Draft 1 technical writing report:

This report respond to a call for proposal to recommend an engineering solution to a specific problem in the built environment case of focus. The team decided to convince Building & Construction Authority to adopt the idea of using mycelium bricks and initiate a pilot project in Yio Chu Kang private housing estate.

Cement is inarguably the most used and crucial construction resource since civilizations came into existence and more buildings that are bigger and taller will inevitably be constructed in the future. British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) states that most of our concrete in the world is being used to construct buildings and that the main ingredient of concrete is cement, whose production contributes to 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, which is equivalent to 2.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year (BBC, 2018).

According to Climate & Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the process of producing bricks in kilns releases large amounts of pollutants such as sulphur dioxide and black carbon into the atmosphere. These effects are not easily reversed and will accumulate in the earth’s atmosphere much to the suffering of future generations.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) mentioned in their special report that it is essential to maintain global temperature within 1.5 degree celsius . A one-degree increment of global temperature can result in a drastic increase of the atmospheric temperature.

Based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the global temperature in September 2009 was 0.62 degree celsius. Currently, the global temperature is at 0.95 degree celsius. Despite it being under 1.5 degrees, there was a 0.32 degree increase of global temperature within a decade.

Dr Koh Poh Koon, Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry, mentioned that Singapore generated 52.5 million tonnes of greenhouse gases in 2017 which contributed 0.11% of global emissions, that equates to 8,000 tonnes of CO2 per capita in that year (The Straits Times, 2019). With the rise of carbon emission, it will lead to an increase of Singapore’s daily temperature from 35 to 37 degrees celsius. (Dr Muhammad Eeqmal Hassim, senior research scientist with the MSS Centre for Climate Research Singapore).

The most direct way Bricknology can contribute to the reduction of climate change is through convincing BCA to adopt the idea of using mycelium bricks. One tonne of cement produces 1.2 tonnes of CO2 (BBC, 2018). As mentioned, Singapore contributed 0.11% of global emission hence by implementing the use of mycelium bricks in Singapore, it will help tackle the overall global problem of reducing the production of conventional bricks. Thus reducing emissions of greenhouse gasses.

1.1 Current practices for Yio Chu Kang private housing:

The current bricks used to build the internal structure of the house in Yio Chu Kang private housing are made up of clay and concrete. Clay bricks are more commonly used in the construction industry in Singapore.

1.2 Problem Statement:

Building Construction Authority (BCA) is not implementing the use of mycelium bricks despite it potential. Bricknology aims to convince BCA to pilot the use of mycelium bricks in Yio Chu Kang private housing estates.


1.3 Purpose Statement:

The purpose of this report is to propose to convince BCA to implement the use of mycelium bricks in all newly constructed private houses located at Yio Chu Kang.

Draft #3 Summary Reader Response: “Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities”

In the article "Developing sustainable infrastructure in new cities", Cho (2014) expressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure in a metropolitan setting and identified key areas in determining how infrastructure can add value to the community. It stated that, the economic driven-developments in new cities are affected by metropolitan challenges, thus enhancing in functionality and durability of infrastructure are necessary. As an impact King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Fellow, Cho intended to use the Envision sustainability rating system as an impartial guideline to evaluate sophisticated infrastructure development. Cho used the Neuvo Nexcaxa- Avila Camacho Highway in Mexico as fitting reference to how the rating system would tackle these economic, social and environmental effects. To a notable degree, Cho has elaborated on the Envision sustainability rating system created to improve on the infrastructure development to enhance the quality of life in the developing areas as the guidelines would be the main backbone in improving the social, economic and environmental existing conditions. 

Firstly, the use of Envision sustainability rating system to evaluate infrastructure development will lead to improvements in existing social conditions. Contreras, C. & Gloria, T. (2017) stated that it would open paths to “local employment in the area, promotion of growth and development, improvement of mobility, or preservation of cultural assets in the community. With the developments coming up in time to come, it will help rural areas to sustain independently as it creates openings in the communities. Currently the demand for sustainable infrastructure is relatively high. Private sectors and the government are working closely together to pave way by integrating the rating system during the infrastructure development. Being able to follow the guidelines given, this will help project developers to aim for a higher score and produce a better sustainable infrastructure design. In the article, it stated that “Infrastructure should account for enhancing the quality of life of communities”. Thus, they are heading towards the right direction to identify ways to integrate sustainability.

Secondly, the importance of rating the infrastructure will help project developers improve sustainable infrastructure. From the article, Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013) stated that “Envision is the only system applicable to many different types of infrastructure projects”. The system is designed for industries to improve their status quo by identifying ways to further improve on the infrastructure, which has a point system. Points will be given if there are improvements made and it will be converted to monetary value. Not only will they earn incentives, by satisfying the overall guidelines, they will stand a chance to have their building awarded with the highest tier sustainability award. With the rating system, it will benefit the present and the future as industries will constantly find ways to chase incentives by tackling problems to improve the existing economic conditions.

Lastly, the importance of materials used in sustainable infrastructure will be key to reducing waste management. From the article Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013) it stated that “Resource Allocation applies to the sustainable use materials, water and energy in the project.” Project developers will have to make do with the resources that they are given. There is a criterion in the rating system which encourages the government and private sectors to use recycled or reusable materials. It will cut down on costs by a huge margin. Points will be awarded if the criteria have been met. By reusing waste materials and incorporating it into the construction development, it shows that how much is taken into consideration to boost the environmental conditions. This is a good way to integrate with the environment as it helps to reduce waste management by heavily reusing and recycling materials.

In conclusion, by following the proper guidelines and ensuring constant improvements towards developing the infrastructure, it will greatly benefit people around the community and help to incorporate economic development with environmental sustainability. Hence, the rating system will be the foundation towards building a sustainable infrastructure. 

Source:

Cho, H. (2014, December). Developing sustainable infrastructure in new cities. Retrieved from https://newcities.org/evaluating-sustainable-infrastructure-development-new-cities/

Contreras, C., & Gloria, T. (2017, October). An Envision rating system approach to sustainable infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. In International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure 2017.Retrieved from https://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/9780784478745.066

Shealy, T., & Klotz, L. (2014). Envision as choice architecture: can smarter defaults lead to more sustainable designs? In ICSI 2014: Creating Infrastructure for a Sustainable World .Retrieved from https://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/9780784481196.003

Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013, April). Review of sustainability rating systems used for infrastructure projects. In 49th ASC Annual International Conference Proceedings. Associated Schools for Construction.Retrieved from http://ascpro0.ascweb.org/archives/cd/2013/paper/CPRT88002013.pdf

Draft #2 Summary Reader Response: "Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities"

In the article "Developing sustainable infrastructure in new cities", Cho(2014) expressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure in a metropolitan setting and identified key areas in determining how infrastructure can add value to the community. In the article, the economic driven-developments in new cities are affected by metropolitan challenges, thus enhancing in functionality and durability of infrastructure are necessary. As an impact King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Fellow, Cho intended to use the Envision sustainability rating system as an impartial guideline to evaluate sophisticated infrastructure development. Cho used the Neuvo Nexcaxa- Avila Camacho Highway in Mexico as fitting reference to how the rating system would tackle these economic, social and environmental effects. In the course of the Fellowship, Cho aimed to “provide an Envision evaluation on a major planned road that is expected to be a main entry point and arterial road in King Abdullah Economic City", to satisfy KAEC's extensive sustainable infrastructure development. To a notable degree, Cho has elaborated about the Envision sustainability rating system created to improve on the infrastructure development to enhance the quality of life in the developing areas as the guidelines would be the main backbone in improving the social,economic and environmental status quo. 

Firstly, the use of Envision sustainability rating system to evaluate infrastructure development will lead to improvements in social status quo. It would open paths to “local employment in the area, promotion of growth and development, improvement of mobility, or preservation of cultural assets in the community” as quoted from Contreras, C. & Gloria, T. (2017). The demand for sustainable infrastructure is relatively high in rural areas. Private sectors and the government are working closely together to pave way by integrating the rating system during the infrastructure development. Being able to follow the guidelines given, this will help them aim for a higher score and produce a better sustainable infrastructure design. In the article, it stated that “Infrastructure should account for enhancing the quality of life of communities”. Thus, they are heading towards the right direction to identify ways to integrate sustainability.

Secondly, the importance of rating the infrastructure will prove how effective the rating system can be. From the article, Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013) stated that “Envision is the only system applicable to many different types of infrastructure projects”. Their rating system is designed for industries to improve their status quo by identifying ways to further improve on the infrastructure, which has a point system. Points will be given if there are improvements made and it will be converted to monetary value. With the rating system, it will benefit the present and the future as industries will constantly find ways to chase incentives by tackling problems to improve economic status quo.

Lastly, the importance of materials used in sustainable infrastructure will be key to reducing waste management. From the article Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013, April) it stated that “Resource Allocation applies to the sustainable use materials, water and energy in the project.” There is a criterion in the rating system which encourages the government and private sectors to use recycled or reusable materials. Points will be awarded if the criteria have been met. By reusing waste materials and incorporating it into the construction development, it shows that how much is taken into consideration to boost the environmental status quo. This is a good way to integrate with the environment as it helps to reduce waste management by heavily reusing and recycling materials.

In conclusion, by following the proper guidelines and ensuring constant improvements towards developing the infrastructure, it will greatly benefit people around the community, improve the environment and economic status quo. Hence, the rating system will be the foundation towards building a sustainable infrastructure. 

Source:

 From "Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities" by H. Cho, 2014

https://newcities.org/evaluating-sustainable-infrastructure-development-new-cities/

Contreras, C., & Gloria, T. (2017, October). An Envision rating system approach to sustainable infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. In International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure 2017. Retrieved from https://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/9780784478745.066

Shealy, T., & Klotz, L. (2014). Envision as choice architecture: Can smarter defaults lead to more sustainable designs? In ICSI 2014: Creating Infrastructure for a Sustainable World. Retrieved from https://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/9780784481196.003

Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013, April). Review of sustainability rating systems used for infrastructure projects. In 49th ASC Annual International Conference Proceedings . Associated Schools for Construction. Retrieved from http://ascpro0.ascweb.org/archives/cd/2013/paper/CPRT88002013.pdf

Draft #1 Summary Reader Response: "Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities"

In the article "Developing sustainable infrastructure in new cities", Cho(2014) expressed the importance of sustainable infrastructure in a metropolitan setting and identified key areas in determining how infrastructure can add value to the community. In the article, the economic driven-developments in new cities are affected by metropolitan challenges, thus enhancing in functionality and durability of infrastructure are necessary. As an impact King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) Fellow, Cho intended to use the Envision sustainability rating system as an impartial guideline to evaluate sophisticated infrastructure development. Cho used the Neuvo Nexcaxa- Avila Camacho Highway in Mexico as fitting reference to how the rating system would tackle these economic, social and environmental effects. In the course of the Fellowship, Cho aimed to “provide an Envision evaluation on a major planned road that is expected to be a main entry point and arterial road in King Abdullah Economic City", to satisfy KAEC's extensive sustainable infrastructure development. To a notable degree, Cho has elaborated about the Envision sustainability rating system created to improve on the infrastructure development to enhance the quality of life in the developing areas as the guidelines would be the main backbone in improving the social, economic and environmental status quo. 

Firstly, the use of Envision sustainability rating system to evaluate infrastructure development will lead to improvements in status quo. It would open paths to “local employment in the area, promotion of growth and development, improvement of mobility, or preservation of cultural assets in the community” as quoted from Contreras, C. & Gloria, T. (2017). The demand for sustainable infrastructure is relatively high in rural areas. Private sectors and the government are working closely together to pave way by integrating the rating system during the infrastructure development. Being able to follow the guidelines given, this will help them aim for a higher score and produce a better sustainable infrastructure design. Thus, they are heading towards the right direction to identify ways to integrate sustainability into the projects.

Secondly, the importance of rating the infrastructure will prove how effective the rating system can be. From the article, Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013) stated that “Envision is the only system applicable to many different types of infrastructure projects”. The rating system is designed for industries to improve their status quo by identifying ways to further improve on the infrastructure, which has a point system. Points will be given if there are improvements made and it will be converted to monetary value. With the rating system, it will benefit the present and the future as industries will constantly find ways to tackle problems to improve the status quo and chase incentives.

Lastly, the importance of materials used in sustainable infrastructure will be key to reducing waste management. There is a criterion in the rating system which encourages the government and private sectors to use recycled or reusable materials. Points will be awarded if the criteria have been met. By reusing waste materials and incorporating it into the construction development, it shows that how much is taken into consideration to boost the environmental status quo. This is a good way to integrate with the environment as it helps to reduce waste management by heavily reusing and recycling materials. With the use of local materials, it will help to reduce cost because there is not a need to import materials.

In conclusion, by following the proper guidelines and ensuring constant improvements towards developing the infrastructure, it will greatly benefit people around the community. The rating system will be the foundation for building a sustainable infrastructure. 

Reference:

 From "Developing Sustainable Infrastructure in New Cities" by H. Cho, 2014

https://newcities.org/evaluating-sustainable-infrastructure-development-new-cities/

Contreras, C., & Gloria, T. (2017, October). An Envision Rating System Approach to Sustainable Infrastructure in Latin America and the Caribbean. In International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure 2017 (pp. 20-31).

https://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/9780784478745.066

Shealy, T., & Klotz, L. (2014). Envision as Choice Architecture: Can Smarter Defaults Lead to More Sustainable Designs? In ICSI 2014: Creating Infrastructure for a Sustainable World (pp. 711-721). https://ascelibrary.org/doi/pdf/10.1061/9780784481196.003

Clevenger, C. M., Ozbek, M. E., & Simpson, S. (2013, April). Review of sustainability rating systems used for infrastructure projects. In 49th ASC Annual International Conference Proceedings (pp. 10-13). Associated Schools for Construction.

http://ascpro0.ascweb.org/archives/cd/2013/paper/CPRT88002013.pdf