Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) Posts from Black & Veatch

Living in eco-harmony

Posted Jul 14 2011 by Year 3 Students in From the Floor, People, SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

By Wendy Wong Shumin, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

Treelodge@Punggol focuses on key areas as such enhancing greenery, reducing energy usage, being efficient in water and waste management, and in resource management

Imagine living in Treelodge@Punggol, Singapore’s first Green Mark Platinum Award Public Housing Project. The toilet you are using has an integrated water pedestal, which saves up to 20 percent in water usage. You step out of your house—the corridor has just been washed with rainwater. Energy efficient lighting lifts—which reduce energy consumption by 50 per cent—bring you down to the ground floor. Above, the green roof decks help to cool the environment’s temperature.

All these are just a few advantages of living in the Housing and Development Board’s (HDB) environmentally friendly precinct. Launched in 2007, Treelodge@Punggol is the first of its kind developed by HDB. It demonstrates how sustainability and innovation can work hand in hand to be both eco-friendly and cost-effective. At the same time, it encourages flat owners to lead a uniquely eco-lifestyle through using energy-efficient appliances at home, and even dedicated recycling chutes.

During the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) from 4^th to 8^th July 2011, its theme was “Sustainable Water Solutions for a Changing Urban Environment”. Hence, such exhibitions on environmentally friendly living were on display, as well as showcases addressing water issues and related problems.

“Such eco-friendly flats have almost no price difference compared to a normal HDB flat, so it’s much more feasible to live in one,” says PUB exhibitor Hor Wai Keat, 34.

Because of rapid global urbanisation and growth, more feasibly water and cost efficient innovations and technologies have been focussed on developing “greener” homes. With eight out of 10 Singaporeans living in public housing, eco-friendly HDB precinct Treelodge@Punggol has been a great leap forward in terms of environmental technology. Just last year, it was awarded the Chicago Athenaeum’s Green GOOD Design Award 2010, which recognised its sustainable design.

Other recently sprouted “eco-homes” on exhibition were the Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters certified condominiums Privé and H₂O Residences. The ABC Waters certificates, which are awarded by PUB, are in recognition of public agencies and private developers who embrace energy efficiency in design and technology.

The annual SIWW attracts international policymakers, industry leaders and practitioners together to address emerging water issues as our world constantly develops. Some flagship events included the Lee Kuan Yew Water Prize and the Water Leaders Summit.

Keppel Club goes ever greener

Posted Jul 14 2011 by Year 1 Students in Ideas, SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

By Abdul Matin Nordin, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

Kampong Agas, a kampong which used to be situated at the southern tip of Singapore, survived by the use of natural resources available to them . There was no wastage. In fact, the simplest things like the husk of a coconut tree could be used for a variety of things such as a mosquito repellent in the Kampong hut to an insect repellent for vegetation purposes. Kampong Agas displays a simple yet eco-friendly lifestyle which would bring more good than harm to us. Thankfully for us, the legacy of the Kampong was not to be forgotten.

Since 2006, Keppel Club had gone on a mission to go green. One of its sources of inspiration was Kampong Agas, which was where Keppel Club is located. One have to only see the dedication and hardwork of the staff to know how driven and passionate Keppel Club is towards saving the environment. This initiative did not go unnoticed. With several awards and certificates from agencies like PUB, Keppel Club has really shown their commitment to cause.

Keppel Creek, one of the many green projects by Keppel Club.

Keppel Club’s latest effort is its most creative yet. Having already done several green projects like preserving Keppel Creek, a mangrove swamp on the shoreline of the club, Keppel Club have gone one better with their latest green invention, The Floating Wetlands. These man made wetlands is made fully using recyclable materials. It is placed at the several ponds the club has. These wetlands not only serve the purpose of Irrigation, it also acts as a natural filter for the pond water. In short, it cleanses the water in the pond. Their latest invention won them the ABC (Active, Beautiful & Clean) Waters certification, a green initiative programme by PUB.

With the ever increasing need of saving Gaia, Keppel Club has paved us the way to carry out our daily lives in an ever greener way which we did not know was possible.

A young voice of life for Mother Earth

Posted Jul 14 2011 by Year 1 Students in Around Singapore, Ideas, SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

Going green knows no boundaries

By Nicolette Lin, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

The hydroponics structure of Commonwealth Secondary School's CTW

This was the message that the Green Club students from Commonwealth Secondary School embodied when they hosted delegates from Australia, and a class of Year One students from Singapore Polytechnic, on Friday afternoon. The student-hosts, ranging from 13 to 17 years-old, warmly gave their guest an enriching tour on school campus. They showcased the Constructed Treatment Wetland (CTW) and enlightened guests on the other green initiatives of the school, including water conservation-related ones.

Being the only school with a CTW, the students were proud to exhibit this green trophy, which was aimed at spreading water conservation awareness among students.

Waste water from a particular washroom passes a grease trap and is piped to a pond. Through sub-surface flow, solid impurities are filtered in that pond and channeled to a C-shaped pond where it is chemically treated naturally. Finally, the processed water will then flow to another pond where the water is used for hydroponics. The water is not potable or suited for consumption, albeit clean.

This intricate system is not only self-sustaining and low in maintenance, it also supports the school canteen in providing a small harvest of organic Kang Kong (a common type of green leafy vegetable that can be harvested frequently) and fish every school term.

Initiated by past students of the Green Club in 2001, current students of the Green Club are active in ensuring the sustainability of their senior’s hard work. A project titled ‘The Dragonfly Project’ has students researching- with the help of Ngee Ann Polytechnic and the Public Utilities Board- on the dragonflies surrounding their CTW as “dragonflies are known to habitat areas with good water quality,” says Green Club vice-president, 15 year-old Than Hao Yang .

Proving that being young is no barrier, Darryl Ang, a 13 year-old Secondary One student member of the Green Club, hopes to “organise more student-initiated projects.”

His bright smile reflected the pride he takes in his role as an ‘Environmental Champion’, a student representative of every class who stewards its environmental issues.

“I want to do more for (the) water sanitation issues in Kenya and other parts of Africa,” hopes the gusty aspiring volunteer.

With students like these, there is no limit to what this school can voice out and change for our ailing Earth.

A Green Day at Keppel Club

Posted Jul 13 2011 by Year 1 Students in Ideas, SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

By Hazel Leong, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

Pledges made by St. Anthony Primary School students

It’s often associated with golf activities but Keppel Club boasts something different when we visited on 7 July 2011. As part of the Singapore International Water Week, it put up an exhibition by transforming one of its halls into a different world. This is on top of its on-going practice of protecting the mangroves.

Dry leaves swept over my red shoes as I stepped into a dark room. The General Manager of Keppel Club, Mr Desmond Chua, welcomed us into ‘Kampong Agas’ with such bright enthusiasm that I knew I was in for a treat.

A big mess - an exhibit at Keppel Club to show the damage we do to earth.

The smell of Mother Nature greeted my nostrils and a believable kampong hut stood before me. The host, a cheerful Malay man named Abdullah, introduced us to his humble abode and boasted about the simple life in a kampong. I was particularly intrigued by the creative ways of how villagers made use of their surroundings.

Human waste became fertilisers for their crops, coconut kernels were collected as bowls and coconut leaves would be weaved into a ketupat to cook rice. No wastage at all. That was the message. We were led to the other exhibits, each made from recycled materials, to gain awareness on the depleting forests and at what cost. Parts of documentary videos were strewn into the exhibits to make them digestible but effective in conveying the message.

The ‘Avatar’ Garden that is made from white rafia strings

The most memorable exhibit was the Avatar Garden. Jellyfishes, made out of plastic bottles, hung from the ceiling and glowed luminously. Long strips of plastic cascaded down from the top so you can hear them rustle like trees as you walk pass. Smoke dusted the leafy flooring, adding a touch of mystique to the beautiful garden.

As we reached the end, I felt a sense of enlightenment and was prompted to make a pledge to be eco-friendly. I shall uphold to my word and start with the title of a fledgling Green Hero.

How to colour the rainbow green

Posted Jul 13 2011 by Year 3 Students in Around Singapore, SIWW 2011 Posts, Sustainable Water Solutions with Comments Off

By Gary Jonas Lim, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

If you haven’t been to the Sengkang Floating Wetland or the Lorong Halus Wetland, I think it is time you should. Besides your attempt to re-familiarize yourself with nature, try to find a little peace within yourself.

Wait Keat Hor, an ambassador of the ABC Waters Programme, giving a detailed explanation of the completed projects and its facilities

At my visit to the Singapore International Water Week at the Suntec Convention Centre, I found out more about Singapore, albeit weaving through well-dressed and concise water-saving practitioners.

PUB recently commissioned these two tranquil and environmentally enriching areas, encouraging the public to frequent these parks, which were ready to receive visitors since early March this year.

“The aim of these parks are to encourage the public to get closer to nature, appreciating what it can provide us physically and emotionally,” said Sio Wei Hurng,35, PUB Corporate Department Manager.

Lorong Halus Wetland was previously used for burying refuse, and through that irresponsible act, the rain run-off used to pollute the Serangoon River, located east of the wetland.

But since then, it has since been transformed into a sanctuary for various species of birds and vegetation.

This area is also used for recreational water sports such as kayaking.

It also has a view that Ms Gamar Binte Aziz, a Singapore Polytechnic Lecturer, would promptly describe it as “quite something to behold.”

Apart from being simply a park to take a walk in, the Lorong Halus Wetland is also known for its variety of water grass.

Similar to its counterpart, the Sengkang Floating Wetland is yet another successful project spearheaded by the ABC programme.

Situated at Anchorvale Street, and along the Punggol River, The floating ‘island’ has been well-received by the public.

It is home to a unique water feature, constructed based on filtering rainwater naturally through its aquatic greenery.

Aside from that, the location also serves as a haven for wildlife.

The Sengkang Floating Wetland, hosting three open-land space parcels, contains a fruit park, which enables the public to get up close and personal with the fruit trees.

Although technically separated from Singapore’s mainland and surrounded by a moat of water, its location is perfect as Anchorvale Community Club is just around the corner. This encourages residents to frequent the area more.

“It is cosy and close to the heart,” said Wai Keat Hor, an ambassador for the ABC Waters programme (Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters)

But these two areas are just the beginning of over 100 projects to be completed over the next 15 to 20 years.

By 2012, more than 20 ABC Waters projects will be implemented.

So far, PUB has been doing its part for the environment, closing the water loop and finding alternative sources instead of purchasing water, one of which contracts are due to expire soon.

They are doing their part.

What about you?

Keppel Club Earth Week wows crowd

Posted Jul 13 2011 by Year 1 Students in Ideas, SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

By Joey Han Ming Jie, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

St. Anthony School students’ pledges for 2011, the ‘International Year of Forests’

It was truly an eye-opener for me and my class visiting the 100-year-old Keppel Club Berlayer Creek today (7 July 2011). However, it was the Earth Week exhibition that stole the show there. Initially, I thought it was the usual boring exhibition with several information panels and a guide. I was wrong. What greeted me instead were the fallen leaves that carpeted the floor and a life-sized kampong. There were even real trees and a wooden toilet.

Abdullah, the Penghulu of Kampong Agas, welcomed us. It turns out Abdullah was one of Keppel Club’s staff and the entire exhibition was handmade by them. What impressed me further was that 100% of the exhibition was recyclable material.

Mr Desmond Chua, the Deputy General Manager, also a guide for the tour, told us that the iconic ‘Kampong’ theme adopted this year was to display the simplicity and self-sustainability of our forefathers before the club’s 18-hole golf course came about.

I was totally immersed in the lifelike props! An enormous paper-mache dinosaur and Avatar-looking ‘movie set’ were the highlights. I also noticed that the staff went the extra mile to fully recycle plastic as beautiful decorations. I can’t help but feel I was in another world. No effort was spared – even videos and information about conservation were creatively showcased.

These little details really made me passionate about going green too. “We want consumers to know that they can play a part as well.” explained Mr Chua.

The final exhibit “Beauty or Beast” showcases two future scenarios – Beauty of Nature or Beast of destruction.

What I like most were the hands-on activities. Two staff members taught us how to replicate their fantastic plastic decorations while Abdullah thrilled us with his kampong experiences. I would daresay this was the best exhibition I ever went to! They really got us involved without losing the essence of their message.

I enjoyed myself with a ketupat souvenir and a plastic flower in my hair!

Commonwealth Secondary goes from blue to green

Posted Jul 13 2011 by Year 1 Students in SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

By Amanda Tan, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

“It’s a very engaging project that has helped me to learn, not only about green technology, but also processes, like the scientific method.” That was the answer of a green club member when asked what he thought of the constructed treatment wetland.

Part of the hydroponics extension in Common Wealth Secondary

Commonwealth Secondary is the first school in Singapore to ever have a constructed treatment wetland (CTW). It started in 2001, and taken charge by the Green Club members. It is a project, a method and a system to purify water. Eventually, the purified water flows into their pond at their eco-garden.

The water comes from the taps in the girls’ toilet on level two. A grease trap first filters it, where oil is removed. Next, it goes through the subsurface flow, where physical contaminants are removed. Then, the surface flow extracts the chemical contaminants like nitrates and phosphates. They are changed into harmless substances like oxygen. Finally, it flows into the pond, implanting growth of plants and marine animals.

There is also an extension of a hydroponic system. Kang kong and spinach are grown to filter more solid particles from flowing into the pond. When it has grown enough to be harvested, Green Club members take them home and prepare them for meals.

The surface flow of the CTW

Karwye, 13, says that it is like an achievement to see the plants they have sown grow.

As Green Club members, this is one of the projects they have done so far. They have also participated in competitions, gone for learning journeys and field trips. He also finds that the pond water originating from the toilet fascinating.

“The CTW is very beneficial to the environment. Getting my hands dirty is fun!” said Ethan, 13, a Green Club member.

A Green Keppel Club

Posted Jul 13 2011 by Year 1 Students in People, Sights, Sounds & Quotes, SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

By Lou Mei Jun, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

Mr Chua explaining about the mangroves

Our very first field trip as a class was to the Berlayer Creek at Keppel Club. The creek has mangroves along the coast as shoreline protection. The fauna is also a habitat for animals – 50 species of birds are said to be found there. Unfortunately, waters from the sea and upstream are often polluted.

“We can’t put netting over the mangroves to protect them though,” Mr Desmond Chua, Deputy General Manager of Keppel Club remarked. “It would kill the mangroves. The only solution is to stop people from littering. Not picking up litter.”

We also went to the exhibition hall, where a kampong exhibit greeted us. It was my favourite exhibit as it gave me an idea of how self-sufficient people were back then and just how little energy and water they consumed. I have never lived in a kampong before so it was really interesting.

Kampung exhibit

There also were many other exhibits around the hall all made of recyclable materials. There were flowers made of plastic and dried leaves strewn over the ground – just like a little forest without the insects and humidity. Trees were made with corrugated cardboard over wire meshes, done by Mr Yeo, maker of the ‘Paper Trees’. These were the more obvious examples of recyclable materials being made into interesting exhibits.

Abdullah the Penghulu of Kampung Agas Abdullah reminiscing his kampong days

In addition, we were shown footages of forests being depleted and water sources being reduced to just merely a trickle – the consequences of human’s interference. There were aerial footages of forests by environmental activist Yann Arthus-Bertrand which showed the beauty and importance of the forests that are often overlooked.

Class watching aerial footage by Yann Arthus-Bertrand

To sum it up, this trip reminded me that it is not too late to save the earth yet. We should do our part for nature.

Pledging to save Mother Earth

DTVM 02 with their pledges to save the earth

Every drop of water matters to Singapore’s growth

Posted Jul 13 2011 by Year 3 Students in Around Singapore, Ideas, SIWW 2011 Posts, Sustainable Water Solutions with Comments Off

By Victoria Chanel Lee Yie Hsinn, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

PUB spreads the message of water conservation with a simple but short phrase

With two new additions of reservoirs in Punggol and Serangoon, two-thirds of Singapore’s land area is now made up of reservoirs. This is part of the Public Utilities Board’s (PUB) plans to “turn the entire island into a water catchment”.

This means that water from a drain at your void deck, canal near your home and even your neighbourhood park will all flow to your nearby reservoir for collection.

According to Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, former Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, “With this build up, when the second of our Water Agreements to import water expires in 2061, we can be self-sufficient if necessary.”

This is so as Singapore will not renew it’s 1961 Water Agreement with Malaysia that ends in 2011. This means that Singapore will have to work hard to build our water self-sufficiency by 2061 when the 1962 Water Agreement expires as well.

As the population grows, water demand is growing at such a fast rate whereby it is predicted to double in 50 years. Therefore, by 2020, PUB hopes to fulfil 40 percent of Singapore’s water demand using NEWater and 25 percent by desalinated water.

PUB is trying to reach its goal of cutting down the average usage of water to 147 litres by educating Singaporeans about saving water. A part of that includes The Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters programme (ABC Waters).

It aims to transform our clean and green city into a “City of Gardens and Water” by developing common water routes into scenic places. About 820 hectares of reservoirs will be used for water sports and recreation. Community spaces like rain gardens will be fused with reservoirs and such to allow more water activities, thus fostering a sense of belonging towards water conservation.

Hor Wai Keat, 34, PUB exhibitor at the Singapore International Water Week Water Expo, adds, “With the forming of the reservoirs, it actually makes the place and the surrounding area cleaner, which makes it more inviting for wildlife to come and settle down in the reservoir area.”

Housing developments like Treelodge@Punggol, the first eco HDB building, Privé, Vacanza@East and H2O residences have also supported the ABC Waters project by building properties around the reservoirs, offering a waterfront view at affordable prices to all.

Furthermore, with research and development (R&D) work ongoing to develop Singapore’s unique model of sustainable water management, we are also making a mark worldwide by cultivating a global hub for water technology. This will change the lives of about 11,000 people by 2015 as the water technology sector grows, creating more jobs.

Water conservation is easy as A, B, C

Posted Jul 13 2011 by Year 3 Students in From the Floor, People, Sights, Sounds & Quotes, SIWW 2011 Posts with Comments Off

By Mika Low, Diploma in Creative Writing for TV and New Media, Singapore Polytechnic

The three main goals of water conservation - Active, Beautiful and Clean Waters

Families can now enjoy water performances near their homes with viewing galleries at Jurong Lake and The River Vista @ Kallang. Activities such as kayaking and dragon boating are more convenient and accessible to the public.

These are made possible, thanks to the 15 environmental projects implemented by PUB, which worked together with the public and private sectors. The projects are integrated by including the Active, Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters concept. The projects seek to maximise the potential of Singapore’s water bodies. It also aims to educate and inform fellow Singaporeans on environmental conservation.

Over the next decade, about 100 of such environmental proposals will be implemented as well. This is to create “A City of Gardens and Water”, an idea which Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong foresees for the nation.

The projects include the reservoirs and wetlands such as the recently opened Punggol Reservoir and Lorong Halus.

Lorong Halus is located within Pasir Ris, and used to be part of a landfill. They have since undergone a makeover, transforming into a haven for nature lovers and students to visit. An educational kiosk and wetland trail are built to provide the public with more information on water cleanliness.

Mr Joel Low, a 19-year-old Temasek Polytechnic student, explains the rationale behind water conservation at Lorong Halus.

Speaking as an ambassador at the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW) convention, he describes the whole idea as simply filling the wetland with pebbles and plants. The plants include mainly cattails and reeds. The wetland links to the Serangoon reservoir, so all forms of water, which passes through the wetland, flows to the reservoir. When rain falls, the roots of the plants absorb some of the impurities, which are deemed unclean for human consumption. The pebbles help filters the waste, while the rest of the “cleaner” water flows to the reservoir.

This simplifies the filtration process at the reservoirs, without harming the plants. This is because the water the plants absorb contains several minerals, which are beneficial for their growth.

Mr Low briefing secondary school students about environmental conservation efforts

The SIWW convention was held at Suntec City Convention Centre from, 3^rd to 8^th July. As stated on the website, trade visitors were invited to visit on 5^th to 7^th July. The rest of the dates were made exclusive to delegates at the Water Leaders Summit and Water convention.

Several schools visited the conventions as part of their educational trips. They included Kranji Secondary School and Compassvale Secondary School.

“I’ve learnt how the water catchments catch water…it is very fun and interesting”, said Guo Shi Zhen, a 15-year-old student from Compassvale Secondary School.

Being the vice-chairman of her school’s environmental club, Shi Zhen added that she loves the nature and particularly enjoys gardening because of her mother’s influence.

With more youths such as Shi Zhen and her friends wanting to care for the environment, there is no doubt the future of Singapore’s waters will be as bright as our youths.

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Living in eco-harmony

Keppel Club goes ever greener

A young voice of life for Mother Earth

A Green Day at Keppel Club

How to colour the rainbow green

Keppel Club Earth Week wows crowd

Commonwealth Secondary goes from blue to green

A Green Keppel Club

Every drop of water matters to Singapore’s growth

Water conservation is easy as A, B, C

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