Learning about “Environmental Sustainability” by Doing: a Case Study
Abstract
We propose here a framework for the Environmental Sustainability Education that can be implemented at all levels of learning. The motivation to write this paper is to draw the attention of beneficiaries of the natural resources –that we are now depleting- on the need to regulate intelligently the consumption of energy in order to assure the survival of the coming generations. We firmly believe that there are simple measures that all citizens – standing firmly together- can take to make this a better world to live. Some of these measures should be taken with common agreement.
Keywords: human needs, natural means, mapping needs to means, learning by doing
Introduction
In a recent keynote speech she delivered, Dr. Saskia Sassen -referring to her latest book- stressed the importance of considering the city at the center of all human activities in balance with nature. We should all be very much concerned with her ideas as we are moving in a period where even the increase of two degrees of temperature –as the global average- is being considered as devastating for the future of the planet. Each citizen in this planet should do her best in assuring that her footprint remains within an acceptable limit. This planet also belongs to those who are to come after us (See Figure 1.).
We propose here – as an example- the revival of the idea that smaller wind power turbines can be an appropriate alternative to mainstream power generation stations at locations -where demand is small- far from the main populated areas. The ease of manufacture, erection and operation of vertical turbines is an important factor in favor of this alternative solution. As a matter of fact, vertical turbines do not need to “position” itself with changes in wind directions and can be easily transported to locations as the conditions require.
The interest that various governments and agencies are giving to mitigate the undesired effects of energy production is growing. Design principles have been simplified to help the manufacturing and operation. We argue that wind rotors can be well installed -in many different locations-very favorably without the drawbacks that large systems have. We owe the coming generations an economical development scheme that is sustainable. Common agreement among beneficiaries is needed in order to develop sound regulations that we will be implemented by all.
Figure 1. Holistic approach to “Energy Efficient Studies”: means meet needs (by author)
In this work -based on our previous experiences and the hard lessons learned since the 60’s- we are proposing an educational framework upon which “Environmental Sustainability” principles and developmental skills can be acquired by doing. Each planet citizens can do something in reducing the needs for material resources and producing the energy their need without waiting that “others” take the lead in this “struggle” to save nature. We firmly believe that “environmental aesthetics” rather than ethics will help to deliver the message so much we are in need: just remember the last oil spill in the MexicanGulf.
Method
Our experience in installing and operation a "home solar heater" shows that knowledge about government regulations, design criteria, ways to get the approval from neighbors, maintenance requirements are necessary for the effective implantation and use. We cannot hide our surprise, when we learn how little about the technical requirements of a "home solar heater" are known actually known by the public. We believe that “city welfare” depends on how municipality mayor, district chief, community leader and building superintendent meet the needs with the available means: adequate “buildings codes” should be provided and closely followed.
From the very first moment we started with the implementation of a “home solar heater" in our own residence -in the roof over the fourth floor- problems had to be resolved due to lack of expertise. The design of the piping system had to be changed, the control valve that was intended to swap between the solar and gas heater -as required by the climatic conditions- had to be removed because it did not serve the purpose after several trials. It was found that a heat exchanger was needed to assure the efficient operation of the system with the addition of a circulation pump.
The recent addition of photovoltaic cells in the roof inspired us to use its energy to drive this last pump as suggested in a recent academic work in GaziUniversity in Ankara. We continue on with our plight for improvements in the system that is described in the Figure 2. Adding a cooling system based on absorption principle –as was commonly used where electricity was not available- and adding more devices to assure that energy is preserved and more energy in generated using clean technology maybe considered for the future as a “learning by doing” example
The promise that we will be able to “sell” the excess energy -as is the case in many countries now- is a motivating factor to make improvements. Modularity, usability and connectivity should be considered in the design phases: location, orientation, construction, insulation, collection, distribution and evaluation. A complete design should include sitting and structure design efficiency, energy efficiency, water efficiency, materials efficiency, indoor environmental quality enhancement, operations and maintenance optimization and waste reduction
Results
In the years between1962-1965 the author was involved in the research and implementation of small scale vertical wind turbines as a requirement for his master thesis with the supervision of Prof.Adnan Taşpınar (XXXX, 1965). The work consisted in finding optimal blade profiles and design of turbine rotors having different height to width ratios. This initial work was followed by other work showing the growing importance giving to the subject. In more recent times the author presented his work in an international conference at a time when “cleaner energy” requirements are on the agenda (XXXX, 2002).
In the above mentioned conference the idea was to use parametric design approach to facilitate the overall launching of a project: We observe that in the last century many new and innovative wind power designs aiming at harnessing the freely available energy in the planet. Rotors like Savonius, Storan, Darrieushave been tested and developed. We propose here a simpler version of the double bladed vertical wind turbine to be use in farms which are far from the interconnected power grid as hands-on experiences. Environmental issues are now being considered by governments all around the world.
Figure 2. Solar System implemented in the author’s home (drawn by author)
We were first introduced to the problem of energy efficiency in the 60’s. We have in the last five years tried to implement in our house. Sustainable or “green building” design and construction is the opportunity to use our resources more efficiently while creating healthier and more energy-efficient homes. Although there is no magic formula, success comes in the form a leaving a lighter footprint on the environment through conservation of resources, while at the same time balancing energy-efficient, cost-effective, low-maintenance products for our construction needs (See Fig.3)
Figure 3. Green Building Tour including different aspects of energy efficiency
Discussion
With the academic support of late Prof.Kriton Curi as Director of the Environmental Sciences Institute hosted by the BoğaziçiUniversity we have been introduced in the world of recycling. His very early and leading efforts in the solid waste management world culminated with the creation of the Turkish National Committee on Solid Wastes which contributes to the academic literature with many important issues. He is warmly remembered by all of those that had the opportunity to know him personally. His last work devoted to Environmental Ethics is worth close study
Prof.Curi was very keen on the problem of “leachate” –to be seen in his last publications- in solid waste dumping stations. We remember with grief his prediction of the accident in a local dumping station. He was instrumental in preparing a paper we presented in the Hazardous Waste Management in Economically Developing Countries. From his first days in the Sanitary Engineering laboratory to his last meeting in Europe he was always an active person. He proved us that waste disposal sites generate methane with a memorable practical experience (cooking coffee on the site).
Moreover in China we observethat although the layout of the houses is very complicated and confusing, and just like a labyrinth the halls are constructed one after the other, each with a patio to collect the sunshine and to allow a refreshing breeze to pass through. The eaves have a two tier design, the lower being wider providing shelter like an umbrella. The cornice is toward to the inside, so that the rain can flow to a drain in the patio, and it is said that "water from every direction merges into the hall" in accordance with the concept that "Wealth should not flow outside." (See Fig. 4).
Figure 4. Typical Chinese house complexes
Conclusion
We started with the premise that the collection, treatment and transportation processes we need to activate -in order to provide shelter, nutrition and communication- require the extensive use of primary (water, chemicals) and secondary (energy) resources. We claim that the improvement of current practices will add to the effectiveness to all human processes and consequently the needs for both primary and secondary resources will be reduced (see Fig. 1). The suggestions in this paper aresupported by information from other authors and evidence we have witness in the past half century.
Developed countries such as Denmark, Germany and Spain are aiming to increase the use renewable energy to comply with the requirements they have set for a cleaner environment. For this purpose they are promoting the installation of very efficient “wind power farms” in the regions having most favorable conditions. Unfortunately there have been important complaints about these installations: undesirable sound levels, danger to the life of birds, restrictions to the use of valuable land, etc. Nevertheless we hope that paper will be able to highlight some of the burning issues.
The winning house from DarmstadtUniversity gained points with its fine balance of energy saving, energy efficiency and solar energy production. The building envelope, in passive house quality, kept energy losses to a minimum and ensured a high level of comfort, while the photovoltaic elements integrated into the roof and walls provided the required energy. The façade is particularly impressive, featuring a system using photovoltaic tiles made of dark glass modules developed by the students themselves, which also gave the house its characteristic appearance (See Fig.5).
We have tried in this paper to share our experiences in environmental sustainability: hands-on experiences as given by Egi and XXXX (1999) are very important in developing an awareness (XXXX and Atabarut, 1998), (XXXX, 1998), (XXXX, 2006), (Kocasoy and XXXX, 1998a), (Kocasoy and XXXX, 1998b). We have also given descriptions of personal experiences on vertical wind rotors hot water heaters, solid waste recovery and photovoltaic energy generators. All this examples will hopefully motivate other institutions and individuals to work on ways to reduce their footprints.
Figure 5. The Plus Energy House by the University of Darmstadt.
Beautiful Scenery in Huizhou
The clear water mirrors the simple local resident houses in Huizhou.
Typical feature of Huizhou style houses
Huizhou style houses with white walls and gray tiles row upon row to shelter people living in them.
The structure of Huizhou Houses
The eaves with gray tiles and graceful patterns of Huizhou style towering over the narrow winding alley.
The Huizhou style houses
A group of resident houses with Huizhou characteristics nestle on the peaceful land under the shield of mountains.
Beautiful scenery
The magnificent eaves jut out.
Acknowledgement
Prof. Pinar Mengüç has been instrumental in keeping our motivation high with our motto: “from the flashlight to the washer use clean energy”. We hope that collaboration can be established with his newly launched center.
We hope that Bruegel’s Netherlandish Proverbs will help reflect our common desires. This painting is a lot of fun. A first glance it looks like the lunatics have taken over the asylum, but it’s a pictorial depiction incorporating 119 proverbs.
References
Egi, S.M. and XXXX, E., (1999) “The Role of Extra-Curriculum Activities in the Life Long Education of Engineers”, Global Journal of Engineering Education, UNESCO International Centre for Engineering Education, Vol 3, No 3, (1999), pp.199-202.
XXXX E. (2002) “Knowledge based conceptual design tool for small scale vertical wind turbines”, Proceedings of ASME-ESDA2002, Istanbul, (Turkey), 8-11 July 2002
XXXX, E. (1965) “Wind power: the utilization of wind rotors for the generation of power in underdeveloped areas” unpublished thesis, 1965
XXXX, E. (1999) “A Holistic Approach to Work Based Learning in Engineering Education”, 3rd Baltic Region Seminar on Engineering Education, Göteburg, (Sweden), 3-5 September 1999, pp. 72-74.
XXXX, E. and Atabarut, T., (1998) "Conceptual Mapping of Environmental Research and Education: A Case Study", 1st International Workshop on Environmental Quality and Environmental Engineering in the Middle East Region", 5-7 October 1998, SelcukUniversity, Konya, pp.22-27.
XXXX, E., (2006) ‘Placing more Emphasis on “Active Learning” in the Future of Engineering Education’, 34thSEFI Annual Conference, Uppsala, (Sweden), 28 June - 1 July 2006, in CD
Kocasoy, G. and XXXX, E. (1998a) "Enhancing Environmental Awareness in the Hospitality Industry Using Proactive Research", International Conference on Heritage and Multicutural Attractions and Tourism, 25-27 August 1998, Istanbul, pp.701-712.
Kocasoy, G. and XXXX, E. (1998b) "Managing the Impact of Hospitality Industry on the Mediterranean Environment", In: (Kocasoy, G. (Ed.)) The Kriton Curi International Symposium on Environmental Management in the Mediterranian Region, 18-20 June 18-20 1998, Antalya, pp.257-262.
Appendix
Biography
Dr. XXXX graduated from the AmericanRobertCollege in Istanbul, Turkey in 1963, as a mechanical engineer. After spending en years in industry as a project engineer he joined BoğaziçiUniversity in 1982. In 1992 he received his PhD in engineering management from the MarmaraUniversity in Istanbul, Turkey. He was assistant professor in the faculty of education and is involved in subjects related to project management, computer-aided design/learning and engineering education. He has recently retired.