Sustainability Momentum Sdn Bhd

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Scientists from Vienna University of Technology have successfully pioneered ultra-thin solar panels that could turn windows into photovoltaic panels for generating electricity, whilst still allowing light to penetrate into the building. Tungsten diselenide, the new material found by Thomas Mueller and his partners, can be arranged in ultrathin layers and has better electronic properties than graphene. Although 95 percent of the light just passes through the window, a tenth of the remaining 5 percent absorbed by the material is converted into electricity. In fact, these skinny solar cells can also be stacked together to increase the amount of light absorbed. 

Photo Credit: NASA

Scientists from University of East Anglia have discovered four new human-made gases in the atmosphere which are contributing to ozone depletion. This new research shows that more than 74,000 tonnes of three new chlorofluorocarbons (CFSs) and one new hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) have been emitted into the atmosphere. Measurements taken by comparing current air samples and air trapped in polar snow proved that all four gases have been released recently. However, the emission sources of these gases are yet to be investigated. Potential sources for the release of these gases include chemicals used in insecticide production and cleaning of electronic components.

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The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) has claimed that black carbon (also known as soot) which originates from India’s atmosphere is most likely responsible for about 30% of the glacial melt in Himalayan region. According to report, black carbon in the atmosphere deposited on the snow or ice in Himalayas tends to darken and reduce reflectivity of snow surface, which results in glacial melt due to increased surface heat absorption. Studies also suggest that black carbon could be one of the reasons behind alteration of rainfall patterns and changing of monsoon behaviour.

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Researchers from Harvard’s Wyss Institute have recently announced the development of a new type of bioplastic made from the derivatives of shrimp shells and wood ‘flour’. This alternative method of bioplastic production utilises shrimp shells and wood wastes by mixing the chitosan (polymer derived from shrimp shells) with wood ‘flour’ (by-product of wood processing). This new discovery is a promising alternative to conventional plastics as it not only utilises waste resources, but is said to be able to break down into beneficial components in the soil after two weeks.

Photo Credit: The Star Online

A green foundation, Yayasan Hijau (YaHijau) Malaysia, was introduced by the Malaysian government recently as an effort to encourage the adoption of eco-friendly lifestyles amongst Malaysians. This foundation was launched under Budget 2014 and is the first initiative to call for 5% reduction of utility usage in governmental departments’ and organisations’ daily operations. Under the same foundation, companies that adopt eco-friendly practices and green technology-based operations will receive tax rebates.

Photo Credit: National Geographic

Researchers have discovered that oil from the Exxon Valdez spill in 1989 still lingers around the Gulf of Alaska and could remain ensconced under boulders for decades to come. The oil still retains most of its chemical compounds, similar to when it was sampled soon after the spill. Mussels that were collected from the area also had low levels of oil in their tissues. The presence of the oil after 25 years and its effects are grounds for scientists to conduct long-term monitoring research for similar cases, in order to minimize the impacts of oil spills to wildlife and the environment.

Photo Credit: VietnamNet

A self-created herb pesticide has been introduced by a farmer in Vietnam as an environmentally friendly solution to manage pest problems. The farmer, Le Van Dao, claims that he has been using the herb pesticide for eight years since he first discovered it in 2006. Dao created his own “recipe” of herb pesticide by using alcohol to soak more than 10 varieties of herbs, such as alpinia, garlic or ginger for half a year, and then mixing it with water when preparing to spray over crops. Experts from the Provincial Science and Technology Department of Vietnam will be researching the effects of this cost-effective pesticide. If the pesticide’s effects are verified, Dao will even be given a patent for his invention.

Photo Credit: Marina Bay Sands

One of the Singapore’s well-known integrated resort, Marina Bay Sands, has recently been certified with ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management System certification. The ISO 20121 is a voluntary international standards certification which is designed for the event industry to manage events via sustainable approaches. The Sands offers a series of sustainable event planning services by helping event planners to meet ‘green’ goals, such as the ‘Green Harvest Menu’ which offers food and beverages with shorter food miles. Will a Malaysian resort be the next venue in the region to obtain ISO 20121 certification?