CARBON EMISSION REDUCTION IN THE SCHOOL OF DESIGN & ENVIRONMENT (SDE) AT NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF SINGAPORE (NUS)

Abstract

On 4th February 2010, National University of Singapore (NUS) was chosen by the Carbon Neutral Company to participate in its web-based carbon management tool pilot project. The objective is to measure and manage the institution carbon emission online and also to develop carbon reduction programmes.

This report aims to propose the possible ways of reducing carbon emission via both within and outside the School of Design & Environment (SDE) at NUS. Out of the 14 faculties in NUS, SDE is chosen in this report as it has been consistently recorded as the highest energy user. Data for the report was obtained through site visits, literature reviews, web researches and the use of softwares. However, the data obtained can be more accurate if the softwares enable more detailed measuring points.

One possible strategy is to select the most energy efficient type of Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning System (HVAC). On the macro level, carbon sequestration and carbon storage in plants can be another way to offset carbon emission in SDE. A carbon analysis of HVAC was carried out using VE-Ware and Google Sketch-up. In addition, the carbon output of the existing and proposed SDE site was calculated based on a guidebook from the National Parks Board.

Based on the findings, the carbon emission from SDE can be reduced with prudent selection of a HVAC system and inclusion of landscapes both within and outside of SDE. It is recommended that SDE should install split systems and more landscapes to achieve a lower carbon footprint.