In the “Sustainability Efforts”
(2016) article, it included three key designs used in Gardens
by the Bay to achieve Environmental sustainability namely the lake system, conservatories and “Supertrees”.
The lake system mainly
uses aquatic plants to filter and cleanse water naturally. The water is used in
their irrigation system and to provide habitats with great air and water
circulation for the fishes and dragonflies. Aquatic plants are able to improve water
quality by absorbing nitrogen to help minimize the growth of algae. They also act as a control for problems like
mosquito breeding. This system aims to promote the importance of clean water
and how plants can play a significant role in our ecosystem.
The two
conservatories, which replicate the cool-dry and cool-moist climate
respectively, house huge varieties of uncommon plants. These conservatories
could reduce energy consumption by 30% or more. The glass used for the
conservatories allows plants to be exposed to light while keeping the heat
level down, and the automated sails would
shade the plants once the weather starts getting too hot. Thermal
stratification is incorporated to cut down on the volume of air needed to be
cooled. Along with the use of liquid desiccant, energy consumption would be
greatly reduced. The “Combined Heat Power (CHP) steam turbine” uses
agricultural waste to generate electricity on-site, allowing the gardens to be
independent of the electrical grid.
Some of the “Supertrees”
in Gardens by the Bay act as storage for the exhaust air while others have
solar cells to collect the energy needed to light up those trees.
Global warming is one
of the greatest issues the world faces therefore it is important to play a part
in protecting our planet. The article shows that Gardens by the Bay followed
closely to the environmental sustainability principle when designing their systems,
allowing them to reduce pollution and energy consumption at the same time.
References:
Sustainability Efforts (n.d.). Retrieved September 19, 2016, from http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/the-gardens/aboutus/sustainability.html
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