Waste Charging in Hong Kong

In the previous week, there was a lecture on waste management, the term 3R was mentioned. 3R refers to reduce, reuse and recycle. There are taken out from the waste management hierarchy, these three actions could help us achieve a sustainable. It provides a guideline for us to live in a recycle lifestyle.

In Hong Kong, an organisation called “the Green Power” has pushed 3R further to become the 4R system which includes 'replace' as the fourth R. Hong Kong as an international and developed city, it has high living qualities, high financial status and high population. I think it would be interesting to discuss how people in Hong Kong has implant recycle and reduce in their everyday life.

In the case of recycling, Hong Kong has been pushing education recycling programs for a long period of time. Hong Kong provides many recycle bins at each apartment and also in different malls. It provides good conditions which encourage household and people to recycle their waste.

In terms of reduction, Hong Kong government has recently proposed a regulation to charge on wastes. It can be established at 2019. This regulation is targeted on general wastes that are not able to be recycled. The government has introduced a range of special plastic bags in different capacities from 3L to 100L, fee varies from 30 cents to 11 HKD. People would be charged a penalty of 1500HKD (Apple Daily, 2017). The fees will vary from 30 to 90 dollars per months. Some people accept this regulation and agree to reduce or recycle household wastes, however, there are people question the efficiency of the policy since the charge is low.  Furthermore, there are people suggest that Hong Kong should improve on recycling the household waste before establishing charge on waste (RTHK31, 2017).

I personally have doubt on the actual operation of the scheme since it involves many factors and difficulties. I also would not guarantee the effect on reducing waste, however, I think it would help encouraging people to recycle their waste in Hong Kong. Although the education programs Hong Kong has run for a long period, but the idea of recycling is still weak in Hong Kong. In an ideal situation, I think that this regulation would allow people to be more active in recycling. After the idea and action of recycling is established in the society, the regulation would push people to reduce waste in Hong Kong. It would also benefit Hong Kong in transforming in a more sustainable city.

Apple Daily. (March 2017).  需買專用袋 最貴3元一個 垃圾徵費今揭盅 三口家料月付$44. [Online] Apple Daily. Available at: http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20170320/19963618 [Accessed 25 March 2017].

RTHK31. (March 2017). 《視點31》垃圾徵費計劃利弊.  [Video] Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beLdy0nOaAI [Accessed 25 March 2017].

Fig 1. Apple Daily. (March 2017).  需買專用袋 最貴3元一個 垃圾徵費今揭盅 三口家料月付$44. [Online] Apple Daily. Available at: http://hk.apple.nextmedia.com/news/art/20170320/19963618 [Accessed 25 March 2017].

A different way to create land – Mega- Float

Land reclamation refers to the process of creating new land on ocean, riverbed and lake beds. Land reclamation usually is preferred for expansion of cities or large construction projects such as airport or harbour. The traditional methods for land reclamation are usually non-environmental friendly. For example, Hong Kong is a city that had land reclamation project during the development.

The land reclamation has created large environmental impacts to the ocean in Hong Kong. It would further pollute the ocean while affecting the food chain of the marine animals. It would also create permanent damages to the ocean bed. Land reclamation also requires a large amount of cost, therefore, land reclamation is restricted and uncommon in the current state.

The technology of ‘Mega- Float’ is introduced in Japan in 1995. Mega-Float is an advanced way create land while minimising the damage and reducing the cost. Mega-Float is a very large floating structure (VLFS). Mega- Float is made out of 4 components: prefabricated land component, breakwater, stabiliser and a bridge that connects to the existing land. Mega Floats are able to support construction on top and also take-off and landing for aeroplanes. In contrast to the traditional method of land reclamation, Mega- Float has no restriction to a specific location. It takes less time to be constructed since land components are prefabricated. It is also lower in cost and less environmental impact on marine animals and water quality.

I think that although Mega- Float provides an answer for land reclamation, however, the sustainability issue behind would be land reclamation itself. Land reclamation is used for a few situations such as beach restoration, its main purpose is to provide more land for developing cities around coastal areas. I think that in the development of a sustainable city, any form of land reclamation should be avoided unless it is necessary. There are many other ways to maximise the usage of land through urban planning, compact city and smart cities.

Shipbuilding Research Centre. (2003). Introduction of Mega- Float. [Online] Available at: http://www.srcj.or.jp/html/megafloat_en/menu/top.html[Accessed 25 March 2017].

Fig1. Shipbuilding Research Centre. (2003). Introduction of Mega- Float. [Online] Available at: http://www.srcj.or.jp/html/megafloat_en/menu/top.html[Accessed 25 March 2017].

Cheonggyecheon River - Renovation project in Seoul, Korea

Cheonggyecheon River - Renovation project in Seoul, Korea

Cheonggyecheon River is located in the central area of Seoul. There are many external public areas near the site such as Gwanghwamun Square and Gyeongbokgung. All these buildings represent the culture and History of Korea. Originally, the area was a freeway in a CBD area, the river was polluted and the area often suffers from flooding issues (Mayer 2012). In 2000, the freeway and road around the area need to be repaired due to structure issues. Due to a large amount of maintenance fee, the Korean Government has decided to turn the freeway into an environmental innovative project. The reconstruction at 2003 and finished in 2005.

 Fig 1. Night view of Cheonggyecheon

This area has turned into an excavated site with a river that runs toward the Han River.  The excavated form of the river separate the site from the busy traffic and provide a biodiversity (Wang 2014) environment for the surrounding buildings. The excavated form separate this new area from the busy commercial areas, provide a space for tourism and local citizen to gather. Another feature is the introduction of the river, despite the fact that some of the water is pumped from the Han River rather than recycled water (Wang 2014). However, it achieves the goals of building an urban park (Bissel 2014) within the CBD for Seoul. It reduces the urban heat, increases the biodiversity and reduces the air pollution of the CBD area. (Landscape Architecture Foundation 2011). Furthermore, it contains cultural features such as paintings on the wall, pond, wall of culture, wall of history and wall of hope.

There are many pedestrian and vehicle bridges that run across the site which resolves the problem of traffic and pedestrian access to the CBD.

Fig 2. Original freeway along Cheonggyecheon

I think that the renovation project of Cheonggyecheon provides a great example for the possibility of developing a sustainable city. It has provided a breakout space within a dense and urbanized CBD area which allows possible social interaction in the CBD areas. It also provides environmental benefits such as reduce urban heats and air pollution in a CBD areas. Furthermore, another important factor that can be learned from this case study is spotting the opportunities to renovate or develop a better city and react to it. Overall, I think this project has improved the social and environmental quality of the area and would be a good case study for future development in a sustainable city.

Bissel, B. (2014, January 22). Not all Green Spaces are Created Equal: A Look at the Successes of Cheonggyecheon, South Korea | The Urbanist Dispatch. Retrieved April 3, 2016, from http://www.urbanistdispatch.com/1948/not-all-green-spaces-are-created-equal-a-look-at-the-successes-of-cheonggyecheon-south-korea/

Landscape Architecture Foundation. (2011, January). Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project. Retrieved April 3, 2016, from http://landscapeperformance.org/case-study-briefs/cheonggyecheon-stream-restoration#/overview

 Mayer, N. (2012, July 4). The Cheonggyecheon River Restoration Project, Seoul, South Korea. Retrieved April 4, 2016, from https://sustainabilitywriter.wordpress.com/2012/07/04/the-cheonggyecheon-river-restoration-project-seoul-south-korea/

Wang, L. (2014, November 18). How the Cheonggyecheon River Urban Design Restored the Green Heart of Seoul. Retrieved April 3, 2016, from http://inhabitat.com/how-the-cheonggyecheon-river-urban-design-restored-the-green-heart-of-seoul/

Fig 1  http://www.thousandwonders.net/Cheonggyecheon

Fig 2  http://www.gardenvisit.com/blog/cheonggyecheon-river-reclamation-and-landscape-architecture-in-seoul-korea/

Housing Affordability & Affordable housing

Housing affordability has recently become an issue in major areas of Australia. According to the annual Demographia report on housing affordability, Sydney is rank second on least affordable housing (Beer, 2017). First home buyers have great barriers to purchase property in Sydney or Melbourne (Cocks, 2017), the price of properties also affects rental prices increase to a high point.

Affordable housing refers to the range of housing options such as Government owned, social housing by charities and low-cost private housing (Cocks, 2017). The number of affordable houses in Australia has decreased over many years in result low-income families has to compete with others in private rental markets. Due to the large amounts of investment in Australia, there would not be a large change in next 20 years (Cocks, 2017).

Affordable housing is a complex issue, it counts many factors in minimising the effect of this issues. It would involve government regulations on tax, investment policies and regulation on the development of housing. I am interested in how regulation on the development of housing can contribute to resolving the issue. I think that the regulations should also contribute to environmental sustainability as well as social and economic.

In terms of built environment in affordable housing, I think that one possible solution for this issue could be urbanization of areas that surrounds the CBD. Urbanization of surrounding areas would reduce the need to expand the boundary of the city which reduces the development of extra city infrastructure. It also provides an opportunity for rural areas to develop into sustainable areas. For example, the public traffic network can be renovated by the development of light rail which improves the connection of local areas and also connections toward CBD.

Another example would be the introduction to mid or high-rise residential buildings. The government could develop this high-rise residential as government owned housing and provide to low-income families. High rise residential can provide large supply while reducing the land usage for construction. These new buildings can be designed as ‘Green buildings’ which contributes towards environmental sustainability.

Furthermore, the renovation of the areas would allow for improvement in another aspect such as economic and social. For example, the development of the area would increase in employment opportunities. The higher density would also increase social connection and activities occur within the areas.

Although the idea of urbanization involved with complex restriction in the reality. I believe that in co-operating with other government policies on limiting investment or supports for the low-income families. The urbanization would contribute in resolving the issue of affordable housing and also leads Sydney into a more sustainable city.

Andrew Cocks. (February 2017). Just as there’s no universal housing affordability crisis, there’s no one- size- fits- all solution. [Online] Domain. Available at: https://www.domain.com.au/news/just-as-theres-no-universal-housing-affordability-crisis-theres-no-onesizefitsall-solution-20170223-guihou/[Accessed 19 March 2017]

Andrew Beer. (January 2017). A housing affordability crisis in regional Australia? Yes, and here’s why. [Online] Domain. Available at: https://www.domain.com.au/news/a-housing-affordability-crisis-in-regional-australia-yes-and-heres-why-20170129-gu150v/ [Accessed 19 March 2017]

Is Green building sustainable?

Green building design refers to buildings that are environmentally friendly and control in resources throughout the building life cycle. Green building does not necessary refers to building cover with vegetation, it refers to buildings that can reduce used in resources such as water and energy. It also designed to reduce waste and pollution cause throughout the building life cycle (US environmental Protection Agency, 2016).

Fig1. Advantages of Green buildings

Some advantages of Green buildings are cost, efficiency and preserving infrastructure. Although green buildings would require higher construction costs compare to standard buildings, however, green buildings require less maintenance, renovation and operation fee throughout its building life cycle which results in a lower overall cost. Resources efficiency are divided into water, energy and material where each has its own way to achieve sustainability. For example, rainwater or grey water can be reused in the different areas in the building. Due to the efficiency of resource, it would also affect the infrastructure of the area around it (Weetas, 2016).

Video 1: Central Thermal Plant, Sydney, Total Construction.

The number of Green buildings has increased in recent years. One of the well- known are One Central Park. One Central Park is well known for its green walls, roof garden and smart metering systems. It contains the advantages of green buildings. It contains a tri- generation energy centre which is twice energy efficient compared to the coal fire power plant. Tri- generation can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 190 000 Tonnes over the 25 years life span. Furthermore, it also has a recycled water network, it would reduce 40 to 50 % of water consumption (CentralPark).

I think green buildings are not only one of the future of architecture, it would also be a key component for us to the future development of cities. I think it affects how we think and design, I also think that it would affect the layout and design of future cities. The infrastructure of the cities has to be rearranged to adopt a lot of green buildings. For example, when a lot of green buildings are located around, can their infrastructure or some component intersect in order to achieve higher sustainability? In this case, how can cities plan out to maximise the effects of these type of innovations?

US environmental Protection Agency. (February 2016). [Online]. Components of Green Building. US environmental Protection Agency. Available at: https://archive.epa.gov/greenbuilding/web/html/components.html#indoor[Accessed 12 March 2017].

Weetas. (December 2016). Green Buildings: Advantages and Disadvantages. [Online]. Weetas Blog. Available at: https://www.weetas.com/article/green-buildings-advantages-and-disadvantages/ [Accessed 12 March 2017].

Central Park Sydney. Green Transformation. [Online].Central Park Sydney. Available at: http://www.centralparksydney.com/explore/a-sustainable-habitat [Accessed 12 March 2017].

Total Construction. (November 2014). Central Thermal Plant, Sydney, Total Construction. [Video].  Available at: https://youtu.be/JnNPg0coQ8o [Accessed 12 March 2017].

Fig 1. Weetas. (December 2016). Green Buildings: Advantages and Disadvantages. [Online].Weetas Blog. Available at: https://www.weetas.com/article/green-buildings-advantages-and-disadvantages/ [Accessed 12 March 2017].

Video 1. Total Construction. (November 2014). Central Thermal Plant, Sydney, Total Construction. [Video].  Available at: https://youtu.be/JnNPg0coQ8o [Accessed 12 March 2017].

Blue Roof - A new green roof

Blue Roof - A new green roof

In Australia, The idea of green roof was first introduced and install around 1930 (City of Sydney, Apr 2014). It has become a common feature in current buildings. Green roof refers to rooftop areas that are cover in soil and have vegetation

planted in. Green roofs have been noted as a sustainable feature in build environment due to the benefit it provides. In NSW, 30% of the roof area needs to be covered to count as a green roof (City of Sydney, Apr 2014).

In recent years, another form of the sustainable roof has appeared known as the blue roof. Blue roof is a roof that detains stormwater. It delays the drain inlets which create a temporary ponding. This design can delay the rate of storm water which reduces the pressure of the storm water drainage system of the city during heavy storms. Blue roofs are usually built along green roofs to provide water for vegetation (Justin McGar, 2015).

Fig 1. Blue Roof and Green Roof place on one roof

Blue roofs and Green roofs share some advantage such as reducing urban heat and reduce the heat gain of the building. It could result in reducing in electricity consumption due to the thermal benefit in summer. Blue Roof would cost less to build compare to the green roof also, it is lighter than the green roof. On the other hand, the green roof can create a biodiversity on the building and improve air quality during the day (City of Sydney, Dec 2014). Blue roofs are more popular in New York compare other places in the world (Justin McGar, 2015). I believe that blue roof would become beneficial for cities that suffer from monsoons weathers.

Fig 2.Section of Green and Blue roof

I think that the both roofs has their advantages which could contribute towards sustainability. I think that the collaboration of both ideas would provide a more sufficient. For example, blue roof with green wall. The load of vegetation and soil would be transferred from the slab to the façade of the building which allows the more load on the blue roof. The detention of storm water can be used for both watering plants and also be used for cooling system inside the buildings. It would still require further advancement in technology to achieve that level of efficiency. However, I think it would benefit develop cities to achieve sustainability from the idea of blue and green roofs.

Justin McGar. (July 2015). The New Green Roof is Blue. [Online] Sourceable. Available at: https://sourceable.net/new-green-roof-blue/[Accessed 12 March 2017].

City of Sydney. (April 2014). Green Roofs and Walls Policy. [pdf] City of Sydney. Available at: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/200243/2014_126384__policy__green_roofs_and_walls2.pdf [Accessed 12 March 2017].

City of Sydney. (December 2014). Green Roofs and Walls. [online] City of Sydney. Available at: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/vision/towards-2030/sustainability/greening-the-city/green-roofs-and-walls#page-element-dload[Accessed 12 March 2017].

Fig 1. NYC. Blue Roof and Green Roof. [online]. NYC Environment Protection. Available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/stormwater/green_pilot_project_ps118.shtml

Fig 2. NYC. Blue Roof and Green Roof. [online]. NYC Environment Protection. Available at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/dep/html/stormwater/green_pilot_project_ps118.shtml

Turning waste into resources

A Liter of Light 

The objective of the project “A Liter of Light” is to provide affordable and sustainable solar light to people who have limited or no access to electricity. In poor areas, houses are built very close to each other to meet the demand. In result of lacking basic living quality such as lighting indoor during the daytime. The project “A Liter of Light” turns wasted plastic bottles to light bulbs by adding water and bleach and installing it onto the roof of the house. These bottles reflect sunlight and lighten up the interior spaces. These bottles are later improved by adding a LED powered by small solar panels so there will be light at night time as well (Liter of Light).

I think this project is an example of a good sustainable design since it is under high restrictions, at the same time it provides a solution to improve people’s living quality. It has reduced the electricity usage per household, it has also turn wasted plastic bottle into resources again. Furthermore, it provides employment opportunities for the locals, such as carpenters and trash collectors (Matters 2012). 

                                            Fig 1. Bottle installed at a store (Matters 2012)

I think the ideas can be taken from this project are waste management and sustainable design thinking. Waste management such as recycle materials and resources, expanding the usage or “life” of materials. Sustainable design thinking which I understand as maximise the positive effects with the least possible costs. These includes economic factors, environmental factors and social factors. In the case of A Liter of Light, it has positive effects on all three sectors.

Resources:

Matters R, (July 2012). A Liter of Light Goes a Long Way (by Ami Valdemoro), [online] Wordpress, Available at: https://riomatters.wordpress.com/2012/06/06/1-liter-of-light-by-ami-valdemoro [Accessed 4 March 2017]

A Liter of Ligh, (2013). A Liter of Light @ Night. [video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQCHvO2H0_0 [Accessed 4 March 2017]

Liter of Light. About us. [online] Available at: http://literoflight.org/ [Accessed 4 March 2017]

City Infrastructure: Thirsty Concrete – An answer to Sustainable Road

According to a report realise at 2014, in the year of 2050, there would be over 9 billion population and 66% of the population would be living in urban areas (United Nation 2014). There will be around 5.9 Billion people living in urban areas which would require an increase of urban areas. The road is one of the important components of City infrastructure, it represents the circulation of a City. It is the only element in the city that allows large amounts of transportations and pedestrians flow on daily bases. Therefore, it is important to make sure that roads are always available and easy to access. However, roads cannot function under flooding which usually causes under extreme weather condition and insufficient drainage system.

Topmix Permeable concrete is design by Tarmac to provide a solution to stormwater management. It is also known as the ‘thirsty concrete’ which could quickly drain away 600L of water per minute. The water can be drain away to the soil or recycle for other uses. Due to the drainage capability of the concrete, it can also prevent flooding of in many urban areas (Tarmac 2016). 

                   Fig 1. Different types of Topmix Permeable concrete (Tarmac 2016).

I think that road has always been an important component of the city infrastructure. The ‘Thirsty Concrete’ is an innovated material that can improve the quality of the infrastructure and reduce maintenance on drainage systems. It would definitely help areas that are troubled by Stormwater and flooding issues to develop in the future. I believe the application of the concrete could be an important transition toward a sustainable city. I think the technology can be also applied to another aspect in a sustainable city such as accessible rooftops and parks or outdoor playgrounds. 

Resources

United Nation. (2014). World Urbanization Prospects The 2014 Revision – Highlights. [pdf] UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Available at https://esa.un.org/unpd/wup/publications/files/wup2014-highlights.Pdf [Accessed 4 March 2017].

Tarmac. (March 2016). Topmix Permeable: The ideal concrete solution for surface and storm water management. [pdf] Tarmac: A CRH Company. Available at: http://www.tarmac.com/media/957194/topmix-permeable-brochure-march-2016.pdf [Accessed 4 March 2017].

Tarmac (2015). Topmix Permeable - The ultimate permeable concrete system. [video]. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlFX_WTFIis&feature=youtu.be [Accessed 4 March 2017].