 305 893 926.37 0.70%
2019 124,788 20,149 381 1,274 1,592.87 1.17%
2020 129,482 20,847 476 1,750 1,890.42 1.34%
2021 133,640 21,456 595 2,345 2,559.90 1.77%
2022 136,832 21,908 744 3,089 3,396.75 2.29%
2023 138,201 22,067 930 4,019 4,442.81 2.97%
2024 141,227 22,490 1,162 5,181 5,750.38 3.77%
2025 144,188 22,900 1,453 6,634 7,384.86 4.75%
Note: * the specific energy yield is assumed @ 1,250 KWhr/KWp
period.
Saving in CO2 emissions. Assuming
on average, a conventional fossil
fired power plant emits 0.70 ton/
MWhr of CO2, the total reduction in
CO2 emission amounts to 5.17 million
tons in the 10-year period.
Improves energy security for the
country as it reduces country dependence
on gas and coal.
The new employment created by
the PV industry will be at least 40,000
direct/indirect employment and over
RM10 billion of economic activities by
2025.
Encourage growth of local components
manufacturing capacity. For
example the current solar PV manufacturers
i.e Malaysia Solar Resources,
TSI and Panasonic have a combined
manufacturing capacities of about
500 MWp annually that could provide
critical support in meeting the expected
increase in demand when the NEM
programme is fully implemented. So are
other industries such as manufacturing
of other components such as solar
cables, SPD’s, steel and Aluminum
industry.
Proposed Fiscal Incentives for Net
Energy Metering
To encourage commercial and residential
owners to invest in the PV system
for their own consumption, the government
is requested to provide the
following incentives, in addition to the
existing Capital Allowance (CA) made
available to incentivise the industry,
that is Investment Tax Allowance (ITA):
Exemption of import duties of major PV
system components such as PV modules
and inverters.
If these fiscal incentives are offered
as a whole complete package, commercial
and industrial sectors could get
their payback from such investments in less than 10 years
without recourse to premium FiT payment by SEDA.
MPIA, therefore, proposes that the government offers
to commercial and industrial premise owners a complete
package of fiscal incentives combined as listed above.
Concluding remarks
MPIA believes that the implementation of this Net Energy
Metering mechanism will bring about enormous benefits
to the utility, PV industry and to the country. MPIA also
proposes that the programme should be implemented as
soon as possible and should be in full swing in 2015 if possible.
It will help to reduce the need to install or operate peak
load generation capacity and reduce the need for costly
peak period energy generation from OCGTs.
MPIA has the following wish list:-
All future buildings designs must be Solar ready
Investment Tax Allowance and Capital Allowance to be
extended to 2020
Tax Rebates for individual investments for Solar PV
Rooftop owners
To allocate more funds human capital building especially
for human resource competency training in the Solar
PV Industry
Incentivise the Local manufacturing of Solar PV system
components such as solar cables, DC fuses/DC breakers,
customized PV modules for buildings
Extension of FIT for Residential Installations only-
(Proposed contributions from PETRONAS, TNB & IPPs for a
special GREEN FUND for these installations)
green+.2014, november-december 19

IPS 171214A.pdf 1 17/12/14 4:56 PM
2014 KeTTHA EXCELLENCE AWARDS
KEA recognises best in energy,
green technology and water sectors
Aim to encourage
excellence service,
innovation and
entrepreneurship
THE Ministry of Energy,
Green Technology and Water
(KeTTHA) on Saturday
awarded Kumpulan Melaka
Berhad, Harta Maintenance
Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Air Melaka
Berhad as winners of the KeTTHA
Excellence Awards 2014 (KEA) at a ceremony
held in conjunction with the 5th
International Greentech Eco Products
Exhibition and Conference 2014 (IGEM
2014).
KEA, which is in its second year,
recognises Malaysian companies that
have excelled and made outstanding
contributions in the fields of energy,
green technology and water sectors.
In line with the government agenda
to spur the three sectors, KEA aims to
encourage excellent service, innovation
and entrepreneurship to spur
growth in these sectors. Deputy Prime
Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, in
his speech read by Minister of Energy,
Green Technology and Water, Datuk Seri
Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili,
said the KeTTHA Excellence Awards
2014 was significant as it recognized
achievements made in the energy,
green technology and water industry,
especially in its role in increasing the
standard of living and well-being of the
people.
“More so, as reliable and quality
electricity and water supply contribute
to a more comfortable living. At the
same time, I believe it is time for all of
us to adopt green practices and lifestyle
in line with rising environmental concerns,”
said Muhyiddin.
“This importance that we have
placed in these sectors is reflected in
KeTTHA slogan which is Water is Life,
Energy is Wealth and Green Technology
is the Game Changer.”
The three award categories under
KEA are the Energy Excellence Award,
the Green Technology Excellence Award
and the Water Excellence Award. A total
of 53 submissions were received.
Given its commitment to transform the
Melaka Historical City into a green technology
city by the year 2020, Kumpulan
Melaka Berhad was awarded the Energy
Excellence Award for its 5MWp Solar
(From left) Datuk Ir Hj Mohd
Khalid Nasir (CEO, Syarikat Air
Melaka Bhd), Datuk Abdul Taib
Bachek (Vice-chairman, SAMB)
ROLL OF
HONOUR
Energy
Excellence
Award
Kumpulan
Melaka Berhad
Green
Technology
Excellence
Award
Harta
Maintenance
Sdn Bhd
Water
Excellence
Award
Syarikat Air
Melaka Berhad
Farm Project. The evaluation of projects
submitted for the Energy category was
based on creativity, innovation, sustainability,
impact and accountability.
Harta Maintenance Sdn Bhd, a
total solutions provider for building
maintenance which offers a
range of green cleaning products
and equipment, bagged the Green
Technology Excellence Award.
Under this category, submissions were
evaluated based on their effectiveness
in the implementation of low carbon
strategies and promoting future green
technology initiatives that could transform
the landscape of green business.
Finally, Syarikat Air Melaka Berhad won
the Water Excellence Award for successfully
reducing the Non-Revenue
Water (NRW) rate in the state of Melaka
- from 33.9 per cent to 22.0 per cent over
a period of five years from 2008.
Through its initiatives the company has
PROUD WINNERS (from
left): Datuk Ir Hj Mohd Khalid
Nasir (CEO, Syarikat Air
Melaka Bhd), Datuk Abdul
Taib Bachek (Vice-chairman,
SAMB), Dato Seri DiRaja
Mahdzir Khalid (Deputy
Minister, KeTTHA), Datuk
Seri Panglima Dr Maximus
Johnity Ongkili (Minister,
KeTTHA), Datuk Loo Took
Gee (Secretary-General,
KeTTHA), Hj Isnin AMan
(CEO, Kumpulan Melaka Bhd),
Datuk Hj Radzali Hassan
(Group Managing Director,
Harta Maintenance SB)
GreenTech CEO Ir Ahmad Hadri (2nd right) poses with (from
left) Harta Maintenance Sdn Bhd’s Faizal Moiduny (Operations
Director), Datuk Radzali (Group Managing Director) and Jamiah
Jaafar (Business Development Director).
successfully conserved a total of 97.8
million metric cube of water during this
period. The projects submitted under
the Water category were evaluated
based on operational effectiveness,
efficiency, delivery on consumer
services, community engagement,
technological impact, innovation for
sustainability and environmental conservation
initiative.
KEA is organised by the Ministry of
Energy, Green Technology and Water,
as part of its continuous efforts to recognise
the commitment and excellence
rendered by Malaysian companies
within the energy, green technology
and water sectors. The judging panel
that evaluated the 15 nominees for
KEA 2014, included the Sustainable
Energy Development Authority,
Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Air Negara
and Malaysian Green Technology
Corporation.
20
november-december, green+.2014

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2014 MCCC-AEET GREEN AWARD
MALAYSIA’S Alwin Long
Su Wen emerged first
runnerup in the annual
2014 Malaysia-China
Chamber of Commerce
(MCCC) and Asean Academy of
Engineering And Technology (AEET)
Green Award held on Nov 24 in Kuala
Lumpur.
The winner was Brunei’s Queenie
Chong Chin Yee, while the second runnerup
was Ophath Sengmany of Laos.
Alwin is Founder &CEO/CTO of
ATECH Malaysia.
Queenie is an Education Officer with
Brunei’s Ministry of Education.
MCCC and AAET have collaborated
since 2011 to further promote the
green growth concept in among Asean
members by initiating the annual
MCCC-AAET Green Award.
The joint efforts are to achieve their
goals to promote the business and
technology communities in achieving
inclusive and sustainable socio-economic
development and also promoting
the development of innovative products
or solutions that meet the goals of environmental
sustainability.
Also the Green Award emphasises
that the inculcation of green awareness
must be started from a younger age
and for the younger generation to play a
leading role in green activities.
At the same time, the Green Award
is also to recognise outstanding young
green technopreneurs and young
contributors to the Green Growth in the
Asean region.
The participants were judged based
on three main components:
Extensive business and technology
network
By leveraging on the extensive network
of both MCC and AAET, the green messages
are effectively promoted to the
ASEAN communities in every member
states, including the less developed
CLMV countries.
Comprehensiveness and inclusiveness
The Award promotes and recognises
Alwin (kneeling, left) with other winners and participants pose with MCCC and AEET officials
Alwin does
Malaysia proud
He specialises in R&D and commercialisation for
low carbon building materials and sustainable living
concepts for rural communities
contribution from a wide range of green
workers, among them are scientists,
engineers, researchers, government
officers, entrepreneurs, journalists and
NGO members.
Continuous action
The Green Ambassadors will visit
ASEAN member countries to promote
green concept and environmental sustainability
to the young people.
The Green Award has became an
effective platform to connect green
workers, scientists, researchers and
technopreneurs of Asean countries for
further deliberation on the sustainable
development of the region.
Simultaneously, the joint project
between MCCC and AEET has also
created a replicable model for the science,
technology and innovation (STI)
and industry linkages in achieving a
greener and sustainable development
in Asean and other regions, particularly
among South-South countries.
The other country winners were:
Dr Seng Bunrith (Cambodia), Wai Wai
Hlaing (Myanmar), Kristine Rodulfo
Tolod (Philippines), Mark Cheng Jin
Quan (Singapore) and Do Huu Dao
(Vietnam).
A Certificate of Merit was
awarded to Thailand’s Nuttapong
Phadungpattanapong.
About
Alwin
Alwin is Founder &CEO/CTO of ATECH
Malaysia.
He specialises in R&D and commercialization
for low carbon building
materials and sustainable living concepts
for rural communities.
His major project entitled “SLIM”
(Sustainable Living In Malaysia),
which is in partnership with a university
and Technology Park Malaysia
(TPM) is to develop a sustainable
living environment for rural areas.
Alwin is also a service provider
who develops green business
models and training programmes on
sustainable technical workforce for
MNCs.
He is also actively advocating
green concepts and green entrepreneurship
through various camps,
conferences, lectures, training and
NGO activities.
22
november-december, green+.2014

AUTOMOBILE
Charging stations in KL soon
Mindset of associating
vehicles with social
status must change
Kuala Lumpur City Hall
(DBKL) will soon install
charging stations for
electric cars at strategic
locations around the city.
Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Seri
Ahmad Phesal said: “DBKL has been
working with two car companies for the
purpose, in living with its objective to
reduce carbon emissions.”
He said the charging stations would
be made available to the public.
“DBKL was also scrutinizing more
areas where they could reduce parking
lots based on the reliability of public
transportation,” he added after after
taking part in the 12th KL Car Free
Morning event (KLCFM).
Ahmad Phesal added DBKL will
allow up to 30% of parking space if it
was within 200m of reliable transportation
points for new developments.
He added the mindset of associating
vehicles with social status must change,
however there has been a growing trend
of the high-income earners investing in
bicycles.
The mayor understands that it can
be dangerous to cycle on the city roads
and that is why the council are in the
process of installing designated bicycle
lanes.
In regards of the success of KLCFM,
Ahmad Phesal was very happy with the
initiative that has fostered unity among
people while having a healthy lifestyle.
He then added there will be more
community-centred programmes next
year, in line with Kuala Lumpur being
chosen to host the third Governors and
Mayors of Asean Capitals conference
in 2015.
Feather in
MPSJ’s cap
The Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ) was awarded
the Gold Award for Environmental Best Practice 2014 for
its “My Biomass Way” project at the International Green
Apple Awards (IGAA) last month.
MPSJ deputy president Abdullah Marjunid received
the award at a ceremony held at The House of Parliament
in London.
He said the council’s aim of participating in IGAA was
to improve the skills and expertise of MPSJ staff , to work
towards making the township of international standards
and introduce MPSJ to the world stage.
Abdullah said: ”The award recognised MPSJ’s efforts
to form the MPSJ Green Town Action Plan 2030 with the
aim of creating an environmentally-friendly, clean and
comfortable township, as well as the greenest town in
Malaysia.”
Initiatives under the biomass project included
organic-waste composting, anaerobic digestion biogas,
vermicomposting, food waste separation and cooking
oil recycling.
green+.2014, november-december 23

EVENTS
‘Change towards
greener lifestyle’
Malaysia managed to reduce more
than 33 per cent carbon emission intensity
MALAYSIAN Green
Technology Corporation
(GreenTech Malaysia)
and Green Purchasing
Network Malaysia
(GPNM) organised the International
Conference On Green Procurement and
Eco-Labeling at Aloft Kuala Lumpur
Sentral on Dec 2.
The event was officiated by the
Energy, Green Technology and Water
Deputy Minister, Dato’ Seri DiRaja
Mahdzir Khalid.
During the deputy minister’s
opening speech, he declared green
procurement plays an important role as
a catalyst for socio-economic development
of the country, where government
procurement accounts for 12% to 15% to
the Gross Domestic Product.
Recognising the importance of
the Green Procurement Government
in improving the competitiveness
between local companies, five ministries
and agencies were selected
as pilots for the implementation of
the Pilot Project Implementers Green
Procurement Government.
The ministries namely the Ministry
of Education, Ministry of Home Affairs,
Ministry of Health Malaysia, the
Economic Planning Unit, the Prime
Minister’s Office (UPE , JPM), and the
Ministry of Energy, Green Technology
and Water (KeTTHA). A total of six
groups of environmentally friendly
A stall promoting Green concept
Participants
at the seminar
listen to a
speech from
one of the
delegates.
products were also selected for implementation
of pilot projects GGP such
as ICT equipment, Energy Efficient
Lighting, Cement and Paint / coatings,
Paper and Cleaning Services.
In the meantime, the government
also recognized Eco-Labeling as one
important instrument to support the
implementation of green procurement.
With the eco-labeling, it will help consumers
make more informed choices
by providing information to understand
the products and services and its
impact on the environment.
KeTTHA through GreenTech
Malaysia has introduced MyHijau
Program, MyHijau Mark and MyHijau
Directory which is an initiative to
promote the production and use of
environmentally friendly products and
services among industry players and
consumers (private household).
At present, there are three agencies
in Malaysia namely SIRIM Berhad,
Energy Commission (EC) and the
National Water Services Commission
(SPAN) that provide certification
schemes on the environment. The
Ministry also plans to involve the participation
of other agencies such as the
Malaysian Good Agriculture Practices
(MyGAP) and Malaysian Timber
Certification Scheme in their products
and services to expand the use of
environmentally friendly labels in their
related industries.
Mahdzir also informed that with all
the efforts and initiatives that have been
implemented, Malaysia has so far managed
to reduce more than 33% carbon
Dr Chen Sau Soon of Sirim
Dr Gerhard Weih
emission intensity although there
are some constraints and obstacles
faced in meeting the promises made in
2009.
The KeTTHA deputy minister also
stressed that in order to achieve the
target of 40% reduction in carbon
emissions intensity, people’s lifestyles
must change through the Renewable
Energy generation, promote the use of
green transportation and green growth
industries. For this purpose, the government
will continue to encourage the
introduction of more green products
and green building as well as a facilitator
for the development of electric
vehicles.
He also noted that efforts towards
a green economy involving all parties,
people’s lifestyles today need to change
towards greener lifestyles of various
aspects. He also urged Malaysians to
work together with the government
in realising Malaysia as a country that
has a sustainable and green community
and to be passed on to the future
generations.
The International Conference on
Green Procurement and Eco-Labeling
programme, which lasted for two days,
include seven plenary sessions and
accompanied by a panel discussion
with Q & A from within and outside the
country to help participants understand
the concept of green procurement and
eco-labeling and also sharing with the
them the best practices in addressing
issues and challenges associated with
the implementation of green procurement
and eco-labeling. .
24
november-december, green+.2014

EVENTS
Royal flavour
HRH Princess Astrid represented
the King of Belgium at the event
Princes Astrid
HRH Princess Astrid
added a touch of class to
the Sustainable Urban
Development, Cleantech
Solutions For Modern Cities
seminar at Mandarin Oriental on Nov 24.
Princess Astrid represented the King
of Belgium.
It was acknowledged at the seminar
that by 2050, there would be 1.4 billion
people living in Asian cities.
The increase in urban population is
also happening in Malaysia. At present,
three out of four Malaysians live in an
urban environment, and this ratio continues
to increase.
This growth gives rise to new opportunities
and challenges.
With urbanisation there is economic
growth, leading to an explosion in water
usage, energy demand, production of
waste, as well as carbon emissions.
As the world is experiencing a new
era of urbanisation and industrialisation,
and many emerging economies are
suffering from a rapidly deteriorating
environment, there is growing demand
for knowledge, products and concepts
to take on these challenges in waste,
EXPERTS from Malaysia, Germany and
the United Kingdom got together in Kuala
Lumpur on Nov 25 to help shape Malaysia’s
journey towards implementing greener, lowcarbon
modes of mobility.
The Sustainable Mobility Conference at
Sheraton Imperial Hotel was jointly organised
by the German embassy in Kuala Lumpur, the
British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur
and the Malaysian-German Chamber of
Commerce and Industry.
The conference aimed at bringing policies,
guidelines and practices from both Germany
and the UK closer to Malaysian stakeholders
and decision-makers. The conference also
served as a platform for experts and panellists
to share their knowledge and experiences
with the audience.
The opening keynote address by Dato’ Sri
Abdul Wahid bin Omar, Minister in the Prime
Minister’s Department responsible for the
Economic Planning Unit, was followed by
a number of experts presentations, panel
discussions and workshops and finally ending
water and energy.
The seminar also discussed management
of solid waste and material
management, water management,
sustainable energy, waste to energy
(W2E) and clean air.
Germany, UK share experiences
with Malaysian counterparts
with a discussion on the future implications of
Malaysia’s sustainable mobility agenda.
The conference coincided with the
Malaysian government’s new ‘National
Automotive Policy’ (NAP) announced in
January this year, which partly focuses on
strengthening the energy-efficient vehicles
industry. The government has also announced
the gradual removal of fuel and electricity
tariff subsidies, thereby stressing the importance
of sustainability. In addition, a vision to
strengthen the public transportation system
is being implemented in phases.
Malaysia’s aims of becoming a highincome
nation by 2020 and at the same time
reducing the carbon intensity of its economy
by 40 per cent must converge into developing
a sustainable, affordable and efficient
transportation system, within and between
its major cities.
Germany and the UK have both developed
innovative and far-reaching policies to support
sustainable mobility. Energy efficient
technical solutions from car manufacturers
and suppliers, integrated transportation concepts
and renewable energy solutions have
made individual and public transport more
efficient. At the same time, carbon emissions
have been reduced substantially.
In order to achieve Malaysia’s goals,
sustainability and industrial development
can go hand in hand. Stakeholders ranging
from policy makers to governing authorities,
research and development bodies to industry
players and consumers are required to work
together to drive this long term goal.
Against this background this jointly
organised one-day conference focussed on all
forms of energy-efficient transport and sustainability
solutions policies and best practice
examples from Germany and the UK along
with those from Malaysia were presented
and innovative solutions to the common
challenges were evaluated. The results shall
contribute to the formulation of proposals that
will support Malaysia’s vision of achieving a
higher sustainability in the transportation
sector.
green+.2014, november-december 25

COLUMN
Malaysia – a bubbling, bustling melting-pot of races and religions where Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in
peace and harmony
I
had the wonderful privilege of
spending 11 days in Kuala Lumpur
this October. If I were asked to summarise
my impressions, I would
use two words: beautiful potential.
I believe that Malaysia in all its beauty
holds the key to Asia’s green future.
I have lived in the global melting
pot of the United States all of my life.
Through my work with Green Project
Management® (GPM®), I have traveled
throughout Europe, Africa, the Middle
East, and Asia experiencing the best of
what each culture has to offer.
Looking at Malaysia through the
eyes of a global citizen, I see something
special. The best of Chinese and Indian
influences combines with the rich indigenous
Malay culture to create a unique
gem of a nation. In “The Way Forward,”
the former prime minister Dato Seri
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad called it “a
confident Malaysian society infused by
strong moral and ethical values”.
In an honorary doctorate acceptance
message at the University of Malaysia
in August 2010, Daisaku Ikeda stated
that “the key to building a peaceful
and humane global society in the 21st
century lies in developing our ability
to respect diversity and learn from
Malaysia’s great
green potential
Best of Chinese and Indian influences combines with the rich
indigenous Malay culture to create a unique gem of a nation
By Dr. Joel
Carboni
President
and founder
of Green Project
Management
different values and cultures.”
This is what I believe is the promise
to Southeast Asia and the rest of the
world that Malaysia represents.
I titled this article “Malaysia’s Great
Green Potential” as the foundational
building blocks necessary to realize
monumental achievements towards a
green Malaysian economy. Now, it is a
matter of bringing them to fruition.
The budget that was recently
released is one such aspect and is
critical that the government serves as a
driver. The 2015 budget provides opportunities
for growth and development,
the advancement of women, enhanced
job opportunities, and improved
education. All these components will
be critical in moving Malaysia up the
Value Chain. One such measurement
to look for is a higher ranking on the
UNDP Human Development list where
Malaysia is currently 62nd (neighboring
states Singapore 9th, Thailand 89th, and
Indonesia 108th).
Referring back to Dr. Mahathir’s
paper and the nine challenges he
presented, one comes to the forefront
in the context of unlocking Malaysia’s
great green potential; the challenge of
‘establishing a scientific and progressive
society, a society that is innovative
and forward-looking, one that is not
only a consumer or technology but
also a contributor to the scientific and
technological civilization of the future’.
The keys to achieving these goals
can be found in two places. The first is
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november-december, green+.2014

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in the transition towards a low-carbon
and resource-efficient economy that
will reshape the labour market and
open new opportunities for job growth.
Malaysia’s outlook towards 2020 for
renewable energy is expected to create
RM70 billion and support in upwards
of 50,000 jobs while reducing carbon
emissions by 40%.
The commitment to achieving
these targets looms large as globally,
the relationship between sustainable
development, green growth and good
labor market performance, while not
automatic, are mutually reinforcing.
Investing in renewable energy, waste
management, sustainable forestry,
green technology and sustainable business
practices can serve as economic
drivers, stimulate job creation and
national development while mitigating
environmental and social challenges.
The second, and what I believe is
the most critical of the two, exists on
a fundamental level and must become
part of the cultural landscape for business
nationally: sustainable business
practices.
In order for Malaysia to become a
fully developed and high-income nation,
national corporations must invest in
their greatest asset, their workforce.
They must also look across its borders
at sustainability leaders among counterparts
from other nations, set goals
and be determined to raise the bar
locally. The number of organizations
that practice sustainability reporting
through the Global Reporting Initiative
(GRI) needs to increase, as well as the
participation in the UN Global Compact
by Malaysian CEOs. This establishes ties
to global entities that drive sustainable
development directly and naturally
elevate Malaysia’s status among developed
nations.
The additional benefits of having
a national increase in sustainability
reporting will be realized in greater
agility in planning, monitoring, and
evaluating the effectiveness of national
policies, as well as establishing a firm
trajectory up the global value chain. For
the corporations, through compareand-contrast
activities, they will
establish market differentiation and
investor and shareholder confidence
while increasing organizational
maturation.
There is a quote that has been popping
up on social media that depicts a
CEO and CFO holding a conversation
where the CEO asks, “What happens
if we train our employees and they
leave?” The CFO responds, “What happens
if we don’t and they stay?” This is
a great message about investing in your
best assets: your workforce.
To develop OCC, organizations must first have
the organizational structure in place that
encourages a systems approach to thinking by
breaking the rigid silo approach and therefore
has the entire organization in mind and the
buy-in from all levels when making critical
decisions.
Further establishing organizational
capacity for change requires continuous
improvement and repeatedly asking these
questions:
Where are we? – Do we have a benchmark
that outlines how our organizational systems
approach change initiatives, and are they
sustainable?
What is working and what is not working?
– This is self-explanatory, but oftentimes,
organizations that operate in silo capacities
do not have the objectivity to look inward and
change what is holding them back.
Where do we want to be? – Set a clear target
for productivity and sustainability. The two go
hand in hand.
What do we need to change, and what are
the key priorities? - Establish a roadmap that
includes short- and long-term goals, as well as
An even more powerful message
could read, “What happens if we invest
in our employees, and we are not change
ready and therefore can’t benefit?” or,
“Why are we investing in training our
employees in areas that are not relevant
or a priority for our organization right
now?”
In a 2013 a survey of 1000 CEOs was
conducted by Accenture and the United
Nations Global Compact that spanned
27 industries in 103 countries, 93%
regarded sustainability as a new key for
business success.
These outcomes indicate that there
is little argument that organizations
are realizing that they must become
more sustainable and “get in shape,”
the question that is most commonly
asked is “how?” The key lies in aligning
organizational priorities to strategy and
expectations. Growing towards a sustainable
model requires organizational
capacity for change (OCC).
quick wins.
How will we get there? – Work with a third
party to assist in performing an assessment
with health checks.
How will we know we are there? - Establish
key performance indicators (KPI) and a level to
achieve against an international rating system.
Periodic health checks using external
evaluation systems such as the GPM® PSM3
Sustainability Assessment Model supports
organizations in building the capacity to
make the right decisions. In order to achieve
the benefits that drive an organization
upward, it can leverage what works well across
the enterprise and establish key metrics that
the organization can measure, manage, and
ultimately achieve.
The developed nations of the world are fast
realizing the gains by investing in sustainability
and with Asean Free Trade Agreement (Afta)
coming into full effect in 2015, Malaysia can
capitalize by increasing its collective capacity
for change by investing in the assets that are
already in place, emphasizing a culture of
innovation. This will transform potential into
momentum and reality.
green+.2014, november-december 27

Green Plus Advert copyFINAL+GREEN+.pdf 1 18/12/14 6:11 PM
EVENTS
Building for a
better tomorrow
Inaugural Green Buildings & Parks World 2014 designed
to provide platform for developers, professionals and
government bodies to converge and share
Concern about the environment
and the renewability
of our resources, with global
warming and changes in
our weather pattern of
late is currently at the heart of the
real estate and urban planning industry.
The development of innovative
technologies greatly affects our daily
lives and offers a wealth of new possibilities.
This also applies to today’s
buildings and those of tomorrow.
The emerging technologies for the
development of energy-efficient
buildings are attracting consumers
and businesses to demand for green
development. The trend is clear: new
materials, pioneering technologies for
utilizing renewable energy and the
use of landscape and parks are significant
innovations in construction and
building technologies of recent years.
The inaugural Green Buildings &
Parks World 2014 that was staged
on December 1-3, 2014 at the Borneo
Convention Centre in Kuching, Sarawak
was designed to provide a platform for
developers, professionals and government
bodies to converge and share,
learn and collaborate to improve the
green buildings and parks of their
Technical Tour: Welcome Remarks by Ir. Simon Loh,
Manager (Corporate Shared Services - Property), Sarawak
Energy Berhad
countries. The areas of discussion
including:
Latest Green Certification Criteria
and Scores
Eco-building Materials
Green Building Design Innovation
Landscapes & Parks in Green
Buildings
Green Incentives for Developers
The objective
To provide an overview on the latest
green certifications criteria and scores
of the region’s green buildings
To share and exchange ideas on
latest designs and innovations in green
buildings and eco-building materials
To identify key trends and issues
confronting the sustainable development
growth for the region’s green
buildings
To provide networking and build
business opportunities whilst engaged
in discussion on pertinent issues with
industry experts
The highlights
A High Calibre Summit
The Comprehensive Services
Showcase
Business Matching Meetings
Post-conference Technical Tours
Benefits
Unrivalled access to a target audience
of developers, consultants,
engineers, manufacturers, policy
makers, regulators and captains of the
industry
A flagship event to exchange ideas
with the industry experts while being
updated on the latest policies, green
certifications, regulations and developments
in the green building industry
A platform for networking and
establishing contacts for future business
collaborations
C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
VIPs and Guest of Honour officiating the launch of Green Buildings
& Parks World 2014 (from left): Mike Cannon, Managing Director of
Sarawak Convention Bureau, Safri Zainudin, Permanent Secretary
of Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Communications
Sarawak, Maria Boey, President of Institute of Parks and
Recreation Singapore and Dato Sri Michael Manyin Ak. Jawong,
Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communications
Sarawak, Paul Martin Yeo, CEO of Confexhub Group.
Deep discussion: Green+ Managing Editor Johnson Fernandez chaired the
session on Green Incentives & Financing Options For Green Infrastructure.
The panelists were (from left) Azrin Azizuddin (EXIM Bank Senior Manager,
Business Support Department), Zaini Abdul Wahab (Principal Consultant &
Director, Connecsys Group) and Ir Kevin Hor (National Project Manager and
Consultant, Bullding Sector Energy Efficiency Project)
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Regenerative design,
the next conversation of
Green-built environment
Why going ‘Green’ is merely the opening chapter towards
the better built environment we need to be in
A
reality check indeed.
Recently I gave a talk in
the World Diabetes Day
(14/11/14) awareness
exhibition which was held
at KLCC Esplanade, in partnership with
Novo Nordisk, a pharmaceutical company
which manufactures one fifth of
the world’s insulin supply. So you may
be thinking, what does a green building
consultant have to do with World
Diabetes Day? Winston Churchill
once quoted “We shape our buildings,
and afterwards our buildings shape
us”. The evidence of us unveiling the
pandora’s box of urban planning is
irrefutably obvious, from the increasing
occurrence of flash flood around
the greater Klang Valley, to being a
nation rated as the highest among
Asian countries for obesity. It nonsensical
to place an escalator serving a
gym, neither designing a wide spread
horizontal city that requires ever stationary
human beings sitting in their
carbon releasing machines crawling
across the miles when they could just
walk actively in a multi usage medium
density vertical city.
Cities are the physical testimonies
of any civilization success, be it the
famous historical landmarks, ever
increasing modern skyscraper, efficient
public transportation system
or the public squares and parks.
Nevertheless, it is a fact that our built
environment revolves closely with
the driving force of economics today,
which has subsequently caused many
externalities which are not accounted
for. One of it is public health impact
and community well-being which I
had elaborated during the talk then.
It is exciting to see the progressive
growth of green building wave which
is participated by various authorities
and property markets ever since
Green Building Index was introduced
in 2009. To date, GBI has charted 100
million square feet of green buildings
certified and many related built environment
stakeholders are proposing
various alternative green building
rating tools.
Gene-Harn
currently
works as
a Green
Building
Consultant
at IEN
Consultants
based in
Bangsar. The
architecture
masters
student is
passionate
towards the
potential
benefits of
sustainable
urban design
and green
buildings
towards
the aspect
of social,
environment
and economy
for a better
world.
Redefining Sustainability
through Sufficiency Themed
Design Process
However, one needs to be cautiously
optimistic because even with the
entire city and all buildings certified as
‘green’, that is merely solving the tip of
the iceberg of our built environment
complexity issues. Sustainability is a
noble ambition, but one I believe is short
sighted and increasingly meaningless
in today’s developing world. Even, the
word “Sustainable Development” is
probably the most oxymoron term ever
existed. Simply due to the fact that it is
not possible for an infinite growth on a
finite planet, this is also even if you have
a very low carbon or ecological footprint
per capita, but with a projection of 10 billion
population by 2030.
If one is to evaluate the true sustainability
of our built environment, one
has to look at regenerative design, the
process oriented systems theory based
approach to design, or, to design the
way of our city. Communities should
restore natural capital and produce
Insight By Gene-Harn
positive externalities, in contrast to the
current, much economic development
centric building industry progress
which means little for mankind progress.
Regenerative design develops a
mutually enhancing relationship with
the earth. It augments the capacity
of existing resources and systems,
rather than depleting or simply maintaining
them. If we measure our built
environment performance against the
following 6 aspects and 3 fundamental
principles, it is clear that our current
state of green building wave progress
is incommensurate to the rate of
deterioration of our built environment
in respect to the holistic principles of
regenerative design.
FOOD AND SOIL
Soil is Gold. Soil is a non-renewable
resource that is often taken for granted.
While the green revolution in agriculture
is credited with allowing relatively
few farmers to feed over 7 billion people
across the world, it has been extremely
damaging to the natural health and
productivity of the soil as well as the
social fabric of rural communities.
There is a finite amount of arable land
in Malaysia alone which is only 8% of
total area space, and we need to use
land judiciously and according to its
capabilities and assets. The factuality
of nature cannot be our total morality,
but by being ignorant of nature we are
ignorant of our limits as well as our possibilities.
Most of us simply do not know
the origins of the food on our plates
and also where does the 930 tonnes of
Malaysia food waste go to daily.
There is an urgent need to decentralize
and relocalize growth, variety,
distribution and waste handling of food,
to replenish and rejuvenate the soil by
closing the nutrient loop, to encourage
urban permaculture trend to be commercially
recognized. The crucial fact is
that by decentralizing and encouraging
community sufficient food system,
there will be food security through
localized food sovereignty. Both
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november-december, green+.2014

COLUMN
Shao Lyn (Right), founder of Eats Shoots and Roots, raising the awareness on the need of urban farming and permaculture.
tangible, and intangible benefits result
from local food system support, these
includes health, the local economy, the
environment, and the well-being of the
community, including the social networks
that are vital in nation building.
SHELTHER AND PLACE
Regenerative design is not merely on
the built and natural environment,
but the software of it, people, which is
equivalent essential in justifying the
fairshare of our planet resources without
the monopolization by certain
interest groups. The human spirit needs
inspiration and nurturing. Communities
are created when people feel attached
to a place and attached to people. The
urgent social security we face today is
the inequality within society that has
caused us insecurity in our social living
environment. We need to cultivate
places with a diversity of people, species,
incomes, functions, and a varied
built environment that leads to more
tolerance and allow these elements to
support each other.
It is utterly gibberish to have a
neighbourhood design that promotes
environmental sustainability but
socially discriminate the rich from the
EPIC Home, a social enterprise which aims to build relationship between the urban and rural divide
through the activity of building homes for underprivileged indigenous people of Peninsular Malaysia.
poor. This includes the many elite gated
and guarded communities we see today,
which I highly doubt its community’s
social cohesiveness can be any better
than that of the low cost flats population
instead. Cities must be designed
to enhance social connections and the
serendipitous culture of the street,
which also respects and emulates the
spirit of the place. Our built environment
shall build dignified homes for all
members of society, granting equivalent
rights for all to assess to green
space and wild space, and even, inviting
green+.2014, november-december 31

COLUMN
other species to share the land together
as part of the good practice of biophilic
city design. Aldo Leopold summarized
it well “We abuse land because we
regard it as a commodity belonging to
us. When we see land as a community
to which we belong, we may begin to
use it with love and respect.”
WATER
Another hard truth we face in this 21st
century is the global water crisis. Only
0.3% of the freshwater in the world is
readily accessible surface water. By
2025, 52 countries, with two thirds of
the world’s population, will likely to face
fresh water shortage. Water is the blood
of the Earth. It is a vital to all the organisms
who live on Earth as our blood is
to us. An unhealthy aquatic system
can lead to algal blooms, swimming
closures, weed infestations, fish kills,
waterborne illnesses and contaminated
ground water. A river will be clean only
if nothing fouls it up in the first place.
With the 300,000 tonnes of garbage,
enough to fill 100 Olympic-sized swimming
pools being dumped into our
Malaysian rivers yearly and many other
source of contaminants, what makes
us think that we deserve clean water
after all?
The rules towards a justifiable usage
of water are simple and widely known
but only few or none of us practice
them due to our dirt cheap subsidized
potable water, that does not reflect the
true ecological externality cost. The
fact is the built environment we live
in today sees water as a cheap commodity
so much (or even free!), that we
isolate ourselves from the very much
perceived “contaminated” rainwater
for simple hand washing for example.
Yet, we hear citizens complaining on
the water shortage while free and
clean water is pouring down on their
roofs then. We need to regenerate
our cities and peoples’ mind sets to
celebrate the availability of water by
harvesting precipitation while allowing
ground water replenishment, by
treating greywater and blackwater as a
resource, by enhancing aquatic health,
instead of glorifying our magical water
taps at home. The health of waterways
is important in the health of the entire
ecosystem, including human’s.
ENERGY AND TRANSPORTATION
It is known from Malaysia National
Energy Balance 2012 sheet that the
transportation and building sector
accounts for 37% and 15% of the total
energy usage. The scattered forms
of development that both urban
and rural areas have adopted over
the last 60 years require significant
Good Design: Singapore’s Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park features water playground which offers a different
outdoor learning experience for its surrounding residential community.
Jeffery Lim (Left), the founder of Cycling Kuala Lumpur Bicycle map, leading a group of cyclist over a
one day tour to rediscover the lost spaces of Petaling Jaya.
transportation infrastructure dependent
on a cheap and accessible supply
of energy. Today, we live in an increasingly
mobile world where we expect to
be able to fly or drive outstation over
the weekend. The modes of transport
and the high energy demand environment
we live in require large amounts
of fossil fuel, produce air pollution and
contribute to climate destabilization.
On the contrary on design thought,
how would society and our sense of
place be impacted by reduced mobility
and recreational activities that
occurred closer to home?
Energy and transportation demand
can be reduced by creating beautiful
whole communities. Do people feel less
of a need to escape to the countryside
when they have a strong sense of place
and attachment to their community?
Perhaps there need to be more places
to escape to within the city, this
includes having access to recreation
in natural spaces, quiet sheltered
repose, vibrant street lie and shopping
opportunities among other things. By
designing for integrated communities
with multipurpose infrastructure
and encouraging active mobility such
as walking or cycling, there is huge
earning in the aspect of energy conservation
before we even start talking
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about energy efficiency or renewable
energy.
MATTER AND WASTE
It is a matter of fact that industrialized
nations have become throw-away
societies. We label ourselves as ‘consumers’
as if this is what our purpose
in life is. Media and marketing do not
just advertise products, they redefine
your “wants” as “needs”. Obsolescence
is built in to product design so that a
replacement product will have to be
purchased in a few years. This not only
consumes large amounts of material
and resources but rapidly exhausts
landfill capacity. How can attitudes
toward purchases be changed from
choices based on immediate cost
to choices that consider the quality,
durability and carbon footprint of the
product? Take for instance, a plastic
pop bottle cannot become another pop
bottle upon recycling. It will be turned
into a product or material of lower quality
with fewer possible uses. Eventually,
a product that has been downcycled like
this loses its ability to be recycled hence
becomes a waste.
The idea of ‘waste’ needs to be
discarded. From the aspect of regenerative,
the output of the system of human
consumption must become input for
another process. This is popularized by
the term “Cradle to Cradle” concept by
William McDonough. In order to be able
to achieve zero waste, all material needs
to be categorized as either biological or
technical. Technical materials, or nutrients,
consist of non-toxic synthetic
materials that can be continuously
recycled without losing their integrity
or quality. Biological nutrients are
organic materials that can be returned
to the natural environment to decompose
once they are no longer useful to
humans. These two categories needs
to be kept separated from source so
that objects and their components stay
circulating continuously within their
stream.
ECONOMIES AND GOVERNANCE
Our current economic paradigm is
based on flawed theories. It fundamentally
ignores the ecological foundations
upon which all systems on earth are
based. Its sole focus is financial capital
– ignoring natural capital, human capital,
social capital, and built capital. Can
a system that simply measures one
output – Goss Domestic Product GDP
accurately measure the well-being or
progressive growth of a society? For
example, the disparity between rich
and poor within a nation has a strong
correlation to the health of the entire
population. The less of a gap there is
Biji Biji initiative, a social enterprise which focuses in product design of upcycled material, has been
constantly finding creative ways to reuse trash through various prototype development and production.
between those on top and those on the
bottom, the healthier all citizens are.
The regenerative aspect seeks a
holistic alternative instead of the traditional
economics. The true “Genuine
Wealth” as proposed by Mark Anielski,
an ecological economist, measures five
capital assets: human, social, natural,
built and financial. The findings conclude
that the localization of the economy is
an effective way of circulating resources
within the community, thus impacting
several of different types of capital
simultaneously. Governments should
facilitate policy to be flexible enough to
encourage continual adjustments as
we learn from the implementation of
new strategies as described above to
address the environmental, social and
economic issues facing society.
Driving all these to happen
While the amplification of regenerative
WWW.MESYM.
COM Malaysia
Environmental
Sustainability
Youth
Movements,
an integrated
virtual platform
crowdsourcing
on
environmental
movements
within Malaysia,
organizes
monthly
documentary
screening
which tries to
bridge various
stakeholder
to a casual
discussion.
design written into six different
aspects spanning across three major
themes, the conversation on
regenerative design is still relatively
novice and its academic definition is
still on the argument board. However,
each of the regenerative principles
themselves are quite broad and
there are many ways of being true to
them through design. These may be
discovered as our worldviews evolve
to see problems in a new light, or as
the application of certain design ideas
fails – perfection should not get in the
way of greatness – let’s start by doing
something, which we have already,
by riding on the green building wave,
and improve it as we go. One thing
is certain, that our current economic
model and built environment
progress does little or none
progress to the overall well-being of
society.
green+.2014, november-december 33

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PART 2
Key elements must
be clearly stipulated
and agreed upon
Investments from EPC projects implementation could also
contribute to the growth
Here I would like to share
on key steps and key elements
that need to be
considered in implementing
energy saving projects
using the EPC energy saving model.
Key Steps In the
Implementation Process
Based on my reading and some research
on EPC, below is how I could summarise
on key steps involved to ensure EPC
process will work.
1. EPC needs confirmation by Building
Owner: The building owners have
made assessments and EPC agreed
by top management as a model that
is employed for the implementation
of energy saving projects over the
use of the internal budget where
the potential building has been
identified.
2. Preparation of basic information,
objective, assessment criteria and
guidelines in the implementation
EPC project in the building.
3. Notification and publicity for the
invitation to the implementation of
the EPC project – to spread the news
to all interested parties about the
project with the eligibility requirements
and criteria in a nutshell.
4. Briefing by building owners to
interested ESCOs, site visits and the
handing over of basic information of
the building.
5. Submission of the preliminary
proposal by ESCOs based on
the evaluation criteria and basic
information.
6. Evaluation preliminary Proposal
by ESCOs based the assessment
criteria.
7. The appointment of ESCO to implement
EPC project based on an
energy audit to be carried out with
the conditions agreed in the EPC
contract.
8. ESCO to conduct a detailed energy
audit, propose implementation and
investment proposal using EPC
model together with the draft EPC
contract document.
By Zaini
Abdul Wahab
9. Negotiate EPC contractual terms
of the proposed investment for the
implementation where the conditions
discussed by the ESCO and the
building owner to be finalized.
10. Signing of EPC Contract with conditions
that have been agreed upon.
11. EPC Project Implementation which
will cover improvements and the
installation of energy efficient
equipment and systems, testing and
validation of performance and measurements
of actual energy savings
based on the baseline and methods
that have been agreed upon;
12. Monitoring and verification actual
achieved and monthly payments to
the ESCO
Key selection criteria of ESCO to
perform EPC projects
The selection of qualified and capable
ESCO is very-very critical in determining
the success of the implementation
of the EPC project to achieve energy
savings as had been committed.
Apart from having the capability in
terms of technical expertise to identify
and implement energy-saving’s potential
project or proposed measures, there
are several other criteria that must be
considered.
Among them are:
i) The ability of the qualified and competent
management and technical
personnel of the ESCO to manage
and execute EPC projects;
ii) The financial strength of the company
to fund a project either by using
internal financial resources or loans
from financial institutions, and
iii) Track record and experience in
implementing projects with EPC
concept including the scale of
investment in the projects
As a guide, the Malaysian
Association of Energy Services
Company (MAESCO) has proposed a list
of criteria to evaluate an ESCO that can
be used as a reference or basis based on
feedback and experience of its members
in implementing EPC projects.
A summary of the proposed criteria
include the following:
i) The minimum paid-up capital and
financial position ESCO - to ensure
that the ESCO has enough basic
financial position to be considered
by the bank for any financing;
ii) The need to have a top management
and technical teams with minimum
qualifications and experiences
in project implementation Energy
Conservation projects especially in
using EPC model;
iii) The need to have permanent technical
support groups to implement the
proposed energy saving projects;
and
iv) The need to have the basic equipment
for conducting detailed energy
audit.
In addition to the criteria mentioned
above, other important criteria to
ensure that the qualifications and
capability of an ESCO to implement the
EPC projects particularly in the government
sector are as follows:
i) The Company has been registered
with the Energy Commission as an
ESCO;
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ii) Must be registered with the
Ministry of Finance as a provider
of services under the Green
Technology Code 222 801;
iii) To submit a record and information
about EPC projects ever
and is being implemented as a
reference mainly involving largescale
investments;
iv) Submission of proposed method
for the measurement and monitoring
of energy savings each
month on a regular basis over
the term of the EPC contract to
be implemented. The method
of calculating the energy savings
achieved must be based
on the actual measurement of
the difference in total energy
consumption before and after
implementation of the proposed
energy conservation project;
v) Be prepared to conduct a detailed
energy audit of buildings at no
cost to the owner of the building
facilities.
Lastly, is the most crucial part
to get the EPC project implemented
which is the key elements and contents
of EPC contractual documents.
Key elements that must be clearly
stipulated and agreed between the
ESCO and the facilities owner are as
follows:
+ The proposed duration of the
contract with the guarantee
of energy cost savings and
conditions:
+ The minimum amount of savings
expected to be achieved
+ The method, report formatting
and formula for calculating
shared savings will be paid to the
ESCO;
+ Conditions to be applied if savings
achieved are less than
guaranteed by the ESCO.
+ The cost savings with significant
changes of operations at the
facilities.
+ The responsibilities of building
owners and the ESCO throughout
the contract period.
+ Maintenance, use, maintenance
and modification or removal of
the equipment that was installed
Malaysia, the Philippines,
Thailand and Indonesia all show
significant power generation
growth, with considerable
opportunities also emerging in
Myanmar as the government
makes power sector reforms.
by the ESCO by the facilities
owner.
+ If the equipment installed by
the ESCO is lost or damaged and
guarantee of losses and liabilities
by ESCO to the facilities owner.
In a bigger picture, the
investments from EPC projects
implementation could also contribute
to the growth of our economy
and reduction of carbon dioxide gas
emission through the reduction of
energy consumption. That will be
derived from investments made
by ESCOs which will create more
jobs from each EPC project and
the increase in the use of energy
efficient technologies and products
by among intensive energy users
among business communities in
Malaysia.
Other benefits are more EPC
projects implementation will create
interests among younger generation
and encourage more professionals
to be look energy efficiency industry
as a new field of attractive and good
career prospects in the future.
Zaini Abdul
Wahab is
a principal
consultant
& director of
Connecys Sdn
Bhd which
specialiszes in
consultancy
for sustainable
energy
management
system. He was
also Director
of Energy
Efficiency at
Sustainable
Energy
Development
Authority
(SEDA) Malaysia
and led the
national EE
initiatives
under ETP and
also was the
key resource
person in the
drafting of EE
& Conservation
Act by the
Ministry of
Energy, Green
Technology and
Water
green+.2014, november-december 35

COLUMN
Tips for Lifepath enhancement
House with good Feng Shui features can be an excellent “tool” or channel for personal
lifestyle and Lifepath enhancement, include the health, relationship, prosperity and
wealth accumulation for family members
If you are in the midst of selecting,
designing or renovating your lovely
home now, here are some of the
important and useful Good Feng
Shui tips that I want to share with
my readers.
Good Feng Shui always refer the
stove as the “heart” of the house. The
stove in the kitchen represents the
Fire element and it is a very important
element because it affects the health,
wealth and harmony amongst the
family members.
Avoid installing the stove within
the Northwest or Southwest sectors of
the house. Also ensure that the stove
does not face any mirror, water basin,
refrigerator, washing machine, main
door, room door or toilet door. Also
ensure that the stove is not installed
right below the sewerage pipe else it will
cause negative impacts to the family
members’ health, relationship and
prosperity status.
“Good Feng Shui Converge Water
Technique” is the highest skill in
Feng Shui implementation. A lot of
people have been mistakenly made
to believe that water in the Southwest
sector surely brings great wealthluck.
However, in the year 2014 (i.e.
from now until the 3rd of February,
2015), we should avoid installing any
Water Feature such as aquarium or
water fountain within the Southwest
sector of the house, either internally
By Kenny Hoo
or externally, because it may trigger
unnecessary love affairs, health problems
or relationship tension amongst
the family members.
When selecting a house, in general
Feng Shui principles, we always wish
the house face to an open and wide
space with greens, if possible backed
by higher land or mountains. Usually
houses facing pools of water such as
ponds, lakes, swimming pools or seafronts
are more valuable. This is because
these features provide stronger Feng
Shui effects as it gathers a good set of Qi
and thus is able to accumulate greater
wealth and promote good health.
Most people only want to acquire
houses that face water pond, river or
sea-front as these can bring about
better fortune. However, houses facing
mountains can be a good point too. The
mountain in front of the house is able to
accumulate good Qi at the Bright Hall.
If the mountain in front of the house is
smooth and greenish, the occupants
especially the offspring of the family
will enjoy better health, wealth, and
prosperity for multi generations.
We are now living in the 8th Period
of Feng Shui cycle which began in
2004 and will last until the year 2023.
According to the Good Feng Shui
principles, houses facing Northeast
or Southwest directions are able to
capture more easily the good and
auspicious Qi during this period of time.
However, through further Feng
Shui customization, especially with
Water Feng Shui Technique, houses
facing other directions, such as facing
36
november-december, green+.2014

COLUMN
Southeast, Northwest, North or
South can also achieve auspiciousness
through good Feng Shui
adjustments such as fine-tuning
or calibration at the main door’s
direction, or correct water features
implementation. Therefore, do not be
upset even if your current house is
not facing Southwest or Northeast.
In the 2014 Wood Horse year,
Fire element is one of the most
auspicious elements. The Firerelated
industries will benefit a lot
in the year of 2014. These include
bridal house, optometry, optician,
photography, restaurant, beautician,
entertainment, lightings, movies,
nuclear power, power plant, power
generator, tele-communications.
Avoid making any renovation or
alteration in the South nor North
sectors of your house or office as
this will trigger negative Feng Shui
effects .
Wood-related industries will
generate lots of luxurious income in
the year of 2014, as it is able to generate
lots of Wealth-luck in 2014. The
relevant industries include timber,
furniture, education, interior design,
printing, newspaper, magazine, florist,
kindergarten, nursery, dancer,
publication, landscape and gardening.
Avoid making any renovation or
alteration in the East sector of your
house or office, as this will reduce the
positive Feng Shui effects.
Avoid installing mirror facing
the main door or main entrance as
it may introduce negative forces to
the house, thus affecting health and
wealth fortunes. Avoid mirror facing
windows. Also avoid placing mirrors
on the ceiling as this may create
health problems.
Avoid installing air-conditioner
above the bed’s headboard or room
door, as this will create health
problems to the occupants. It can be
installed above windows.
When selecting a house, be
more concerned about the external
factors as it contributes 70 per cent
of the Feng Shui influence. Avoid
houses facing or next to the road
junction, bridge, lamppost, temple,
church, mosque, police station, hospital,
transformer substation, tower.
Usually houses like this will be more
difficult to resell in the future, and
suffer lower appreciation value.
An experienced Feng Shui
master or expert should be able
to calibrate the internal Feng Shui
arrangement and implementation,
for a house or office, by linking or
matching the BaZi or Lifepath of the
whole family members involved.
Master Kenny
Hoo is the
Founder & Chief
Researcher
of GOOD
FENG SHUI®
Geomantic
Research, a
research-based
company that
actively involves
in providing
professional
Feng Shui
(Geomantic
science)
research,
authoring
seminars and
consultation
services for
domestic home,
business,
factory, hotels
& resorts,
township,
property
development
& ancestral
graveyard. To
find out more
about Kenny
and his Feng
Shui please
visit www.
goodfengshui.
com.
green+.2014, november-december 37

COLUMN
Energy efficiency as a
fuel to compete with
electricity generators
All EU-28 countries are legally obliged to achieve a certain amount
of final energy savings by 2020
Energy efficiency which
is regarded as a “fuel” by
many countries has not been
openly embraced by utilities.
While ensuring energy
supply security is imperative and discussions
for nuclear is underway within
the different stakeholders, the author
wishes to present an alternative which
could be as financially attractive.
Utilities have the potential to
engage with their customers to drive
energy efficiency. Whilst information
campaigns, the provision of free
energy audits, or similar have often
been undertaken by the government
of Malaysia, such “soft” activities have
had negligible impact on overall energy
consumption. While the utilities have
taken steps to engage with the public to
encourage energy efficient behaviour,
utilities have only been shown to be
capable of either delivering or fostering
large scale energy conservation in the
case of capacity constraints (such as in
Japan post-Fukushima) or where there
is strong regulation and incentive to do
so.
A Utility Energy Efficiency Obligation
(UEEO), also known as a white certificate
scheme, is a regulatory method of
financing energy efficiency upgrades
and driving large investment in
energy efficiency that utilities can, if
they so choose, use to decouple their
income from the sale of energy. This
is an emerging form of policy, used in
Australia, the US, Europe and Brazil.
This is an ideal regulatory intervention
which does not require the creation of a
new act. Enabling such a scheme would
likely require an amendment to the
Electricity Supply Act, or alternatively
a new Act.
UEEOs are used by several European
countries (eg Italy, France, Demark, the
UK, Poland), roughly half of the states
in the United States, in four Australian
states, in China and in Brazil. The
European Union Energy Efficiency
Directive (2012) mandates that all EU-28
countries are legally obliged to achieve
a certain amount of final energy savings
by 2020. A range of mechanisms
By Kevin
Hor
(Project
Manager and
Component 3
Consultant)
kevin.hor@jkr.
gov.my
Figure 1: Deeming savings brings forward actual savings,
Figure 2 - Example of on-bill financing applied to purchase
of a high efficiency air conditioner
are required, one of which is the
obligation to use energy efficiency obligation
schemes or other targeted policy
measure.1
UEEO places an obligation on energy
utilities to save energy, with a fixed
amount of “negawatts” or negative
watts to be generated each year. This
obligation is placed on the utility to purchase
the “negawatts” from a purpose
created “Energy Efficiency Generator
(EEG)” as has been done in the USA
state of Vermont.
UEEOs are operationalized through
deemed forward savings method
where essentially the benefits are paid
for before they are realised. This creates
an adverse initial cash flow, with a
high upfront initial investment required
to realise the savings. For example if
across all measures implemented in
a UEEO scheme the average deeming
period is 10 years, an amount equal to
the cumulative savings over ten years
has to be paid for up front as shown in
Figure 1.
A long term guarantee purchase
contract has to be provided to the EEG
to allow the EEG the security to raise
funds required to generate annual
target for energy savings, effectively
generating “negawatts.” This competes
38
november-december, green+.2014

COLUMN
with the conventional generation
business model where instead of
paying for generation it is possible
to be cheaper to produce
“negawatts” and removes the
split incentive for a utility that
also wants to maximise its sales
of generated electricity.
Since no tariff charge will
be required to fund the obligation,
there will likely be a loss
of revenue scenario to the
utility. To offset the loss in
revenue, utilities can recoup
through embracing a new business
model of on-bill financing of
energy efficiency. This then shifts
the obligation partially to the
beneficiaries. UEEOs have arisen
because essentially most energy
users are unwilling to invest in
EE. UEEOs essentially subsidise
the cost of EE, reducing paybacks
down to a level where ordinary
energy users are willing to invest
some of their own money in a
more efficient product or improving
the efficiency of their existing
buildings.
Similar to building generation
capacity, achieving large energy
savings requires large investment,
which the private sector
is generally unwilling to make
unless substantial incentives
exist. A UEEO is an effective way
of financing and creating these
incentives.
UEEOs are a relatively complex
instrument and are significantly
more complex to administer than
the Feed in Tariff as already exists
in Malaysia. Without effective
administration, measurement,
verification, evaluation and
enforcement a UEEO is unlikely
to be effective. Strong commitment
across all political divides is
required to develop a sustained,
long term UEEO.
What sort of activities are
undertaken to generate
savings from UEEOs?
Savings can be generated from
either “standard measures”
where the savings are deemed
(i.e. estimated) or “project
measures” which require measurement
and verification of the
savings achieved.
Some examples of activities
include:
+ Efficient Water heating
+ Efficient Heating and cooling
+ Weather proofing and
insulation
+ Efficient Lighting
Figure 3 - The electricity market with an EEG-on-bill.
+ Standby power controllers
+ Efficient appliances, such
as televisions, refrigerators,
clothes dryers
+ Efficient Pool pumps
+ Efficient refrigerated display
cabinets
+ Efficiency refrigerator fans
+ Efficient motors
+ Metered baseline for commercial
and industrial (any activity
can be implemented, providing
savings can be measured)
With on-bill financing each
beneficiary of the reduced
upfront cost of an EE measure
pays for the financing provided
through an additional charge on
their electricity bills.
There is no need for tradeable
certificates or a marketplace.
Example in Figure 2 shows
how this would work for the purchase
of a 5 star air conditioner.
Such a scheme:
+ Has a set of regulator
approved standard
measures for EE fixtures. For
example an air-conditioner,
insulation installed in a roof
cavity, installed light fitting
are all fixtures. A domestic
refrigerator is not a fixture.
+ Has regulator approved
standard calculations for
determining the amount of
financing that can be provided
and the payback period.
+ Attaches the on-bill payment
to the electricity meter
number. So that is, irrespective
of whether a property is sold or
changes tenants, a payment is
still made, for a fixed number of
payment periods.
+ The payment could normally
be expected to be less than the
savings arising from EE.
As shown in Figure 3 below,
the utility company is not
required to pay the EE generator
any more than what it collects
form the on-bill payments and
potentially generate income to
supplement the revenue loss
from the on bill financing business
model. Whilst it may lose
some revenue due to decreased
sales of electricity, its electricity
purchases from generators will
also drop.
Enabling Legislation
Possible ways of creating the
enabling legislation are:
+ Incorporate it into the
Electricity Supply Act (as has
been done in NSW, Australia)
+ Create a separate Act (as
has been done in Victoria,
Australia)
+ Links to both these pieces of
legislation are included at the
end of this document.
If changes were to be made in
the Electricity Supply Act a new
part VB could be incorporated into
the Act.
Alternatively it could be incorporated
in Part VA – Efficient use
of electricity – although a UEEO is
substantially different to Part VA,
and for the purposes of clarity it
would be better to have it has an
entirely new part.
Synergy with other policies,
regulations and thrusts
A UEEO has substantial synergy
with other proposed measures
mentioned in the National Energy
Efficiency Action Plan. It complements
MEPS, and the expansion
of MEPS. It can be used to incentivise
improved whole of building
performance. It can be used to
drive electricity savings in both
the building and industrial sector,
and create significant employment
opportunities in energy
efficiency. A UEEO has synergies
with a range of other policies and
regulations:
+ Labelling and MEPS. A UEEO
can use MEPS to allow certificates
for the purchase of 5 star
appliances. This leverages the
labelling system
+ An energy efficiency
rating tool for buildings.
Improvements in performance
based on the rating tool could
be used to award certificates.
+ A national EE energy consumption
database. This adds
value to a UEEO by facilitating
measurement and verification
of savings. For example, if a
lighting upgrade was undertaken
and certificates claimed
under a UEEO for the upgrade,
the actual drop in electricity
consumption at the site where
the upgrade was undertaken
could be identified from a
national energy consumption
date based. With appropriate
database design, this could
be used to tune the methods
used to calculate savings.
+ Building energy performance
standards. Certificates could
be used to incentivise performance
that was measured to
be better than the standard.
+ Energy savings at large facilities
(i.e. those facilities subject
to the Efficient Manager of
Electrical Energy regulations)
– based on reductions in
energy use certificates could
be generated.
+ Promotion of ESCOs. ESCOs
could create certificates from
a range of activities
+ Enabling of mortgages for
EE in housing. The deeming
methodologies used
under the scheme could be
used as the basis by which
financial institutions can
calculate the amount they can
lend for different EE features
(such as high efficiency air
conditioning).
+ Need to allocate resources to
analysing the data and fine
tuning policies.
green+.2014, november-december 39

MDBC SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2014 (MSA’14)
Malaysian-Dutch Business
Council Sustainability Awards
(MSA) 2014 winners!
Submissions considered by panel of independent,
expert judges, led by Chief Judge H.E. Harry Molenaar
The Malaysian-Dutch
Business Council (MDBC)
Sustainability Awards 2014
has grown and evolved into
a more innovative and inclusive
programme as they had introduced
two new segments this year: the MSA
Innovation Pioneer and the Jaffar Indot
Award on Corporate Governance.
The winners of the 2014 MDBC
Sustainability Awards were announced
by the Minister of Energy, Green
Technology & Water, Datuk Seri
Panglima Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkil
during the awards ceremony dinner at
the DoubleTree by Hilton Kuala Lumpur
on Dec 3.
Dutch Lady Milk Industries won the
award of Best Business Sustainability
by a multinational company by
demonstrating their commitment to
environmental sustainability, corporate
social responsibility and contribution to
the Malaysian economy.
While Asian Perlite Industries,
a service provider for greenhouse
structures, irrigation, water storage,
greenhouse production, soil steaming,
harvesting, grading, labeling, packaging,
cooling systems for vegetables,
fruits and flowers. received the Best
Business Sustainability by a small &
medium enterprise
The MSA Innovation Pioneer
Segment was won by &samhoud, a
management consultancy firm that
encourages new ideas and give their
employees ownership from ideation to
implementation.
When asked about the addition of
the new “MSA Innovation Pioneer”
segment in this year’s MSA, MDBC
Executive Director Marco Winter said:
“Those who do not have the foresight
and willingness to invest in the future
risk losing relevance in the marketplace.
Each company has to encourage
a culture of innovation in their organisation,
which is the challenge for this
segment. The acknowledgement and
inclusion of innovation in this year’s
MSA is therefore a reflection of the
continued growth and evolution of
the awards; it is in fact, part and parcel
All MSA’14 winners and organisers together for a group picture, with YB Datuk Seri Panglima Maximus
Ongkili, Minister of Energy, Green Technology & Water (5th from right).
Dutch Lady Milk Industries Berhad’s SP Ching and Wong
Ee Laine receiving the award for the Best Business
Sustainability by an MNC from Minister YB Datuk Seri
Maximus Ongkili, Netherlands Ambassador Harry Molenaar
and MDBC Chairman Zainul Rahim.
of our own journey along the path of
sustainability.”
Submissions were considered
by a panel of independent, expert
judges, led by Chief Judge H.E. Harry
Molenaar (Ambassador, Embassy of
the Netherlands).
Sharing his thoughts on the
MSA, the Ambassador commented:
“Innovation is used as a driver for
sustainability whilst at the same
time, sustainability can function as a
catalyst for innovation; it has become
a strategy for sustainable economic
growth. Resource scarcity, climate
change, technological development
and a higher demand for products have
forced many companies to integrate
sustainability into their line of business.
With the MDBC organising the MSA for
the fourth consecutive year, it presents
itself as a platform for those companies
that embrace thinking of solutions
today for the global challenges of the
future.”
After an intense day programme
with final presentations by shortlisted
finalist, three well – known companies
40
november-december, green+.2014

MDBC SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS 2014 (MSA’14)
Shortlisted companies in the MSA14 Innovation Pioneer Segment, from left MaxGrip, &samhoud, Shell Malaysia, Mega Fortris Malaysia, ISC
Innovators and Besi APac, together with Netherlands Ambassador Harry Molenaar, Minister YB Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili and MDBC Chairman
Zainul Rahim (4th – 6th left).
emerged as the sustainability and
innovation leaders in their fields.
Best Business Sustainability by
a Multinational Company
Winner: Dutch Lady Milk Industries
Dutch Lady showed a commitment
to environmental sustainability,
corporate social responsibility and contributions
to the Malaysian economy.
Specifically, they have developed strategies
to enhance self – sufficiency
in their sector. Their CSR programs
are unique with a strong emphasis on
empowering local entrepreneurs. By
purchasing sustainable raw materials,
reducing consumption of energy,
water and waste at their production
facilities, Dutch Lady has also proven
their commitment to environmental
sustainability. They implement sound
business plans and ensure satisfactory
returns to their shareholders, as well
as contribute to the growth of the local
economy.
Best Business Sustainability by
a Small & Medium Enterprise
Winner: Asian Perlite Industries
Asian Perlite Industries’ holistic
approach and profitable venture seamlessly
linked economic, social and
environmental benefits. This company
aims to increase the production
of flower and vegetables per square
Asian Perlite Industries’ Luuk Runia receiving the award for
the Best Business Sustainability by an SME from Minister
YB Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili, Netherlands Ambassador
Harry Molenaar and MDBC Chairman Zainul Rahim.
Minister YB Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili receiving a token
of appreciation from MDBC Executive Director Marco Winter
(right) , Netherlands Ambassador Harry Molenaar (2nd left)
and MDBC Chairman Zainul Rahim (far left).
meter in Cameron Highlands to reduce
any further destruction of the highlands.
They also focus on the reduction
of chemicals in flowers and vegetables
by introducing new products from The
Netherlands.
The MSA Innovation Pioneer
Segment
Winner: &samhoud
An energetic company, &samhoud
truly believes in their company culture;
for them, empowerment from the
start promotes innovation. The company
encourages new ideas and gives
their people ownership from ideation
to implementation. The leadership provides
constant mentoring and coaching
to all employees to make sure that they
are motivated and that these innovations
are aligned with the purpose of
&samhoud.
Special Jaffar Indot Award on
Corporate Governance
Winner: Dato’ Mizanur Rahman Ghani
Dato’ Mizanur is an active member
of various organizations involved
in Sustainable Development and
Corporate Responsibility including
Chambers of Commerce. In addition
to going above and beyond what is
required by his regular job, he has made
a big impact on the local business community.
green+.2014, november-december 41

ENERGY
Sarawak Energy inks contract
with Shanghai Electric
For construction of 2 x 300MW Balingian coal-fired main power plant
Sarawak Energy in
early October entered
into a contract with
one of China’s leading
electrical equipment
manufacturing conglomerates,
Shanghai Electric Group Co Ltd
(SEC), for the construction of the
Balingian Coal-fired Power Plant
Project.
The contract will see SEC
undertaking the construction
of the 2 x 300MW Balingian
Coal-fired Main Power Plant, the
first coal-fired plant with CFB
(Circulating Fluidized Bed) boiler
of this capacity in Malaysia.
In comparison with conventional
Pulverized Coal (PC) boiler
technology, CFB boilers have the
ability to handle a wide range
of coal designs, including high
moisture coal which is commonly
found in Balingian, to ensure total
utilization of the resource. This is
improving the environment foot
print of the plant significantly.
Second Planning and
Resource Management Minister
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali
Hasan, who is also Public Utilities
Minister, witnessed the signing
of the contract between three
parties namely Sarawak Energy,
SEC and Shanghai Electric
Power Generation (M) Sdn Bhd
(SEPG), which is a wholly owned
Malaysian subsidiary of SEC.
Signing for Sarawak Energy
were its Chief Executive Officer
Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit and its
Senior Vice President of Thermal
Department Mr James Ung while
signing for SEC were its Chairman
Mr Huang Dinan and General
Manager of Shanghai Electric
Power Generation Group, EPC
Mr Yi Xiao Rong. For SEPG, it was
signed by Director Mr Wen Weihua
and Shanghai Electric Power
Generation Group, EPC Vice-Chief
Engineer Mr Qiu Minghua.
The contract is valued at around
RM1.5 billion and the construction
of the main power plant will commence
next month.
A comprehensive procurement
Sarawak Energy Chief Executive Officer Datuk Torstein Dale Sjotveit
exchanges documents after the signing with Shanghai Electric Group
Co Ltd Chairman Mr Huang Dinan as Second Planning and Resource
Management Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan (centre),
Sarawak Energy Chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi (fourth
from left) and other distinguished guests look on.
process was undertaken in accordance
with Sarawak Energy’s
internal procurement procedures
and in alignment with recognised
industry best practices to identify
the tender offer representing ‘best
value’ and designed to maximize
local content and knowledge
transfer to local companies.
The Selection of Contractor for
the package commenced with
market survey where thereafter
proceeded with invitation and prequalification
of international EPC
contractors with CFB boiler works
experience.
SEC is one of the largest
equipment manufacturing
conglomerates in China and possesses
a comprehensive provision
of modern, complete equipment
sets and engineering works
contracting. Since the 1990s,
SEC’s sales revenue has ranked
top 3 in the Chinese equipment
manufacturing industry. The
company has undertaken power
plant projects on Engineering,
Procurement and Construction
(EPC) basis, both in China and
abroad with more than 20 years of
experience and has achieved continuous
enhancement in its core
competitiveness and independent
innovation capability.
In his speech, Datuk Amar
Awang Tengah said the demand
for energy in the region records a
steady increase of 3% to 4% a year
but in Sarawak, there would be an
expected rapid growth in power
demand from the earlier 1,250MW
to more than 5,000MW by 2020.
He said the rapid growth was
due to the large demand from the
committed and future energyintensive
industries expected
to set up within SCORE and the
increase in local domestic, commercial
and industrial organic
customers.
“Sarawak is blessed with indigenous
hydro, coal and gas energy
resources which give Sarawak the
comparative advantage to produce
bulk power at globally competitive
power prices to encourage investment
here. The development of
these indigenous resources which
is within the state’s control and not
subjected to international market
price fluctuation will ensure price
stability for the SCORE customers
and local organic customers.
“With the strategy to utilize
local coal and hydropower
resources, the State and Sarawak
Energy are confident to meet the
rapid demand growth for power
and realize the state’s SCORE
agenda. This is necessary if we are
to achieve a high income status
for our people of Sarawak by 2020
and uplift the living standards
including the rural communities,”
he added.
Awang Tengah said with the
power generation fully developed
to meet the demand in 2020, the
generation capacity mix was
expected to comprise 60% hydro,
20% coal and 20% gas.
“The construction of a new
power plant in Balingian will
also open up more opportunities
especially for the locals. Their
income is expected to improve
with the growth of businesses
in Balingian as the economic
activities increase. The Balingian
Coal-fired plants will also trigger
socio-development in terms of
generating job opportunities in the
semi-skilled and skilled professions,”
he added.
Commenting on the
partnership in realizing this significant
development trigger project,
Datuk Torstein said the Balingian
Power Plant would help enhance
the State Grid System, particularly
to meet the demand from the
Sarawak Corridor of Renewable
Energy (SCORE) customers.
“With an adequate and stable
supply in place, we will be able to
further convince investors to bring
their businesses here to Sarawak
to strengthen the State’s economy.
“We are having multiples
discussions with potential new
investors who would choose
Sarawak as their preferred
destination for their business
operations and we anticipate
encouraging response from more
energy intensive industry players
in the time to come,” he added.
Located in Balingian, Mukah,
the whole project consists of
a total of nine work packages
namely the construction of the
main power plant, plant site
earthworks, upgrading of the
access road, administration and
ancillary buildings, operator’s village,
the 33kV supply, 275kV EHV
Substation, 275kV Transmission
lines and ash pond.
The whole development of
Balingian Coal-Fired Power Plant
consist of nine work packages of
which, about 45% will be undertaken
by local contractors.
Earthworks and the upgrading
of the access roads have already
begun in May this year and these
works have been undertaken by
Sarawakian contractors.
The whole works is expected
to complete in the first quarter of
2018 with the first power expected
to generate by the end of 2017.
42
november-december, green+.2014

ENERGY
Sarawak Energy
CEO Awarded CEO
Of The Year at 2014
Asian Power Awards
Datuk Torstein was recognised for his leadership
Sarawak Energy Chief
Executive Officer, Datuk
Torstein Dale Sjotveit,
was awarded CEO of
the Year at the Asian
Power Awards 2014 held in one of
the leading hotels in Kuching . The
award presentation was the highlight
of the event which was held
in conjunction with the ASEAN
POWER WEEK in Kuala Lumpur
on Sept 10-12.
Datuk Torstein was recognized
for his leadership in transforming
the Sarawak State-owned utility
company into a modern and agile
corporation, in line with its vital
role in powering Sarawak’s development
through the Sarawak
Corridor of Renewable Energy
(SCORE).
Appointed as CEO of Sarawak
Energy in late 2009, Torstein has
vast experience of more than
30 years in various industries,
including shipbuilding, oil and gas,
petrochemicals and aluminum.
In his acceptance speech,
Sarawak Energy Chief
Executive Officer Datuk
Torstein Dale Sjotveit (right)
receiving the honor of CEO
of the Year at the Asian
Power Awards 2014 from
Asian Power Magazine
Editor-in-Chief Tim
Charlton.
Datuk Torstein attributed the
award to the hardworking
employees of the company.
“It is not my work alone that
had made the achievements
possible, but it was a collaborative
effort that started from the visionary
development agenda of the
Sarawak State Government to the
relentless combined efforts of my
team, from management down to
operational levels,” he said.
Datuk Torstein expressed his
gratitude to the State Government,
the Board of Directors, management
and staff of Sarawak Energy
for the significant achievements
experienced by the company.
The CEO of the Year Award
was the main highlight of the
awards ceremony. Among the
categories of awards were Power
Retailer of the Year (Singapore),
Smart Grid Project of the Year
(Singapore), Coal Power Project
of the Year (India), Transmission
& Distribution Project of the Year
(Hong Kong), Independent Power
Producer of the year and the Power
Utility of the Year Award, which
was also won by Sarawak Energy.
In the same event, Sarawak
Energy also won the Utility of the
Year Award – Malaysia.
The Asian Power Awards aims
to set the benchmark of corporate
excellence in the power industry.
Currently in their 10th year, the
awards have been recognising
top achievers, best practices and
innovations in Asia. Organised by
the Asian Power Magazine, the
award was presented by its Editorin-Chief,
Tim Charlton.
Sarawak Energy Plays Host
to HAPUA Working Group
Sarawak Energy played
host to the Meeting of
HAPUA Working Group 1
on Best Practices of Asset
Management in mid-October
at Menara Sarawak Energy
here in Kuching.
HAPUA (Heads of ASEAN
Power Utilities/Authorities) is
an international organization
established in 1981 with
the founding members
of Indonesia, Malaysia,
Philippines, Singapore and
Thailand. HAPUA aims to
enhance bilateral relationships
between its member nations
and serve as a centre for information
as well as promote and
distribute relevant information
in the field of energy within
the ASEAN region.
HAPUA is comprised of five
working groups, with each
one focusing on a specific
area within the energy
industry. These groups are
Transmission, Distribution and
Power Quality & Reliability
(PQR), Policy Studies &
Commercial Development,
Human Resources and
Generation and Renewable
Energy, with Distribution as
the driver behind this year’s
event.
In welcoming the
delegates, the Chief Operating
Officer of Sarawak Energy
Mr Lu Yew Hung said: “It is
indeed a rare opportunity
that we can have a group of
experts from different cultural
backgrounds gather together
with a common goal. We
hope that through the course
of this event, everyone will
gain new experiences, make
new friends and forge new
alliances.”
Sixteen international
delegates from around the
ASEAN region, namely
Singapore, Thailand,
Cambodia, Laos PDR and
Malaysia joined a group
of internal delegates to
discuss matters related
to Best Practices of Asset
Management over a course of
two days from 13-14 October
2014.
The event, a follow up to
the HAPUA Working Group 3
Committee Meeting (Project
1) which was held in Singapore
in May, is part of HAPUA’s
series of meetings and events
aimed to foster better relationships
among power utility
providers in the ASEAN region
and provide a platform to
discuss related topics was well
received and participants look
forward to next year’s event.
There will be two days of
workshops led by Tenaga
Nasional Berhad (TNB) and
Sarawak Energy respectively,
with Day One focusing on
Life Cycle Cost Analysis and
presentations on Life Cycle
Cost Analysis in the ASEAN
region. The delegates will
also discuss on Workshop
Best Practices on Asset
Management. The delegates
will also be brought to visit one
of Sarawak Energy’s 132/22kV
substations to learn and share
ideas on best practices.
green+.2014, november-december 43

ENERGY
GPNM seminar on
Green Initiatives
Green Recycling and Green Purchasing Opportunities
& Business partnership
In line with the Malaysian
Government’s objective to increase
the use of green technology in all
sectors, Green Purchasing Network
Malaysia embarked on many collaborative
projects. The seminar, on
Oct 17-18, was carefully put together to
showcase the many opportunities of
collaboration among manufacturers,
suppliers and developers to tap the wide
spectrum of the ‘green market’.
The speakers detailed how the
different government sectors were
undertaking big developmental steps
towards implementing green developments,
eg. Green Cities being planned in
Malacca; and the involvement of MIGHT
to ensure that the high standards are
maintained.
The seminar then proceeded to deal
with two very important and fundamental
aspects of a green city.
+ Green Recycling and resource recovery
which inadvertently highlights.
+ How Safe and Green Buildings will be
the obvious outcome.
From the physical emphasis as a
result of green aspects in development,
44
november-december, green+.2014

ENERGY
two speakers showed how the use of
eco-friendly products will transform
any organization or living space into a
highly energy-efficient and resourcesaving
environment.
Therefore, the outcome of this
seminar was a firm collaboration of
the different parties that will have a big
impact on the development of many
more green cities. Within this ecosystem,
there will be more emphasis
on eco-labelled products and services
especially the government’s MyHIJAU
mark.
With the Government Green
Procurement directive issued last April,
all Government departments and agencies
are to embark on green purchasing
activities. This policy will provide the
needed impetus to accelerate the
growth of green economy in Malaysia.
The afternoon session of the seminar
saw the participants discuss and put
forward recommendations on Public
Private Participation on green initiatives
such as the Green City in Malacca in the
following areas:
+ Green recycling and waste
recovery solutions
Proven sustainable and integrated
waste management Wongpanit
system in Thailand, a communitybased
and industry led initiative,
and endorsed for implementation
in Malaysia through Entry Point
Project (EPP) on Waste Recovery
Alternative Solution (WARAS) will
be proposed for pilot implementation
in Melaka. Industry players
through 1PROGRES (Program on
Green Solution) consortium in
partnership with MIGHT and Melaka
Green Technology Corporation will
spearhead the project proposal for
implementation.
Green recycling involves mindset
and attitude changes of individuals,
organization and corporations. This
important aspect of education,
awareness and promotions on zerowaste
concept will be an integral
part of the implementation plan.
+ Energy Efficiency
Industry participants on energy efficiency
proposed a package solution
for Green and Smart City implementation
through energy service
companies (ESCO) and players in
solar PV and thermal, LED lighting
and energy storage. There is huge
business potential through Energy
Performance Contract services
which enable Governments and
corporations to save energy with
little or without investment.
A green initiative on deployment
of energy storage devices to replace
fuel-based power generators in
Pasar Malam enables government
to create air and noise pollution-free
night markets. Rural and off-grid
communities too will benefit from
applications of green storage
devices.
To encourage local green industry
a number of policy and legal changes
need to be adopted. Authorities such
as MITI and Energy Commission
can undertake measures to
prevent uncontrolled influx of substandards
foreign EE products and
specify use of local EE products by
energy service companies (ESCOs).
Public programs on EE awareness
and education should be intensified.
+ Green Services - Green
and Safe buildings and
communities and green
education and training
A proposal to ‘Start small then
go global’ on Green, Guarded and
Gated (3G) community-based
program was suggested to be
implemented in Malacca. Desa Park
City 3G community model can be
emulated where local council and
residence association work together
to establish community safety
and emergency response teams
and conduct recycling activities. To
incentivize communities to undertake
such program, the government
can reward the ‘Green and Safe
Community Award’ to successful
communities.
To this end, Green Purchasing
Network Malaysia (GPNM), Malaysia
Industry-Government Group on
High Technology, MIGHT, through its
subsidiary Might-Meteor Advanced
Manufacturing (MMAM) and Avenion
Greentech Sdn Bhd, the proponent of
WARAS will embark on a collaboration
to implement projects especially on
1. Sustainable Waste Recovery and
Management
2. Green Human Capital Development
3. Sustainable Consumption and
Production (Green Purchasing and
Sustainable Public Procurement)
and
4. Energy Efficiency learning and
Certification
A Memorandum of Understanding
will be signed on the second day of the
seminar between these 3 parties to
ensure the process of implementation
is undertaken.
Therefore, the final outcome of these
two days was the realization of actual
projects to be started by all parties
concerned; each being experts in the
different fields but with one sole objective:
Towards 40 per cent reduction of
carbon emissions by GDP by 2020 for
the nation achievable through smart
partnerships to ensure the correct ecosystem
is in place.
green+.2014, november-december 45

ENERGY
China reveals magic
land treatment success
Revitalised paddy fields have proved able to produce crops
Hebie is a Chinese province
that is being progressive.
They call it bioremediation,
but essentially, the
new idea is to treat soil
that is affected by waste with degrading
bacteria such as Dehalococcoides
and other microorganisms.
Many other Chinese provinces are
also involved as the revitalised paddy
fields have proved able to produce
crops. Only 85% of contaminants and
salt are removed, but this seems sufficient,
for plants at least.
The worst pollution at the moment
in China is caused by heavy metals:
cadmium, mercury and copper,
associated also with arsenic, contaminating
50 million hectares. The
microbes are able to fix these poisons
so that they are not available to plants,
and reside in the soil just like the
miniscule amounts in rock. With many
farms closed down for this treatment,
there must be worries that the treatment
will work in the long-term, after
flooding or if other bacteria reverse
the process. However, the companies
involved are in most cases capable of
this bioengineering.
Earth Times is having a close
look at the secretive technology. The
Credit: © Shutterstock
The rice harvest is being gathered. In Hebie province, would you eat the rice if
it has not been thoroughly tested? Many international companies and Chinese
enterprises are involved but how long has the complex bacterial action been
allowed to work with so much land unavailable for agriculture?
closest we have is the rock-breathing
bacterium, that can be used for
this kind of function, although it is
better known for oil spill clean-ups.
It is related to iron bacteria, sulphur
bacteria, nitrogen bacteria and other
chemosynthesisers.
Farm production will rise by
between 15 and 80% if the crops can be
safely eaten. Even more land from oilspill
pollution could also be recovered
in a similar way. Even there, though,
there have been concerns that enough
time needs to pass before bioremediation
effectively removes enough
toxins from the environment.
New Zealand vets have reservations
about food safety there,
following oil contamination. With
12 million tonnes of rice and other
staples polluted each year, the highly
toxic heavy metals pouring into the
Yangzi and other rivers also have to be
stopped, of course.
The Chinese vice minister of land
and resources, Wang Shiyuan, said
that 3.3 million hectares of arable land
is contaminated land, in grain-producing
areas. We just hope he’s willing
to eat all his rice from there, when it
is declared safe for human consumption.
– www.earthtimes.org
Why the phrase
‘Busy as a
Bee’ may be
becoming extinct
Recently scientists have been studying the mass
occurrence of dead bees, which they believe is caused
by colony collapse disorder. In other words, their
navigation is shot, preventing them from being able to
return to their hive. The ongoing research suggests that
the problem can be heavily linked to human causes.
Factors such as climate change and pesticides are
some examples of how humans are intervening with
the natural process of pollination that the bees need to
survive. This is one account, last year of the EU’s ban on
neonicotinoids in To bee or not to bee.
Although bees are feared for their ability to sting,
they are actually essential to the life of many plants.
Bees are the main pollinators of many plants, so without
them, many fruits and vegetables we take for granted
will begin to disappear, or at least start costing more.
Without natural pollination, farmers will have to invest
in manual pollination techniques. This would increase
the price of their produce, causing an economic impact
in the grand scheme of things. Your plants you could
miss that require pollination include apples, oranges
cucumbers, bananas, tomatoes, vanilla, beans, cotton
lemons, coffee, onions and broccoli.
A company working to develop a product that works
to help the bees stated in their research notes that: In
order to produce a pound of honey, over 750 bees must
log over 55,000 miles of flying. During this extensive
flight programme, visiting over 2 million flowers to
collect nectar, the insects also pollinate the plants that
make I out of every 3 bites of food we eat.
Hady Ghassabian, an Italian designer, invented a
product called, the bee saver. The bee saver is a simple
keychain with a nectar container. The product works
by providing nectar when someone sees an exhausted
honey bee or bumble bee struggling. They can offer it the
nectar to help reenergise the bee so that it can continue
working for its hive and for us. The bee saver has not yet
been officially launched, but the company is preparing
a campaign to help spread awareness of mass deaths of
bees and promote their product.
So the next time you hear that familiar buzzing
sound around your ear, maybe you won’t freak out and
start waving your hands to kill the animal. Maybe you
will fully appreciate the little bee and let her get on with
her busy bee day! – www.earthtimes.org
46
november-december, green+.2014

Who is DHES?
DRB-Hicom Environmental Services Sdn
Bhd (938781-W) or “DHES” is a fully owned
subsidiary of Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and is
under the DRB-HICOM BERHAD Group.
We offer diverse quality services related
to the environment including consultancy,
systems analyses and technical inspection.
We have more than 100* staff in the
management and technical areas and
over 400* support staff stationed all over
Malaysia. Established in the 1990s**, and
we have more than 18 years experience in
this industry and we assure our customers
quality service.
Why us?
Quality Service
Reliability
Technical Capabilities
Group Synergy
Strategy Driven
Value For Money
* Data until September 2014 ** Alam Flora Sdn Bhd
LEADING
AGGRESIVE
3R &
Industrial Scrap
Our main Recycling Centre is located in Precint 9, Putrajaya.
By our “Buy Back Programme”, you can earn some income
while helping the domestic economy and conserving the
environment.
Besides 3R activities, DHES is also involved in providing a
comprehensive service for the large scale industry. On an
average we manage 110 tonnes of scrap per day, equivalent
to 40,000 tonnes yearly. Our industrial scrap waste consists
of various types of iron and metal, wood, aluminium and
other hard materials. Hence DHES has become the largest
Bumiputera company in Malaysia in managing industrial scrap.
Waste Management Facility
& Services
DHES has started its business in waste management in
Malaysia since 1990s. Our vast experience in this industry has
widen our range of services into;
• Management of Transfer Station
• Management of Sanitary Landfill
• Industrial, Commercial & Institutional (ICI) Waste
• Renovation & Construction Waste (RCW)
Integrated Facilities
Management (IFM)
Our focus is to ensure quality that our customers demand and
maximise the building’s life cycle. Our services are:
• Mechanical and Electrical Systems
• Civil and Structural Systems
• Environment Management
• Parking Management
• Security Management
• Computerised Maintenance Management System
• Utilities Management
• Landscaping and Grounds Services
• Cleaning and Housekeeping Services
• Fire Fighthing Systems
• Vertical Transportation
• Pest Control
Level 2, EON Head Office Complex, No.2, Persiaran Kerjaya, Taman Perindustrian Glenmarie, Seksyen U1, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor.
Tel: +603-78030518 / 0844 / 1428 / 1472 | Fax: +603-78030137 | www.dhes.com.my

FEATURE
Nam Cheong launches new ‘green’
anchor handling tug supply vessel
Not just cost-effective but also fuel efficient and environmentally-friendly
+ First vessel based on Nam Cheong’s
proprietary design;
+ Fuel-efficient, simplified design and
environmentally friendly vessel;
+ Secured Letters of Intent worth
US$186 million from new and repeat
customers, with a mix of sale and
also charter of 12 of this new series of
vessels;
+ Secured options for sale of eight
additional units of such vessels;
+ 100% take-up rate of a total of 20
vessels planned for delivery;
+ Secured Letters of Intent from Bumi
Armada and Farid Khan-controlled
company, each for four vessels and
option for four additional vessels.
SINGAPORE
Nam Cheong Limited, a leading global
offshore marine player listed on the
Main Board of the Singapore Exchange
Securities Trading Limited (the SGX)
and Malaysia’s largest Offshore Support
Vessel (OSV) builder, in October
announced that it has launched a new
Anchor Handling Tug Supply (AHTS)
vessel, the NCA80E.
The vessel is a 64.8m diesel electric
powered AHTS with 80 tonnes bollard
pull and is based on Nam Cheong’s proprietary
design.
Nam Cheong’s Executive Chairman,
Datuk Tiong Su Kouk said: “The launching
of the NCA80E vessel is a major
milestone for the Group as it is based on
Nam Cheong’s proprietary design and is
also our first vessel launch in Singapore.
“Customers are increasingly
demanding for such sophisticated OSVs
and we received strong interest from
customers worldwide for such a vessel
that is versatile to be deployed in waters
globally. Backed by our deep expertise
in engineering and cutting-edge technology
required to design and build such
vessels, we are confident in powering
ahead in the industry and are excited by
the prospects.”
Nam Cheong has secured Letters Of
Intent (“LOI”) from five customers worth
approximately US$186 million, with a
mix of sale and charter of 12 NCA80E
vessels.
The Group has also secured options
for the sale of eight additional NCA80E
vessels.
The five customers are Bumi Armada
From left Nam Cheong’s senior management - John Tiong (Executive Vice Chairman), Datuk Tiong Su
Kouk (Executive Chairman), Leong Seng Keat (Chief Executive Officer), Joseph Tiong (General Manager).
Berhad, Geooffshore Pte Ltd, Opstad
Group, Sofield Marine & Offshore Sdn
Bhd as well as Vega Offshore Group. The
potential sale of the 20 vessels through
the LOIs and options represent a 100%
take-up rate of the 20 vessels planned
for delivery.
Leong Seng Keat, Nam Cheong’s
Besides the superior
performance of the NCA80E
vessel, we are also mindful
of the need to incorporate
environmentally-friendly
features such as electric
propulsion that leads to
lower exhaust emissions
that helps to reduce the
industry’s carbon footprint.
– Leong Seng Keat, Nam Cheong CEO
Chief Executive Officer said: “As a global
OSV builder, we aspire to construct
vessels which are of sophisticated
quality and will serve as the industry’s
gold standard. We believe in continuing
to forge our R&D capabilities and in
keeping our ears close to the ground
to understand what our customers’
requirements are. These efforts have
been a bright guiding light towards Nam
Cheong’s success today.
“In developing the design of the
NCA80E vessel, Nam Cheong’s engineers
have integrated specifications
and features highly demanded by
customers to arrive at an elegant vessel
design that suits their requirements of
a high performance vessel that’s also
cost efficient.”
Leong also commented on the green
and compliant aspects of the vessel:
“Besides the superior performance
of the NCA80E vessel, we are also
mindful of the need to incorporate
environmentally-friendly features such
48
november-december, green+.2014

FEATURE
Vessel Details
The NCA80E vessel boasts an
energy efficient design from the
efficient hull lines and is equipped
with selected electric drives which
lead to lower fuel consumption
without a loss in power to the
electric drives due to the vessel
design’s exploitation of newer
technologies. In addition, the
vessel features a simplified design
and is “Asianised” to allow for an
efficient building process to reduce
delivery time and yet, is flexible
enough in its capabilities to be
deployed in multiple roles.
The vessel is also backed by
enhanced performance of high
speed and high bollard pull with
a number of key features such
as medium speed controllable
pitch thrusters that provide better
response and operational
flexibility, flexibility in cargo
configurations as well as low pressure
system anchor handling or
towing winches which have been
proven to be of greater robustness
and reliability.
Vessel Type Specifications
AHTS Length: 64.8 metres
Bollard pull: 80 tonnes
Other features: Diesel-electric propulsion systems,
Dynamic Positioning Systems 2 (“DP2”)
Class: American Bureau of Shipping (AB)
as electric propulsion that leads to lower
exhaust emissions that helps to reduce
the industry’s carbon footprint.
“The vessel will also come equipped
with oil spill recovery capabilities and is
in compliance with the latest statutory
regulations.”
An LOI was secured from repeat
customer, Bumi Armada, a Malaysiabased
international offshore oilfield
services provider. The customer intends
to order four vessels with the option for
four additional vessels. In addition, an
LOI for two vessels was also secured
from repeat customer, Norway-based
Vega Offshore, which has a presence in
Brazil, to facilitate their fleet expansion
programme.
Leong noted: “As an established and
key repeat customer of Nam Cheong,
Bumi Armada’s interest in the NCA80E
vessel is indeed a strong endorsement
and support for our capabilities. We have
an excellent working relationship with
Bumi Armada and we look forward to
strengthening this mutually beneficial
affiliation in the years ahead.”
Separately, LOIs were secured from
new customers, Geooffshore, Opstad
and Sofield. Registered in Singapore,
Geooffshore is an emerging OSV owner,
controlled by Singapore businessman,
Farid Khan, who is also the regional
managing director of an international
service provider leader in the offshore oil
and gas industry.
Geooffshore intends to order four
NCA80E vessels and also have the
option to purchase four additional
vessels.
Leong commented: “The strong
interest from Geooffshore is significant
as Farid Khan is a well-known veteran in
the oil and gas industry and a recognized
expert in the operation of OSVs. As such,
we are heartened by the affirmation of
Nam Cheong’s quality of vessels from
such a reputable partner.”
Opstad is an established OSV owner
and seismic support operator based
in Norway while Sofield is a Sabahanowned
emerging offshore and marine
company based in Malaysia. The company
which is also a Petronas licensee,
ambitions to benefit from the robust oil
and gas business opportunities in East
Malaysia with this new vessel.
Leong commented: “We are working
towards our ambition of being the
largest OSV builder in the world by 2017.
With our built-to-stock business model,
it has allowed a shorter lead time in our
delivery to customers, securing Nam
Cheong a first mover advantage in rolling
out the technologies of the NCA80E
vessel.
“As can be seen from the developments
over the years, our DNA has
evolved from an OSV player focused
on cost efficiencies to that of building
NCA80E, a
64.8m diesel
electric
powered
AHTS with 80
tonnes bollard
pull, based on
Nam Cheong’s
proprietary
design
vessels
which are not just
cost-effective but also fuel efficient and
environmentally-friendly.
“As we go forward, we anticipate our
DNA to develop into a master systems
integrator to tap on the trend of increasing
connectivity in vessels’ ecosystems.
On the outlook, although we have
seen recent volatile oil prices, we
believe our strong reputation within the
highly resilient shallow water segment
remains robust as we continue to see
good demand from customers for our
vessels. Going forward, we plan to stay
ahead of the competition by producing
proprietary designs and committing
to our philosophy of Quality, Reliability
and Delivery.”
Datuk Tiong concluded: “With the
strong interest in the NCA80E vessel at
this early stage from repeat and new
customers, it is heartening and is also a
clear testament to the relevance of Nam
Cheong’s capabilities and commitment
to maintaining close relationships with
our existing customers and in forging
new ones.”
The NCA80E vessels are of American
Bureau of Shipping (ABS) class and
are being constructed as part of Nam
Cheong’s built-to-stock series in the
Group’s Miri shipyard in Sarawak, East
Malaysia as well as the Group’s subcontracted
yards in China.
green+.2014, november-december 49

PRODUCTS
Weaving hope
for the future
And true beauty is priceless
Eco-containers a n d
household items made by
special women from magazine
paper!
This is a social enterprise
project to help women help themselves
and protect the environment for future
generations. Reduce carbon footprints
that make climate change such a hot
topic nowadays!
These handmade woven containers
have been lovingly & patiently made by
disadvantaged women. Each container
About eHomemakers &
Salaam Wanita Ecobaskets
eHomemakers empowers women who
need to work from home to balance their
family responsibilities with employment. One
of eH’s primary missions is to train women
who are homebound due to mental and physical
disabilities and chronic diseases to support
themselves. In some cases, the women are
staying home to take care of children and
dependents that have disabilities.
In 2002, eH started providing basic
eco-basket training sessions for low-income
women in Ipoh and Klang Valley. Since
Top left: A basket-weaving teaching session. Top right: Fong Ye weaves a basket.
Above: Agila shows how it’s done
is patiently woven from paper strips
& they are varnished with non-toxic
paint & shellac. So they are safe to use
for packing gifts like fruits, chocolates,
toiletries, toys, serviettes, cookies and
anything Each basket is unique & is a
then, over 200 women have been trained
and the weavers have developed more
complex and intricate patterns that make
the Salaam Wanita ecobaskets stand out
in the marketplace. Salaam Wanita means
“Recognizing Women”. Their willingness to
try something new, determination to conquer
the frustrations involved with mastering the
weaving process, and originality in creating
new designs illustrates how successful each
of these women can be when presented an
opportunity.
work of art.
You can have baskets with same
colours for your “hantaran” gifts and
have a green wedding!
You can also give the weavers your
corporate logo papers to weave various
items for branding purposes. Imagine
500 beautifully woven gifts with your
company logo for your attendees at
your open house / product launch or
your company annual dinner for the
shareholders!
Give the women a helping hand,
order in bulk for corporate annual gifts,
door gifts, festival corporate gifts, gifts
for media & product launches, speakers’
gifts, thank you gifts, wedding gifts,
or surprise gifts!
The women making them are from
low income areas, some are single
moms, some are disabled and some
take care of dependants who are sick
or disabled.
Your purchases will enable the
women to sustain themselves continuously.
They are not stretching out their
hands for donations, they are making
beautiful things for you.
And true beauty is priceless.
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SEDA_210x275mmNEWBleed Blue091014ANLB.pdf 1 10/10/14 8:37 AM
PRODUCTS
Tea Team produces results
Clones of drought and frost resistant teas are also being grown
Credit: © Shutterstock
Tea is the world’s favourite
beverage, after water, and it
provides a livelihood for millions
of people around the
globe. These projects show
that the industry is committed to helping
smallholder farmers and workers
earn a decent wage and farm better,
and that it understands that this is fundamental
to building secure supply
chains and future success,” so says
Sarah Roberts who leads the Ethical Tea
Partnership or ETP.
The projects she is talking about
involve a much more sustainable
approach than the well-known tea
plantations. The ideas were delivered this
week in London at “Team Up,” the annual
major conference of the tea industry.
Already Farmer Field Schools in
Kenya have increased yields by 33%
in over 48,000 small farms. They now
continue their techniques in Asia and
elsewhere in Africa.
The ETP works with The Sustainable
Trade Initiative (IDT) in India and
Vietnam as well as Malawi, Uganda,
Rwanda and Tanzania. Many major tea
brands are involved and prestigious
conservation movements such as the
Rainforest Alliance.
Securing supply chains and building
a “brand” for the teas produced is critical
in the projects. Apparently 8 million
small farmers should be brought into
the safer environment provided as they
produce 70% of the “world’s favourite
beverage”.
It is their livelihoods and production
techniques that are causing concern,
with Rainforest Alliance Certification a
late addition to the achievements gained
by the successful tea growers. Costs are
low over the 12-month programme that
illustrates different possible farming
techniques.
However, 25% of the course can
include optional kitchen garden or
livestock handling diversifications. Its’
likely that one farmer can also train his
The Cameron
Highlands
of Malaysia
has been a
well-known
tea-growing
area for many
generations.
Now the sun is
rising on a fair
deal for crops,
especially
from the
smallholdings
seen in many
growing areas.
or her neighbours in the novel parts of
the programme. Good news spreads
fast!
Basically the whole programme has:
+ Improved production and yield
+ Increased gross margins
+ Improved farm management
+ Achieved greater diversification of
income
+ Achieved better living standards
+ Improved health and safety
Other programmes now aim to help
100,000 Kenyan farmers secure their
farms against climate change there and
be aware of affordable finance for their
improvements. This involves tree planting
(for shade and nitrogen enrichment
of soils), rainwater harvesting, and
drip-irrigation.
Clones of drought and frost resistant
teas are also being grown, to emphasise
a more scientific approach to problems
in these environments.
Malawi and Uganda will also soon be
involved.
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MEDIA PARTNER

MIS2015AA-Ad_Green+_210x275mm with Green+.pdf 1 12/12/14 4:45 PM
ARCHITECTURE
Luxury eco-development
at Sanctuary Ridge
PanaHome Malaysia enters JV with Gasing Meridian
PanaHome Malaysia Sdn
Bhd, a housing company
under PanaHome
Corporation Japan (a subsidiary
of the Panasonic
Group) which provides comprehensive
home-building solutions and total
township development implementations,
announced its joint venture with
Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd (a member of
the Sanctuary Gasing Group with property
developments worldwide including
Malaysia, Australia, and China) to
push ahead one of Malaysia’s premier
luxury eco-property developments at
Sanctuary Ridge Kuala Lumpur City, a
38-acre luxury development which will
be home to 69 units of bungalows.
Sanctuary Ridge Kuala Lumpur City
is a freehold, low-density, and gated
development located only five minutes
from Bangsar and it offers last-ofits-kind
colonial-sized lots averaging
19,000 sq ft.
Foreigners, permanent residents
(PR) and foreign companies affected
by the RM2 million cap and other new
guidelines imposed by Selangor can aim
their sights at Sanctuary Ridge Kuala
Lumpur City. Its land (which fall under
the district of Wilayah and starts from
just RM288 per sq ft) and bungalow
prices are comparable, if not more competitive,
than luxury neighbourhoods
in Selangor; and it is located adjacent
to the Petaling Jaya district, so owners
can enjoy the closest proximity to key
commercial and residential areas in
Selangor while enjoying one of the most
sought-after Kuala Lumpur addresses.
“We are indeed excited about this
joint venture as it marks another milestone
to express our capabilities in the
construction and housing development
industry in Malaysia. It is our earnest
vision to build an ECONATION Malaysia,
and this is a first step towards that end.
Together with Gasing Meridian Sdn
Bhd, a developer with international
credits, we are very pleased to introduce
our new building technologies to
Malaysian communities,” said Toshiro
Baba, Managing Director of PanaHome
Malaysia.
Already known for its awardwinning
development, Sanctuary Lakes
in Melbourne, Australia, which rehabilitated
salt wasteland into a benchmark
residential development, township
and bird sanctuary for Victoria, Gasing
Meridian is set to enhance its pro-eco
property development portfolio by
collaborating with PanaHome Malaysia
to introduce luxury homes showcasing
new building technologies which are
ideal for Southeast Asian homes.
“Malaysia is the second country
that PanaHome has ventured into after
Taiwan and we are very proud and honoured
to be one of their first partners in
Malaysia,” said Leo Tan, Director, Gasing
Meridian Sdn Bhd.
PanaHome is one of the world’s
leading Green Innovation companies in
the housing industry and we are truly
impressed with PanaHome’s home
building solutions as it demonstrates
sustainable living without compromising
on aesthetics. These are qualities in
which our very discerning and increasingly
environmentally-conscious land
and house owners are looking for in
their dream home.”
“The designs, that we will offer, will
integrate various technologies from
PanaHome’s green building solutions.
We also encourage land owners to
integrate PanaHome’s green building
solutions package, which we offer as
an option, when designing their own
home,” Tan added.
The joint venture will culminate in an
approximately 8,000 sq ft show house,
which is expected to complete by the
end of 2015. The three-storey bungalow
will be a functional and practical twogeneration
home with common areas
for family activities and private areas
in which each family can retreat. All the
bedrooms will be designed to enjoy the
view of Kuala Lumpur City Centre.
This state-of-the-art Sanctuary
Ridge Kuala Lumpur City show house
will showcase the elements of ‘Eco’
and ‘Smart’ home ideas for Southeast
Asian homes, reflecting the two
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ARCHITECTURE
companies’ commitment to environmental
sustainability.
Based on the planned design and
features, the owner can expect to enjoy
greater energy savings and, possibly, to
even earn a small income if the owner
chooses to apply for the Feed in Tariff
(FiT) programme. Introduced by our
government in 2010, the programme
compensates consumers of renewable
energy who produce a surplus of electricity
that can be used by the national
grid.
The amazing KiraTech tiles, which
will be featured on the building’s exterior,
helps to decompose pollutant gases
(decomposition of NOx) and a 200sqM
area of KiraTech tiles has been shown
to be equivalent to the air cleaning
capability of approximately of 14 poplar
trees.
Aside from its air-purifying
function, the KiraTech tiles has selfcleaning
capabilities for longer lasting
and cleaner tiles, which translates into
long-term maintenance cost savings.
The construction of the show house
at Sanctuary Ridge Kuala Lumpur
City can be completed within six
months through PanaHome’s building
methodologies and design approaches,
Malaysia is the second
country that PanaHome
has ventured into after Taiwan
and we are very proud and
honoured to be one of their
first partners in Malaysia.
– Leo Tan, Director, Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd.
which has been successfully tested and
completed on their office located in the
neighbourhood of Bangsar.
Construction methods utilizing prefabrication
technology (steel’s frame
structure) ensure a consistent and high
quality building while accomplishing
shorter construction time relative to
conventional methods.
Also incorporated is the heat insulation
technology to minimize heat
transmission from the outside; the
unique PanaHome PureTech (structured
embedded ventilation system)
supplies effective circulation of natural
cool air to keep the internal living space
naturally cool and clean hence reducing
energy consumption.
The PureTech system will eliminate
contaminated indoor air without
opening windows and this will assist
in minimising pests from entering
the home while enhancing security.
The show house will also come with
high-grade waterproofing features
to overcome common water leakage
problems faced by homes in tropical
countries with frequent heavy rainfall.
“With this joint venture, we hope
that Sanctuary Ridge Kuala Lumpur
City will become a benchmark for
Malaysian eco-property development
in the luxury segment,” said Tan.
PanaHome and Gasing Meridian
exhibited at the International Greentech
& Eco Products Exhibition & Conference
Malaysia (IGEM 2014) from Oct 16-19 at
the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
(KLCC).
green+.2014, november-december 55

ARCHITECTURE
Pomeroy Studio unveil Newpark
A new eco-township set in the 100-year-old former colonial town of Kluang
Award-winning green
designers Pomeroy Studio
have unveiled plans for
an innovative park and
skygarden orientated ecotownship,
located in the 100-year old
former colonial town of Kluang, Johor.
Close to the most important
Expressway in West Malaysia (the
North-South Expressway), ‘Newpark’,
will be the largest masterplanned commercial
project in Kluang and seeks to
balance 21st century trade and education
with green living.
It will host a diverse mix of uses that
will mark the town’s evolution from
a palm oil production centre to a preeminent
vocational education and trade
leader. Centred in the middle of Johor
state, Kluang is set to capitalize on trade
Artist
Impressions
of Kluang
Serviced
Residences
and expositions through Newpark’s
state of the art infrastructure.
Its enviable position near the celebrated
natural landmark of the Gunang
Lambak hills allows the masterplan to
draw its green inspiration in order to
establish a new chapter in Kluang’s
history.
We are delighted to be undertaking this
landmark project that combines our green
architecture, masterplanning, landscape design
and environmental consultancy skills in order to
give the town of Kluang a truly sustainable built
environment for its future growth.
– Jason Pomeroy, founding Principal of Pomeroy Studio
Jason Pomeroy, founding Principal
of Pomeroy Studio, said: “We are
delighted to be undertaking this
landmark project that combines our
green architecture, masterplanning,
landscape design and environmental
consultancy skills in order to give the
town of Kluang a truly sustainable built
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ARCHITECTURE
environment for its future growth.”
Tey Fui Kien, Executive Director
of Majupadu Development Sdn Bhd,
a reputable developer with accolades
from local and state authorities for
creating quality real estate through
innovative, life-improving commercial
and residential developments in Kluang
said: “We are delighted to be partnering
with Pomeroy Studio given their track
record of pioneering green design. Their
ability to balance design innovation with
culture is just what the town of Kluang
needs. This project is an opportunity to
upgrade Kluang for the future. This is a
game changing moment for us.”
Central to the masterplan is a new
park, called the Promenade, which
draws inspiration from the Gunang
Lambak hills that forms an iconic
backdrop to the town. The Promenade
will connect an expo-trade centre, an
education hub, serviced apartments,
a business hotel and its associated
convention facilities, shop offices and
business parks and a residential
community.
Not only will the Promenade offer an
abundance of social and recreational
amenities for both residents and
visitors, but it will also be a zero energy
public realm - given its ability to generate
enough energy to offset the public
utility infrastructure.
The hotel and the convention centre
at Newpark forms the gateway to
this vibrant new development and is
where the new life of Kluang begins.
Embracing the districts trade and education
focus, it will become the town’s
epicenter of social and economic activity
and will incorporate a multitude of
different functions to cater for visiting
trade and education delegates.
Standing as the tallest building in
Kluang, it will house over 250 businessclass
rooms, suites and family suites. It
will also contain offices, retail, speciality
restaurants, bars and a state of the
art convention centre that will serve
multiple needs from trade and government
conventions, weddings, to cultural
celebrations in its 1200 capacity grand
ballroom. Crowning the development
will be a rooftop bar that will offer
unprecedented views to Gunang
Lambak hills.
The Deck will be a holistic entertainment
and leisure destination associated
with the hotel and convention centre.
It will comprise a myriad of different
amenities that include lap and
recreational swimming pools, indoor,
outdoor and water gyms, a spa, yoga
and pilates zones, a running track,
outdoor chess, children’s day care and
play area and an abundance of seating
areas for social events, relaxation or
quiet contemplation.
All the facilities will be set within
a verdant green garden that will help
reduce temperatures to ensure a
conducive outdoor environment that
guests and visitors alike will be able to
enjoy.
Majupadu’s commitment to transforming
the community by elevating
the quality of life in Kluang will also
see the town receive its first serviced
Artist
Impressions -
Top: Newpark
Promenade
| Bottom:
Newpark
Residence
| Middle:
Residence
Lobby
residences at Newpark. The concept
seeks to balance the contemporary
living with the delight of resort – style
recreational amenities.
Offering a range of suites that have
views to either the Promenade, or the
distant hills of Gunang Lambak, the
design of this landmark residential
development will be a lesson in green
design.
Residents will enjoy reductions
in energy and water bills given the
building’s optimization of natural light,
natural ventilation, grey and rainwater
harvesting methodologies and the
exploration of solar energy.
The result will be green living with
enhanced safety and security blended
with healthier lifestyle choices.
The first phase of the development
will commence in early 2015, with the
first phase comprising of a combination
of shop offices alongside the landmark
hotel and its convention centre, and the
serviced residences.
green+.2014, november-december 57

ARCHITECTURE
Shining with sustainability
System also allows members of staff to monitor energy consumption daily
Web Earth has brought
its ethos of sustainability
closer to home
by installing Solar PV
panels on the rooftop
of the group’s Singapore headquarters.
The move comes as growing numbers
of companies in Singapore are
switching on to the many benefits of
renewable energy.
The system has been designed to
power all the practice’s communal
facilities as well as its lifts, lighting and
water pumps.
The aim is to reduce the building’s
overall energy consumption and the
system also allows members of staff
to monitor energy consumption daily
from laptops and iPhones to ensure it is
working correctly.
Web Structures’ state-of-the-art
headquarters is already one of the most
environmentally friendly in Singapore.
The five-storey building at 40
Carpenter Street – one of the city’s
prime business locations – was
designed with sustainability in
mind.
Minimal use of materials was key in
all areas of its renovation to minimise
the embodied emissions associated
with the office. Recycled cardboard has
been used to create furniture.
And where new equipment was
required existing lighting was replaced
by high efficiency T5 lighting and controlled
by motion and daylight sensors
where applicable.
Richard Outhwaite, director of Web
Earth, oversaw the project to put panels
on its rooftop and says solar power is
proving to be an attractive investment
for companies in Singapore.
A view from the
top floor
He says: “Singapore is a great place
for PV panels because we have yearround,
constant sun exposure.
“All the country’s energy is
imported from neighbouring Indonesia
and Malaysia and energy costs are at an
all-time high in Singapore.
“Current prices mean returns of
between 12-15 per cent on investment
and a seven to eight year payback.
“Leading companies, such as food
distributor and supermarket retailer
Sheng Siong, recently installed large
PV arrays on their warehouse rooftops,
with investment and profitability one of
the main drivers.”
Web Earth has incorporated the use
of solar PV panels in its approach to
eco-friendly design excellence.
They include residential homes in
Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, targetting
zero energy consumption and
the new eng Wah retail development
at Clenmenti, achieving green mark
platinum status recently..
Richard says: “Solar panels are playing
an increasing role in our approach to
incorporate renewable energy into our
design and they really can make a big
difference, both financially and in terms
of sustainability.
“Increasing numbers of our clients
are looking to benefit from cheap, reliable
and environmentally friendly solar
power.”
He adds: “The solar energy market
in Singapore is so competitive right
now and there are start-up businesses
entering the market that will install
solar panels on a roof free of charge!
“The tenant then buys the energy, at
a cheaper price than local utility tariffs,
from the solar leasing company over
20 years.
“The market in Singapore has
developed a sustainable path to open
the city’s extensive building stock to
renewable energy on a large scale.
“Some of Singapore blue chip companies,
such as Woh Hup, the largest
privately owned construction company
in Singapore, have installed large PV
systems under a leasing model to cut
their energy bills and reduce their
operational carbon emissions.”
58
november-december, green+.2014

This paper is produced in a plant awarded the
ISO 9001:2008 for Quality Management System,
ISO 14001:2004 for Environmental Management System ,
and ISO 9706 for Permanency Paper

ENERGY
Google: A better web
Better for the environment
Google has worked hard to
minimise the environmental
impact of their services.
In fact, when they provide
an active user one-month
of Google services, they use less energy
than driving a car one mile and if you add
in their renewable energy and offsets,
their footprint is zero.
Google continues to find new ways to
reduce the impact even further.
Data centres that save energy
Google data centres are some of the
most efficient in the world, to be specific,
their data centres use only 50%
of the energy of most other data centres.
In addition to reducing the impact
on the environment, their efficient data
centre designs have saved them over
a billion dollars to date and according
to an independent study, Google uses
very little of the world’s electricity (less
than 0.01%). Additionally, Google was
the first major Internet service company
to gain external certification of its
high environmental and energy management
standards throughout their
data centres.
Greening their power
Currently, very little of the world’s
power is from renewables like wind
and solar. Google has been working
on changing that by buying electricity
directly from wind farms near their
data centers. Google also is working
with their utility partners to find solutions
that will make more renewable
energy available for us and for others.
All of these initiatives help it get clean
energy at competitive prices and the
wind farm owners get the money they
need to finance new clean energy facilities.
Together, they make the grid a little
bit greener.
On their own turf
Google’s commitment to reducing the
environmental impact extends to
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ENERGY
offices worldwide. Most of the on-campus
green initiatives were started by
Googlers, and have now grown into company-wide
efforts. From the solar panels
on their roofs to their bike-to-work programme,
these initiatives eliminate the
equivalent of more than 21,500 metric
tons of CO2 per year.
Carbon offsets: getting to zero
Even after efforts in efficiency and
renewable energy, Google still impacts
the environment. To eliminate impacts
on climate change, they have invested in
projects that reduces carbon emissions
at another source outside of Google and
can be very picky as they want to make
sure that investments that have been
made have a positive impact and that it
wouldn’t have happened without them.
For example, Google pays for reductions
in emissions from a landfill near their
data centre. By investing in these projects,
the total climate impact ends up
being zero. This means that all products
and services from them are carbon
neutral.
Their footprint: beyond zero
Efforts in efficiency, buying clean
energy and purchasing carbon offsets
bring the carbon footprint down
to zero. Google is going beyond carbon
neutral by committing over $1 billion
to renewable energy projects that
create far more renewable energy for
the world than they have consumed as
a company. In addition, Google’s products
have enabled users to save energy
themselves.
Renewable energy for everyone
else
In addition to investing in renewable
energy for Google’s own operations, they
have also been investing in renewable
power projects to grow the industry as
a whole. They have specifically committed
over $1 billion to renewable energy
projects such as large-scale wind and
rooftop solar and when added up, these
projects represent a total capacity of over
2 GW, which is far more electricity than
is used. To put this in context, this electricity
is equivalent to that consumed by
more than 500,000 homes.
You can save energy too
Google products provide over 100 billion
searches every month, map information
for over 1 billion monthly users, and host
over 5 million businesses in the cloud.
In addition to being carbon neutral,
Google’s products can help you reduce
your impact on the environment.
green+.2014, november-december 61

GOING GREEN
Credit: © Shutterstock
It is wrong to choose just one species
to represent conservation, but the
turtles are among the most unique
and the most threatened of all How
much longer will be we be able to
touch the largest chelonian, before
their unique lifestyle disappears,
along with all the others we have
destroyed? Change is certainly
needed among those who can create
enormous directional modifications
to this mad flight to self-destruction,
and it is needed right now.
Two perspectives
on the biosphere
Economic growth is useless if all the forests are gone
Julia Marton-Lefèvre and E.O.
Wilson are two people you probably
aren’t aware of. That is because
they are, respectively Director
General of IUCN (International
Union for the Conservation of Nature) for
eight years, and Pulitzer Prize-winning
sociobiologist and renowned evolution
and ant expert! Not exactly the pop
world.
They share one great criticism this
week of the world’s politicians and technologists.
While one criticises the lack
of logic in politicians’ behaviour towards
conservation of resources, the other
suggests that ethics are needed for a
solution to the same problem: unless
we save other species, then our own is
doomed to extinction too.
Professor Wilson has a sciencecentric
way of thinking that deludes the
non-scientific. Politicians believe him to
be egocentric, unless they are scientists
themselves. On the other hand Julia
Marton-Lefèvre is able to state that 9bn
people need to gain their food, water and
shelter from the protected places she
wants politicians to be much more aware
of. Without fish, for example, much of
the coastal population will starve. Yet
only 3% of marine life is protected, compared
to 15% of land species.
We would question whether diplomacy
or straightforward logic would suit
a world in which we need much more
conservation, both nationally and on an
international and cooperative basis.
You can read much more on the current
publications and conferences with
which this ageing professor and this
vigorous, somewhat-younger lady are
involved. Julia, if she will forgive us using
her name, can be found in the Guardian
and elsewhere, representing the IUCN
at the decadal World Parks Conference
in Sydney.
Edward (the prof) officially retired in
1996, so he has a more relaxed tour of
what he mistakenly calls the mother
country, selling yet another book
he’s written, The Meaning of Human
Existence, but also promoting a Dorset
Memo (Mass Extinction Monitoring
62
november-december, green+.2014

GOING GREEN
The Global Green
Economy Index 2014
Credit: © Shutterstock
The Global Green Economy
Index is now onto its 4th biennial
edition of separating the
cabbages from the clowns.
Green performance entails an
awful lot of renewable energy
or eating cabbage, while the
clowns think they can still get
away with uneconomical cars
and coal-fired power stations.
Top of course are the
Scandinavians, whose
policies have been green for
generations, although an
awful lot of oil and gas have
powered Norway’s expensive
conversion to the green side.
Germany naturally gets the
perception award for being
so much in the forefront
of renewable energy and
showing European leadership
in the necessary economic
and environmental change.
Behind Sweden and
Norway, the 3rd spot for
performance goes for first
time entrants, Costa Rica,
whose efforts, especially in
sustainable building, are only
helped a little by their small
size. Large nations do have
a problem with the absolute
expense of change. Of the
60 countries and 70 cities
surveyed, larger nations such
as China, Poland and lastly,
Mongolia bring up the rear.
Many countries are not
perceived as being green
enough or they appear much
more green than they really
are. The African countries of
Ethiopia, Mauritius, Rwanda
and Zambia deserve credit for
becoming very environmentally
friendly.
Cities that have been
poor performers long ago,
now rank highly. Being
rich enough to alter your
infrastructure is also a
help. With London and its
eco-buildings 5th and New
York 7th, only the obvious
ones such as Copenhagen
and Amsterdam beat them.
The nicest cities seem to be
all green, such as, in order,
Stockholm, Vancouver, Berlin
and Singapore, not forgetting
Oslo in 10th.
Concern has to be
expressed about developed
countries that have fallen
behind. Australia, Japan,
the Netherlands and the US
perform poorly compared
to other similar countries.
This group seem to class
themselves as fairly green,
but this just doesn’t add up
in reality Likewise, the UK is
inconsistent and therefore
In Paris, they have their own ideas about how green a building or
a city should be. France performs very well compared to some
neighbours in this survey, but its perceptions of itself are less good!
never excels in the survey,
unlike many other European
countries that exceed even
their own green perception
of themselves. Opposite to
the UK, France outranks it on
performance but sees itself
as much less green than
the UK! In similar fashion,
Colombia, Chile and Peru are
imperceptibly green on the
outside, but are blossoming
on the inside!
Buildings are often the
key to “green-ness”, as their
emissions are prominent
among polluting sources.
So we can judge a nation’s
performance on climate,
energy and their environment
almost with only a
sustainability of building
report. The Dual Citizen LLC
consultancy produce the GGEI
report from the US. – www.
earthtimes.org
Observatory) to 860 extinct species
since the dodo in 1662. The newspaper
covering this epic event is The Times
with King of the Ants.
The Director General is more diplomatic
when she states that the Aichi
Biodiversity Targets are unlikely to
be attained in 2020. She is simply not
optimistic that commitments can be
met. She herself is stepping down this
year - hopefully not retiring yet, either!
Her organisation is fighting poachers
in particular but politicians too.
Her agreement with the professor is
reasonable to assume. It isn’t about the
love of birds and butterflies; it’s about
our survival. We need to behave better
towards our planet and behave better
towards each other.
In other words, economic growth is
useless if all the forests are gone. They
are needed alive and still standing, as
habitats and food sources, just as the
marine forests are! With only 25% of
protected areas managed at all well and
half of our most biodiverse sites totally
unprotected, the pessimism she feels is
reasonable.
Between $45bn and $76bn will be
needed just to manage the poachers
(and the politicians), but this is only 2.5%
of global military spending. It is an old
argument that never worked, but it’s
always worth mentioning.
Of the IUCN Red List’s 73,686 species,
22,103 are classed as threatened. With
EO. Wilson adding the extinct 860, that
leaves a “helluvalot” more work to do for
those of us remaining. His 50 years of
earnest and thoughtful work have left
him believing technology will not rescue
us from the mess we have created.
Our emotions and our institutions
are ill-fitted to the task of changing
the world around. We must save the
environment but new technologies are
the only route by which the organisms
and their habitats can provide us with a
healthy biosphere.
Whoever has the better argument,
we certainly need them both. The
people who make up this world are
unfortunately responsible for the other
species and the whole biosphere. It is up
to those with this knowledge and this
experience to lead us to new conclusions
about action. And I am sorry, time
is up for us all, given the warmings, the
droughts, the floods and the tears. –
www.earthtimes.org
green+.2014, november-december 63

BUSINESS
Transformers, but
with your house!
Parent company claim great ambition for
that Zero Energy places them above similar
companies
The Netherlands have
exported their unlikely
substitute for building
energy efficient houses.
Instead of that expense,
they take old houses and coat
them with insulation and solar
panels! The concept is hardly original
but if industry takes to it, what
can you do?
Net Zero Energy has now
transferred its refurbishments
to two neighbouring countries at
least, after a successful and quick
4-year surge of acceptance in
the Netherlands. Energiesprong
(Energy Spring) negotiates with
housing associations, local councils
(council estates, often called
social housing), and builders and
has achieved deals for at least
100,000 homes in each country.
The biggest attraction, as the
name Net Zero implies, is the
carbon neutral retrofit.
The parent company claim
great ambition for that Zero
Energy places them above similar
companies. With a cost higher
than current energy bills, the idea
is that as energy costs rise, the
protagonists can all save money
in time. Performance guarantees
persuade house owners, who all
have to agree before a building
can be transformed. It’s the IKEA
kitchens, fridges, electric cooking
and bathroom refits that help in
that argument with thee hausfrau.
The great volume of demand has
managed to attract builders
investment in the idea. Financiers
also seem strangely inclined to
offer help too, so there’s gold in
them buildings!
Naturally, governments are
attracted to the political achievement
of greater energy savings
nationally. 40% of European
carbon emissions derive from
heating and lighting in buildings
and this renovation can make
old housing (99% of the buildings
standing) produce the net
zero emissions necessary in
Credit: © Energiesprong
A former ministry in The Hague
was the site for a celebratory
balloon release on September
29th in the form of a house
new-builds. Most maintenance
(for 40 years) is normally included
in the costs of refurbishing, so the
political gain could be lengthy, if
the deal lasts as long as the house.
Remember that the housing situations
chosen may include housing
stock, such as 50-year-old buildings
that would need massive
maintenance anyway. Private
housing is less popular at the
moment, but the deal obviously
works for them too.
If the wind used to blow
through their windows and doors,
some of the converted tenants
have commented in the UK that
their new home insulates like a
tea cosy! If you don’t know what
that is, just imagine…. In Holland,
the retrofit can take as little as
10 days. EU money is given out
for French and English projects,
again using that old housing stock.
From London to Lille, the outlook
for these houses is bright and
green. While social banks have
been financing the projects in the
Netherlands, high street banks will
probably now be involved. Tenants
pay their old energy bills and rent,
until the bill is paid, so all seem to
end up happy.
Your future is here, housing
tenants, so get the neighbours to
agree and get in there! – www.
earthtimes.org
Horse Sense
The Yukon horse and the
Nevada horse represented
the last traces of a North
American phenomenon
that has perplexed us for
generations-the evolution
and the loss of recent
horse species. The Yukon,
Equus lambei resembled
Przewalski’s species, Equus
ferus przewalskii, while the
large Nevada, Equus scotti,
is thought to be close to
the basic zebra line. This
species could even stretch
its ancestry to the very early
European Equus stenonis,
which was also a big species.
While some recent horse
species evolved in America,
then migrated 11mya to
Eurasia and Africa, those
remaining in their native
land area eventually became
extinct. The reasons are not
hard to imagine. Most of
the so-called megafauna
died out at the same time,
because of climate change
in the form of global cooling,
grass species change and/
or human disruption.
Unfortunately, horse
meat was very popular on
the menu of early humans
in Eurasia, at least, and still
is. The modern domestic
horse, Equus ferus caballus,
the domestic donkey (also
found in the wild as the ass),
the ass cousin the onager,
the tarpan, kiang and zebras
are all we have left, with
none in North America, save
a few remnants of ferals that
the ranchers allow from the
once-thriving mustangs
brought in by the Spanish.
Most successful in the wild
are the plains zebra, Equus
quagga (not the extinct
quagga).
Strange discoveries may
still remain in the opposite
direction from Eurasia,
which the equines reached
via the link area known as
Beringia (after the Bering
Strait.) In South America,
which was already connected
via the Panamanian
isthmus, Equus andium and
Credit: © Shutterstock
Looking a little inbred, this
herd of Przewalki’s horse are
the ideal-more than a simple
breed-an actual subspecies
that has remained wild
(and stubborn) since their
speciation
4 other small species are
thought to have survived
well from the Middle
Pleistocene (1mya) to the
early Holocene (700,000ya.)
They could not have replaced
horse species that lived
there before them, as it is
likely they crossed over
when the isthmus formed,
around 3 million years ago.
The reverse of the
usual scientific process is
happening here. More often
than not, we allow information
about wild species to
illustrate how domestic
species have changed. The
rich genetic information we
have used from 59 horse
genomes in “Horses look
back” informs us about
how wild species may have
evolved.
The graphs and detail in
that paper give a real feel of
the background science.
What makes horse sense
is that the modern horse
species’ teeth, longer legs
and neck, one-toed hoof
and digestion suit the plains
of America, Eurasia, Africa
and even the pampas, it
seems. We can be grateful
that magnificent creatures
like these still remain on
the planet at all. Many are
disappearing fast, as we
read. They can be saved with
real appreciation of what
horses mean to humans, not
only in our history, but at an
iconic, almost religious level.
– www.earthtimes.org
64
november-december, green+.2014

NATURE
Mad about Madagascar
Science has to struggle with the niches of each individual species
Bad news for
corals and divers
The tomato frog, Dyscophus antongilii, is a near-threatened endemic
from Antongili Bay in Madagascar’s north east. The species’ situation is
yet another example of gross negligence and lack of understanding, as
pet-traders profited from the export of vast numbers from the island.
Beautiful and endangered, like all of the unique wildlife of this great
natural nature reserve.
Jason L. Brown and his
fellow researchers from
Duke University (and City
College NYC), Queens,
Belfast and the Technical
University of Braunschweig have
studied the reptiles and amphibian
of Madagascar for years.
With Africa possessing some of
the most biodiverse hotspots on
earth, the large island, although
only having 0.5% of the land surface
on earth, surpasses its
continent in sheer isolated magnificence.
The processes that
made these endemic species
possible have now been recreated
using their mixed-spatial model.
The patterns of biodiversity
from 8,362 records of 745 species
were fed in. Using many possible
biogeographic movements, the
observed patterns seem to have
been influenced by many more
than one simple diversification
process. As the team say, One
size certainly does not fit all. The
conclusions would be that species
richness, endemism and the
similarity of different communities
can be used to explain the
Madagascan situation.
The main groups studied in
this paper differed from each
other in the response they made
to their magic environment. For
the future, climate change and
land use must now be taken into
account if we are to save the
many critically threatened habitats
and species on this extensive
natural nature reserve! To help,
other researchers are already
preparing papers on the unique
climate, geology and environment
of Madagascar. Just in time, as we
tend to lose the forests quickly in
the current political climate.
Ninety per cent of the animals
here are found nowhere else, as
you can tell when our stories on
Madagascar never fail to amaze
our staff, let alone the readers.
Large geckos have been
our stock-in-trade elsewhere
recently, while 50% of chameleon
species live here, feeding sometimes
on tiny iridescent frogs
and reducing their own size to
miniscule too.
The island situation largely
helped the survival of endemic
species by remaining stable
throughout thousands of years
and more. Now, global warming
has shifted the goalposts for
theses rare animals and plants.
Instead of useful models, science
The corals of Hawaii,
specifically in
Papahanaumokuakea
Marine National Monument,
represent the great majority
of coral with US jurisdiction.
They are represented largely
by Porites, mainly P. lobata
and P. Kompressa.
Montipora and Pocillopora
species make up most of
the other dominants on the
reefs. The loss of many corals
in the Pacific Ocean this
summer, due to warm sea
surface temperatures, is a
potential disaster. Recovery
is vital. The previous loss
of Caribbean corals, and of
course the multiple species
of animal and plant that
need the coral, are explained
in this article: Coral Cover’s
Deadly Decline.
Oahu has been badly hit
at numerous points, while,
even 1000 miles northwest,
mass bleaching has occurred
at Lisianski atoll, with lesser
events at Midway, Pearl and
Hermes atolls. Courtney
Crouch is a researcher at
Hawaii Institute of Marine
Biology, so when she calls the
situation dire, it’s probably
true! 35% of the sites have
been bleached.
The cause of bleaching
has to struggle with the niches
of each individual species to
investigate how best to preserve
both the habitat and their whole
environment in the cause of
conservation. Without these
creatures of the big island, our
hopes of maintaining the whole
planet become lower and lower.
We plunder scientific papers
on Madagascar almost daily, but
we find gems such as the tiny
chameleons (world’s smallest
is accepted nowadays as
being thermal and this was
the warmest summer for 50
years. The algal symbionts
within coral are lost after 8
weeks of high-temperatureinduced
stress but can
return if the bleaching
doesn’t continue too long.
Unfortunately, it will be
October before temperatures
lower, so more profound
deterioration is possible.
El Nino is held responsible,
moving the warm water
north as the summer
progresses.
The last time this
happened was in 2002 and
2004. Last week, along the
windward coasts of Oahu, the
Hawaii Department of Land
Resources rapid response
team examined the damage.
Among them administrator
Frazer McGilvray reported
the corals as appearing, snow
white.
This entails a moderate
to severe bleaching event,
needing careful monitoring
and avoidance of the corals
by ocean users such as
divers. Photographs will be
needed though, to keep the
authorities up-to-date with
the situation, day to day. –
www.earthtimes.org
reptile) on tiny islands in the
north: “Miniature chameleon
discovered in Madagascar”. This
new paper reveals much more
on these amazing reptiles and
others thanks to the author’s
hard work, published in Nature
Communications and entitled
“A necessarily complex model
to explain the biogeography of
the amphibians and reptiles of
Madagascar”. – www.earthtimes.
org
green+.2014, november-december 65

ENERGY
Hydropower means
a lot worldwide
Twenty per cent of global electricity has been made by
using renewable sources this year
The present boom
in making electricity
from hydroelectric
sources pays no heed
to some political considerations,
but helps the trend
continue towards renewable
energy. Dams grow everywhere
possible in developing countries
and emerging economies,
while construction companies
are delighted to do the work.
Apart from the national rivalries
exposed by this loss of water,
rivers have a lot to lose (about
20% of large free-flowing rivers
currently extant) in terms of
biodiversity.
The University of Copenhagen
recently closed its conference
on Global Challenges:
Achieving Sustainability. This
commendable confab is also
setting up a novel Biofresh
DataPortal. Massive support for
indices of species and observation
of the states of hydrology
worldwide will be provided.
The news of doubling hydropower
is the door into a new era
for dams. Professor Christiane
Zarfl of the University of Tübingen
studied the hydropower boom at
the Leibnitz Institute in Berlin and
produced a database. We have
compiled available data on future
expected hydropower dams - to
form a key foundation for evaluating
where and how to build the
dams and how to operate them
sustainably, she reports at the
congress.
Twenty per cent of global electricity
has been made by using
Credit: © Shutterstock
renewable sources this year. 80%
of that is hydropower, with 3,700
new dams about to add to that,
making a total of 1,700GW available
from this renewable! China,
with its disputed giant Yangzi
dams and many others will still
be the leader of this water race.
Meanwhile their dominance
will be challenged by Amazon and
La Plata projects in South America
and Ganges-Brahmaputra dams
in India and Nepal. Here is the
story of the enormous DRC dam
plan for the great Congo in Africa.
The river dolphins, the migratory
fish, the rare amphibian and
even reptiles such as turtles will
be joined by countless insect
species, vital to the ecosystems
of rivers, who will become threatened
by loss of flow. Plant species
will be affected first, with the herbivores
which devour them next.
Specialised predators will
probably disappear while those
organisms requiring clean,
oxygenated water will be disappearing.
Prospects seem dim,
but hopefully the embryonic
database system will keep track
better than previous attempts
to map extinctions. Because it is
extinction of whole river systems
we are dealing with. The energy
is needed, but the use of smaller
dams may avoid nation fighting
nation for the pure water, the
power and the glory.– www.
earthtimes.org
Fracking still rears its ugly head
Jerry Brown, the Californian
Governor, is moving to halt
wastewater dumping into
the state’s aquifers from up
to 30 injection wells. These
fracking operations are not
only using great amounts of
drought-stricken California’s
water, but carelessly dumping
where freshwater aquifers
have been contaminated.
Further afield, the UK
energy minister, Owen
Paterson, has regularly
pushed his right-wing party
further in the fracking debate,
without too much objection,
from them at least. Desolate
parts of the small country
should be used for fracking,
according to some in his
party. The rest of the world,
however is deeply concerned
with this water pollution,
mini-quakes and land rights.
We need an international
approach to all fracking and
similar undermining of the
need to escape from our fossil
fuel addiction. While dinosaurs
might have retained
their opinions on how climate
change would not affect
them, thinking humans need
to improve on our dismal
record of air pollution. CO2
alone has almost directly
caused a temperature rise
approaching 2oC. We have
finally realised, apart from
one or two politicians, many
of the links this has with vast
changes in our environment,
both now and more so in the
future.
In the US fracking has
long been acquiring a terrible
reputation, which people like
Patterson pretend to ignore.
The great white hope for him
is destined to become an
even larger grey cloud. Highly
pressurised water, sand
and chemicals including the
carcinogens benzene and
toluene are used and released
in these hidden, but dirty,
operations. The Central Valley
Water Board in California has
found half of its wells with
excessive amounts of toxic
chemicals. Some way has
to be found there quickly to
dispose of waste water in safe
ways, well separated from
natural aquifers.
In the UK, the outgoing
government seems desperate
to copy some of Europe’s
fossil fans, and the American
dream of cheap fuels. The
vigorous anti-fracking
campaign has persuaded
them that their opponents are
exaggerating their argument.
Take some bribe money from
the frackers and enjoy the
cheap energy seems to be
their only argument!
Perhaps the local Scottish
example and the German
and Italian non-renewable
approach would appeal more
to those voters who don’t
seem to be particularly fond
of people who also claim they
have no rights to prevent
fracking under their land. If
this government repeal the
Climate Change Act of 2008,
flouting the EU’s approach
completely, perhaps that will
be their last desperate act!
Fracking seems bound
to go on, but what a pity that
people have to rediscover
consequences that have been
clearly shown in comparable
situations for decades. Do
they really believe that any
fuel company is going to clean
up, after all of the recorded
quakes, contaminations and
spills? – www.earthtimes.org
66
november-december, green+.2014

CLIMATE
If you can’t
stand the heat...
Warm water now storing heat below the surface is liable
to cause future atmospheric temperatures to rocket
Credit: © Shutterstock
Our climate
change is
related to deep
ocean currents
and glaciations
The days when the flap of butterflies’ wings were theorised to cause potential storms across
the earth are not over. But instead of chaos theory, we now have real storms caused by outdated
technologies that pollute and then warm the whole planet
The top 10 normally
refers to
something popular,
pleasant
or in some way
profitable. This time it’s the
bad news. Since this millennium
started, we have now
had the 10 hottest years.
Only four have failed to
breach the records. Carbon
dioxide concentrations naturally
rose to the highest in
the last 30 years in 2013, too.
NOAA has recorded these
facts for us, with politics and
economists finally turning
to the warm side as well.
With those CO2 figures,
we are due for a century or
two of continued warming.
The struggle will be to
contain that temperature to
a 2oC. rise. Politically, those
who thought previously we
could manage our emissions
regarded that aim as
achievable. Now it is very
unlikely.
Warming oceans have,
hidden depths, if you like.
The warm water now
storing heat below the
surface waters is liable to
cause future atmospheric
temperatures to rocket.
With Australia’s day
temperatures breaking
their records and the UK
with a hottest September,
only 1976 stands out with a
below 20th century average
temperature over the
whole globe. There was a
cold winter last year, but
only in the US (the eastern
bit.)
The final months of this
year are not included in
NOAAs annual Septemberfest
of world climate figures.
The awful truth is that 2014
will almost certainly set an
annual record for heat. Of 9
months so far, 4 have been
record breakers with most
others contributing to the
prospect for record warmth.
Ocean temperatures
can’t change quickly,
leaving us to finish off the
year in literally hot water!
Last year’s report is also
interesting, to compare the
approaches in “Remember
November”. Politicians and
decision makers should pay
much more attention this
time around.
The El Niño Southern
Oscillation is set to bring us
that awesome harbinger of
disaster, with estimates of
a 60% chance of its warming
presence by December
this year. That means the
intense flooding in Jammu
and Kashmir and the terrible
loss of Arctic ice (not as
in the Antarctic) will simply
be symptoms of worse to
come. The droughts and
flood, ice loss and giant
cyclones (hurricanes) will
be with us for a long time,
and with a vengeance. –
www.earthtimes.org
The mapping of currents deep in the oceans
has been a protracted study. A combination
of deep ocean sediment core samples and
NASA imaging now reveal that climate
change is affected at least as much by the
sea as by the air temperature. Rutgers
University academics Stella Woodard, Yair
Rosenthal, Kenneth Miller, James Wright,
with Kira Lawrence (Lafayette College) and
Beverly Chiu, all contributed to the paper in
the journal Science that puts a new perspective
on climate change.
We recently looked at Atlantic/Pacific
deep ocean current links in Ocean temperature
alarm call. The amount of greenhouse
gases in circulation within our oceans has
also possibly been underestimated. As the
earth has cooled over the last 2.7 million
years and continental ice has built up, ocean
circulation changed to that we saw in the
previous paper.
The cause could have been the major
expansion in northern hemisphere glacier
volume, associated with falls in sea level.
Heat and CO2 began then to be pulled into
the Atlantic and moved from north to south
before being conveyed to the Pacific and
released. Antarctic ice would have played
a role too, cutting off heat exchange at the
surface there, and forcing heat energy to the
depths.
And the effects of carbon dioxide? Well, 3
million years ago, in the late Pliocene, we had
similar levels of the gas in the atmosphere,
with higher temperatures (around 2.3oC.), so
there is a possibility we could assume those
ancient oceanic and atmospheric conditions
again. Phew!
Global climate change was not caused
then by carbon dioxide levels rising,
so the ice changes explain the cooling
instead. That modern circulation in the
oceanic deeps is revealed in sediment core
samples up to 3.3 million years old. Prof. Yair
Rosenthal has the last word on that with his
summary here.
“Our study suggests that changes in
the storage of heat in the deep ocean could
be as important to climate change as other
hypotheses - tectonic activity or a drop
in the carbon dioxide level - and likely led
to one of the major climate transitions of
the past 30 million years,” he said. – www.
earthtimes.org
green+.2014, november-december 67

SCITECH
The ancients are always a
puzzle, whether colonising
Europe or even when
they left Africa and bred with
Neanderthals. See the latest
DNA evidence from a Siberian femur
for that one! The genetic reason for this
European success is now becoming
more evident. The colonists developed
advantageous genes, combined with
several other factors based on their
technologies.
The Hungarian Plain has always been
at the centre of European invasions. The
study concerned here used samples of
DNA from skulls dated 5,700 to 800BC.
The late Neolithic led there into the
Copper Age Baden Culture, the early
Bronze Age and the early Iron Age as
the Near East, the steppes and Central
Europe all swapped technologies.
The Hallstatt Culture began there, in
Transdanubia, with the fabled Scythians
further east on the fertile plain.
Did the invasions bring new people,
or just a few with the requisite technology?
Agriculture provides the answer
here, if we twist around the evidence
to include knowledge of the genomes.
Evidence of Mesolithic hunter gatherers,
like them is scattered here and there,
apart from northern Hungary and also
to the north. We want to know if these
early settlers intermarried with the
farmers appearing from the south and
the east.
Genome results show that Neolithic
people has southern Mediterranean,
mainly Sardinian affinities, as has been
found before. Local male hunter gatherers
became incorporated into farming
Our ancient ancestors
couldn’t digest milk
Other genes were found relevant to population changes
communities, but in the 3rd millennium
BC, the Bronze Age must have been
revolutionary. Trade increased and
heavily fortified settlements grew in
Carpathia and its mountain passes.
Only one Iron Age sample was taken
from the Mezőcsát Culture (possibly
pre-Scythian in 830-980 BC.) Asian
Credit: © Shutterstock
influence is obvious here, probably from
the steppes. Technology then involved
horse domestication, carts, chariots
and the obvious metallurgies. Today’s
Hungarians have more western genome
affinities, presumable due to mixing of
European populations since then.
The real excitement of this mixture
Birds run carefully in the rough
Placing feet in the right place
concerns robots and runners,
and almost all bipeds and
tetrapods. Here is an article
of interest to in Runners. The
UKs Royal Veterinary College
(and Oregon State University)
have often studied small
crouching creatures and large
upright birds such as ostrich.
The mass of these birds ranges
from 0.2kg to 117kg, so the
strategy for movement could
be extremely varied.
Aleksandra Birn-Jeffrey,
Monica Daley and 4 colleagues
published their findings in the
science journal JEB as Don’t
break a leg: running birds
from quail to ostrich prioritise
leg safety and economy on
uneven terrain. Being bipedal,
stability of the body seemed
likely to be a priority, but the
maintenance of consistent
forces from the running
legs was found to be more
important. Economy in terms
of energy expended and the
safety of the legs turned out
to be major results of that
consistent running mode, no
matter how uneven the ground
was.
When birds first flew,
it would have given them
ecological advantages. If
take-off speed was a precursor,
however, then running in
a stable manner could have
influenced avian evolution too.
The stability of the animal does
seem to be a control priority for
many species.
As all birds are dynamically
similar as they approach a step
obstacle (from 0.1 to 0.5 times
their leg length), the leap they
make onto the object seems
to be followed by a crouch that
keeps them stable there. The
forces exerted in the procedure
showed up how they negotiated
the steps. They all jump off
with extended legs.
Some ostriches used in
the experimental work had to
be reared from chicks for two
years, so that their imprinting
on humans could be used to
decrease any aggression and
enable handling. These big
guys were expected to vault
upward and then immediately
step down, but every bird
performed the basic crouch on
top of the step.
With an Oregon University
computer model, the runners
could be modelled exactly.
They discovered two alternative
task level priorities. The
68
november-december, green+.2014

SCITECH
of history and genetics lies in
these rare (and expensive)
sources of endogenous DNA in
certain skulls. Unfortunately,
with the increasing prevalence
of dairy products and
milk from various animals,
lactose intolerance remained.
The lactose persistence
allele is found only after the
Neolithic/Copper Age and the
late Bronze Age samples are
the first found, around 1,000
BC. Oetzi the Ice Man, who we
have written about before in
Oetzi, was lactose intolerant,
and was alive during the
Tyrolean Copper age.
Other genes were found
relevant to population
changes. The transition to
the lighter pigmentation of
modern Europeans is indicated
but periods of genetic
stability show up the changes
that occurred at the advent of
the Neolithic, Bronze and Iron
technologies.
Cristina Gamba and Ron
Pinhasi of University College
Dublin and numerous colleagues
from Trinity College,
the Universities of Potsdam,
Cardiff, and Oxford and
several Hungarian museums
produced these spectacular
results in - Genome flux
and stasis in a five millennium
transect of European
prehistory. – www.earthtimes.org
prioritisation of stability
and returning to the
steady gait required for
running was one. The
other involved minimising
the costs to the bird
in energy exertion. The
model simulated the
cautious responses of
all of the birds if the leg
posture was carefully
controlled to avoid the leg
being overloaded.
Next, a very stable,
bipedal robotic ostrich
which we will all find very
useful for ---? – www.
earthtimes.org
Forest loss in NZ reveals
fire prevention ploys
Land use has shifted recently to accommodate frequent large fires
Our NZ cousins,
the Maoris, landed
750 years ago and
did what humans
always do. They
trashed the forest. Considering
what the British did later,
with sheep, stoats and cats,
the damage was less, but still
destroyed many species of flora
and fauna, leaving half of the
13th century native forest for the
later colonisers to destroy in the
18th century. This would have
been evergreen closed-canopy
broadleaf forest dominated by
podocarps.
The Initial Burning Period
of the Maoris can be checked
in pollen and charcoal remains
and found to have taken place
in mere decades. One vulnerable
site was found that was dry
while a wetter site was thought
to be less liable to be affected.
David B McWethy with others
from Montana State University
joined with several colleagues
from New Zealand’s Landcare
Research, and the University
of Auckland to investigate this
unique example of anthropogenic
colonisation effect.
They publish their paper as- A
High-Resolution Chronology of
Rapid Forest Transitions following
Polynesian Arrival in New
Zealand.
The particular interest is in
how small groups of transient
humans can be so effective in
this environment that is made
so vulnerable to fire. Part of the
answer seems to have been the
fire-prone open shrubland vegetation
appeared in place of the
ancient podocarp forest, just as
it appears in some present-day
deforestation situations.
Land use has shifted recently
to accommodate frequent large
fires. To fight this regular and
very wide occurrence, study of
forest loss could lead to solutions
involving a negative feedback to
fire disturbance. We know that
scrub, grassland and shrubby
vegetation encourages fire. The
Credit: © Shutterstock
In Whanganui National Park,
thousands of endangered
brown kiwi (here) and blue duck
survive in the ancient podocarp
forests, this time in North Island
encouragement of resistance
to fire would save lives, livings,
habitat and ancient woods.
The 3 hectare Lake
Kirkpatrick (dry, lowland) and
1.5 hectare Dukes Tarn (wetter,
high elevation) in South Island
represent two vulnerabilities
to fire. AMS (accelerated mass
spectrometry) results from the
sites were able to give accurate
radiocarbon dates from the
lake sediment cores. Twentytwo
dates were obtained from
the 2 sites, using invaluable
charcoal and terrestrial plant
macrofossils.
Lake Kirkpatrick still has
some stands of native silver
beech while the Tarn has
patches of black beech. The first
human-set fires rapidly created
forest transitions. It took only 17
years at Lake Kirkpatrick and 48
years at the Tarn for a significant
decline in native plants to take
place. Every 50-100 years after
that, more fires devastated the
flora until 1600, when the activity
decreased.
Southern beech, Nothofagus
menziessi, Prumnopitys and
podocarps declined from 99% to
47% of the pollen at the first fires,
with ferns and grasses increasing,
then decreasing around
1642. There was some variability
before 1792, after which native
trees pollen reduced to

POLITICS
Climate: What does the UN want?
Severe irreversible effects must be managed with stringent mitigation activities
Credit: © Shutterstock
If the UN is that single plant
struggling to survive, then the Asian
rainforest here represents how we
have desolated the earth with our
emissions and exploitation. Sustaining
that plant will need resources placed
in the hands of new technologies and
developing nations, with fossil fuels
removed from the great industrialists.
Their own resources must also be
used for cooperative and sustainable
developments
It is difficult to juggle every report
and come to conclusions about
exactly what needs to change
and who on earth will be willing
to change their levels of emission.
Climate change has almost run its full
cycle in people’s minds from incredulity
to tacit acceptance. The final step
is the most difficult. Everybody must
agree on certain steps that will result in
high initial costs and create new political
problems.
Ready for Paris 2015, Ban Ki-moon
has broken off his regular commenting
on various more local problems and
concentrated on Synthesis Report 5..
The IPCC livened up late last year with
their, coalition of ambition, in - COP 19
Warsaw’s COP19. Now they look likely to
continue with a 6th IPCC Report, despite
objections from some sources. Now their
key findings reveal huge concern that
human influence on climate systems
has increasing impact on every single
continent. The severe irreversible effects
must be managed with stringent mitigation
activities.
The IPCC 5th Assessment Report
is condensed into this report, after
their scientific and necessarily vast
assessment of climate change. It is obvious
that the biggest report ever does not
cause movement in itself, but the IPCC
Chair, R. K. Pachauri, believes, we have
the means to limit climate change.
Combine that hope with people’s
opinions that we must do something to
prevent any further effects of climate
change and there is a possibility of
political change. In the background is
the growing extent of greenhouse emissions
that must now be reduced. From
2000 to 2010, they were at their greatest
extent known.
We tend to agree now that greenhouse
gases are predominantly the
cause of our observed warming. With
the criminal emissions of large countries
such as the US and China, the warming
looks set to go on. Developing countries
have special restrictions on energy use
because they have few alternatives and
are given more time to remove fossil
fuels from their energy portfolios.
Many in fact find solar energy
especially a method by which they can
progress. In less sunny climes, there
are other future options or which we
all need to give international help. Mr
Pachauri in fact states that, “many
of those most vulnerable to climate
change have contributed and contribute
little to greenhouse gas emissions”.
The days of independence in individual
and even national action are
likely to be over. As ever, international
cooperation has been unpopular in
many quarters but it is the only possible
solution to this awesome problem.
Mitigation measures are claimed to limit
global warming to less than 2oC.
The end of the century should have
more or less zero emissions of any
greenhouse gas. To make this happen,
societal change will be necessary in
conjunction with new technologies.
City transport systems already seem
to be heading in that direction, where
personal transport, is prohibitive and
often impossible (without the familiar
pedal-power).
It would also be wrong to deny the
destruction wrought on the land by
many industrial style agricultural
and exploitation operations. Their
emissions and contributions to the
release of carbon from these precious
environments have become obsolete
in the world we need to rebuild. – www.
earthtimes.org
70
november-december, green+.2014

POLITICS
Credit: © Shutterstock
Future for Aral Sea
hopefully assured
Still extremely unlikely dead sea will ever resume its
former glory
It is extremely unlikely that the
dead Aral Sea will ever resume its
former glory. The governments of
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in particular
have tried to recreate lakes
and some of the lost water supply. The
result has so far been disappointing,
but this large body of water was not just
about extinct fish and ecology.
It also fed the economic needs of
local populations and created a health
headache when poisonous dust plumed
up and circulated far and wide in the
atmosphere from the dead sea-bed.
The toxins are varied but dioxins were
responsible for a host of maternal and
child health problems. Fortunately they
should have decayed chemically by
now.
The health problems remain however,
as the affected individuals still
suffer the consequences. We have been
covering the Aral Sea closely and very
recently looked at the conferences
ecological perspectives.
The Urgench conference last
week was very successful, with wise
investment in projects that stretched
from the essential and expensive health
programmes to true ecological afforestations
and more examples of local
damming for lake creation. The ultimate
problem is water supply, as global
warming creates even hotter and drier
conditions throughout the Aralkum and
neighbouring Karalkum desert.
How the rivers can be reincarnated
to their former flow rates is debateable.
The Amu Darya in particular is
still diverted too often for the lucrative
cotton crop. In the head waters, the
luxury of persuading more water to
descend is complicated by the needs of
neighbouring Tajikistan.
The 3rd programme of the IFAS
(International Fund for Saving the Aral
Sea) organisation had $2 billion dollars
to spend but further necessary work on
these multiple problems was supported
by a large and ongoing Turkish aid
programme in agricultural education,
irrigation and forestry.
Japan is also extraordinarily generous
with a magnificent $3.6billion aid
The great
jerboa,
Allactaga major,
is a typical
inhabitant of
the Aral region,
important in
the predation
of insects and
as prey for the
little owl and
many others
programme to the 5 Central Asian
nations so far distributed. With Latvia
currently presiding over the EU, their
report was almost as generous, as 160
million will be exclusively available to
Uzbekistan between 2014 and 2020.
Such monies will be dedicated to water
and waste issues, with private companies
already signed up to deliver the
much needed help.
In cooperation with UNDP, German
Federal Government help has always
been forthcoming too, with GIZ supporting
water resources management,
combating desertification and creating
an environment favourable for the
growth of small business and vocational
training.
Many types of funding from
banks such as the Islamic Bank,
UNEP and UNESCO stem from their
officials based in Tashkent. The Danish
Secretary General of the UNECE
(Economic Commission for Europe),
Friis Bach, was present to give his
account of how aid was contributing
to afforestation projects through the
guidance of IFAS.
The increasing threat from climate
change was integral to his speech.
This is possibly the greatest problem,
as we try to conserve more water with
modern irrigation techniques. The
insufferable summer heat in the future
will evaporate even more of the water
needed despite efforts to improve
the Aral Sea’s economy, ecology and
health. – www.earthtimes.org
green+.2014, november-december 71

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green+.2014, november-december 73

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green+.2014, november-december 75

ENVIRONMENT
MSPC’s interaction at Lake Club
Key mission to provide platform and focal points for services providers
By Alexander Lee
ON Nov 22. Choo Kok Beng,
the President of MSPC ,
who is also the Founding
Fellow of the Asean
Academy of Engineering &
Technology(AAET), held a gathering to
recognise its members with an acceptance
certification presentation at the
Lake Club, Kuala Lumpur.
The meeting began with the president
presenting the key objectives, key
missions and visions including events
and contributions from their members
and elaborated on the services industry
scenario.
It was followed with introducing and
networking with members, recognition
with the committees and a good lunch.
The other significant participants
were Shaifubahrim Saleh, immediate
past president of MSPC, and Adviser of
PIKOM, The National ICT Association of
Malaysia, Ar. Amzar Ahmad, Malaysian
Institute of Architects, Datuk Sr. Zakaria
Hashim, past President, MSPC & Council
Member of NAPSEC, Matrade, Dato’ Abd
Radzak Abd Malek, National President,
The Chartered Institute of Logistics and
Transport, Sr Hassan Jamil, President of
Royal Institution of Surveyors Malaysia,
Datuk Dr. Arumugam, President of
Malaysian Mediacal Association, Ir.
KC Yong, National Vice President,
Australian & New Zealand Graduates
Association in Malaysia and Ir. Dr.
Ooi Teik Aun, Director of IEM Training
Centre.
The key mission of MSPC is to
provide a platform and focal point
for services providers to formulate
common strategies, make recommendations
and submit relevant material of
concerns and proactive suggestions to
the government.
Their mission is to promote and contribute
towards the development of a
more efficient and service friendly environment.
On top of that the committee
and members will assist in facilitating
bilateral, regional and multilateral
framework for trade and services.
Through MSPC, it is envisage that
with their networking strength it shall
be a formidable establishment to foster
business links and services opportunities
with counterpart organizations at
local, regional and global levels. This
would be especially true in 2015 with
Malaysia holding the helm as chair of
the Asean Economic Community that
Seated L-R: Dato’ Abd Radzak Abd Malek, Ar. Amzar Ahmad, Datuk Sr. Hj Zakaria Hashim, Ir Choo Kok
Beng, Ir. KC Yong, Datuk Dr. Arumugam, YM Ungku Anna Mohammed and Shaifubahrim Mohd Saleh.
Back Row L-R: M. Venkatash, Ir. Dr. Ooi Teik Aun, Sr Hassan Jamil, Ms Shelly Shen and Louis Tay CS.
Sr Hasan Jamil, President of Royal Institution of Surveyors
receiving the Membership Recognition Certificate.
involves a total population of 650 million
people in Asean.
The government had announced in
budget 2015 a commitment to implement
initiatives for the services sector
as it aims to achieve 60% of GDP in the
services sector by 2020. It is timely for
the government to be implementing the
services sector blueprint too. The initiatives
announced were:
Setting up a services sector guarantee
scheme amounting to RM5 Billion
for SMEs in the services sector
Establish a research incentive
scheme for enterprises with an allocation
of RM10 million for high technology,
ICT and knowledge-based industries.
Reintroducing the Services Export
Fund (SEF) totaling RM300 million to
encourage SMEs to conduct market
feasibility studies and undertake export
promotion to penetrate new markets.
It has been projected that by 2020
at least 46% of jobs will require technical
and vocational qualifications. An
amount of RM1.2 billion has been
allocated for technical and vocational
education.
Further deduction on training
expenses incurred by an employer for
employees to obtain certificate qualifications
from accredited vocational and
professional bodies.
Also with several infrastructure
projects to be implemented in 2015 for
highways, expressways and LRTs etc
the opportunities made available will
be a boon for professionals in their
specialist fields. 2015 will be a very
potential year and MSPC encourages
its members and all service provider
to utilise its platform to widen their
services and professional opportunities
on both a local and global basis as the
avenue is now made available with the
added initiatives.
MSPC Committee also encourage
the members to apply for the APEC
Business Travel Card (ABTC) as it is a
special business travel privilege card
that facilitate business mobility among
the 19 of the 21 APEC member countries
and economies in the Asia Pacific
Region.
ABTC enables card holders to enter
and remain in for a period (depending
on the economy) without separately
applying for a visa and access to a fast
track entrance and exit lane at major
airports of participating economies. The
card is valid for three years but all holders
must always carry their passports
when they travel.
For more information please refer to
the MSPC portal at www.mspc.my and
look for the ABTC service blog. .
green+.2014, november-december 77

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2014 IGEM
Ir Ahmad Hadri Haris at the appreciation brunch.
Roaring success
IGEM 2014 also saw the signing of seven MOUs between
GreenTech Malaysia and several key partners
The 5th International
Greentech & Eco Product
Exhibition and Conference
(IGEM), held recently at the
Kuala Lumpur Convention
Centre, achieved about RM2 billion
worth of business leads, further solidifying
IGEM’s position as the region’s
latest green technology platform, invigorating
the country’s green economy.
Spearheaded by the Ministry
of Energy, Green Technology and
Water (KeTTHA) and co-organised
by Malaysian Green Technology
Corporation (GreenTech Malaysia), the
five-day event saw the participation
of 357 exhibitors presenting products
and services in 616 exhibition booths,
with over 49,000 visitors from over 20
countries.
During an appreciation brunch held
at Carcosa Seri Negara, GreenTech
Malaysia Chief Executive Officer (CEO),
Ir. Ahmad Hadri Haris said: “As the
world’s battle with climate change
intensifies, green technology is soon
establishing itself as the critical catalyst
for change in economies across the
globe.
“To thrive in the climate change era,
businesses must evolve not only to
save cost and reduce their impact on
the environment, but also to meet the
demands of increasingly discerning
green conscious and knowledgeable
consumers.
“The world is indeed changing, and
GreenTech Malaysia together with
KeTTHA have played a synergistic
role in introducing new economic
instruments, strengthening the
understanding of green technology and
The electric
vehicles waiting
to be test
driven.
promoting foreign and domestic direct
investments into the country.”
Apart from the display of the latest
green technology innovation and
solutions, IGEM 2014 also featured a
series of concurrent events namely the
IGEM Conference, Minister-Industry
Dialogue, MATRADE International
Business Matching, MIDA Business
Consultation and One-to-One Bizmatch
Programme among others.
Aptly themed Creating Green
Wealth, IGEM 2014 also saw the
signing of seven Memorandum of
Understandings (MOUs) between
GreenTech Malaysia and several key
partners namely the Department
of Standards Malaysia, Indah Water
Konsortium Sdn Bhd, AMDAC (M)
Sdn Bhd, First Energy Networks Sdn
Bhd, Green Data Center LLP and Kloth
Malaysia Sdn Bhd, to further drive the
nation’s green agenda.
“GreenTech Malaysia as the
country’s lead agency tasked with promoting
green technology will continue
to work closely with all stakeholders
to ensure a sustained environment
conducive to adopting and applying
green technology. As the industry is in
its infancy in the country, the opportunities
are vast and we are honored
to be in a position to play our part to
increase the availability, acceptance
and adoption green technology,” Ir.
Hadri concluded.
As part of the appreciation session
and GreenTech Malaysia’s efforts in
promoting sustainable transportation
under its Electric Mobility Flagship
project, the participants were also given
first-hand experience to test drive
electric vehicles such as the Nissan
Leaf, Mitsubishi iMiev, Renault Zoe and
Renault Twizy.
green+.2014, november-december 79

EVENTS
Green Events Listing
in Malaysia for 2015
Water Malaysia 2015 International
Exhibition and Conference 22-24
April 2015 @ Kuala Lumpur
Convention Centre, KL
Water Malaysia (WM) 2015
International Exhibition & Conference
is the biennial event that encompasses
all across the entire water cycle. Water
resource management, irrigation and
drainage management, water supply,
wastewater management, non-revenue
water (NRW) management, and rainwater
harvesting technologies are some of
the areas covered in the event. Water
Loss Asia (WLA) 2015 will be held concurrently.
To address the severe water
stress faced by the world, WM 2015 will
also be promoting sustainability with
the inclusion of Environment Asia 2015
as the concurrent event.
Local SMEs
are beginning
to address the
increasing
demand for
healthy and
natural food
products.
2014 BEX Asia
been successfully held for 17 times(the
first half year in Beijing, the second
half year in Shanghai). Besides that,
Shibowei Organic Expo is the only one
Chinese Organic Expo got allowance by
Chinese Commerce Ministry.
Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia 2015 2-4
September 2015 @ Marina Bay
Sands Convention, Singapore,
Singapore.
Build Eco Xpo (BEX) Asia 2015 is
the global business sourcing, networking
and knowledge-sharing platform
for the sustainable built environment
in Southeast Asia. The event draws
together international brands of green
building technologies and advancements,
to the heart of the region’s
community of architects, building
owners, contractors, consultants, developers,
facility managers and energy
managers, for business opportunities
and experiential engagement.
Aquatech India 11-13 August 2015
@ Pragati Maidan, New Delhi,
India.
Aquatech India displayes the latest
products and innovations in process,
drinking and waste water and is
a one-of its-kind, international, high
quality water technology event serving
the complete Indian water sector.
The exhibition features the best possible
range of new and proven products
on process, drinking and waste water.
Renewable Energy Asia 2015
June 10-13 2015 @ Bangkok
International Trade & Exhibition
Centre, Bangkok, Thailand.
The show highlights Renewable
Energy sources and the latest technology
in this area. Wind & Solar Power
are among the many systems & programs
featured along with Thermal
and Waste-to-energy, Hydo-powered
programs, Bio-mass and other green
technology also covered. Renewable
Energy & Energy Efficiency Clinics
staffed by experts are conducted at the
show.
Green Building & Retrofits Expo
Asia 2015 16-18 Sept 2015 @
IMPACT Exhibtion Centre, Hall 6,
Bangkok, Thailand.
Green Building & Retrofits Expo Asia
2015 is the 5th international Exhibition
& Conference on Green Building &
Retrofits held in Thailand for the Asia
Market. There will be showing case of
new technology of products, services
and solution for green building and
retrofits.
Smart Energy Japan (ENEX) 2015
28-30 January 2015 @ Tokyo Big
Sight (East Exhibition Centre
Japan) Tokyo, Japan.
ENEX 2015 is an exhibition that brings
together the latest information and tecnologies
relating to smart energies all
under one roof.
Delegates at the 2014 International
Symposium on Green Chemistry
3rd International Symposium on
Green Chemistry 3-7 May 2015 @
La Rochelle, France.
Organic Green Food Industry
Expo 2015 - 18th Shibowei China
(Beijing) 16-18 April @ China
International Exhibition Centre,
Beijing China.
China International Organic Green
Food Expo is also the largest organic
food industry Expo in Asia, which had
ISGC-2015 will cover nine general
topics related to 1. biomass conversion,
2. clean hydrogen production, 3.
alternative solvents, 4. waste, 5. polymers
and materials, 6. atom-economy
synthesis, 7. eco-technology, 8. predictive
methods and 9. environmental
and ethical assessments. Each topic
will be introduced by a plenary lecture
delivered by an eminent scientist of the
field.
80
november-december, green+.2014