Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Annotated Summary

Chen, M.J., & Wong, Y.D. (2013). Porous asphalt mixture with 100% recycled concrete aggregate. Road Materials and Pavement Design, 14:4, 921-932. DOI: 10.1080/14680629.2013.837839

This article focuses on the application of recycled debris in porous asphalt mixtures. Porous asphalt mixture contains high percentages of air voids, which will allow excess water on the road surface to seep through. The article compares the strength and durability of the augmented mix against requirements set by the Land Transport Authority of Singapore. According to Chen & Wong (2013), this is a sustainable procedure in waste disposal as "reusing construction debris can reduce the demand on quarrying as well as decrease the intensity of waste disposal". The article also reports that although recycled debris may be weaker than regular coarse aggregate, the end product created by the former is still suitable for use in pathways and pavements. With the addition of chemical additives, the asphalt can then be strengthened for use on roads with lower traffic volumes. This article includes various statistics such as the composition of aggregates in the different types of porous asphalt mix used for testing as well as their respective strength, density and void content to facilitate their functionality. This aids in our research project on the usage of porous asphalt to prevent flooding as it provides thorough information on porous asphalt, from manufacturing to the application of the end-product. It also provides some insight as to how engineers can do their part in sustainability through the means of recycling. 

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Saturday, February 16, 2019

Summary_Reader Response Draft #3

In the article “Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future” by MacKenzie (2017),  he reports that Singapore's continuous growth has redefined utilitarian designs of green buildings, adding weight to its contribution in tackling climate change. Being densely populated, Singapore generates high power consumption. The Building Construction Authority of Singapore (BCA) has planned to overcome the issue by targeting to certify 80 percent of buildings with the Green Mark by 2030, as well as raising awareness about climate change. Many planners are also starting to enforce eco-friendly systems and materials into buildings. As mentioned in the article, contrary to popular belief, it is not hefty to integrate environmental elements to building’s design. The integration would serve as cost-efficient investments that are beneficial in the long run. It involves using light colors, maximising natural light, leveraging technology, installing suitable elements that promote sustainability and working with stakeholders. In working towards a greener future, making prudent decisions on a building’s design is critical, as it would be a pivotal weapon in Singapore’s fight against climate change.

The article by MacKenzie (2017) has offered various suggestions on improving the energy efficiency of buildings. However, in my opinion, there is a lack of information regarding how the Green Mark can aid in: 1. reducing power usage (economically) as well as 2. other health benefits it can offer (socially). These points will further emphasize the suitability on how the Green Mark and eco-friendly systems can aid in sustainability.

There is an absence of information regarding how the Green Mark can provide health benefits. Social benefits portray the scheme as not just sustainable in terms of material usage, but for establishing sustainable living conditions as well.  The Green Mark Scheme was introduced in 2015 by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore with an intention of creating a more desirable living space and/or working environment for the people. In the study "Occupants of Green Mark buildings are healthier" by Siau (2017), it was reported that occupants were "less likely to experience symptoms of 'sick building syndrome' such as unusual fatigue, headaches" as well as how "occupants of Green Mark buildings were about 60 per cent less likely to get a headache than those in other buildings". These points highlight the beneficial effect of the Green Mark on the social health of the people and would therefore garner strong support for 80 percent of the buildings to be certified by 2030. 

The original article is also lacking in providing data showing the reduction of costs in power usage influenced by the Green Mark.  Economical benefits provide a deeper insight on the common misconception people tend to have towards the price of going green. It has been reported to provide benefits such as expediting the reduction in resource usage, reducing potential environmental impact, improving indoor environmental quality for better health and well-being as well as to provide a clearer direction for continual improvement (BCA, 2019). In the article "Green Mark Awards and property prices" by Fesselmeyer (2018), although property prices have "increased by 2.7 percent on average", the electricity and water savings "amount to approximately $156 per month". This shows that the scheme is rather sustainable in the long run. Ultimately, it projects the buildings in a more efficacious image and will further encourage more people to do their part in saving the environment.

All in all, I feel that the original article has been rather thorough in displaying how green designs and systems aid in going eco-friendly. Climate change is a significant issue that can be addressed with the growth of sustainability and green buildings. The two benefits mentioned above will help to provide more insight on the Green Mark Scheme and therefore raise awareness regarding sustainability.


References:

Building and Construction Authority. (2019, Feb 7). About BCA Green Mark Scheme

Fesselmeyer, E. (2018, Jan 10). Green Mark Awards and property prices

MacKenzie, D. (2017, Sep 5). Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future
Retrieved from:

Siau, M. E. (2017, Sep 12). Occupants of Green Mark buildings are healthier: Study



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Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Summary_Reader Response Draft #2

In the article “Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future” by MacKenzie (2017), Singapore's continuous growth has redefined utilitarian designs of green buildings, adding weight to its contribution in tackling climate change. Being densely populated, Singapore generates high power consumption. The Building Construction Authority of Singapore has planned to overcome the issue by targeting to certify 80 percent of buildings with the Green Mark by 2030, as well as raising awareness about climate change. Many planners are also starting to enforce eco-friendly systems and materials into buildings. Contrary to popular belief, it is not hefty to integrate environmental elements to building’s design. The integration would serve as cost-efficient investments that are beneficial in the long run. It involves using light colors, maximising natural light, leveraging technology, installing suitable elements that promote sustainability and working with stakeholders. In working towards a greener future, making prudent decisions on a building’s design is critical, as it would be a pivotal weapon in Singapore’s fight against climate change.

The article by MacKenzie (2017) has offered various suggestions on improving the energy efficiency of buildings. However, in my opinion, there is a lack of information regarding how the certification can aid in reducing power usage (economically) as well as other health benefits it can offer (socially). These points will further emphasize the suitability on how the Green Mark and eco-friendly systems can aid in sustainability.

Social benefits portray the scheme as not just sustainable in terms of material usage, but for establishing sustainable living conditions as well.  The Green Mark Scheme was introduced in 2015 by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore with an intention of creating a more desirable living space and/or working environment for the people. In the study "Occupants of Green Mark buildings are healthier" by Siau (2017), it was reported that occupants were "less likely to experience symptoms of 'sick building syndrome' such as unusual fatigue, headaches" as well as how "occupants of Green Mark buildings were about 60 per cent less likely to get a headache than those in other buildings". These points highlight the beneficial effect of the Green Mark on the social health of the people and would therefore garner strong support for 80 percent of the buildings to be certified by 2030. 

Economical benefits provide a deeper insight on the common misconception people tend to have towards the price of going green. It has been reported to provide benefits such as expediting the reduction in resource usage, reducing potential environmental impact, improving indoor environmental quality for better health and well-being as well as to provide a clearer direction for continual improvement (BCA, 2019). In the article "Green Mark Awards and property prices" by Fesselmeyer (2018), although property prices have "increased by 2.7 percent on average", the electricity and water savings "amount to approximately $156 per month". This shows that the scheme is rather sustainable in the long run. Ultimately, it projects the buildings in a more efficacious image and will further encourage more people to do their part in saving the environment.

All in all, I feel that the original article has been rather thorough in displaying how green designs and systems aid in going eco-friendly. The two benefits mentioned above will help to provide more insight on the Green Mark Scheme and therefore raise awareness regarding sustainability.

References:

Building and Construction Authority (2019, Feb). About BCA Green Mark Scheme

Derek MacKenzie. (2017). Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future
Retrieved from:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/commentary-green-buildings-singapore-s-natural-ally-for-a-9183380

Fesselmeyer (2018, Jan). Green Mark Awards and property prices

Siau (2017, Sep). Occupants of Green Mark buildings are healthier: Study


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Thursday, February 7, 2019

Summary_Reader Response Draft #1

In the article “Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future” by MacKenzie (2017), Singapore's continuous growth has redefined utilitarian designs of green buildings, adding weight to its contribution in tackling climate change. Being densely populated, Singapore generates high power consumption. The Building Construction Authority of Singapore has planned to overcome the issue by targeting to certify 80 percent of buildings with the Green Mark by 2030, as well as raising awareness about climate change. Many planners are also starting to enforce eco-friendly systems and materials into buildings. Contrary to popular belief, it is not hefty to integrate environmental elements to building’s design. The integration would serve as cost-efficient investments that are beneficial in the long run. It involves using light colors, maximising natural light, leveraging technology, installing suitable elements that promote sustainability and working with stakeholders. In working towards a greener future, making prudent decisions on a building’s design is critical, as it would be a pivotal weapon in Singapore’s fight against climate change.
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The article offers various suggestions on improving the energy efficiency of buildings. However, there is a lack of information regarding the requirements of obtaining the Green Mark for buildings as well as how the certification can aid in reducing power usage. These points will further emphasize the suitability on how it can aid in sustainability.
The Green Mark Scheme was introduced in 2015 by the Building and Construction Authority of Singapore to push the industry towards more environmentally friendly buildings. Buildings to undergo the certification process are required to meet certain criteria for the efficiency on the usage of resources, green features and many more. Having 80 percent of buildings to be certified with the mark will greatly benefit the eco-system as each criterion is to be viewed with high importance.


The scheme aims to create opportunities to allow contractors to do their part in being environmentally friendly. It has been reported to provide benefits such as expediting the reduction in energy, water and material resource usage, reducing potential environmental impact, improving indoor environmental quality for better health and well being as well as to provide a clearer direction for continual improvement. Ultimately, it projects the buildings in a more efficacious image and will further encourage more people to do their part in saving the environment.


 Derek MacKenzie. (2017). Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future.
Retrieved from:

BCA. (2018). Green Mark for Non-Residential Buildings NRB: 2015
Retrieved from:
https://www.bca.gov.sg/greenmark/others/Green_Mark_NRB_2015_Criteria.pdf

BCA. (2019). Green mark buildings.
Retrieved from:
https://www.bca.gov.sg/greenmark/green_mark_buildings.html
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Friday, February 1, 2019

Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future (Reader Response Draft 1)

In the article “Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future” by MacKenzie (2017), Singapore's continuous growth has redefined utilitarian designs of green buildings, adding weight to its contribution in tackling climate change.

Being densely populated, Singapore generates high power consumption. The Building Construction Authority  of Singapore has planned to overcome the issue by targeting to certify 80 percent of buildings with the Green Mark by 2030, as well as raising awareness about climate change. Many planners are also starting to enforce eco-friendly systems and materials into buildings.

Contrary to popular belief, it is not hefty to integrate environmental elements to building’s design. The integration would serve as cost-efficient investments that are beneficial in the long run. It involves using light colors, maximising natural light, leveraging technology, installing suitable elements that promote sustainability and working with stakeholders. In working towards a greener future, making prudent decisions on a building’s design is critical, as it would be a pivotal weapon in Singapore’s fight against climate change.

Derek MacKenzie. (2017). Green buildings, Singapore’s natural ally for a greener future.
Retrieved from:
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/commentary-green-buildings-singapore-s-natural-ally-for-a-9183380

The article offers various suggestions on improving the energy efficiency of buildings. However, there is a lack of information regarding the requirements of obtaining the Green Mark for buildings as well as how the certification can aid in reducing power usage. These points will further emphasize the suitability on how it can aid in sustainability.

Green Mark requirements

 Buildings to be screened for the Green Mark scheme are graded under various categories such as climatic responsive design, building energy performance, advanced green efforts, resource stewardship and smart and healthy building.

BCA. (2018). Green Mark for Non-Residential Buildings NRB: 2015
Retrieved from:
https://www.bca.gov.sg/greenmark/others/Green_Mark_NRB_2015_Criteria.pdf

 Effectiveness of Green Mark

  • Facilitate reduction in energy, water and material resource usage
  • Reduce potential environmental impact
  • Improve indoor environmental quality for better health and well being and
  • Provide clearer direction for continual improvement
BCA. (2019). Green mark buildings.
Retrieved from:

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