Today, the generation of electricity alone emits 7.65 billion tonnes of CO2 per year. It is evident that our current methods of generating electricity are not sustainable or effective, and there is a need for cleaner sources of energy. The current methods of energy generation are extremely detrimental to the environment and will have major consequences in the next few decades.
Energy-related ventures alone account for 86% of all human-related greenhouse gases. It is crystal clear that the environmentally unfriendly act of burning fossil fuels have had extreme weather impacts, and have lead to a compromise in human health and agriculture all over the globe. These consequences are not only for people living in lesser economically developed countries like Bangladesh and Nigeria but also in more developed countries like China and the United States of America.
Singapore, on the other hand, is heavily contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 7 with investments in renewable energy as well as the physical installation of solar panels. Given Singapore’s environment, it is nearly impossible to implement wind turbines, hydroelectric dams and wave energy converters (WECs), but despite these restrictions, Singapore has made significant progress with other renewable technology and there is an initiative in particular that has managed to make a change in our own community.
Solar for East
The Solar for East Project is a student-run initiative to reduce the dependency of the United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) East Campus on unsustainable energy sources. This proposal aims for this to be done through the installation of a Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System on campus. In early September 2017, fourteen Grade 9 students with a passion for clean energy, as well as the school’s Facilities Department met to discuss the pressing issue of the school’s carbon footprint. As well as the possibility of launching a solar panel initiative on the campus.
They then proceeded to create a proposal to share with the Board in November 2017, which was approved. As part of the UWC mission, this project aims to foster community awareness and spirit on the issues of clean energy and climate change. In addition to that, this initiative also allows the students involved to experience creating change and to take a lead in making a difference for the planet. The team is now currently working to install 1,130 panels across four different locations over the next few years in order to reduce the school’s dependency on unsustainable energy sources and their impact on the environment. This solution would be environmentally responsible, impactful, financially viable, and would also serve as an educational experience for students involved.
Other initiatives in Singapore
This is just an initiative in our community, but what about other initiatives in Singapore? Well, Starhub, a mobile communications company is running major awareness campaigns all over Singapore to keep the public informed, as well as partnering with other companies to install solar systems all over Singapore. Now, after all of this, you might be wondering if there is something you can do yourself, without being a big company with lots of money. There absolutely is! You can try your best to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Reduce reliance on air conditioners
The energy used by air conditioners is equivalent to the energy used by 11 fans. By switching to using a fan, you can save $400 every year, as well as saving the environment.
- Reduce energy wastage on standby power supplies.
We can save around $25 a year just by simply turning off unused power sockets. Use power strips instead and turn off groups of appliances when unneeded.
- Practice sustainable consumerism.
Rule: The more ticks, the better. You can save $270 a year with a 5 tick air conditioner and $75 a year with a 3 tick refrigerator.
- Use appliances effectively.
Only wash full loads of dishes and clothes and air dry them if possible. Save around $110 a year by switching off water heaters after use.
- Cooking smarter
Use microwaves and toasters to cook or warm leftovers. Keep the oven door closed while cooking as the temperature can drop by 25 degrees each time you open the door.
These 5 steps mentioned will bring us closer and closer to a cleaner tomorrow.
By Saransh Malik and Aditya Deshpande