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[May Theme Report] Eco-friendly Urban Technology

by Alex Kim | 01-06-2023 00:48 recommendations 0


Green city technology plays a key role in building sustainable and environmentally responsible cities. As the world faces the challenges of climate change and rapid urbanization, the Philippines, as an archipelago country, is actively deploying green city technologies to address pressing environmental challenges. The purpose of this report is to explore various examples of green city technologies being deployed in the Philippines, highlighting their benefits, challenges and potential for widespread adoption.

Solar energy has proven to be a viable and sustainable energy source in the Philippines, which has an abundant supply of sunlight. Solar panels are increasingly integrated into urban infrastructure such as residential, commercial and public buildings. Mactan Cebu International Airport installed a 1.2MW solar power system, reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Such efforts contribute to the country's renewable energy goals and promote a cleaner energy future.

Effective waste management is an important aspect in building a sustainable urban environment. In the Philippines, the Payatas landfill in Metro Manila faces problems of waste management and environmental degradation. To meet this challenge, environmentally friendly technologies such as waste incinerators are introduced. For example, the Taguig Integrated Waste Management Facility uses an anaerobic digester that converts organic waste into biogas to reduce methane emissions while generating electricity for the facility. This approach not only addresses waste management, but also contributes to the country's renewable energy goals.

The Philippines, with its diverse ecosystems, faces water scarcity and poor water management in urban areas. Intelligent water management systems have been put in place to meet these challenges. These systems include sensor-based technologies that monitor water levels, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution. Metro Manila Water District has introduced an intelligent water metering system that enables real-time monitoring of water usage and helps protect the environment. These technologies play an important role in achieving sustainable water management by minimizing water loss and promoting responsible water use.

Transportation is a major contributor to CO2 emissions and air pollution in urban areas. The Philippines is adopting e-mobility solutions as a way to reduce its carbon footprint and improve air quality. Makati City has introduced an electric jeepney project to replace traditional diesel-powered jeepneys with electric vehicles (EVs). The initiative will not only reduce CO2 emissions, but also boost the local electric vehicle industry and create employment opportunities. Similar initiatives, such as the introduction of electric tricycles, are being implemented in other cities across the country.

Rapid urbanization often leads to less access to green spaces and less agricultural land. In response, urban agriculture and vertical horticulture are growing in popularity in the Philippines. Vertical farming allows crops to be grown in layers, reducing the need for large tracts of land and maximizing space utilization. An example is the Urban Vertical Farming Project in Quezon City. In this project, vegetables will be grown in a vertical structure, increasing food security and shortening transportation distances for fresh produce.

The Philippines has made great strides in introducing green city technologies to address environmental issues and promote sustainable development. Solar energy solutions, waste management innovations, intelligent water management systems, electric mobility solutions, and vertical farming initiatives are just a few of the diverse applications of green city technology. These advances not only contribute to environmental sustainability, but also create economic opportunities, improve quality of life and promote urban resilience. For policy makers, city planners and local communities, it is important to continue to support and deploy such technologies in order to build a greener and more sustainable future in the Philippines. 

Sources: 

Solar Power Solutions:

"Philippines taps abundant sunlight with solar power projects" - Reuters
"Mactan-Cebu airport to install 1.2-MW solar power system" - Philippine Star
Waste Management Innovations:

"Payatas landfill" - World Bank
"Taguig opens integrated waste management facility" - Manila Bulletin
Smart Water Management Systems:

"Metro Manila Water District launches smart water meters" - Philippine News Agency
Electric Mobility Solutions:

"Makati launches e-jeepney project" - Philippine Information Agency
Vertical Farming and Green Spaces:

"Urban farming in the Philippines" - Asian Development Bank
"Quezon City¡¯s urban vertical farming project" - CNN Philippines
 
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AlexKim

  • Philippines Former E-gen Ambassador Alex Kim
 
 
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2 Comments

Yewon Mentor

  • Yewon Mentor says :
    Hello Alex! This is your mentor Yewon.

    I apologize for the late comment.

    You have mentioned several important factors consisting the urban environment.
    Especially I was interested in transportation, since it is related to everyday life of humans and also to the environment. Most transportations emit CO2 currently, so I think the project you mentioned above can be a good alternative!

    Thank you for your informative report! Let's keep up the good work!
    Posted 27-06-2023 03:12

James Mentor

  • James Mentor says :
    Hello Alex!! This is your mentor James.

    First of all, sorry for the late comment!

    I see that you've elaborated on urban technology in general, mentioning its importance and its variegated fields in urban planning. Among your suggestions, I would like to emphasize in the importance of finding a sustainable energy source like your example of solar power! Transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy as our source of power would let our society be free from limited energy sources and curb further release of carbon materials to the atmosphere. Also, using the clean energy as our fuel for transportation and heating would also greatly contribute in restoring air quality.

    Thanks for writing such a meaningful report! Great work.
    Posted 24-06-2023 15:04

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