CE4611 - Sustainable design and whole lifecycle

ASSIGNMENT
(Week 11)

NAME: K.R.H.M. GUNAWARDHANA

INDEX: 200203E
MODULE: SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND WHOLE
LIFECYCLE
DATE OF SUB.: 12/10/2024
1. How can AI be used for sustainability?

• Resource Optimization: By enabling precision in agriculture, where algorithms

regulate the application of fertiliser, pesticide, and water, reducing waste and increasing
crop output, artificial intelligence is transforming the way resources are used. By
precisely determining when resources are needed, artificial intelligence (AI) lets
manufacturers monitor their equipment in real time to ensure energy efficiency,
lowering emissions and energy needs.
• Inventory and Supply Chain Management: AI improves supply chains by
anticipating inventory needs more precisely, minimising overproduction and excess
stock, and evaluating past data and current demand. This encourages a leaner, more
sustainable approach to international logistics by reducing waste and emissions from
needless shipping.
• Predictive Analytics for Changes in the Environment: AI can predict changes in
climate patterns and environmental conditions using data gathered from satellites,
weather stations, and Internet of Things devices, allowing organisations and
governments to take preventative measures. AI algorithms, for example, can forecast
the likelihood of flooding in places that are susceptible, enabling cities to take proactive
measures to save infrastructure and ecosystems.
• Urban Planning and Smart Cities: AI enhances urban sustainability by managing
resources and traffic in real-time, reducing pollution and improving energy efficiency.
Smart city systems can monitor air quality, control street lighting based on pedestrian
activity, and optimize public transit schedules, leading to cleaner and more efficient
urban environments.
• Support for the Circular Economy: AI aids in tracking materials through their
lifecycle, facilitating recycling and reuse, extending product lifecycles, and minimizing
waste within a circular economy model.
• Designing Sustainable Products: AI assists in sustainable product design by
evaluating environmental impacts and selecting recyclable or biodegradable materials,
creating products with lower environmental footprints.
 • Monitoring of the Environment in Real Time: AI-powered sensors provide real-
time environmental data, allowing for rapid response in waste management, resource
allocation, and climate action.
• Management of Waste:: AI improves waste management planning for businesses
and towns to lessen their contributions to landfills by optimising trash sorting and
recycling, guaranteeing effective processing of recyclables, and forecasting waste
trends.
• Energy Efficiency in Buildings: In construction, AI optimizes building designs for
energy efficiency, helps choose sustainable materials, and dynamically manages energy
use in buildings to support net-zero energy goals.
• Modelling the Climate and Ecosystems: AI-based simulations model ecosystems
and climate adaptation scenarios, enabling conservation efforts to protect biodiversity
by showing potential impacts of various actions.

2. As a consumer, what steps can you take to promote a circular economy?

• Repair and Upcycle: Extend product life by repairing or creatively repurposing items
instead of discarding them.
• Reduce Consumption: Focus on essentials and select high-quality, durable items to
reduce frequent replacements.
• Engage in Clothing Exchanges: Engage in community clothing swaps or shared
services (e.g., tool libraries) to reduce the need for new items and lower production’s
environmental impact.
• Encourage Local Companies: Buy locally to cut transportation emissions and support
local economic sustainability.
• Choose Sustainable Products: Opt for products made from renewable or recyclable
materials and support brands that use minimal packaging and eco-friendly production
methods.
 • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn about circular economy principles and share
this knowledge to encourage sustainable behavior in your community.
• Recycle and Compost Properly: Participate in local recycling and composting
programs, sorting waste accurately to maximize material recovery and minimize
landfill contributions.
• Accept Reusable Items: Choose reusable options like bags, bottles, and containers
over single-use items to reduce disposable waste.

3.
i. Impacts of waste dumping?

• Pollution of the Environment: Waste dumping contaminates soil, water, and air,
degrading ecosystems and reducing soil quality, which impacts agriculture.
• Emissions of greenhouse gases: Landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas
that exacerbates climate change.
• Health Hazards: Communities near dump sites face exposure to hazardous materials,
leading to respiratory illnesses, skin infections, and other health issues.
• Biodiversity Loss: Waste disrupts natural habitats, threatening local flora and fauna,
and reducing biodiversity.
• Reduced Quality of Life: Proximity to waste dumping creates unpleasant odors,
attracts pests, and lowers property values, affecting residents’ well-being.
• Economic Burden: Cleaning up dump sites and treating pollution is costly, financially
straining local governments and communities.

ii. Steps taken by San Francisco to become Zero Waste?

 • Comprehensive Composting and Recycling Programs: San Francisco has robust
programs to promote recycling and composting of materials and organic waste.
• Campaigns for Public Education: The city educates the public on waste reduction,
recycling, and composting practices.
• Important Objectives for Waste Diversions: San Francisco has set a goal to divert
100% of waste from landfills, already achieving an 80% diversion rate.
• Infrastructure Development: Investments in advanced recycling and composting
facilities enable the processing of large volumes of organic waste.
• Requirements for Composting and Recycling Laws: The city requires residents
and businesses to sort waste into recyclables, compostables, and landfill trash.
• Collaborations with Waste Management Businesses: Collaborations with
companies like Recology improve waste sorting and increase recycling rates.
• Participation of the Community and Assistance to Local Companies: The city
works with local businesses to minimize waste and support zero-waste initiatives.
• Product Management and Eco-Friendly Business Methods: San Francisco
encourages businesses to reduce waste and adopt circular practices, urging
manufacturers to take responsibility for products’ end-of-life.

4. Architectural features incorporated for sustainability:

• Water Conservation Systems: Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling reduce

water demand and promote sustainable water use.
• Green Roofs and Vertical Gardens: Green roofs and vertical gardens improve
insulation, reduce urban heat, support biodiversity, and enhance air quality.
• Energy Efficiency: Features like passive solar orientation, natural lighting, and
ventilation reduce reliance on artificial climate control, lowering energy
consumption.
• Use of Renewable and Local Materials: Utilizing locally sourced, renewable
materials minimizes transportation emissions and supports local economies.
• Natural Ventilation: Building designs that enable natural airflow reduce the need for
HVAC systems, saving energy and improving indoor air quality.
• Adaptive Reuse of Structures: Repurposing existing structures minimizes
construction waste and preserves historical value.
• Climate Resilience: Climate-resilient features like flood mitigation and heat-
resistant designs ensure buildings can withstand local climate challenges.
• Solar Panels: Installing solar technology allows buildings to harness renewable
energy, reducing dependency on grid electricity and lowering the carbon footprint.