The Air-Con Team An initiative to conserve the environment by reducing the usage of air-conditioners

Aim of Project  Change the attitudes and habits of the general public.  Reduce the excessive use of air- conditioning.

Area of Concern Usage of air-conditioning systems results in environmental problems such as:  Ozone depletion  Emission of greenhouse gases (CFCs, HCFCs) that contribute to global warming.

Underlying Problem 1. Lack of support towards our cause due to general public’s concern about their personal comfort  Air-conditioning vital for comfort  Hot, humid climate in Singapore

Underlying Problem 2. Lack of awareness about the resultant environmental and financial costs  Singaporeans are still not fully aware of the environmental damage of air- conditioners

Underlying Problem According to our results:  A significant number of people are unaware of harmful environmental effects of air-conditioners

Research Questions  How can we strike a balance between personal comfort and the need for the reduced usage of air-conditioners?  How can we encourage the efficient usage of air-conditioners if the population remains relatively nonchalant and uneducated?

Methods of Data Collection Preliminary research on:  alternative cooling methods  guidelines on more sustainable usage of air-conditioners  statistics of air-conditioner sales

Methods of Data Collection Implementation in school:  Obtained data (electrical bills and meter readings) from the school’s Estate Department on a regular basis. Country Clubs outreach:  Conducted surveys to find out how the implementation of our guidelines was affecting the comfort level of patrons.

Methods of Data Collection Community Centre outreach:  Conducted surveys to find out more about Singaporeans’ prior knowledge about air-conditioning.

Literature Review From our research, we found alternative cooling methods such as:  Ice Bear, a system that runs refrigerant through pipes of water, freezing the water into giant blocks of ice. The ice melts and cold water from the melting is sent throughout the building, cooling it from noon to 6p.m.

Literature Review Also:  Evaporative coolers, which uses the evaporation process of water to generate air that is 5-26 degrees Celsius colder than the surroundings.

Literature Review However, these alternative cooling methods are not applicable to our context as:  Most homes and buildings in Singapore lack the infrastructure to make use of such systems.  Although these systems are more energy-efficient, they also use up other resources (e.g. water).  Systems like evaporative coolers are not feasible on a large scale

Literature Review In addition to alternative cooling methods, we also found out about more energy-efficient practices when using air-conditioners.

We conducted surveys at Bishan Community Centre and Marine Parade Community Centre Survey respondents = 76 The survey consisted of 11 questions that enabled us to evaluate the level of knowledge the respondents had on air conditioners and its usage. Data Analysis

Aim: Gauge knowledge on air conditioners (in general) and the impacts of its usage. Help us decide if it would be meaningful for us to hold an exhibition at the Community Centres and if so what aspects we should focus on. Data Analysis

Question 3

Analysis of results for question 3 69% of respondents who answered this question were unwilling They place a higher importance on economic cost, as compared to environmental cost Probably unaware of the extent of damage done to the environment and the direct impact it has on our lives.

Question 4

Analysis of results for question 4 66% aware of the impacts Yet 33% of them still continue to use air conditioners to cool their homes instead of fans It may be the case that the public do not find it worthwhile to incur extra costs or compromise their comfort for the environment, rather than them being ignorant.

Analysis of results for question 4 34% of respondents were unaware. Not enough has been done to educate the public on the damage air conditioners do to the environment.

Conclusion However, they do not possess knowledge about the o Extent and details of the damage the usage of air conditioners have on the environment o Energy rating system of air conditioners o Existence of certified energy efficient models of air conditioners They are also unwilling to spend more money or compromise their own comfort levels for the sake of cultivating more environmentally friendly habits when it comes to using air conditioners.

Therefore, there is a need for us to set up an exhibition to educate the public about the full extent that the usage of air conditioners have on the environment. In our exhibition, we should focus on convincing them of importance using air conditioners in a more environmentally friendly way and educating them on energy saving measures. For example, purchasing energy efficient air cons and how to clean their air con filters. Conclusion

Plan of Action 3-Phase approach:  Phase 1(Public Campaigning in RGS)  Phase 2 (Community Outreach)  Phase 3 (Reaching out to the school communities)

Plan of Action Phase 1: Campaigning in RGS - Reaching out to Class Chairpersons to be agents of change in their respective classes - Publicity around school - Implementing the change

Plan of Action Phase 2: Outreach to Communities Seletar Country Club  Initial temperature in the club: 20  C  Interview with estate manager about the air- conditioning situation in the club  Implementation of new air-conditioning system (increasing temperature gradually each month to  C)  Conducted surveys to assess comfort level of patrons.

Plan of Action Phase 2: Outreach to Community Community Centres  Carried out surveys to find out the about Singaporeans’ prior knowledge on usage of air- conditioning.  Are currently discussing the possibility of conducting an education campaign at the Community Centres with NEA.

Plan of Action Phase 3: Act on it! Workshop - Reaching out to schools in Singapore Target: Schools with air-conditioned classrooms  Number of participants: 30  Surveys to be conducted in respective schools prior to the workshop (establish level of prior knowledge).  Currently in the process of applying for funding from NEA.  Speakers to speak on the importance of environmental conservation.

Plan of Action Phase 3: Act on it! Workshop - Reaching out to schools in Singapore Target: Schools with air-conditioned classrooms  Follow-up action: Participants given Air-Con Kits containing publicity material.  Purpose: To educate participants about the cause and mobilise them to become agents of change. Creating change agents & socially responsible citizens.

Reflections: What we should have done - Did not achieve our desired goal. - Acted too slowly when multiple rejections pilled in. - Should have constructed a Plan B and brought it into action sooner.

Reflections: What we should have done - Better time management - Formulated a proper timeline at the beginning of our project - Better collaboration where every team member contributes equally.

Reflections: What we have done - Understood the problem that Singaporeans face with regards to their use of air-conditioners. - Found solutions to the problem by which we can educate the Singaporeans with.

Reflections: What we have done - Reached out to school students. - Helped students understand the need to reduce energy - Managed to see changes in energy consumption in school.

Reflections: What we have done - Have made progress: Collaboration with Seletar Country Club. - Keen to do much more (upcoming ACT on It! Workshop) - Very glad to have a Secondary 2 team under our wing.

Thank you!