COURSE MODULE

DYA30073 : GREEN
TECHNOLOGY COMPLIANCE

UNIT TEKNOLOGI PERTANIAN

BAHAGIAN KURIKULUM
DEFINITION OF GREEN TECHNOLOGIES
Green Technology is the development and application of products, equipment and systems used to
conserve the natural environment and resources, which minimizes and reduces the negative impact of
human activities.

GREEN GOAL TERMS

A. SHORT TERM GOALS

1.0 The Need of Short Term Goals

1.1 Malaysia has part of its national objectives stated in the National Green Technology Policy
as follows:
1.1.1 To minimise growth of energy consumption while enhancing economic
development;
1.1.2 To facilitate the growth of the Green Technology industry and enhance its
contribution to the national economy;
1.1.3 To increase national capability and capacity for innovation in Green Technology
development and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in Green Technology in
the global arena;
1.1.4 To ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for future
generations; and
1.1.5 To enhance public education and awareness on Green Technology and
encourage its widespread use.

1.2 In order to allow the country to achieve its objectives, specific goals at specific milestone
timeline is introduced.

2.0 Short Term Goals: 10th Malaysia Plan as References

2.1 The short term goals of Green Technology Policy under the 10th Malaysia Plan are:
2.1.1 Increase public awareness and commitment for the adoption and application of
Green Technology through advocacy programmes;
2.1.2 Widespread availability and recognition of Green Technology in terms of
products, appliances, equipment and systems in the local market through
standards, rating and labelling programmes;
2.1.3 Increased foreign and domestic direct investments (FDIs and DDIs) in Green
Technology manufacturing and services sectors; and
2.1.4 Expansion of local research institutes and institutions of higher learning to
expand Research, Development and Innovation activities on Green Technology
towards commercialisation through appropriate mechanisms.

2.2 Examples of Programs that are supporting short term goals are:
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 2.2.1 Eco-labelling
2.2.2 Green Building & Green Township
2.2.3 Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS)

B. MID TERM GOALS

1.0 The Need for Mid Term Goals

1.1 Malaysia has part of its national objectives stated in the National Green Technology Policy
as follows:
1.1.1 To minimise growth of energy consumption while enhancing economic
development;
1.1.2 To facilitate the growth of the Green Technology industry and enhance its
contribution to the national economy;
1.1.3 To increase national capability and capacity for innovation in Green Technology
development and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in Green Technology in
the global area
1.1.4 To ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for the
future generations; and
1.1.5 To enhance public education and awareness on Green Technology and
encourage its widespread use.

1.2 In order to allow the country to achieve its objectives, specific goals at specific milestone
timeline in introduced.

2.0 Mid Term Goals: 11th Malaysia Plan as References

2.1 The mid-term goals of Green Technology Policy under the 11th Malaysia Plan are:
2.1.1 Green Technology becomes the preferred choice in procurement of products
and services;
2.1.2 Green Technology has a larger local market share against other technologies,
and contributes to the adoption of Green Technology in regional market;
2.1.3 Increased production of local Green Technology products;
2.1.4 Increased Research Development and Innovation of Green Technology by local
universities and research institutions and are commercialised in collaboration
with the local industry and multi-national companies;
2.1.5 Expansion of local SMEs and SMIs on Green Technology into the global
market; and
2.1.6 Expansion of Green Technology applications to most economic sectors

2.2 Examples of Programs that is supporting mid-term goals

2.2.1 Green Public Procurement
2.2.2 Green Technology Financing Scheme (GTFS)
2.2.3 Green ICT

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 2.2.4 Cooperation between Malaysia and South Korea on Green Technology
C. LONG TERM GOALS

1.0 The Need of Long Term Goals

1.1 Malaysia has part of its national objectives stated in the National Green Technology Policy
as follows:
1.1.1 To minimise growth of energy consumption while enhancing economic
development;
1.1.2 To facilitate the growth of the Green Technology industry and enhance its
contribution to the national economy;
1.1.3 To increase national capability and capacity for innovation in Green Technology
development and enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness in Green Technology in
the global area
1.1.4 To ensure sustainable development and conserve the environment for the
future generations; and
1.1.5 To enhance public education and awareness on Green Technology and
encourage its widespread use.

1.2 In order to allow the country to achieve its objectives, specific goals at specific milestone
timeline in introduced.

2.0 Long Term Goals: 12th Malaysia Plan as References

2.1 The long term goals of Green Technology Policy under the 12th Malaysia Plan are:
2.1.1 Inculcation of Green Technology in Malaysian culture;
2.1.2 Widespread adoption of Green Technology reduces overall resource
consumption while sustaining national economic growth;
2.1.3 Significant reduction in national energy consumption;
2.1.4 Improvement of Malaysia’s ranking in environmental ratings;
2.1.5 Malaysia becomes a major producer of Green Technology in the global market;
and
2.1.6 Expansion of international collaborations between local universities and
research institutions with Green Technology industries.

2.2 Examples of Programs that are supporting long term goals:

2.2.1 Green Technology Masterplan
2.2.2 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Roadmap
2.2.3 Green Jobs Program
2.2.4 Integration of green topics in the syllabus and curriculum to all levels of Schools
and Higher Education Institutions

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CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACT

1.0 Climate change

Climate change also known as global warming refers to the rise in average surface temperatures
on earth. Climate change is due primarily to the human use of fossil fuels, which releases carbon
dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the air. The gases trap heat within the atmosphere,
which can have a range of effects on ecosystem, including rising sea levels, severe weather
events, and drought that render landscape more susceptible to wildfires.

2.0 Causes of climate change

Climate change is caused by trapping excess carbon in Earth’s atmosphere. This trapped carbon
pollution heats up, altering the Earth’s climate patterns. The largest source of this pollution is the
burning of fossil fuel (such as coal and oil) for energy.

3.0 The impact of climate change

3.1 Climate change is already beginning to transform life on Earth

3.1.1 Around the world, seasons are shifting, temperatures are climbing and sea
levels are rising. Meanwhile, our planet must still supply us and all living
things with air, water, food and safe places to live. If we don’t act now,
climate change will rapidly alter the lands and waters we all depend upon for
survival, leaving our children and grandchildren with a very different world.
Some of the most dangerous consequences of climate change are listed
here. Which one will have the most impact on your life, or on the places you
care about?

3.2 Higher Temperature

3.2.1 Heat-trapping gases emitted by power plants, automobiles, deforestation and
other sources are warming up the planet. In fact, the five hottest years on
record have all occurred since 1997 and the 10 hottest since 1990, including
the warmest years on record 2005 and 2010.
3.2.2 High temperatures are to blame for an increase in heat-related deaths and
illness, rising seas, increased storm intensity, and many of the other
dangerous consequences of climate change.
3.2.3 During 20th century, the Earth’s average temperature rose one degree
Fahrenheit to its highest level in the past four centuries believed to be the
fastest rise in a thousand years.
3.2.4 Scientist project that if emissions of heat-trapping carbon emission aren’t
reduced, average surface temperature could increase by 3 to 10 degrees
Fahrenheit by the end of the century.

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 3.2.5 Even though one-degree and 12 degrees increase are found at different
places, other areas may become much colder.
3.2.6 The planet’s oceans are also warming, which are causing dangerous
consequences such as stronger storms coral bleaching and rising seas

3.3 Changing Landscapes

3.3.1 Changing temperatures are causing vegetation shifts and conservation
challenges. These vegetation shifts will undermine much of the work the
conservation community has accomplished to date, with the potential to
permanently change the face of conservancy preserves, local land trust, and
even our national parks.
3.3.2 In the tundra area, thawing permafrost will allow shrubs and trees to take
root. In the Great Plains of the United States, grasslands will likely become
forests. Meanwhile, fiery fall foliage in New England’s will eventually fade as
maple and beech forests shift north toward cooler temperatures.
3.3.3 As plant communities try to adjust to the changing climate by moving toward
cooler areas, the animal that depend on them will be forced to move.
Development and other barriers may block the migration of both plants and
animals.

3.4 Wildlife at risk

3.4.1 Rising temperatures are changing weather and vegetation patterns across
the globe, forcing animal species to migrate to new, cooler areas in order to
survive.
3.4.2 The rapid nature of climate change is likely to exceed the ability of many
species to migrate to adjust.
3.4.3 Many species are already feeling the impact of temperature increase. The
examples are as follow:
a. In 1999, the death of the last Golden Toad in Central America marked
the first documented species extinction driven by climate change.
b. Due to melting ice in the Arctic, polar bears may be gone from the planet
in as little as 100 years.
c. In the tropics, increased sea temperatures are causing more coral reefs
to “bleach”, as the heat kills colourful algae that are necessary to coral
health and survival.

3.5 Rising Seas, Higher Sea Levels

3.5.1 As the Earth heats up, sea levels rise because warmer water takes up more
room than colder water, a process known as thermal expansion. Melting
glaciers compound the problem by dumping even more fresh water into the
oceans.
3.5.2 Rising seas threaten to inundate low-lying areas and islands, threaten dense
coastal populations, erode shorelines, damage property and destroy

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 ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands that protect coasts against
storms.
3.5.3 Sea level rise associated with climate change could displace tens of millions
of people in low lying areas especially in developing countries. Inhabitants of
some small island countries that rest barely above the existing sea level are
already abandoning their islands, some of the world’s first climate exchange
refugees.

3.6 Increased Risk of Drought, Fire and Floods

3.6.1 Climate change is making floods, fires and droughts more frequent and
severe. Climate change is intensifying the circulation of water on, above and
below the surface of the Earth causing drought and floods to be more
frequent, severe and widespread.
3.6.2 Higher temperature increases the amount of moisture that evaporates from
land and water, leading to drought in many areas. Lands affected by drought
are more vulnerable to flooding once rain falls.
3.6.3 As temperature rise globally, droughts will become more frequent and more
severe, with potentially devastating consequences for agriculture, water
supply and human health. This phenomenon has already been observed in
some parts of Asia and Africa, where drought have become longer and more
intense.
3.6.4 Hot temperature and dry conditions also increase the likelihood of forest
fires.

3.7 Stronger Storms and Hurricanes

3.7.1 Climate change will cause storms, hurricanes and tropical storms to become
more intense. Scientific research indicates that climate change will cause
hurricanes and tropical storms to become more intense, lasting longer,
unleashing stronger winds, and causing more damage to coastal ecosystems
and communities.
3.7.2 Scientist point to higher ocean temperatures as the main culprit, since
hurricanes and tropical storms get their energy from warm water. As sea
surface temperatures rise, developing storms will contain more energy.
3.7.3 At the same time, other factors such as rising sea levels, disappearing
wetlands, and increased coastal development threaten to intensify the
damage caused by hurricanes and tropical storms.

3.8 Heat-Related Illness and Disease

3.8.1 Climate change brings health risks to the world’s most vulnerable
communities. As temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat-related illness and
even death for the most vulnerable human populations.
3.8.2 As in 2003, extreme heat waves caused more than 20,000 deaths in Europe
and more than 1,500 deaths in India. Scientist has linked the deadly heat
waves to climate change and warn of more to come.

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 3.8.3 In addition to heat-related illness, climate change may increase the spread of
infectious diseases, mainly because warmer temperatures allow disease-
carrying insects, animals and microbes to survive in areas where they were
once thwarted by cold weather.
3.8.4 Diseases and pests that were once limited to the tropics such as mosquitoes
that carry malaria, may find hospitable conditions in new area that were once
too cold to support them.
3.8.5 The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that climate change may
have caused more than 150,000 deaths in the year 2000 alone, with an
increase in deaths likely in the future.

3.9 Economic Loss and Damage

3.9.1 Climate change is already affecting economies around the world. Climate
change is affecting businesses and economies at home and around the
world. If action is not taken to curb global carbon emissions, climate change
could cost between 5 and 20 percent of the annual global gross domestic
product, according to a British government report. In comparison it would
take 1 percent of GDP to lessen the most damaging effects of climate
change.
3.9.2 These global costs will be felt by local communities and businesses.
Examples of the situation are:
a. The lobster catch industries in New England have plummeted due to heat
stresses and growth of parasite as the result of increasing of sea
temperature.
b. Ski resorts located in the lower altitudes of the Swiss Alps have difficulty
obtaining bank loans because of declining snow.
3.9.3 Globally, more intense hurricanes and downpours could cause billions of
dollars in damage to property and infrastructure. Declining crop yields due to
prolonged drought and high temperatures, especially in Africa, could put
hundreds of thousands of people at risk for starvation.

3.10 Can Climate Change Be Stopped?

3.10.1 Carbon dioxide is the main cause of human-induced climate change. It is a
very long-lived gas which means levels of carbon dioxide build up in the
atmosphere with on-going human emissions. Stopping climate change, that
is stabilizing global average temperature, can only be brought about by
reducing global emissions of carbon dioxide from human fossil fuel
combustion and industrial processes to near-zero levels.
3.10.2 Climate models have shown that to limit global warming to 2°C, this ‘zeroing’
of human emissions needs to be accomplished by around the middle of the
century, this indicates how difficult the challenge is.

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ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
1.0 Definition of carbon footprint
A carbon footprint is defined as the amount of greenhouse gases and specially carbon dioxide
emitted by something (as a person’s activities or a product’s manufacture and transport) during a
given period usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Example: When you drive a car, the engine burns fuel which creates a certain amount of CO 2,
depending on its fuel consumption and the driving distance. (CO 2 is the chemical symbol for
carbon dioxide). When you heat your house with oil, gas or coal, then you also generate CO 2.
Even if you heat your house with electricity, the generation of the electrical power may also have
emitted a certain amount of CO2. When you buy food and goods, the production of the food and
goods also emitted some quantities of CO2.

Figure 1: Popular icon of carbon footprint

Sources: https://www.palletsllc.com/carbon-footprint/

2.0 Definition of a water footprint

A water footprint is the amount of water you use in and around your home, school or office
through the day. It includes the water you use directly (e.g. from a tap). It also includes the
water it took to produce the food you eat, the products you buy, the energy you consume and
even the water you save when you recycle. You may not drink, feel or see this virtual water, but
it actually makes up the majority of your water footprint.

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 Figure 2: The highest water footprints per capita
Source: WaterFootprint.org and WWF

3.0 Why do water footprints matter?

Freshwater is vital to life, and as the wold’s population grows so does our use of it. Globally, the
increase is due in part to more people drinking and bathing, but as developing countries like
China and India grow more prosperous, more people are consuming more water-intensive food,
electricity and consumer goods. This puts pressure on water resources, which is a concern in
the arid parts of the US and the rest of the world where food is grown, goods are manufactured
and water is already in short supply.
By the year 2030, experts predict that global demand for water will outstrip supply by 40
percent. Impacts from climate change may increase the likelihood of changes to the water
cycle, leading to prolonged periods of drought (and conversely, more extreme rainfall).
Reduced water supplies could add to water insecurity in all countries around the world.

4.0 What makes a blue, green or grey water footprint?

4.1 A water footprint is measured in terms of the volume of water consumed, evaporated and
polluted. The water Footprint Networks, whose research provides data that drive our
calculator, splits water footprints into three corresponding categories:
4.1.1 Blue Water Footprint: The amount of surface water and groundwater required
(evaporated or used directly) to make a product.
4.1.2 Green Water Footprint: The amount of rainwater required (evaporated or used
directly) to make a product.
4.1.3 Grey Water Footprint: The amount of freshwater required to mix and dilute
pollutants enough to maintain water quality according to certain standards (like the
ones established in the US Clean Water Act) as a result of making a product.

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 Figure 3: Components of water footprint
Source: https://amsterdam.tastebeforeyouwaste.org

5.0 Footprint concept

5.1 Carbon Footprint – to measures the emission of gases that contribute to global warming.
5.2 Water Footprint – to measures the consumption and contamination of freshwater
resources.
5.3 Ecological Footprint – to measure the use of bio-productive space.

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 6.0 Comparison of carbon and water footprints

Carbon Footprint (CF) Water Footprint (WF)

The anthropogenic emission of The human appropriation of freshwater
What Is Measured greenhouse gases (GHG). resources in terms of volumes of water
consumed and polluted.
Mass of carbon dioxide (CO2)- Water volume per unit of time or per
Unit Of equivalents per unit of time or per unit unit of product.
Measurement
of product.
Timing within the year and place of WFs are specified in time and by
emissions are not specified. It does location. It matters where and when a
not matter where and when carbon WF occurs; WF units are not
Spatiotemporal emissions occur; carbon emission interchangeable. For some uses,
Dimension
units are interchangeable. total/average WFs are shown, thus
leaving out spatiotemporal
specifications.
CF per type of GHG: CO2, CH4, N2O, Blue, green and grey WF. If added, the
HFC, PFC, and SF6. Emissions per three components are added without
Footprint type of gas are weighted by their weighting.
Components
global warming potential before
adding.
Processes, products, companies, Processes, products, companies,
Entities For Which industry sectors, individual industry sectors, individual consumers,
The Footprint Can
consumers, groups of consumers, groups of consumers, geographically
Be Calculated
geographically delineated areas. delineated areas.
Bottom-up approach: Bottom-up approach:
 For processes, products and small  For processes, products and
Entities. businesses, but also for sector,
 The method of Life Cycle national and global studies.
Assessment (LCA)  The method of bottom-up
Top-down approach: accounting in Water Footprint
 For sector, national and global Assessment (WFA)
studies.  For products, the accounting along
 The method of Environmentally supply chains in WFA is similar to
Calculation Extended Input-Output Analysis the accounting in the Life Cycle
Methods (EE-IOA) Inventory stage of LCA studies
Hybrid approach: Top-down approach:
 LCA and EE-IOA for products,  For sector, national and global
nations, organizations. studies. The method of top-down
accounting in
 WFA, which is based on drawing
national virtual water trade
balances.
 The method of EE-IOA is used as
an alternative
1. Direct emissions Always includes direct and indirect WF.
2. Indirect emissions from electricity
Scope
used
3. Other indirect emissions
Sustainability of Additional information is required to Additional information is required to
The Footprint assess the sustainability of the CF. assess the sustainability of the WF. Per
 For the planet as a whole, a maximum catchment area, freshwater availability
allowable GHG concentration needs and waste assimilation capacity need
to be estimated, which needs to be to be estimated, which form a WF cap
translated to a CF cap. For specific for the catchment. For specific
processes and products, CF processes and products, WF
benchmarks can be used. benchmarks can be used.
Table 1: Carbon and water footprint
Source: waterfootprint.org

7.0 The Carbon Cycle

7.1 Carbon Cycle circulation of carbon atoms through various processes and carbon circulates
between
i. Water and air
ii. Air and ground
iii. Air and living things
iv. Living things and ground

Figure 4: Global Carbon Cycle Diagram

Source: Adapted from Houghton, R.A Balancing the Global Carbon Budget (2017)
7.2 The Carbon Cycle: Water and Sky
7.2.1 Carbon in the air: CO2 gas stays close to ground/sea level.
7.2.2 Carbon gets to the water through Uptake of:
i. CO2 absorbed by bodies of water
ii. Colder water – more CO2 can be absorbed
Question: What’s happening to ocean temperature?

7.3 The Carbon Cycle: Water and Sky

7.3.1 Carbon in the water: CO2 gas
 i. trapped in bubbles in water
ii. It gets to the air by Release. The CO2 moves up to surface and is freed.
Answer: Therefore, warmer water means more CO2 gets released.

7.4 The Carbon Cycle: Earth and Sky

7.4.1 Carbon in the mantle: CO2 gas
i. CO2 gets into air through Eruptions.
ii. Volcanoes release lots of CO2 into atmosphere

Figure 5: Eruption of a volcano

Source: https://images.nationalgeographic.com

7.5 The Carbon Cycle: Earth’s Breathing Life

7.5.1 Carbon in the air: CO2 gas
i. How it gets into organisms: Photosynthesis
ii. Plants store carbon as sugars
iii. Food web: consumers eat producers, those consumers get eaten, etc.
iv. Organisms use sugars to form carbon compounds.
 7.5.2 Carbon in organisms: carbon compounds
i. How it gets into the air: Respiration, Decomposition
ii. Exhaling release CO2 gas into atmosphere.
iii. Organisms die, decompose; bacteria & fungi release CO2 gas.

Figure 6: Earth’s Breathing

Source: https://images.nationalgeographic.com

7.6 The Carbon Cycle: Fossil Fuels

7.6.1 Carbon in organisms: carbon compounds
i. How it gets into the ground: Fossilization
ii. Formed from dead organisms
iii. Very particular conditions for dying:
 Cannot be exposed to air
 Submerged and/or buried shortly after death
 Buried matter compacted by weight of soil above it
 High temperature, pressure forms fossil fuels
7.6.2 There are three types of fossil fuels which can all be used for energy provision:
i. Coal
ii. Oil
iii. Natural gas
Take millions of years to form older fuel – more carbon stored per unit of volume.

Figure 7: Fossil Fuels

Source: https://images.nationalgeographic.com
7.7 How Coal Was Formed
 Figure 8: Production of coal
Source: https://www.globalization101.org

7.8 Problems with Carbon Cycle

7.8.1 Ocean temperatures rising mean less CO2 uptake and more CO2 release.
7.8.2 Human influence
7.8.3 Consuming fossil fuels changes stored carbon compounds into CO2 gas
7.8.4 Deforestation
 Less photosynthesis means less CO2 is removed from the atmosphere.
 Less organisms to be fossilized.

Figure 9: Release of CO2 gas

Source: https://images.nationalgeographic.com
 Figure 10: Diagram of the carbon cycle
Source: https://www.meritnation.com

8.0 Regulation Related to Environmental and Energy Requirement

- Akta Pihak Berkuasa Pembangunan Tenaga Lestari 2011 (Akta 726)
- Akta Tenaga Boleh Baharu 2011 (Akta 725)
- Akta Suruhan Jaya Tenaga 2001 (Akta 610)
- Akta Kualiti Alam Sekeliling 1974 (Akta 127)
BIODIVERSITY PRESERVATION
1.0 Definition of Biodiversity
1.1 Biodiversity is defined as “the variability among living organisms from all sources
including, inter alia, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic systems and the ecological
complexes of which they are a part; this includes diversity within species, between
species and of ecosystems.”
1.2 Biodiversity is considered essential for the resilience of ecosystems and many
ecosystem processes regulate conditions for life. This role provides the rationale for
giving priority to rehabilitation, protection of ecosystems and land use management.
1.3 Resilience enables ecosystems to return to a steady state after being subjected to an
unusual event denoted as being a “surprise”. The ecosystems are subject to
discontinuous change.

2.0 Biodiversity Preservation

Risk that intervention in ecosystems by humans can result in a reduction of their resilient
nature rendering them incapable of dealing adequately with unusual events. The situation with
respect to ecosystems is as follows:

2.1 Ecosystems have a natural rhythm of change, the amplitude and frequency of which is
determined by internal processes and structures in response to past external
variability. These rhythms alternate periods of increasing organization and stasis with
periods of reorganization and renewal. They determine the degree of productivity and
resilience of ecosystems.
2.2 Modern technological man effects these patterns and their causes in two ways:
2.2.1 Traditional resource-management institutions constrain rhythms by restricting
them temporally and homogenizing them spatially. Internal fragility i.e. to a
reduced resilience. A different historical rhythm which can mask indications of
slowly increasing fragility and can inhibit effective adaptive responses, resulting
in the increased likelihood of internally generated surprises, i.e. crises.
2.2.2 The increasing extent and intensity of modern industrial and agricultural
activities have modified and accelerated many global atmospheric processes,
thereby changing the external variability experienced by ecosystems. This
imposes another set of adaptive pressures on ecosystems when they are
already subject to local ones. As a consequence, locally generated surprises
can be more frequently affected by global phenomena, and in turn can effect
these global phenomena in a web of global ecological dependencies.

2.3 Loss of biodiversity has profound implications for development. Biological resources
are renewable and output can be increased under appropriate management. Natural
habitats which can maintain productivity without significant management have the
ability to provide means for human survival.
2.4 Highly diverse natural ecosystems also provide important ecological services. These
include maintaining hydrological cycles, regulating climate, contributing to process of
soil formation and maturation, storing and cycling essential nutrients, absorbing and
breaking down pollutants and providing sites for inspiration, tourism, recreation and
research.
2.5 Nature has some built-in redundancy few data are available on which species are
particularly important in the functioning of ecosystems so that the actual value of
specific losses of biodiversity is not available. Maintaining biodiversity by maximizing
the number of different species conversed in sufficient quantities to assure survival.
2.6 Biological resources support development in virtually all sectors and affect those who
live in cities as well as those in the country. Agriculture under good management is an
example of the management of a modified ecosystem to yield what is perceived to be
optimal productivity in order to enhance yields.
2.7 Biodiversity may, therefore, be seen as an indicator of environmental health. Success
in maintaining biodiversity must take into account both spatial and temporal factors. It
is not, however, possible to ensure a constant level of biodiversity at a particular
location over time.
POLLUTION CONTROL
1.0 Definition
1.1 Pollution is the introduction of contaminants into the natural environment that cause
adverse change. Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as
noise, heat or light. Pollutants, the components of pollution, can be either foreign
substance/energies or naturally occurring contaminants. Pollution is often classed as
point source or point source pollution.

Figure 1: The litter problem on the coast of Guyana, 2010

2.0 Classification of Pollution Control

2.1 Point source pollution
2.2 Non-point source pollution
 Figure 2: Classification of pollution
Source: https://www.mfe.gov.nz/environmental-reporting/

3.0 Forms of Pollution

3.1 The major forms of pollution are listed below:
3.1.1 Air pollution
3.1.2 Light pollution
3.1.3 Littering
3.1.4 Noise pollution
3.1.5 Soil contamination
3.1.6 Radioactive contamination
3.1.7 Thermal pollution
3.1.8 Visual pollution
3.1.9 Water pollution
3.1.10 Plastic pollution
3.1.11 Sewage
4.0 Sources and Causes
4.1 Air pollution comes from both natural and human-made (anthropogenic) sources.
However, globally human-made pollutants from combustion, construction, mining,
agriculture and warfare are increasingly significant in the air pollution equation.
4.2 Motor vehicle emissions are one of the leading causes of air pollution.
4.3 Pollution sources include chemical plants, coal-fired power plants, oil refineries,
petrochemical plants, nuclear waste disposal activity, incinerators, large livestock farms
(dairy cows, pigs, poultry, etc.), PVC factories, metals production factories, plastics
factories, and other heavy industry. Agricultural air pollution comes from contemporary
practices which include clear felling and burning of natural vegetation as well as spraying
of pesticides and herbicides.
4.4 Some of the more common soil contaminants are chlorinated hydrocarbons (CFH), heavy
metals (such as chromium, cadmium-found in rechargeable batteries, and lead-found in
lead paint, aviation fuel and still in some countries, gasoline), MTBE, zinc, arsenic and
benzene.
4.5 A widespread practice of recycling industrial by products into fertilizer, resulting in the
contamination of the soil with various metals. Ordinary municipal landfills are the source
of many chemical substances entering the soil environment (and often groundwater).
4.6 Pollution can also be the consequence of a natural disaster. For example, hurricanes
often involve water contamination from sewage, and petrochemical spills from ruptured
boats or automobiles. Larger scale and environmental damage is not uncommon when
coastal oil rigs or refineries are involved. Some sources of pollution, such as nuclear
power plants or oil tankers, can produce widespread and potentially hazardous releases
when accidents occur.

5.0 Impact of Pollution

5.1 Human Health
5.1.1 Adverse air quality can kill many organisms including humans. Ozone pollution
can cause respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, throat inflammation, chest
pain, and congestion. Water pollution causes approximately 14,000 deaths per
day, mostly due to contamination of drinking water by untreated sewage in
developing countries. Oil spills can cause skin irritations and rashes. Noise
pollution induces hearing loss, high blood pressure, stress, and sleep
disturbance. Mercury has been linked to development deficits in children and
neurologic symptoms.
 5.1.2 Health effects of pollution

Figure 3: Health effects of pollution

5.2 Environment
5.2.1 Pollution has been found to be present widely in the environment. There are a
number of effects of this:
i. Bio magnification describes situations where toxins (such as heavy metals)
may pass through trophic levels, becoming exponentially more concentrated
in the process.
ii. Carbon dioxide emissions cause ocean acidification, the ongoing decrease in
the pH of the Earth’s oceans as CO2 becomes dissolved.
iii. The emission of greenhouse gases leads to global warming which affects
ecosystems in many ways.
iv. Invasive species can out complete native species and reduce biodiversity.
Invasive plants can contribute debris and biomolecules (allelopathy) that can
alter soil and chemical compositions of an environment, often reducing native
species competitiveness.
v. Nitrogen oxides are removed from the air by rain and fertilise land which can
change the species composition of ecosystems.
vi. Smog and haze can reduce the amount of sunlight received by plants to
carry out photosynthesis and leads to the production of tropospheric ozone
which damages plants.
vii. Soil can become infertile and unsuitable for plants. This will affect other
organisms in the food web.
viii. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides can cause acid rain which lowers the pH
value of soil.

6.0 Methods of Pollution Control

 6.1 The methods or processes of pollution control in environmental management are:
6.1.1 Emission
6.1.2 Effluents

7.0 Hierarchy of Pollution Control

7.1 Pollution prevention
7.2 Waste minimisation
7.3 Pollution control

8.0 Regulation and Monitoring

8.1 To protect the environment from the adverse effects of pollution, many nations worldwide
have enacted legislation to regulate various types of pollution as well as to mitigate the
adverse effects of pollution.

9.0 Pollution Control Measures

9.1 Pollution control is a term used in environmental management. It means the control of
emissions and effluents into air, water or soil. Without pollution control, the waste
products from consumption, heating, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, transportation
and other human activities, whether they accumulate or disperse, will degrade the
environment.
9.2 In the hierarchy of controls, pollution prevention and waste minimization are more
desirable than pollution control. In the field of land development, low impact development
is a similar technique for the prevention of urban runoff.

10.0 Practices on Pollution Control

10.1 Recycling
10.2 Reusing
10.3 Waste Minimisation
10.4 Mitigating
10.5 Preventing
10.6 Composting

11.0 Pollution Control Devices

11.1 Dust collection systems
11.2 Scrubbers
11.3 Sewage treatment
11.4 Industrial wastewater treatment
11.5 Vapor recovery systems
11.6 Phytoremediation
A little trap catches floating waste in the A dust collector in Pristina, Kosovo
Yarra River, east-cental Victoria, Australia

Gas nozzle with vapor recovery

Figure 4: Examples of pollution control devices

NATURAL RESOURCES SUSTAINABILITY

1.0 Introduction to Natural Resources Sustainability

1.1 Natural resources occur naturally within environments that exist relatively undisturbed by
humanity, in a natural form. A natural resource is often characterized by amounts of
biodiversity and geo-diversity existent in various ecosystems.
1.2 Natural resources are derived from the environment. Some of them are essential for the
survival while most are used for satisfying human needs. Natural resources may be further
classified in different ways.
a) Natural resources are materials and components (something that can be used) that can
be found within the environment.
b) A natural resource may exist as a separate entity such as fresh water, and air, as well as
living organism such as a fish, or it may exist in alternate form which must be processed
to obtain the resource such as metal ores, oil and most forms of energy.
c) Some natural resources such as sunlight and air can be found everywhere and are
known as ubiquitous resources.
d) Most resources only occur in small sporadic areas, and are referred to as localized
resources. There are very few resources that are considered inexhaustible such as solar
radiation, geothermal energy and air.
e) The vast majority of resources are exhaustible which means they have a finite quantity,
and can be depleted if managed improperly.

2.0 Classification
2.1 There are various methods of categorizing natural resources, these include source of
origin, stage of development and by their renewability. These classifications are described
below. On the basis origin, natural resources maybe divided into:
2.1.1 Biotic: biotic resources are obtained from the biosphere (living and organic
material) and the materials that can be obtained from them. Fossil fuels such as
coal and petroleum are also included in this category because they are formed
from decayed organic matter.
2.1.2 Abiotic: abiotic resources are those that come from non-living, non-organic
material. The examples include land, fresh water, air and heavy metals
including ores such as gold, iron, copper and silver.

3.0 Stage of Development

3.1 Natural resources may be referred to in the following ways:
3.1.1 Potential resources – resource that exists in a region and may be used in the
future. Petroleum is an example of potential resources that occurs in sedimentary
rocks in various regions. It is remain as potential resources until it drilled out and
put into use.
3.1.2 Actual resources – resource that exists have been surveyed, determined their
quantity and quality and being used in present time. The development of actual
resource (wood for an example) is depends upon technology available and cost
involved.

3.1.3 Reserve resources - the part of actual resources which can be developed profitably
in the future is called a reserve resource.
 3.1.4 Stock resources - resource that have been surveyed but cannot be used by
organisms due to lack of technology. Example: hydrogen, gold, coal etc.

4.0 Renewability of Natural Resources Can Be Categorized as Either Renewable or Non-

Renewable
4.1 Renewable resources
4.1.1 Renewable resources can be replenished naturally. Resources such as
sunlight, air, wind are continuously available and their quantity is not noticeably
affected by human consumption.
4.1.2 Many renewable resources do not have such a rapid recovery rate and these
resources are susceptible to depletion by over-use.
4.1.3 Renewable resources from a human perspective are classified as renewable
only if the rate of replenishment / recovery exceeds the rate of consumption.

4.2 Non-renewable resources

4.2.1 Non-renewable resources either form slowly or do not naturally form in the
environment.
4.2.2 Non-renewable resources from a human perspective are classified as non-
renewable if the rate of consumption exceeds the rate of replenishment /
recovery rate.
4.2.3 A good example of non-renewable resources is fossil fuels. This is because
their rate of formations is extremely slow (million years).
4.2.4 Some resources actually naturally deplete in amount without human
interference. The most notable example is radio-active elements such as
uranium that naturally decay into heavy metals. The metallic minerals can be
re-used by recycling them, however coal and petroleum cannot be recycled.
CARBON MANAGEMENT

1.0 Concept of Recognising Carbon Management

1.1 The concept of recognising carbon management is important to address the phenomena of
climate change and global warming issues that faced by the world. United Nation
Framework for Climate Change (UNFCCC) has recognised various methods of measuring
carbon footprint as the basis for carbon management.
1.2 World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council on Sustainable Development
(WBCSD) has introduce the Green House Gas Protocol to help organisation to measure
their carbon footprint.

2.0 Recognise Carbon Management

2.1 The carbon management is recognized through acknowledgement and understanding of
the following subject within the context of reducing impact of climate change and global
warming.
2.1.1 Types of Green House Gasses (GHG) and their Global Warming Potential
(GWP)
2.1.2 Carbon Footprint (CF)
2.1.3 Carbon sequestrations
2.1.4 Carbon stock
2.1.5 Carbon sink
2.1.6 Carbon capture and storage
2.1.7 Carbon off-set
2.1.8 Carbon tradings

2.2 The following are type of main greenhouse gases (GHG) and their global warming
potential (GWP).

Greenhouse Gas Chemical Formula GWP

Carbon dioxide CO2 1
Methane CH4 28
Nitrous oxide N2O 265
HFC-23 CHF3 12,400
HFC-32 CH2F2 677
HFC-41 CH3F2 116
HFC-125 CH2CF3 3,170

Figure 1: The main greenhouse gases and their global warming potential
(Source: https://www.ipcc.ch/pdf/assessmentreport/ar5/wg1/WG1AR5_Chapter08_FINAL.pdf)
2.3 Carbon Footprint
2.3.1 The amount of carbon-containing greenhouse gases released into the
environment by an activity, process, individual or group, expressed usually as
the equivalent in kilograms or matrix tonnes of carbon dioxide. (kg CO 2eq. or
MtCO2eq)
2.3.2 Greenhouse gases (GHG) can be emitted through transport, land clearance
and the production and consumption of food, fuels, manufactured goods,
materials, wood, roads, buildings and services.
2.3.3 Carbon footprints for an individual, nation or organization can be measured by
doing GHG emissions assessment or other calculative activities denoted as
carbon accounting. Once the size of a carbon footprint is known, a strategy can
be devised to reduce it, such as by technological developments, better process
and product management, changed Green Public or Private Procurement
(GPP), carbon capture, consumption strategies, carbon offsetting and others.
2.3.4 The greenhouse gases (GHG) protocol defines three scopes of emission:
a) Scope 1 – direct GHG emissions are emissions from sources that are
owned or controlled by the organisation. For example, emissions from
combustion in owned or controlled boilers, furnaces and vehicles.
b) Scope 2 – accounts for GHG emissions from the generation of purchased
electricity by the organisation.
c) Scope 3 – optional reporting that allows for the treatment of all other indirect
emissions. They are consequences of the activities of the company but
occur from sources not owned or controlled by the organisation, examples
are third party deliveries, business travel activities and use of sold products
and services.

Figure 2:Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions

(Source:https://www.energy.gov/management/spo/common-sources-federal-greenhouse-gas-emissions)
 2.4 Carbon sequestration
2.4.1 Carbon sequestration is the process of capture and long-term storage of
atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Carbon sequestration describes long-term
storage of carbon dioxide or other forms of carbon to either mitigate or defer
global warming and avoid dangerous climate change. It has been proposed as
a way to slow the atmospheric and marine accumulation of greenhouse gases,
which are released by burning fossil fuels.
2.4.2 Carbon sequestration, a process where CO 2 is pulled from the atmosphere and
stored for a long period of time, may be one way to slow or reverse the
accumulation of CO2 in the Earth’s atmosphere. Terrestrial sequestration
utilizes natural processes in ecosystems to absorb CO2 from the atmosphere
and store it in plants, animals and soil.

Figure 3: Diagram of carbon sequestration

(Source:https://www.researchgate.net/publication/
255203682_Biologically_Enhanced_Carbon_Sequestration_Research_Needs_and_Opportunities)

2.5 Carbon stock

2.5.1 Carbon stock is quantified of carbon contained in a “pool”, meaning a reservoir
or system which has the capacity to accumulate or release carbon. In the
context of forests it refers to the amount of carbon stored in the world’s forest
ecosystem, mainly in living biomass and soil, but to a lesser extent also in dead
wood and litter.
2.6 Carbon sink
2.6.1 A carbon sink is a natural or artificial reservoir that accumulates and stores
some carbon-containing chemical compound for an indefinite period. The
process by which carbon sinks remove carbon dioxide (CO 2) from the
atmosphere is known as carbon sequestration. Public awareness of the
significance of CO2 sinks has grown since passage of the Kyoto Protocol, which
promotes their use as a form of carbon offset. There are also different
strategies used to enhance this process.
2.6.2 The natural sinks are (i) absorption of carbon dioxide by the oceans via
physicochemical and biological processes and (ii) photosynthesis by terrestrial
plants.
2.6.3 Natural sinks are typically much larger than artificial sinks. The main artificial
sinks are (i) landfills and (ii) carbon capture and storage
2.6.4 Carbon sources include (i) fires, through combustion and (ii) farmland through
animal respiration.
2.7 Carbon capture and storage
2.7.1 Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the process of capturing waste carbon
dioxide (CO2) from large point sources such as fossil fuel power plants,
transporting it to a storage site, and depositing it where it will not enter the
atmosphere, normally an underground geological formation.
2.8 Carbon off-set
2.8.1 A carbon offset is a reduction in emission of carbon dioxide or greenhouse
gases made in order to compensate for or to offset an emission made
elsewhere.
2.8.2 One carbon offset represents the reduction of one metric ton of carbon dioxide
or its equivalent in other greenhouse gases.
2.9 Carbon trading
2.9.1 Emissions trading or cap and trade (cap is a legal limit on the quantity of a
certain type of chemical an economy can emit each year) is a market-based
approach used to control pollution by providing economic incentives for
achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants.
2.9.2 The International Emission trading program under the Kyoto Protocol of the
United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which
launched in 2007 provides for trading across nations. This program invests in
low carbon technology to reduce emissions, participants buy permits from one
another, or buy carbon offsets from projects in developing countries under the
Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
GREEN PRACTICES POLICY
1.0 Definition
1.1 A policy is a set of ideas or a plan of what to do in particular situations that has been
agreed officially by a group of people, a business organization, a government, or a political
party. Green Practices Policy is an action plan following a particular green policy that has
been outlined to conduct green initiatives.

2.0 Malaysia Green Technology Policy 2009

2.1 The National Green Technology Policy was successfully launched by the Prime Minister
on 24 July 2009. The National Green Technology Policy is built on four pillars:
2.1.1 Energy
2.1.2 Environment
2.1.3 Economy and;
2.1.4 Social

3.0 Malaysia Climate Change Policy 2009

3.1 The National Policy on Climate Change helps to ensure climate-resilient development to
fulfil international aspirations for sustainable development. Five principle underpin the ten
strategic thrusts to set the national direction in responding to the challenges of climate
change
3.1.1 Principle 1: Development on a Sustainable Path
To integrate climate change responses into national development plans to fulfill the
country’s aspiration for sustainable development.
3.1.2 Principle 2: Conservation of Environment and Natural Resources
To strengthen the implementation of climate change actions that contribute to
environmental conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.
3.1.3 Principle 3: Coordinated Implementation
To incorporate climate change considerations into implementation of development
programmes at all levels.
3.1.4 Principle 4: Effective Participation
To improve participation of stakeholders and major groups for effective
implementation of climate change responses.
3.1.5 Principle 5: Common but Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective
Capabilities
International involvement on climate change will be based on the principle of
common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.

4.0 Legislative Body

4.1 A Legislative body responsible for the planning and formulation of policies as well as to
facilitate and to regulate the growth of every related sectors. It is also to provide direction
and motivation for Malaysians to continuously enjoy good quality living and a healthy
environment. Two main legislative bodies in Malaysia are:
4.1.1 The Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water Malaysia (Ke TTHA)
To plan and formulate policies for energy, green technology and water sectors.
4.1.2 Malaysia Green Technology Corporation
 To spearhead the implementation of projects and activities pertaining the four
pillars.

5.0 Regulations
5.1 Regulations enacted by several ministries including the Ministry of Natural Resources and
Environment (NRE) and Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) are among
efforts initiated by the government to standardise, preserve and control all aspects of
technology and environment. Regulations can be seen as the implementation standards
for policy statements.

6.0 Global Policy In Green Practices

6.1 Kyoto Protocol 1997
6.1.1 The Kyoto was adopted in Kyoto, Japan on 11 December 1997 and entered
into force on 16 February 2005. The Kyoto Protocol is an international
agreement linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change, which commits its Parties by setting internationally binding emission
reduction targets.

Figure 1: Developed countries are responsible for the current high levels of GHG emissions in the
atmosphere as a result of more than 150 years industrial activity.
 6.1.2 The Kyoto Protocol is an important first step towards a truly global emission
reduction regime that will stabilize GHG emissions, and can provide the
architecture for the future international agreement on climate change.
6.1.3 Under the Protocol, countries must meet their targets primarily through national
measures. However, the protocol also offers them an additional means to meet
their targets by way of three market-based mechanisms:
i. International Emissions Trading
ii. Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
iii. Joint Implementation (JI)
The mechanisms help to stimulate green investment and help Parties their
emission targets in a cost-effective way.

GREEN APPLICATIONS

1.0 The Purpose of Green Technology

1.1 Green technology is a type of technology that environmentally friendly. This technology
was developed and used in a way which does not disturb the environment and does not
destroy natural resources.
1.2 Green technology refers to products, equipment or system which fulfilled the following
criteria:
a) It minimizes the degradation of the environment;
b) It has zero or low greenhouse gas (GHG) emission is safe for use and promotes
healthy and improved environment for all forms of life;
c) It conserves the use of energy and natural resources;
d) It promotes the use of renewable resources.
1.3 The main purpose of green technology is to slow down global warming and to reduce the
greenhouse effect.

2.0 Application of Green Technology

2.1 There are four main sectors in green technology:
a) energy – green technology in power generation and energy supply management in the
industrial and commercial sector.
b) building – adoption of green technology in the construction, management, maintenance
and destroying of building
c) water and waste management – adoption of green technology in the management and
use of water resources, wastewater treatment, solid waste landfill
d) transportation – incorporation of green technology in the transportation infrastructure
and vehicles, biofuels and public road transport
2.2 Various activities can be implemented to support green technology such as recycling,
using renewable energy sources and alternative fuels and sustainable building.
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