Week 5: Collective infrastructure systems Flashcards
What is the purpose of stormwater systems?
To help us manage water on permeable surfaces
Example of wastewater systems
Collection [pipes, pumps, etc] —> treatment [wastewater treatment plant] –> discharge
What are two types of waste?
1.) Organic waste: energy can be recovered from combustion such as food, paper, plastic
2.) Inorganic waste such as glass, metals, construction waste (concrete)
What is waste?
Product of urbanization, economic development and population growth
Largest contributor of waste?
Industrial waste + construction demolition waste ~ [50% of solid waste]
How many percent does waste systems are responsible for GHG emissions?
For NZ ~ 4-5%
Most GHG emissions associated with waste are from landfills (50%)
Fun fact about waste management
6% of global GHGS emissions come from food losses and waste
What is the hierarchy of integrated solid waste
management to limit GHG emissions?
Redesign > Reduce > Reuse > Recycle > Recover > Treat and Dispose
How can we recover energy from waste using incineration or landfill gas?
Burn methane to generate heat or electricity
How can we mitigate the emissions from waste systems?
1.) The producers: Avoid/reduce the amount of waste
2.) minimising organic waste in disposal
How many per cent does transport account for NZ’s greenhouse gas emissions?
18 per cent
How can we mitigate the emissions from the transport system?
- Improve efficiency (fuel consumption and emission intensity)
- Reduced journeys
- Shifts to low-carbon transport
Why do people spend most of their time inside buildings?
Provide shelter and protection including comfort and amenities
How many percent do buildings account for global final energy use and electricity demand?
31% and 54%, respectively
What are the mitigation strategies for building emissions?
Energy use: end-use appliances, better design, and materials to enhance efficiency.
Consumer choices: improving the efficiency of the appliances and smart metering
