Critical Reflection on Presentation Showcase

I was involved in the 4th annual presentation showcase for SIE2016 Effective Communication as part of the committee member appointed by the lecturer Brad Blackstone. My role in the showcase was event photographer/videographer, where I took many photos of the different teams presenting and the audience, including the judges. It was a fantastic and successful showcase with everyone gave their best in making sure the whole thing ran smoothly.

However, it wasn’t easy as I thought. As a photographer, I do not own any camera. I must depend on cameras that both Eddie and Wendy brought. As such, I did not have ample time to familiarise myself with the camera, which might affect the quality of the photos. Another issue was the number of batteries available, which constraint the number of shots I could take. Nonetheless, I enjoyed myself and glad to be given the chance to be part of this.

I think the apparent reason why this showcase could be successful because everybody in the committee works well as a team. It was great to see that nobody shows any individualism. By having Kenyu as our leader was terrific, he led the team with clear communication and we could understand what was needed and responded well. However, I felt that we could have done better overall.

I think if we could standardize the problem of whether we should use mics, the whole flow of the showcase would be better. Furthermore, as committee members, we should have taken charge of the timing for the audience to cheer and clap. The cheering of the audience might be disrupting the flow when the presentation was ongoing. There were times when Dr. Moshood had to ask the audience to lower down their volume and I felt that’s supposed to be our job, especially when the judges were commenting. In this way, the whole showcase could be better than the actual.

Critical Reflection on Project Learning

Throughout the whole project, I realized the power of the team could make things possible. All of us have different skills and knowledge and we were able to do things that we can’t do alone. Individually, I learned a lot about my teammates in this project. The experience I had with working together with them allowed me to understand how as a team we should overcome adversity. For instance, when we were preparing our presentation, everyone might have different opinions on the parts we should present. I learned to step back and listened, realized that great communication includes being a great listener. There is a quote saying, “A good leader starts with being a good listener”, thus explained listening is an essential part of good communication. My biggest takeaway from this project is never the technical part but to be a good listener to others.

Critical Reflection on Module Learning

At the start of this module, I wrote about wanting to improve my overall English language so that I would be able to relay my thoughts and communicate better. After going through the past 13 weeks, I believed I can relay my thoughts and communicate better now, but I couldn’t say that I achieved my goals yet. I felt that my English wasn’t strong enough. I still struggled on many assignments, including the presentation, where I spent a lot of time practicing it. I even had some night that I stayed up late just to phrase my words better. But I’m grateful for the chance to improve my English overall, as I learned how to write a report effectively and further improved on being a team player. Nonetheless, I won’t stop continuing to raise my English language into a new level until I achieve my goals.

Technical Report Draft 2

Proposed Solutions

What are waterless urinals?

Waterless urinals are normal looking urinals without a pipe for water intake. As the name suggested, waterless urinals do not require water to flush but instead, they are drain by gravity through the drain pipe. The waste will flow through the drain pipe connected to the building’s plumbing system and into the water treatment plant.

How does it work?

Waterless urinals consist of two main parts; the urinal bowl and the S-trap that contains the urinal cartridge and sealant which is connected to the buildings sewage system/ water treatment plant. When the user uses the urinal, the urine will flow down the s-pipe where it passes through the sealant allowing it to pass through the cartridge before flowing down to the sewage system.

Benefits

Below are some benefits of using waterless urinals.

Water Savings

Conventional urinals usually use 4 to 12 litres of water per flush. According to the Changi Airport website, to reduce the water consumption in the airport, they use the low-flush urinals instead. It is logical that low-flush urinal uses lesser water, with only about 0.5 litres of water used per flush and it helps to save up to at least 3.5 litres of water used. However, with the installation of waterless urinals, it can help to save 0.5 litres of water more than what low-flush had saved since it does not use any flushing water.

Improve Hygiene

Waterless urinals are designed such that any liquid in the urinals will dry out between uses to prevent bacteria and viruses from thriving.

Meet Environmental Goals

As waterless urinals do not require any water for flushing, this will eliminate water usage and also reduce CO2 emission. According to Changi Airport, they installed on-off sensors in selected areas which helps to reduce water usage by 66% from 6 liters per minute to 2 liters per minute. However, if they implement the no-flush urinals, water usage would be further reduced.

The average bladder holds between 300 to 400 ml of urine and the average cistern will flush between 9 to 15 litres of water into the sewer. All of that liquid has to be treated to the sewage plant. The treatment generates about 10 to 26 kgs of CO2 emission every year.  As our waterless urinals do not require 9 to 15 litres of water, only 300 to 400 ml of waste will be treated at the sewage plant, thus reducing the CO2 generated.

Evaluation

Comparison between low flush urinals and waterless urinals

Changi Airport is currently using low flush urinals in their male toilets which is their way of doing a part for the environment by reducing the water consumption. However, this urinals requires complicated plumbing works for water input and output which often prone to leaks or pipe erosion. Besides, low flush urinals are still not the best practices as it still uses up to 0.5L of water per flush. On the other hand, waterless urinals require only a drain pipe for its output and also does not require any water to flush and thus, able to save more water. (refer to Appendix B)

Limitations

Retrofits

For existing buildings to switch from conventional to waterless urinals, retrofitting is compulsory. Waterless urinals only require a drain line for the disposal of human waste. As a result, water pipes must be drained and capped to prevent damage to pipes. In addition to the removal of water pipes, as waterless urinals are installed differently from conventional urinals, adjustments to the drain line could be necessary. As a result, retrofitting is an integral part of installing waterless urinals to existing buildings.

More frequent maintenance required

Waterless urinal does not have flushing capability to remove debris and hair found in the urinal gradually. Hence, periodic maintenance required by cleaners to keep the waterless urinal clean.

Higher exposure risk

Due to the frequent maintenance of waterless urinals for debris and hair, cleaners will be exposed to the risk of urine splashing while cleaning the urinals, which is a health hazard.

References

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-continues-its-green-push

https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/fournationaltaps/newater

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-ranks-top-in-sustainability-among-asian-cities-second-globally

https://www.pub.gov.sg/savewater/atwork/certificationprogramme

http://www.changiairport.com/corporate/csr/sustainability.html?anchor=watermanagement&#waterefficiency

https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/env/news/65030 (waterless urinal at brussel airport)

https://www.pub.gov.sg/savewater (water consumption assumption)

https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/handle/1969.1/4626/ESL-HH-04-05-26.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y (Benefits & Drawbacks)

http://www.ecoadwaterlessurinals.co.uk/why-should-i-install-waterless-urinals/ (Benefits)

https://oaktrust.library.tamu.edu/bitstream/handle/1969.1/4626/ESL-HH-04-05-26.pdf?sequence=4&isAllowed=y (retrofit disadvantages)

http://visionlaunch.com/waterless-urinals-pros-and-cons/ (other 2 disadvantages)

http://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/375265/file-672628462-pdf/How_Do_Waterless_Urinals_Work_eBook.pdf?t=1397599053000 (Introduction to waterless urinals)

Technical Report Draft 1

INTRODUCTION

This proposal has been developed in response to the request for proposals for developing solutions for sustainable initiatives beneficial to citizens.
As the population of Singapore increases gradually over time, there will also be an increase in the
demand for water usage in both domestic and non-domestic sector. Public Utilities Board (PUB) 
(2018) states that water demand in Singapore is likely to double from 430 million gallons to 860 
million gallons a day by 2060. Singapore’s water supply comes from 2 primary sources, mainly the
imported water from Malaysia and NEWater. The water treaty between Singapore and Malaysia is
currently ongoing and it will expire in 43 years time. If Malaysia does not renew the water treaty, 
Singapore will have to rely on NEWater for domestic and non-domestic usage. According to PUB,
the five NEWater plants are supplying up to 40% of Singapore’s current needs and will ultimately 
hit up to 55% by 2060. As a result, there will be a shortage of water in Singapore by 2061.
Currently, public male restrooms in Brussels Airport uses waterless urinals to conserve water. 
Throughout a year, these waterless urinals can save up to an estimated 30,000 cubic meters of 
water per year, which equates to 30,000,000 litres of water. According to PUB, each Singaporean
uses an average of 143 litres per day. This water savings can provide 114 families of 5 with 
potable water per day in Singapore. Implementing waterless urinals will reduce the overall water
usage of airports. This will help alleviate the water security issue prevailing in Singapore by 2060.

Figure 1.1. Survey on water usage in toilets.

A survey was conducted with 57 Singaporean males to find out how often they use the urinals a 
day. The survey results from figure 1.1 show that more than 50% of Singaporeans males use the
urinal five times or more a day, which means that they use more than five litres of water a day
mainly on urinals.

Problem statement

An ideal sustainable airport should implement zero-flush urinals throughout the airport to 
eliminate the water usage of urinals. However, Changi airport is currently using low flush urinals a
nd has yet to implement such water-efficient technology. In an effort to be water efficient, the 
installation of zero-flush urinals can significantly help to reduce water usage in Changi Airport.

Purpose statement

The purpose of the proposal is to convince the Changi Airport Group (CAG) facility management 
team to implement zero-flush urinals in the toilets of Changi Airport to reduce water
consumption.

References

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/transport/changi-airport-continues-its-green-push

https://www.pub.gov.sg/watersupply/fournationaltaps/newater

https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/government-economy/singapore-ranks-top-in-sustainability-
among-asian-cities-second-globally

https://www.pub.gov.sg/savewater/atwork/certificationprogramme

http://www.changiairport.com/corporate/csr/sustainability.html?anchor=watermanagement&#wat
erefficiency

https://www.brusselsairport.be/en/env/news/65030

https://www.pub.gov.sg/savewater

Reader Response Draft 3 (Final)

An excerpt from Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises, Ministry of the Environment (MNV, 1996) stated that indoor air quality (IAQ) can be improved through the initial stage of design and construction of the building. The air conditioning and mechanical ventilation system (ACMV) should be designed in a way that prevents the spread of contaminants. Building materials used should not produce any chemicals that will affect the IAQ. To ensure acceptable IAQ, an inspection should be continuously done by professionals, making sure the materials used for air ducts were able to withstand daily usage and maintenance. The guideline also mentioned that placement of the outdoor air intakes should be far away from any form of pollutions, while the air filter should be situated near air intakes with protection from outdoor elements. Any systems do not belong to ACMV should not be found in AHU room.

However, these guidelines from 1996 only mentioned the IAQ management during the design and construction phase, which fails to include the management during occupancy phase when the building is most used and how chemicals from underground and building materials could affect the IAQ and the health implications on the occupants.

Currently, most of the existing building contains radon, a type of indoor air pollutants. According to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS, 2018), it stated that radon is “an invisible, odourless, tasteless, radioactive gas” and it is a decay product of uranium. Radon is usually emitted from soil or groundwater under the building and it can easily pass through cracks around the foundation into the indoor air. CCOHS also stated that inhaling radon will increase the risk of lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS, 2011), scientists estimated that about 10 percent of lung cancer death was caused by radon poisoning within non-smoker each year. Back in Singapore, there was little discussion about indoor air pollutants and most people lack awareness of what are they breathing in daily. Therefore, I believed that it is essential for the government to educate the citizens on what is radon and how could we act on it.

In the excerpt, it stated that building materials should not produce any type of harmful chemical that will affect the IAQ. However, we do not know what materials are being used and what implications it has on us. One of the most common materials used for building construction is asbestos. According to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance (MCA, 2018), Asbestos refers to “six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have the ability to resist heat, fire and electricity.” Thus, it was found at many buildings constructed before 1980. However, the usage could bring danger to our health. MCA also stated that asbestos particle can cling onto tissues of the lungs which would cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Due to its danger, Building Construction Authority (BCA) and MNV had banned the use of asbestos for building construction since the late 1980s. However, many buildings in Singapore was built before 1980, which many still contained asbestos as of today. Asbestos will not pose much threat if it is not damaged or crumbled, but once the fibers are released into the air, it will be harmful to us. Therefore, it is essential to make sure what materials are used during construction and more importantly, understanding what we can do if we find asbestos.

Overall, the excerpt mainly stated on how we should maintain the IAQ level during the design and construction phase. However, it is also essential to know how to maintain it during the occupancy phase as it will affect the health of the occupants if the IAQ is terrible.

References

Ministry of the Environment (1996).  Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises Retrieved 14 September 2018 from https://www.bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/others/NEA_Office_IAQ_Guidelines.pdf

National Cancer Institute (2011). Radon and Cancer Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon/radon-fact-sheet

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2018). Radon in Buildings Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/radon.html

National Environment Agency (2018). Asbestos Control Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pollution-control/hazardous-waste/asbestos-control

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance (2018). What is Asbestos? Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/what-is-asbestos.htm

Reader Response Draft 2

An excerpt from Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises, Ministry of the Environment (MNV, 1996) stated that indoor air quality (IAQ) can be improved through the initial stage of design and construction of the building. The air conditioning and mechanical ventilation system (ACMV) should be designed in a way that prevents the spread of contaminants. Building materials used should not produce any chemicals that will affect the IAQ. To ensure acceptable IAQ, an inspection should be continuously done by professionals, making sure the materials used for air ducts were able to withstand daily usage and maintenance. The guideline also mentioned that placement of the outdoor air intakes should be far away from any form of pollutions, while the air filter should be situated near air intakes with protection from outdoor elements. Any systems do not belong to ACMV should not be found in AHU room.

However, the guidelines only mentioned the IAQ management during the design and construction phase, which does not include how having poor indoor air quality can lead to different health issues.

Firstly, having a bad air quality will cause health implications. The article “Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution” stated the short-term symptoms and long-term health implications of having indoor air pollutants in the building. Some of the short-term symptoms consist of coughing, sneezing, watery eyes and these symptoms will be relieved once the occupants leave the building. However, some cases have led to severe health issues like wheezing, severe lung disease and fever. Through this article, I can understand the importance of having good indoor air quality and the consequences of not having it.

Secondly, most of the existing building contains radon, a type of indoor air pollutants. According to Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS, 2018), it stated that radon is “an invisible, odourless, tasteless, radioactive gas” and it is a decay product of uranium. Radon is usually emitted from soil or groundwater under the building and it can easily pass through cracks around the foundation into the indoor air. CCOHS also stated that inhaling radon will increase the risk of lung cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS, 2011), scientists estimated that about 10 percent of lung cancer death was caused by radon poisoning within non-smoker each year. Back in Singapore, there was little discussion about indoor air pollutants and most people lack awareness of what are they breathing in daily. Therefore, I believed that it is essential for the government to educate the citizens on what is radon and how could we act on it.

In the excerpt, it stated that building materials should not produce any type of harmful chemical that will affect the IAQ. However, we do not know what materials are being used and what implications it has on us. One of the most common materials used for building construction is asbestos. According to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance (MCA, 2018), Asbestos refers to “six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that have the ability to resist heat, fire and electricity.” Thus, it was found at many buildings constructed before 1980. However, the usage could bring danger to our health. MCA also stated that asbestos particle can cling onto tissues of the lungs which would cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Due to its danger, Building Construction Authority (BCA) and MNV had banned the use of asbestos for building construction since the late 1980s. However, many buildings in Singapore was built before 1980, which many still contained asbestos as of today. Asbestos will not pose much threat if it is not damaged or crumbled, but once the fibers are released into the air, it will be harmful to us. Therefore, it is essential to make sure what materials are used during construction and more importantly, understanding what we can do if we find asbestos.

References

Ministry of the Environment (1996).  Guidelines for Good Indoor Air Quality in Office Premises Retrieved 14 September 2018 from https://www.bca.gov.sg/GreenMark/others/NEA_Office_IAQ_Guidelines.pdf

Blue Point Environmental (2018). Health Effects of Indoor Air Pollution Retrieved 2 October 2018 from https://www.bluepointenvironmental.com/indoor-air-quality-health-effects/

National Cancer Institute (2011). Radon and Cancer Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/radon/radon-fact-sheet

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (2018). Radon in Buildings Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/phys_agents/radon.html

National Environment Agency (2018). Asbestos Control Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/pollution-control/hazardous-waste/asbestos-control

Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance (2018). What is Asbestos? Retrieved 7 October 2018 from https://www.mesothelioma.com/asbestos-exposure/what-is-asbestos.htm