Technical Report Draft1

-

INTRODUCTION:

This proposal has been developed to implement best practice on the reduce food waste by converting it into a source of renewable energy and liquid fertilizers via anaerobic digestion process at SIT @Punggol.

Singapore has gained its reputation globally as a “clean and green” country over the years by implementing innovative and sustainable solutions to current environmental problems. However, methods for food waste management can still be further improved. According to the waste management and recycling statistics (NEA, 2017), the total food waste generated in Singapore is approximately 676,800 tonnes, but only a small percentage of 16% is being recycled. The amount of food waste generated is expected to increase in the future due to the growing population in Singapore.


       
Figure 1: Food waste generated over the past 10 years (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)

There are other challenges towards food waste recycling such as odour and pests; lack of public awareness and high operational cost (Material Cycles and Waste Management, 2015).  We believe that through the improvement of existing technology, we can create a feasible option for the upcoming SIT @Punggol campus to contribute towards Singapore being a Zero Waste Nation.



Figure 2: Food waste percentage (Source: National Environment Agency 2018)

The implementation of the High-solids Organic-waste Recycling System with Electrical Output (HORSE) designed by Impact Bioenergy would allow SIT@Punngol to produce energy and liquid fertilizers through anaerobic digestion of food waste. This will result in the reduction of food wastage, energy consumption and an improvement in the biodiversity of the institute. This would help to minimize or ideally eliminate the cost and effort in disposing of food waste.


PROBLEM STATEMENT:

The new canteens in SIT @Punggol campus should be designed with considerations for the implementations of food waste recycling systems to help reduce overall food wastage and energy consumption. (Ideal)

With the new SIT @Punggol campus which is estimated to house up to 12,000 students, large amounts of food waste are expected to be generated. Without a proper way to recycle, the large amount of generated food waste would result in increase operational cost for disposal. (Gap)

By using the method of anaerobic digestion, we can turn food waste gathered from canteens at SIT @Punggol campuses into liquid fertilizers and electricity. This will reduce the overall energy consumption, carbon footprint and food wastage generated in SIT. (Goal)

PURPOSE STATEMENT:

This report proposes to the planning committee of SIT @Punggol to implement a food waste recycling system that can convert food waste into renewable energy and organic liquid fertilizer. The energy produced from the recycling process can be used as an energy source to help power the amenities within SIT while the liquid fertilizers can be used to nurture the biodiversity within the campus. The implementation of the system will allow SIT @Punggol to adopt a green initiative and to achieve the vision towards a sustainable Singapore.  


References:

Ng,B.,& Yu,M.,& Chen,C.L.,& Rajinikanth,R.,& Jing,Y.W. (2015). Municipal food waste management in Singapore: practices, challenges and recommendations. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management. doi: 10.1007/s10163-015-0405-8.

National Environment Agency. (2017).Food Waste Management. Retrieved from https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/waste-management/3r-programmes-and-resources/food-waste-management


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Introductory post : Starting out

-
To: Brad Blackstone From: Nicholas Tan Date: 9 September 2018 Subject: Starting out Dear Professor Brad, Given this amazing opportunity to be part of your T6 class effective communication, I would love to finally take this opportunity to formally introduce myself. My name is Nicholas Tan and am currently pursuing a degree in sustainable infrastructure engineering (building services) programme offered by SIT. Prior to my journey thus far, I graduated from Ngee Ann Polytechnic with a degree in environmental and water technology. In my teenage years, what took my interest other than the usual sports and video games, were environmental issues and concerns the world was facing. It was during my course selection for my diploma that I decide to take a less generic route and to pursue studies in an environmental related field. During my course of study in my polytechnic, my interest was further nurtured by joining an environmental awareness club. A few notable events I too...
Read more

Reflections

-
Self-reflection Two goals I have set out for myself in the early weeks of the effective communication module was to improve and gain confidence in my presentation skills. Preparing for the oral presentation has allowed me to evaluate and reflect on my presentation skills. Through the hours put into practising and refining our presentation, I have realized that the quality of a presentation delivered by the presenter is ultimately dependant on the amount of practice and the presenter’s knowledge of the content. A good presentation cannot be achieved by simply memorizing off a script. Amidst the preparation for the oral presentation, my teammates also expressed the difficulty and challenges they each faced during presenting. With constructive criticism and support from one another, I believe that we have helped one another improve and rectify our mistakes. Overall, I felt that I have achieved my goal in improving my presentation skills as a whole, and am able to bring this level o...
Read more

Summary of "4 Ways to Demolish a Building" by Juan Rodriguez Draft 1

-
In this article "4 Ways to Demolish a Building", Rodriguez (2018) discusses the four methods demolition experts use during demolition. The author begins with implosion, the detonation of explosives along the main structural components, causing the building to collapse onto itself. He then moves on to high reach arm demolition, where a base machine attached with a demolition tool will tear down tall structures from the top down for a ground team that will clear the fallen debris.The author then moves on to its risker counterpart, the wrecking ball method. Limited only by the surroundings and the size of the crane, a skilled crane operator can easily tear down the building either by striking the 13,500 pound wrecking ball repeatedly, producing dust, vibration and noise. The author then ends with selective demolition, where builders recycle materials for new buildings, reducing overall cost with its downside being higher labor demands and its unsuitability for light-framed build...
Read more