Critical Reflection

Module Learning

Coming to an end of the trimester also means the end of the effective communication module. Reflecting back to week one, where I had first begun to work on my goal for this module, I had my goals set to refine my skills in public speaking and to improve my technical writing skills. After attending the effective communication module, I believe that I have significantly improved in both my communication and writing skills. I was able to do so through the course resources provided to us. I was able to broaden my communication and writing skills through the projects assigned to us. Projects and report writing has allowed me to broaden my perspective through the discussion done with my team members. Through this, I was able to look at different problems through my team member’s perspective. I believe that learning this skill would greatly benefit me as I would be able to see problems from various angles when I face them in the future.

Project Learning 

After attending the effective communication module, I learned that communication within a team and teamwork is essential in any group project. The groups that were allocated in this module ware at random, this brings people of different backgrounds together to work together towards a common goal. In this situation, there’s always advantages and disadvantages. The advantage towards randomized groups would be to meet new people and form strong friendships with them. The disadvantages towards randomized groups would be clashing of ideas from team members. Each member has their own visualization and thoughts towards the same problem. This has taught me to pause for a moment to analyse the perspective my team member is coming from. For instance, during my team’s research phase, we were discussing if we should use anaerobic digestion or pyrolysis for our team’s solution. We were given a few days to do research on the given topics by our team leader and were to debate about it in the next meeting. During the meeting, we mentioned about the advantage and disadvantage of both processes. I was supporting the use of pyrolysis and was trying to persuade my team members to use it. However, after hearing what my team members had to say about the processes, I realized that pyrolysis has too many factors and technical terms to consider within our 2000 words report. In the end, our team agreed on anaerobic digestion for our solution. I believe that learning the importance of communication and teamwork will benefit me greatly in the future. I will meet different people from different backgrounds in the future, I have to learn to work with them for future projects and I’m sure with skills I obtain from this module, I’ll be more prepared. In conclusion, I believe that communication is the key to every successful project. Without proper communication and the correct way to express my ideas, there would not even be a team, without a team, there would not be a successful team project.

Thank you, Professor Brad Blackstone, for guiding us through this fun and enriching journey. I’ve greatly benefited from this module and I’m sure my fellow course mates have done so too.

VodCast

Technical Report Draft 1

INTRODUCTION:

This proposal has been developed to implement best practice on the reduce food waste by converting it into a course of renewable energy and liquid fertilizers via anaerobic digestion process in SIT @Punggol.

Singapore has gained its reputation globally as a “clean and green” country over the years by implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to current environmental problems. However, methods for food waste management can still be further improved. According to the waste management and recycling statistics (NEA, 2017), the total food waste generated in Singapore is approximately 676,800 tonnes, but only a small percentage of 16% is being recycled. The amount of food waste generated is expected to increase in the future due to the growing population in Singapore.

       

Figure 1: Food waste generated over the past 10 years (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)

There are other challenges towards food waste recycling such as odour and pests; lack of public awareness and high operational cost (Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2015).  We believe that through the improvement of existing technology, we can create a feasible option for the upcoming SIT @Punggol campus to contribute towards Singapore being a Zero Waste Nation.

Figure 2: Food waste percentage (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)

The implementation of the High-solids Organic-waste Recycling System with Electrical Output (HORSE) designed by Impact Bioenergy would allow SIT@Punngol to produce energy and liquid fertilizers through anaerobic digestion of food waste. This will result in the reduction of food wastage, energy consumption and an improvement in the biodiversity of the institute. This would help to minimize or ideally eliminate the cost and effort in disposing of food waste.

PROBLEM STATEMENT:

The new canteens in SIT @Punggol campus should be designed with considerations for the implementations of food waste recycling systems to help reduce overall food wastage and energy consumption. (Ideal)

With the new SIT @Punggol campus which is estimated to house up to 12,000 students, large amounts of food waste are expected to be generated. Without a proper way to recycle, the large amount of generated food waste would result in increase operational cost for disposal. (Gap)

By using the method of anaerobic digestion, we can turn food waste gathered from canteens at SIT @Punggol campuses into liquid fertilizers and electricity. This will reduce the overall energy consumption, carbon footprint and food wastage generated in SIT. (Goal)

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

This report proposes to the planning committee of SIT @Punggol to implement a food waste recycling system that can convert food waste into renewable energy and organic liquid fertilizer. The energy produced from the recycling process can be used as an energy source to help power the amenities within SIT while the liquid fertilizers can be used to nurture the biodiversity within the campus. The implementation of the system will allow SIT @Punggol to adopt a green initiative and to achieve the vision towards a sustainable Singapore. 

References:

Ng,B.,& Yu,M.,& Chen,C.L.,& Rajinikanth,R.,& Jing,Y.W. (2015). Municipal food waste management in Singapore: practices, challenges and recommendations. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management. doi: 10.1007/s10163-015-0405-8.

National Environment Agency. (2017).Food Waste Management. Retrieved from https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/food-waste-management

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 5

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, the article claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and do not degrade over time. The article states that the use of waterproof concrete has helped to overcome the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the elements found most speculative by users. In addition, the article mentioned that the builder’s jobs are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished more quickly as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost-effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as the growth of roots is eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

While the article underlined the positive effects and monetary value of using hydrophobic technology in green roofs, it could include the benefits of having a green rooftop to enhance the article’s information.

One benefit of having a green roof would be the recovery of green space. With the uprising of population growth and urbanization, much of our barren lands are converted into impervious surfaces. In order to maintain our environmental quality, it is necessary for us to recover green space. According to Rowe (2011), installing green roofs is a viable option to reduce the negative impact of development while providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. Advantages of having a green rooftop include improved water quality via stormwater management, energy conservation, mitigation of heat, reduction in air pollution and increment in biodiversity.

Another benefit of having a green rooftop would be the psychological benefits for humans. The natural characteristic of green roofs provides relief from concrete construction in urban areas and creates a vast change towards modern architecture. According to the article written by Miller (2009) entitled "Nature is Good", it mentions that nature has a positive impact on human conditions. Going for a simple walk in the park or looking at a picture of a landscape can induce psychological benefits such as reduction of stress and improvement in concentration. 

Another benefit of having a green roof would be the creation of countless job openings. The construction and maintenance of green roofs create business opportunities for roofing contractors, plant producers, and contractors. It also helps other green industry members to address pressing issues of the environmental. In the article by America’s Rivers and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (2008) entitled “Creating Jobs and Stimulating the Economy through Investment in Green Water Infrastructure”, the research article claims that over 190,000 jobs opportunity would be created and provide billions in revenue for suppliers and manufacturers dealing with green roof related materials.

Overall, I believe that green roofs should be implemented all over the world. The implementation of green roofs would greatly benefit the environment and increase biodiversity within urban areas. It also paves opportunities for the future generation to learn and study about green rooftops.   

References

Green Plants for Green Buildings (2014, April). Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Green-Roofs-White-Paper-April-2014-Edition.pdf

Green Rooftop. (n.d.). The Concrete Advantage. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenrooftops.org/advantage.html

Greenroofs. (n.d.). About Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://greenroofs.org/about-green-roofs/

Kaplan, J. S. (2009, March 11). Plants Make You Feel Better. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-mindfulness/200903/plants-make-you-feel-better

Lowitt, P. C., Michael, K., Steven, P. (2008, March). Planning for rooftops: The benefits of green roof infrastructure. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289763701_Planning_for_rooftops_The_benefits_of_green_roof_infrastructure

Michigan State University. (n.d.). Benefits of Green Roofs. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenroof.hrt.msu.edu/benefits/index.html

Urban Scape. (n.d.). Social Benefits. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from http://www.green-urbanscape.com/en/content/social-benefits

Yanling, L., & Babcock, R. (2015, November 27). Green roofs against pollution and climate change. Retrieved October 4, 2018, from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01234839/document

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 4

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, the article claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and do not degrade over time. The article states that the use of waterproof concrete has helped to overcome the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the element found most speculative by users. In addition, the article mentioned that the builder’s jobs are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished more quickly as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost-effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as the growth of roots is eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

While the article underlined the positive effects and monetary value of using hydrophobic technology in green roofs, it could include the benefits of having a green rooftop to enhance the article’s information.

First of all, with the uprising of population growth and urbanization, much of our barren lands are converted into impervious surfaces. In order to maintain our environmental quality, it is necessary for us to recover green space. According to Rowe, D.B. (2011), installing green roofs is a viable option to reduce the negative impact of development while providing numerous environmental, economic, and social benefits. Advantages of having a green rooftop include improved water quality via stormwater management, energy conservation, mitigation of heat, reduction in air pollution and increment in biodiversity.

Secondly, green rooftops can provide social benefits towards humans. Such benefits include educational opportunities, health, and beautification towards urban landscapes. The natural character of green roofs provides relief from concrete construction in urban areas and creates a vast change towards modern architecture. According to the article written by Miller.M (2009) entitled "Nature is Good", it mentions that nature has a positive impact on human conditions. Going for a simple walk in the park or looking at a picture of a landscape can induce psychological benefits such as reduction of stress and improvement in concentration. The demand for green rooftops is on the rise. This provides exponent opportunities towards students in the environmental and biological field. Educational facilities can give students and visitors access to green rooftop sites to learn more about biology, sustainable technology and the benefits of green rooftops.

Lastly, the introduction of green rooftops creates countless job openings. The construction and maintenance of green roofs create business opportunities for roofing contractors, plant producers, and contractors. It also helps other green industry members to address pressing issues of the environmental. Based on a recent study by America’s Rivers and the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) (2008) entitled “Creating Jobs and Stimulating the Economy through Investment in Green Water Infrastructure”, it claims that if one percent of commercial buildings in America installed green roofs, it would create over 190,000 jobs opportunity and provide billions in revenue for suppliers and manufacturers dealing with green roof related materials.

Overall, I believe that green roofs should be implemented all over the world. The implementation of green roofs would greatly benefit the environment and increase biodiversity within urban areas. It also paves opportunities for the future generation to learn and study about green rooftops.   

References 

Culver, A. L., Mumford, J., Anderson, M., Fediw, K., & Lewis, M. (2014, April). Green Roofs. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Green-Roofs-White-Paper-April-2014-Edition.pdf

The Concrete Advantage. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenrooftops.org/advantage.html

About Green Roofs. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://greenroofs.org/about-green-roofs/

Kaplan, J. S. (2009, March 11). Plants Make You Feel Better. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/urban-mindfulness/200903/plants-make-you-feel-better

Lowitt, P. C. (2008, March). Planning for rooftops: The benefits of green roof infrastructure. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289763701_Planning_for_rooftops_The_benefits_of_green_roof_infrastructure

Benefits of Green Roofs. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from http://www.greenroof.hrt.msu.edu/benefits/index.html

Social Benefits. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from http://www.green-urbanscape.com/en/content/social-benefits

Yanling, L., & Babcock, R. (2015, November 27). Green roofs against pollution and climate change. Retrieved on October 4, 2018, from https://hal.archives-ouvertes.fr/hal-01234839/document

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 3

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftops claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. The article states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the element found most speculative by handlers. Builders’ job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem.

The article explains the positive effects and monetary value of using hydrophobic technology in green rooftops. However, the lack of a Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau (FLL) test to validate the information from the article makes the article less than satisfactory to promote hydrophobic technology within rooftops.

Green Rooftops should have done a Forschungsgesellschaft Landschaftsentwicklung Landschaftsbau (FLL) test before publishing this article. The article mentioned that no test have been done to substantiate the benefit of eliminating a root barrier. In my opinion, I believe that the FLL test should have been done prior to the publishing of the article “The Concrete Advantage”. To justify their claims, Green Rooftops should have obtained a FLL test report from the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer (CRITT) Horticole and the Scientific and Technical Center for Building, European notified body for construction products (CSTB). The CRITT Horticole and the CSTB is a partnership program formed to perform root resistance tests on waterproofing membranes according to the EN 13948 norm (Determination of resistance to root penetration). The FLL testing techniques provides output which can be compared with preset reference values and this will provide more valid justification to why hydrophobic technology is better compared to the traditional roofing system. With this improvement done to the article,I feel that users of green rooftops would be convinced to upgrade their current rooftops to the use of hydrophobic technology.

References

Philippi, P. M. (2002). Introduction to the German FLL-Guidelines for the Planning, Execution and Upkeep of Green-Roof Sites. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/IntroductiontotheGermanFLL2.pdf

Root resistance test EN 13948 - FLL. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.critt-horticole.com/activite/root-resistance-test-en-13948-fll/

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 2

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftops claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. The article states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the greatest disadvantage of green roofs by removing the element found most speculative by handlers. Builders’ job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build-up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. The article also mentions that in the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards the ecosystem. Base on the points elaborated by the author, I support the use of concrete green roofs as they are more reliable compared to the traditional roofing system. Usage of concrete green roofs not only allows the user to overcome the disadvantages of a traditional system, it also helps in the preservation of the ecosystem.

"The Concrete Advantage" #Draft 1

In the article “The Concrete Advantage” from Green Rooftop website, Green Rooftop claims that hydrophobic technology removes hazardous factors for users while assuring monetary returns. Concrete green roofs are sturdy and does not degrade over time. Green Rooftop states that use of waterproof concrete has helped to defeat the biggest overthrow of green roofs by removing the part found most speculative by the handlers. Constructor’s job are made easier since there is no use of membranes, eliminating the detriments in the build up. The task can be accomplished quicker as there is no concrete-cure waiting time before inclusion of the membrane, resulting in cost effectiveness for the user. Root barriers are unnecessary as growth of roots are eradicated with the use of waterproof concrete. In the case where maintenance is needed on the green roof, a simple inoculation of polyurethane grout can be induced at the bottom, minimizing any harm towards budding seedlings.