4.1 Environmental Sustainability

Concept of Green Technology

• Technological progress and holistic development simplify and accelerate human affairs, but can also cause environmental pollution and depletion of natural resources.
• Green Technology is the development and application of products, equipment and systems to preserve the environment and nature while minimising or reducing the negative effects of human activities.
• Importance of Green Technology:
  • overcomes environmental destruction;
  • reduces carbon emissions;
  • improves the level of human health and life; and
  • saves the country’s natural resources by using renewable energy resources.
• Examples: solar-powered vehicles reduce fossil-fuel use; renewable energy resources generate energy.

National Green Technology Policy

• The National Green Technology Policy was launched in July 2009.
• Its four main pillars are:
  • Energy — promote energy efficiency and seek energy independence.
  • Environment — minimise negative effects and conserve the environment.
  • Economy — enhance the country’s economy through the use of technology.
  • Social — improve the quality of life for all.

Energy Efficiency and Green Technology

• Energy efficiency is the use of less energy to carry out work at the same or a higher rate without affecting comfort or the desired outcome.
• Prioritising energy efficiency through Green Technology:
  • increases the conservation of energy resources;
  • strengthens the national economy and reduces wastage; and
  • converts waste into cleaner and safer forms of renewable energy.
• Malaysian initiatives:
  • energy-efficiency labels on electrical appliances;
  • the Green Building Index (GBI);
  • energy-efficient technology campaigns;
  • campaigns promoting electricity generated from solar energy; and
  • consumer-awareness campaigns on energy-saving practices.
• The GBI is a rating system for buildings with environmentally friendly features. Raja Haji Fi Sabilillah Mosque, Cyberjaya was the first mosque in Malaysia to receive this recognition.

Sectors in Green Technology

• Green Technology is divided into sectors so that implementation is more focused.

Sector	Focus
Energy	Cleaner, carbon-free alternative energy that can replace fossil fuels; examples include hydroelectric, solar and wind energy.
Agriculture and forestry	Control of atmospheric carbon dioxide through agriculture and forestry; care of soil nutrients and improvement of planting practices.
Transportation	Cleaner transportation infrastructure, vehicle fuels and public transportation.
Waste and wastewater management	Minimising the discharge of waste and wastewater by processing them into new products such as compost.
Building	Green Buildings with good environmental and building quality, green construction materials, efficient use of energy and water, and sound solid-waste management.
Industrial and manufacturing	Energy-efficiency and energy-management programmes that reduce the greenhouse effect, haze and acid rain.
Information and communications technology (ICT)	Green ICT in the manufacture, design, use and disposal of computer equipment; reducing hazardous materials through biodegradable materials and saving energy.

• Diamond Building, the headquarters of the Energy Commission, is an example of a Green Building.