Critical Reflection

 The effective communication module was a great learning experience. During the biweekly lessons with Prof Brad, we slowly covered all the things that we are supposed to cover during this module even though it was quite a rush to cover all topics. However, I felt that I did learn many things from both Prof Brad and my classmates as well when we are doing in-class assignments as well as project work.

Before this module, my goal is to be able to improve and be more confident during presentations as well as to be able to improve my writing skills. Through this entire module, I learned many things to improve both my presentation and writing skills. An example would be that after we write a report, we would be able to get feedback from our classmates as well as Prof. This really helps me to improve my writing as I would get more feedback and different views from others. With the feedback, I am able to find out my mistakes and correct them to make my reports and assignments better than before. For speaking, I felt that the mock presentation does help me to gain some confidence. However, I am still unable to improve my nervousness when I stand in front of a larger crowd like in front of the whole class. Standing in front of about half of the class, I didn’t feel as nervous as I was when I am in front of the whole class. For this part, I feel that I will need to improve more and be more confident. 

In terms of the project learning experience, working as a group isn’t easy as we are all from different schools and from different backgrounds. Our working style is different, some work better late into the night and some are more active in the morning. During discussions, sometimes we might not be able to come to an agreement as we might have different thoughts and knowledge on the particular topic. This causes some disagreements and confusion sometimes. There are times when there are a lot of things on hand and we have different priorities on which project we should do first. This is also an issue that arises when we are doing this project. However, in the end, we manage to finish our project and time and also did the project well. This project work taught me to be more open-minded and be more understanding of my group mates as we all have different working styles from one another. With good understanding and communications within the group, we are able to do well for both our report and presentation. Even though there are ups and downs during the group project, it was a good experience learning from each other. Be it a good thing or a bad thing, I definitely learn if am I able to work with the group member or not. With the experience of changing groups almost weekly by Prof, it helps me to understand more about who I can work better with and who have the same working style as me. This will definitely aid me in forming my groups for future projects. 

All in all, I really enjoyed my time during this module biweekly and I learned more about myself. I also did improve myself during the whole process of this module and found some great friends along the way. I hope that I can continue to hold on to the things I have learned from this module and transfer it to my other reports in the future. 

Annotated Summary (Revised on 25/11/2020)

Solar Film (2019). Explore the Benefits of Photochromic film for your home or commercial space. https://solarfilmva.com/photochromic-window-film/#:~:text=Like%20many%20other%20varieties%20of,are%20linked%20to%20skin%20cancer 

In the article, Solar Film(2019) focuses on the benefits of the photochromic film which includes four main points. Photochromic films allow 99.9% of UV protection which helps to reduce “fading and discolouration” on housing or commercial items. The films also help to protect our skin to prevent skin cancer. Heat reduction is another way the film will help as it reflects over 90% of infrared rays. This way, air conditioning can work less to maintain the temperature in the office which in return helps to save on bills. Photochromic films aid in dramatically lower the glare that increases the comfort level for occupants of office buildings. The films do not need any help with the transition from “clear to tinted and back to clear” as it reacts to changes in sunlight to darken or lighten automatically. 

This article also provides useful information for our research project on the use of photochromic films to help increase cooling efficiency in office buildings. From the aspect of cooling efficiency, photochromic films helps to protect offices from UV and infrared rays. This would help to reduce the temperature in the building and help to decrease the workload of the air conditioning which in return helps to save costs. Not only can the film help to protect offices from the rays, but also prevents skin cancer and increase the comfort level for workers in the building.

Read: Ash, Valencia & Eryn

Revised: 25/11/2020

Final Readers Response

 The article, “Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction” ,ConstructionClimateChallenge (2019) claims that green construction “makes buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable”. This article focuses on introducing sustainable construction technologies that enhance the environment. Three main topics that the CCC are focusing on are the materials, applications, and design. Firstly, the technologies under materials, including “cool roofs”, “electrochromic smart glass”, “rammed earth bricks”, “green insulation”, “biodegradable materials”, and “sustainable resource sourcing” suggest will help in the reduction of “heat absorption” and the harmful impacts on the environment by using recycled or sustainable raw materials. Secondly, applications that are “water efficiency technologies”, “sustainable indoor environment technologies”, and “solar powers”. These applications intend to conserve resources and discourage the use of substances and materials that cannot be renewed while reducing damaging impacts on the environment. The last point is on design, which includes “low energy house and zero-energy building design”, “self-powered building” and “the uses of smart application”. Designed to conserve and produce energy for the building to generate sufficient power. Green construction not only makes buildings more sustainable by using resource-efficient and environmentally friendly processes but also reduces costs for building owners.

While I agree to some extent with ConstructionClimateChallenge(2019) that green construction helps to reduce the expenses after the building is built even though the start-up cost is high, in the long run, it can benefit stakeholders like building owners as well as the users economically[BFB1] . There are three main aspects to cost reduction, namely long-term energy savings, reduction of health costs for workers as well as government subsidies, and incentives for moving into green construction. 

Firstly, the long-term energy savings aspects from having green construction will help to cover the initial cost of constructing the building. According to Au-Yong (2018), the start-up cost investment for green construction "cost up to five percent” more as compared to regular buildings without green technologies involved. Au Yong also quotes the Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee  who claims that “These costs can be recuperated within three to six years which are well within the typical useful life of the building assets.” In addition, there are also ways to have initial savings as the cost of constructing a green building depends on different conditions. The conditions that are listed by Surbana International Consultants are the location of the building, the measurements of the building, what the clients want for the building, and the number of times that consultants are at the site (Reyes,2014). With the above statements , I believe that the costs might be able to recover within the lifespan of the building as having green construction technologies will help building owners to increase their savings on energy costs.

Secondly, having green construction does not only help in the reduction of the cost of energy consumption but can also help in the reduction of health costs for workers. As mentioned by Minister Desmond Lee in the article by Au-Yong (2018), having green construction in buildings can help to “ensure a healthier lifestyle” for the people working in those buildings. Having an improved lifestyle helps employees from getting sick and eliminates the constant need for workers to go for doctor’s appointments. It also eventually reduces the cost for employers to pay for the claims by the employees. According to Zein (2018),  there is a study by researchers from three universities on the Impact of Green Buildings in Cognitive Functions shows that green building’s environment workers are “more productive” as compared to buildings without green technologies installed. 

Lastly, buildings converting to using green constructions will be able to get some government subsidies and incentives. As mentioned by Au-Yong(2018), Minister Desmond Lee says that the government, namely the Centre for Public Project Management, which falls under the Ministry of Finance will help to collate the “norms for construction costs and consultancy fees” to help companies with the budget for their projects. Au-Yong (2018) also wrote that the government will work with the companies to “review the design of major infrastructure projects to ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money.” In another article, according to Yu, Toh and Huang(2011), the Singapore Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will be establishing a $100 million Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings (GMIS-EB) to motivate building owners to take the first step to upgrade and improve their building according to the Green Mark standards.

With the help of long-term energy savings, reduction of health costs for workers and government subsidies. The start-up investments and cost of green construction will eventually be covered by all the savings throughout the years even though the cost is high.

References

Yu, S.M., NUS, Toh, E.S., & Huang, B. (2011). BCA-NUS Project on valuation of green commercial properties. Singapore Building Construction Authority. https://www1.bca.gov.sg/docs/default-source/docs-corp-buildsg/sustainability/green_building_valuation_report.pdf

Au-Yong, R. (2018). Parliament: Green buildings cost up to 5 per cent more, but savings ‘more than offset’ costs. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parliament-green-buildings-cost-up-to-5-per-cent-more-but-savings-more-than-offset-costs

ConstructionClimateChallenge.com. (2019). Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction. https://constructionclimatechallenge.com/2019/02/19/top-sustainable-technologies-in-green construction/

Reyes, E. (2014). Busting the myth of costly green buildings. Eco-Business. https://www.eco-business.com/news/Busting-myth-costly-green-buildings/

Zein, Z. (2018). 5 ways green buildings are good for your health. Eco-Business. https://www.eco-business.com/news/5-ways-green-buildings-are-good-for-your-health/ 

Reader Response (3rd Draft)

In the article, “Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction” by ConstructionClimateChallenge (2019) claims that green construction “makes buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable”. This article focuses on introducing sustainable construction technologies that enhance the environment. Three main topics that we are focusing on are the materials, applications, and design. Firstly, the technologies under materials: “Cool roofs”, “Electrochromic smart glass”, “Rammed earth bricks”, “Green insulation”, “Biodegradable materials”, and “Sustainable resource sourcing” suggest that it helps in the reduction of “heat absorption” and the harmful impacts on the environment by using recycled or sustainable raw materials. Secondly, applications which are “Water efficiency technologies”, “Sustainable indoor environment technologies”, and “Solar powers”. These applications intend to conserve resources and discourage the use of substances and materials that cannot be renewed while reducing damaging impacts on the environment. The last point is on design which includes “Low energy house and Zero-energy building design”, “Self-powered building” and “The use of smart application”. They are designed to conserve and produce energy for the building to generate sufficient power. Green construction not only makes buildings more sustainable by using resource-efficient and environmentally friendly processes but also reduces costs for building owners. While I agree to some extent with ConstructionClimateChallenge(2019) that green construction helps to reduce the expenses after the building is built even though the start-up cost is high, in the long run, it can benefit stakeholders like building owners as well as the users economically. There are three main aspects to cost reduction, namely long-term energy savings, reduction of health costs for workers as well as government subsidies, and incentives for moving into green construction. 

Firstly, the long-term energy savings aspects from having green construction will help to cover of the initial cost of constructing the building. According to Au-Yong (2018), the start-up cost for green construction "cost up to five percent” more as compared to regular buildings without green technologies involved. Also, the then Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee claims that  “These costs can be recuperated within three to six years which are well within the typical useful life of the building assets.” In addition, there are also ways to have initial savings as the cost of constructing a green building depends on different conditions. The conditions that are listed down by Surbana International Consultants are the location of the building, the measurements of the building, what the clients want for the building, and the number of times that consultants are at the site (Reyes,2014). With these pieces of evidence, I believe that the costs will be able to recover within the life span of the building as having green construction technologies will help building owners to increase their savings on energy costs.

Secondly, having green construction does not only help in the reduction of the cost on energy consumption but can also help in the reduction of health costs for workers. As mentioned by the then Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee in the article by Au-Yong (2018), having green construction in buildings can help to “ensure a healthier lifestyle” for the people working in those buildings. Having an improved lifestyle helps employees from getting sick and eliminates the constant need for workers to go for doctor’s appointments and eventually reduce the cost for employers to pay for the claims by the employees. According to Zein (2018), “A 2017 study by researchers from Havard University, Syracuse University and SUNY Upstate Medical University on the Impact of Green Buildings in Cognitive Functions” shows that green building’s environment workers are “more productive” as compared to buildings without green technologies installed. 

Lastly, buildings converting to using green constructions will be able to get some government subsidies and incentives. As mentioned by Au-Yong(2018), Mr. Desmond Lee says that the government, namely the “Centre for Public Project Management, which falls under the Ministry of Finance” will help to collate the “norms for construction costs and consultancy fees” to help companies with the budget for their projects. Au-Yong(2018) also written that the government will work with the companies to “review the design of major infrastructure projects to ensure cost-effectiveness and value for money.” In another article, according to Yu, Toh and Huang(2011), Building and Construction Authority (BCA) will be establishing a “$100 million Green Mark Incentive Scheme for Existing Buildings (GMIS-EB)” to motivate building owners to take the first step to upgrade and improve their building according to the Green Mark standards.

Even though the start-up cost of green construction is high, after a few years, the start-up cost will eventually be covered by all the savings throughout the years.

References:

• Yu, S.M., NUS, Toh, E.S., Huang, B (2011). BCA-NUS Project on Valuation of Green Commercial Properties. https://www1.bca.gov.sg/docs/default-source/docs-corp-buildsg/sustainability/green_building_valuation_report.pdf

• Au-Yong, R. (2018). Parliament: Green buildings cost up to 5 per cent more, but savings ‘more than offset’ costs. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parliament-green-buildings-cost-up-to-5-per-cent-more-but-savings-more-than-offset-costs

• ConstructionClimateChallenge.com (2019). Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction. https://constructionclimatechallenge.com/2019/02/19/top-sustainable-technologies-in-green construction/

• Reyes, E. (2014). Busting the myth of costly green buildings. Eco-Business. https://www.eco-business.com/news/Busting-myth-costly-green-buildings/

• Zein, Z. (2018). 5 ways green buildings are good for your health. Eco-Business. https://www.eco-business.com/news/5-ways-green-buildings-are-good-for-your-health/ 

Reader Response (2nd Draft)

 In the article, “Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction” by ConstructionClimateChallenge (2019) claims that green construction “makes buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable”. This article focuses on introducing sustainable construction technologies that enhance the environment. Three main topics that we are focusing on are the materials, applications, and design. Firstly, the technologies under materials: “Cool roofs”, “Electrochromic smart glass”, “Rammed earth bricks”, “Green insulation”, “Biodegradable materials”, and “Sustainable resource sourcing” suggest that it helps in the reduction of “heat absorption” and the harmful impacts on the environment by using recycled or sustainable raw materials. Secondly, applications which are “Water efficiency technologies”, “Sustainable indoor environment technologies”, and “Solar powers”. These applications intend to conserve resources and discourage the use of substances and materials that cannot be renewed while reducing damaging impacts on the environment. The last point is on design which includes “Low energy house and Zero-energy building design”, “Self-powered building” and “The use of smart application”. They are designed to conserve and produce energy for the building to generate sufficient power. Green construction not only makes buildings more sustainable by using resource-efficient and environmentally friendly processes but also reduces costs for building owners. While I agree to some extent with ConstructionClimateChallenge(2019) that green construction helps to reduce costs even though the start-up cost for building a green building is high, I feel that it will be covered eventually by the reduction of costs through green construction.

Firstly, even though the start-up cost for a building is high but it also really depends on many other aspects that equal up to the cost. In the article by The Straits Time(2018), it stated that the start-up cost for green construction "cost up to five percent” more as compared to regular buildings. However, based on an article taken from Surbana International Consultants(2014) which claims that even though green construction does cost more but it really depends on different conditions. The conditions that are listed down by them are the location of the building, the measurements of the building, what the clients want for the building, and the number of times that consultants are at the site. Surbana International Consultants(2014) also wrote that one of the strategies they have is to help minimize the costs of green construction is to have an optimized and cost-effective design for the building.

Next, a building would be able to have a reduction in cost in many ways by upgrading their current building by using green construction. A research article from Building and Construction Authority(BCA)(2011) suggests that the average savings that a building can have “range from 6% to 35% of the total building energy consumption” as compared to before making the change. Not only can green construction help in the reduction of cost on energy consumption, but it can also help to “ensure a healthier lifestyle” for the people working in those buildings as stated by the then Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee in an article by The Straits Times(2018). With the thoughts of having a better lifestyle, it also helps to reduce employees from getting sick which helps to eliminate the constant need for workers to go for doctor’s appointments and eventually reduce the cost for employers to pay for the claims by the employees.

Lastly, as stated in the first point, the start-up cost for a building might be able to reduce to a certain extent, the cost would definitely be higher compared to normal buildings which do not take green construction into consideration. It does not mean that the start-up cost will not be covered by the savings. With changes such as adopting “Sustainable indoor environment technologies” suggested by the article “Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction” made to the building, the research by BCA(2011) stated that these savings will help to cover the start-up cost in about 6 years assuming that “the average payback is about $0.20/kWh”. The savings for each type of building varies as the savings is based on how much power they use over 24 hours. In the article by The Straits Time(2018), Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee claims that  “These costs can be recuperated within three to six years which are well within the typical useful life of the building assets.” With these evidence from two different sources, I can believe that with all the savings that we get from using environmentally friendly construction methods, we will be able to get back what we have given in the start and also be able to save more than before.

Even though the start-up cost of green construction is high, after a few years, the start-up cost will eventually be covered by all the savings throughout the years.

References:

• Assoc Prof Yu, S.M., NUS Mr Toh, E.S., Mr Huang, B. (2011) BCA-NUS Project on Valuation of Green Commercial Properties. https://www1.bca.gov.sg/docs/default-source/docs-corp-buildsg/sustainability/green_building_valuation_report.pdf

• Au-Yong, R. (2018) Parliament: Green buildings cost up to 5 per cent more, but savings ‘more than offset’ costs. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parliament-green-buildings-cost-up-to-5-per-cent-more-but-savings-more-than-offset-costs

• ConstructionClimateChallenge.com (2019). Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction. https://constructionclimatechallenge.com/2019/02/19/top-sustainable-technologies-in-green construction/

• Reyes, E Surbana International Consultants(2014). Busting the myth of costly green buildings. Eco-Business. https://www.eco-business.com/news/Busting-myth-costly-green-buildings/

Summary 2nd Draft

 In the article, “Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction” by ConstructionClimateChallenge (2019) claims that green construction “makes buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable”. This article focuses on introducing sustainable construction technologies that enhance the environment. Three main topics that we are focusing on are the materials, applications, and design. Firstly, the technologies under materials: “Cool roofs”, “Electrochromic smart glass”, “Rammed earth bricks”, “Green insulation”, “Biodegradable materials”, and “Sustainable resource sourcing” suggest that it helps in the reduction of “heat absorption” and the harmful impacts on the environment by using recycled or sustainable raw materials. Secondly, applications which are “Water efficiency technologies”, “Sustainable indoor environment technologies”, and “Solar powers”. These applications intend to conserve resources and discourage the use of substances and materials that cannot be renewed while reducing damaging impacts on the environment. The last point is on design which includes “Low energy house and Zero-energy building design”, “Self-powered building” and “The use of smart application”. They are designed to conserve and produce energy for the building to generate sufficient power. Green construction not only makes buildings more sustainable by using resource-efficient and environmentally friendly processes but also reduces costs for building owners.

ConstructionClimateChallenge.com (2019). Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction. https://constructionclimatechallenge.com/2019/02/19/top-sustainable-technologies-in-green construction/

Reader Response (1st Draft)

 In the article, “Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction” by ConstructionClimateChallenge (2019) claims that green construction “makes buildings more energy-efficient and sustainable”. This article focuses on introducing sustainable construction technologies that enhance the environment. There are three main topics which are materials, applications, and design. Firstly, the technologies under materials: “Cool roofs”, “Electrochromic smart glass”, “Rammed earth bricks”, “Green insulation”, “Biodegradable materials”, and “Sustainable resource sourcing” suggest that it helps in the reduction of “heat absorption” and the harmful impacts on the environment by using recycled or sustainable raw materials. Secondly, the applications which are “Water efficiency technologies”, “Sustainable indoor environment technologies”, and “Solar powers”. These applications intend to conserve resources and discourage the use of substances and materials that cannot be renewed while reducing damaging impacts on the environment. The last point is design which includes “Low energy house and Zero-energy building design”, “Self-powered building” and “The use of smart application”. They are designed to conserve and produce energy for the building to generate sufficient power. Green construction not only makes buildings more sustainable by using resource-efficient and environmentally process but also reduces costs for building owners. While I agree to some extent with ConstructionClimateChallenge that green construction helps to reduce costs even though the start-up cost for building a green building is high, I feel that it will be covered eventually by the reduction of costs through green construction.

Firstly, even though the start-up cost for a building is high but it also really depends on many other aspects that equal up to the cost. In the article by The Straits Time, it stated that the start-up cost for green construction "cost up to five percent” more as compared to regular buildings. But also based on an article taken from Surbana International Consultants which claims that even though green construction does cost more but it really depends on different conditions. The conditions that are listed down by them are the location of the building, the measurements of the building, what the clients want for the building, and the number of times that consultants are at the site. Surbana International Consultants also wrote that one of the strategies they have is to help minimize the costs of green construction is to have an optimized and cost-effective design for the building.

Next, a building would be able to have a reduction in cost in many ways by upgrading their current building by using green construction. A research article from Building and Construction Authority(BCA) suggests that the average savings that a building can have “range from 6% to 35% of the total building energy consumption” as compared to before making the change. Not only can green construction help in the reduction of cost on energy consumption, but it can also help to “ensure a healthier lifestyle” for the people working in those buildings as stated by the then Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee in an article by The Straits Times. With the thoughts of having a better lifestyle, it also helps to reduce employees from getting sick which helps to eliminate the constant need for workers to go for doctor’s appointments and eventually reduce the cost for employers to pay for the claims by the employees.

Lastly, as stated in the first point, the start-up cost for a building might be able to reduce to a certain extent, the cost would definitely be higher compared to normal buildings which do not take green construction into consideration. It does not mean that the start-up cost will not be covered by the savings. With changes such as adopting “Sustainable indoor environment technologies” suggested by the article “Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction” made to the building, the research by BCA stated that these savings will help to cover the start-up cost in about 6 years assuming that “the average payback is about $0.20/kWh”. The savings for each type of building varies as the savings is based on how much power they use over 24 hours. In the article by The Straits Time, Second Minister for National Development Desmond Lee claims that  “These costs can be recuperated within three to six years which are well within the typical useful life of the building assets.” With these evidence from two different sources, I can believe that with all the savings that we get from using environmentally friendly construction methods, we will be able to get back what we have given in the start and also be able to save more than before.

Even though the start-up cost of green construction is high, after a few years, the start-up cost will eventually be covered by all the savings throughout the years.

References:

• ConstructionClimateChallenge.com (2019). Top Sustainable Technologies in Green Construction. https://constructionclimatechallenge.com/2019/02/19/top-sustainable-technologies-in-green construction/

• Elga Reyes, Surbana International Consultants(2014). Busting the myth of costly green buildings. Eco-Business. Retrieved March 12, 2014 from https://www.eco-business.com/news/Busting-myth-costly-green-buildings/

• Assoc Prof Yu, S.M., NUS Mr Toh, E.S., Mr Benjamin Huang, X.Y. (2011) BCA-NUS Project on Valuation of Green Commercial Properties. Retrieved September 30, 2011 from https://www1.bca.gov.sg/docs/default-source/docs-corp-buildsg/sustainability/green_building_valuation_report.pdf

• Rachel Au-Yong (2018) Parliament: Green buildings cost up to 5 per cent more, but savings ‘more than offset’ costs. The Straits Times. Retrieved January 10, 2018 from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/parliament-green-buildings-cost-up-to-5-per-cent-more-but-savings-more-than-offset-costs