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EVERY so often, the topics of globalwarming, green initiatives andrising greenhouse gases take centrestage in the media, highlightingopinions from individuals topoliticians and non-profitorganisations.

In 2006,An Inconvenient Truth,a documentary on Americanpolitician Al Gores efforts to raisepublic awareness of the dangers ofglobal warming and the destructiveeffects on the environment, gainedinternational success and attractedworldwide attention.

However, these were the effortsof a single man. Is it possible forthe larger community to embracethe message and make lifestylechanges for a greener world?

In light of the negative effectsof climate change and to ensure asustainable future, the MalaysianGovernment and its affiliatedagencies have taken numeroussteps to reduce the nations carbonfootprint.

These include building awaste-to-energy power plantthat generates electricity fromsolid waste, implementing awaste separation programmefor households, improving publictransportation networks,increasing passenger capacity in

the KTM Komuter and KL Monorailservices, installation of a floatingphotovoltaic system in Sepang, andintroducing the Bus Rapid Transitsystem in Subang and Sunway.

Each of us needs to do our partto contribute to the cause forpositive change. We need to make amore conscious, serious andprolonged effort to reduce ourenergy and water usage, takeadvantage of public transportation

and pay heed to theconsequences of ouractions.

On the global frontAs of today, government

officials from around theworld have been in seriousdiscussions for about aweek, strategising on crucialprecautionary measures in

the fight against a commonthreat climate change.Held from Nov 30 to Dec

11, the United Nations ClimateChange Conference gathers worldleaders to cooperatively considerthe efforts that are able to limitaverage global temperatureincreases and to cope with thecurrent or future effects of globalwarming.

The event is one of the worlds

biggest internationalsummits as it isattended by 196 parties(195 states and theEuropean Union).

Organised by theUnited NationsFramework Convention onClimate Change (UNFCC), theconference aims to createstrategies to stabiliseatmospheric concentrations

of greenhouse gases at a levelthat will prevent dangerousinterference with the climatesystem.

The main topic of discussionthroughout the duration of theconference is 2C, where greeninitiatives will be introduced sothat the world does not increase intemperature by more than 2C inthe coming years.

This is because a rise greater

than 2C in globaltemperature cancause seriousconsequences suchas more frequent

extreme climateevents.

The 2009 editionof the conference sawcountries affirming this goalof limiting global warming

compared to the pre-industrial

era in the mid-1850s.The goal of this years eventwill be to reach a newinternational agreement that isapplicable to all countries as wellas to mobilise US$100bil(RM422bil) a year by 2020 to helpdeveloping countries cope withclimate change. This sum may beobtained from bilateral ormultilateral, publicor private sources.

Local direction

To ensure countries arecommitted to a positive change,every party to the UNFCC is invitedto submit its intended nationallydetermined contribution (INDC)report before the conference takesplace, detailing the steps it will taketo reduce greenhouse emissions by2025 or 2030.

Malaysia has submitted its INDCreport declaring its intention ofreducing the countrys greenhousegas emissions intensity of gross

domestic product (GDP) by 45% by2030. This is based on theemissions intensity of GDP in 2005.

With a time frame forimplementation set from 2021 to2030, the proposal will coverinitiatives to limit carbon dioxide,methane and nitrous oxide gasesgenerated from the sectors ofenergy, industrial processes, waste,agriculture, and land use, land-usechange and forestry.

Malaysias INDC was createdbased on projected outcomes fromthe 11th Malaysia DevelopmentPlan and existing Malaysianpolicies, including the NationalPetroleum Policy, National EnergyPolicy, National Strategic Plan forSolid Waste Management, National

Green Technology Policy, and LowCarbon Cities Framework.These implementations along

with initiatives by other nationscontribute to a sustainable futureand noticeable change.

However, the true questionremains if our efforts will actuallyheal the world and reverse thenegative effects of the countlessyears of ignorance or are wemerely delaying the inevitable?

SUNDAY STAR, 6 DECEMBER 2015

special

GOING GREEN

Preserving the planet

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going greenSUNDAY STAR,

6 DECEMBER 2015

Eco-friendly, designed for luxury

Using solar energy in the home reduces carbon dioxide emissions andenergy wastage.

USING company PanaHomelaysia Sdn Bhd, under

naHome Corporation Japanbsidiary of the Panasonicup) that provides

mprehensive home-buildingutions and total townshipelopment implementations, has

nounced its joint venture withctuary Gasing Group to pushad with one of Kuala Lumpursmier luxury propertyelopments at Sanctuary Ridge.his joint venture is underway

d will culminate in an 8,000sq ft3.2sq m) showhouse witholutionary architectural andstructional approacheswcasing eco and smart

ments of home ideas for South-t Asian homes, reflecting the

o companies commitment tovironmental sustainability.anaHome is one of the worlds

ding green innovationmpanies in the housing industryh its impressive eco-friendlylding solutions as it

monstrates sustainable livinghout compromising onthetics.

With the planned design andtures, owners can expect tooy greater energy savings withemission and possibly earn a

all income if the owner chooses

to apply for the Feed-in-Tariff (FiT)programme.

Introduced by the MalaysianGovernment in 2010, theprogramme compensatesconsumers of renewable energywho produce a surplus ofelectricity that can be used by thenational grid.

The KiraTech tiles, which will befeatured on the buildings exterior,helps to decompose pollutant gases(decomposition of NOx).

A 200sq m area of KiraTech tileshas been shown to be equivalent tothe air-cleaning capability of

approximately 14 poplar trees.Aside from its air-purifying

function, the KiraTech tiles alsohave self-cleaning capabilities forlonger-lasting and cleaner tiles,which translate into long-termmaintenance cost savings.

The construction of theshowhouse at Sanctuary Ridge canbe completed within six monthsthrough PanaHomes buildingmethodologies and designapproaches.

Construction methods using pre-fabrication technology (with steel-frame structures) ensure a

consistent and high-qualitybuilding while accomplishingshorter construction time relativeto conventional methods.

Also incorporated is a heat-insulation technology to minimiseheat transmission from the outside the unique PanaHome Air-Exchange System (a structuredembedded ventilation system),which supplies effective circulationof natural cool air to keep theinternal living space naturally cooland clean, thus reducing energyconsumption.

The Air-Exchange Systemeliminates contaminated indoor airwithout the need to open windows,which will help minimise the entry

of pests into your home andenhance security.

About PanaHomeMalaysia

PanaHome Malaysia Sdn Bhdis the housing company underPanaHome Corporation Japan, asubsidiary under the PanasonicGroup.

It provides comprehensivehome-building solutions andtotal township developmentimplementations involvingdesigning, planning, constructing,engineering, interior fittings,

installations, landscaping,infrastructure and maintenance.

For more information, e-mailenquiry@panahome.com.my orvisit www.panahome.com.my

About Gasing Meridian

Gasing Meridian Sdn Bhd is amember of the Sanctuary GasingGroup (SGG) with propertydevelopments in Malaysia,Australia (Sanctuary Lakes), China(Sanctuary Xianhai), the UnitedStates (Murray Ranch, SanFrancisco) and Albania (AlbaniaHotel Complex).

SGG is a property developerthat works extensively with private

investors and offers major jointventure and collaborativeexperience with state andmunicipal governmentsworldwide.

Sanctuary Gasing Group (SGG)has brought to Malaysiancommunities several notableprojects, including Sanctuary RidgeKuala Lumpur, Kesuma Lakes,Kasuma-At-Santubong, KasumaResort, and Gasing Heights.

nFor more information, call03-2161 6688 or e-mail sales@sanctuarygasing.com or visitwww.sanctuaryridge.com.my

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The modern and innovative designof the Altair Louvre opens wide to providewonderful breezeways and cross ventilation.

When closed, they seal tight to provideprotection from wind and rain in even themost extreme weather conditions.

The incorporation of Breezway louvrewindows into sustainable buildings helpsreduce the running cost of a home, making itas comfortable and as healthy as possible tolive in, therefore reducing the demand forenergy for heating and cooling.

Automation is also available with the newApptivate Control Unit, which allows AltairPowerlouvres to be operated by a touch-sensitive wall switch, remotely via aPowerlouvre App, in response to changingtemperatures or a timer to maintain acomfortable indoor environment for thewhole family to enjoy.

A house that is economically,

environmentally and socially sustainableenables people with a diverse range of needsto live comfortably and visitors to enjoy theirvisit.

nFor more information, call 03-3291 4885or visit www.breezway.com.my

SUNDAY STAR,6 DECEMBER 2015

going green 3

Sleepsoundly

MOST people do not realise that their choiceof mattress directly impacts their health andsafety.

They tend to focus on the benefits of agood mattress but overlook the side effectsof a bad mattress.

Electromagnetic field (EMF) pollutionaffects sleep negatively and long periods ofexposure can be dangerous to your health asit threatens the immune system, causinghealth problems such as headaches, stress,sleep disorders, fatigue and even cancer.

In a modern era of a wireless radiationsociety, where the use of Wi-Fi, Bluetoothand electronic devices are common sights inthe average household, EMF exposure isample.

During sleep, your body goes through abiological regeneration process, which canbe interrupted by the continuous andinvasive EMF radiation that limits humanDNA regeneration capacity.

This interruption affects the quality ofyour sleep, which affects your health.

So how can you take preventativemeasures with your mattress?

Gethas latest innovation, the GethaCompass Biocare Mattress, features theBiocare Sleep System and is the first in

Louvrewindowssustainablyenhance airventilationat home.

Malaysia to provide a solution to the EMFproblem.

Not only is the Getha Compass Biocare anEMF-free mattress, the Biocare technologyfeatures nanotechnological yarn fabric thatacts as a magnetic barrier against EMFradiation, preventing any electromagneticenergy flow passing through the mattressand into your body.

Biocare technology protects your sleepingenvironment by blocking non-ionisedradiation that attacks and weakens your

body cells, giving you a healthier nightssleep.

Biocare has been tested as a magneticbarrier and blocks the contact of EMF waveswith the body during sleep by 98.5%.

The Getha Compass Biocare Mattressreduces static electricity in the body, whichhelps regulate your bodys bio-rhythm andpromotes excellent quality of sleep.

The face layer of Biocare also consists ofantibacterial features to prevent disease andodour caused by bacteria.

Getha believes that EMF-free latexmattresses provide the healthiest choiceof quality sleep.

nFor more information, visit getha.com.my

Setting high standardsTALK to any modern builder or architectthese days and you will likely hear the termsustainable living in the conversation.

Solar-heated water, dual-flushing toilets,rainwater tanks and energy-savingappliances are examples of the things thatpeople can have to be environmentallyresponsible as well as essential tools toreduce costs associated with running ahousehold.

Another facet of sustainable living iscooling the home down naturally withoutthe use of expensive air conditioners.

Louvre windows are a modern alternativeto electrical air conditioners that not onlyallow airflow through the house usingnatural breeze, but exude an ultra chic andmodern look too.

Houses are generally designed based onthe philosphy of passive design. Thisincludes close attention to shading, adjusting

the buildings orientation and maximisingnatural ventilation so that the building isnaturally comfortable.

A worldwide market leader for morethan 50 years, Breezway designs andmanufactures high-quality and high-performing Altair Louvre Windows.

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going greenSUNDAY STAR,

6 DECEMBER 2015

Innovating fora better future

The V-Grooving Bamboo Flattening Machineeases the flattening process of bamboo, whichis widely used in Malaysia.

The chartexplains theworkingprinciple ofArirangIonMulti-Ionizer.

STARTING with a focus on agriculture,Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) understoodthe intricate relationship between theenvironment, economy and society thethree components of sustainabledevelopment.

Expanding its focus into other areassuch as biotechnology, nanotechnology,engineering and other green technologies,UPM embarked on many new studies andresearch to revolutionise novel ways toprotect the countrys resources for currentand future generations.

Recognising the potential of bamboo as agreen material, Prof Dr Edi Suhaimi Bakarof the Faculty of Forestry invented theV-Grooving Bamboo Flattening Machinethat can flatten bamboo for use as boards,flooring and as substitutes in the wood-based industry.

This machinery can be used by the localcommunity where bamboo can be obtainedeasily to support the need for woodenfurniture in schools, houses or public areas.

With the use of the machine, bambooflattening is easier and less time consuming.

In the area of wastewater dischargemanagement, Prof Dr Azni Idris introduceda method for treating domestic andindustrial sludge as well as waste biomass, ofwhich treated sludge are then converted intobiochar.

Wastewater must be treated before beingdischarged into surface waters. Thistechnique can lessen the operating andmaintenance cost of a small city as well asdecrease environmental problems caused by

onised water

the wastewater discharge process.The Environment Toxicant Detector was

developed by Prof Madya Mohd Yunus AbdShukor to detect foreign chemical substancewithin an organism (xenobiotics) .

Detection of xenobiotics is carried outbased on the inhibition of the luminescenceofPhotobacteriumin the aqueous medium.

The advantages of the bioassay comparedto other bioassays available in the marketare its rapidity, simple and easy method,cost-effectiveness and stability in severeconditions such as extreme pH or

temperatures.Exploring the exciting potential of

nanotechnology, Prof Dr Mahiran Basrideveloped environmentally friendlynanoemulsion herbicide.

The nano-emulsion particles increasepenetration and uptake of glyphosateisopropylamine, which leads to this nano-emulsion system enhancing the bioactivityand bioavailability of the herbicide.

This formulation is better than thecommercial formulation available in themarket and is more effective in controllingweeds.

nFor more information, visitwww.sciencepark.upm.edu.my

dirt on surfaces such as ceramic withoutscrubbing or using disinfectant. It helps toreduce mould and odour in bathrooms too.

When used for cleaning in the kitchen, itcleans all dishes with little or no detergent,

removes odour from seafood and meat aswell as removes insecticide and pesticideresidue from fruits and vegetables.

In the shower, ArirangIon Multi-Ionizerproduces ionised water that is effective intreating skin inflammations, especially forindividuals allergic to detergent or soap.

The shower head and sink head can beeasily fixed onto most household showersor kitchen sinks without a plumbers help.

Your household can enjoy the benefits ofionised water for life. This device retails atUS$250 (RM1,054.44) per unit.

nFor more information, call Sunny Tan at012-201 6091 or 03-787 56081 or e-mailsunnytan@chemibond.com.my

IRANGION Multi-Ionizer is a world-ented device that produces ionised waterough a shower head or sink head.his product transforms ordinary tapter into ionised water and requires no

intenance. It can perform most cleaningh little or no detergent.t has Food and Drug Administration (FDA)proval, EMSL and NAMSA reports from

United States, and has received patentsm the US, Japan, China and more.

Unlike other existing water dispensers,rangIon Multi-Ionizer does not require

y filter change. This device producester that is rich in minerals and passesFDAs beverage safety standard.esides drinking, ionised water isommended for laundry use as it killsst bacteria with little or no detergent. Ito enhances the colour of fabrics.he small molecular size of ionised water

ows it to be used to clean or remove any