The use of diesel power generator as an alternative source of energy is facing yet another hurdle as EPA enforces new environmental laws to be adhered to by all operators. As Labno (2010) observes, the newly instituted National Ambient Air Quality Standard is a real threat to the main users such as institutions and industries. The new regulation is aimed at reducing the volume of Nitrogen oxides emitted in the atmosphere at any given time by the major users of diesel generators.
Diesel engine generators have several merits ranging from meeting the power loads during peak time to ease with which they can be operated and maintained. Although this appliance presents additional cost, its popularity has grown and attracted large number of users perhaps due to the ability of the device to deliver power without delay whenever there is interruption of electricity. Nonetheless, concerns over air quality are gradually gripping in especially in regard to the use of diesel power as a quick solution to emergency power demands. Although diesel generated power has been found to be largely convenient, the threat posed to the environment by a string of harmful emissions cannot be ignored. Both the by-products and much of the end products when diesel undergoes combustion are not friendly to the environment. They include oxides of nitrogen which are mainly acidic in nature, the toxic carbon monoxide that may irritate as well as lead to suffocation in addition to organic compounds that are highly volatile and toxic to the environment.
The National Ambient Air Quality Standards should be set by EPA in line with the existing legislations such as the Clean Air Act and Amendments.
These standards are not fixed but are reviewed regularly whenever there is need. For instance, the one-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards stipulated for all emissions of gaseous nitrogenous compounds was adopted in April 2010. Nonetheless, the use of diesel generators only when demand for power is at its peak seems to meet the current yearly requirement on emission quotas. The only challenge is the hourly compliance which may be quite an uphill task to accomplish owing to strenuous need to install compatible systems within industry or institutional establishments. Worse still, the new rules may be financially prohibitive as far the use of diesel generators is concerned due to the cost element. Furthermore, the addition of pollution control units will multiply the initial set up and installation costs of diesel generators that fully adhere to the one-hour requirement. These higher expectations by the environmental agency, EPA only requires the diesel power generation as the best alternative albeit the costs involved.
Hence, professional expertise is necessary in the process of installing diesel generators with EPA standards (Labno, 2010). In addition, it is imperative to allow adequate duration for certain environmental processes to be undertaken. Better still, all the available modeling alternatives such as the ambient air modeling ought to be explored so that the impacts of nitrogen oxides emitted by the appliance can be established in advance.
In recap, it is vital to reiterate that although the new EPA standards on air quality are quite stringent, the ever rising need for power back up facilities and high demand during peaking periods still necessitates diesel power generation as the best and readily available alternative. The impacts of emitting nitrogenous and carbon compounds into the atmosphere cannot be overemphasized; it is all evident in our environment today. It is upon energy producers who rely on diesel power to brace up for the difficult times of sticking to the one-hour National Ambient Air Quality Standards Act.
Reference
Labno, B. (2010). EPA Rules Pose a Concern for Peaking Diesel Generators. Web.
Despite the fact that air quality improves with the help of environmental initiatives and laws that directly focus on reducing emission rates, American population and its use of vehicles and other sources of emission continue to grow (EPA, 2016). Different sources produce different types of emissions, and it is impossible to considerably restrict the use of these sources since they directly affect the life of the population. Nevertheless, air pollutants have a hugely negative impact on nation’s health, causing worsened lung function, reducing lifespan, and triggering cancer.
Suggested Interventions
Six interventions are to be suggested in this initiative. A ban that will prohibit residents from using their vehicle(s) in the city center should reduce dangerous emissions significantly; furthermore, some cities are currently testing similar initiatives (Garfield, 2017). Trams, electric buses, and trains should replace public transport operating on diesel to reduce pollution. The city is in dire need of new green zones; besides park and squares, green rooftops are also a valid option. Online and offline programs that will educate the public about the impact of emissions on their lives, fairs and presentations dedicated to environmental initiatives, and researches focusing on environmental problems in the city will increase citizens’ awareness of the issue. Plus, citywide support of electric cars and small public initiatives (e.g., efficient burning of wood, walking instead of driving, etc.) should be considered as well.
First Intervention: Car-Free Center and Days
To ensure that the city’s center is car-free, it is suggested to renovate the urban space by building more places for pedestrians and bike lanes, which would be inaccessible for cars. Parking lots can remain in the center at first, but they will be expensive for non-electric cars. The global car-free day is on September 22; the city can introduce additional car-free days (for example, in April). Cars will not be prohibited per se, but citizens are to be actively encouraged or advised to use bikes or public transport. Serious fees ($600-1000) for car usage in a car-free environment will ensure citizens are unwilling to break the rule.
Second Intervention: Green Public Transport
To decrease the level of emissions in the city, the town council should consider using e-trams and e-buses; this will not only improve the air quality but also make transportation more sustainable and less costly due to the impact diesel cars have on the environment. Hybrid locomotives are a common solution to the problem as well since they maintain the same speed as non-hybrid vehicles but are safer for citizens and the city. Hybrid buses with batteries reduce not only emissions but also the negative impact of plants generating electricity since such buses operate autonomously. A change in public transport schedule (more trains and trams, new routes to suburbs and neighboring cities) can show citizens that such trips are more cost-effective and sustainable compared to car driving.
Third Intervention: Green Zones
Green zones are crucial for community wellbeing. As Wolch, Byrne, and Newell (2014) point out, parks and other green cover support residents in their physical activities by providing them with space where they reduce stress or have a sense of tranquility. At the same time, green zones often tend to be located in wealthy, well-maintained neighborhoods, while citizens with a lower socioeconomic background do not have access to them. The council’s aim is to build green spaces that promote physical activity and are accessible to all residents. To maintain their positive influence on health, these zones have to be built in low-emission areas.
Fourth Intervention: Education of Citizens
To increase citizens’ awareness of the emission problem, the city can start a campaign that will consist of several steps. First, universities and schools will have lessons/lectures dedicated to air quality, where students will demonstrate their knowledge. Second, environmental campaigns dedicated to the sustainable use of vehicles can involve volunteers who will promote the intervention among residents. Some environmental organizations launch websites with educational materials, videos, and games about the issue, which encourage citizens to explore more. At last, local professionals and professors with a degree in Environmental Studies can take part in free/donation-supported lectures.
Fifth Intervention: Electric Cars
Although not so many citizens use pure electric vehicles today, even hybrid vehicles (plug-in cars) can improve air quality. The problem is that the city does not have enough spaces for owners to charge their cars. Furthermore, there are not enough stores to purchase an e-vehicle. If the city is capable of transforming the infrastructure to meet the needs of e-vehicles, more residents will consider the benefits of such purchase.
Sixth Intervention: Small Private Initiatives
Small interventions can have an enormous impact too. It is advisable not to burn plastic and other household trash at home, as it does not only worsen air quality but can also be dangerous (EPA, n.d.). Carpool is also an excellent way to reduce emissions and spending on fuel. It is often fun as well. When possible, citizens should encourage their children and relatives to bike (or learn to bike) to school/work. At last, there is no need to leave the computer or lights on if they are not in use. Power plants remain to be one of the primary sources of emissions.
Examples of Successful Initiatives
The authorities in Copenhagen began their bike and pedestrian-centered politics in the 1960s; today, almost half of the citizens ride bikes to school or work (Garfield, 2017). In 2016, Paris banned all cars made before 1997 from entering and driving within the city limits during weekdays (from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) (Badger, 2016). The congestion charge in London charges a fee (£11.50) on all vehicles operating in charging zones on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. (Transport for London, n.d.). At last, in Vancouver the city was able to support bikers by redesigning urban areas and providing more bike lanes; one car-free day every June is hosted in the city as well. As can be seen, suggested interventions are used actively in other cities and successfully reduce emissions, thus making a positive change in local air quality.
Implementation Barriers
The city might experience difficulties in redesigning infrastructure as it requires significant financial investments and can cause inconvenience to residents. It is necessary to explain the importance of the redesign to car owners, ensuring that they are aware of the negative impact of emissions. This can only be done with the help of programs that can increase awareness of the issue among residents (lectures, online portals, advertisements, small private initiatives, etc.). If environmental changes are only made in communities where residents with higher income live, low-income neighborhoods will still suffer from bad air quality and inequity. If the city is unable to control violators, the efficiency of the initiative will decrease significantly, as others might want to break the newly introduced rules as well. Police officers and volunteers need to be trained accordingly to supervise the implementation of the program in the city’s streets.
Benefits of Implementation
A multi-pollutant reduction is possible if citizens will use e-vehicles, exploit home electricity and related devices more efficiently, and care about private contribution. Better air quality will result in fewer incidents of lung disorders, fatigue, respiratory distresses, and even cancer. Residents’ involvement and work on the issue can create communities and improve neighborhood relationships. The presence of multiple bike lanes reduces the chance of accidents involving cars; if cars are banned from the center, pedestrian zones will also become safer.
Conclusion
Both citywide and local efforts need support from the council to attract the attention of citizens to the problem; volunteers and not-for-profit organizations can be involved together with policymakers. Reorganization of public transport and utilization of e-vehicles are inevitable if the main aim is to improve air quality. Education of citizens by volunteers and professionals in the field will become a base for future project implementation, as it relies on a civil society that cares about local issues and is willing to resolve them. To ensure success, policymakers should use examples and findings of other projects to outline the steps for the project launch.
References
Badger, E. (2016). Paris just banned all cars made before 1997. Web.
Wolch, J. R., Byrne, J., & Newell, J. P. (2014). Urban green space, public health, and environmental justice: The challenge of making cities ‘just green enough’. Landscape and Urban Planning, 125(2), 234-244.
The small low-cost housing development is normally based on effective budgeting and cost reduction techniques by using skills, technology and materials available locally yet with the project structure maintaining its strength, having reasonable life and achieving the performance it was meant to. This concept is not about using a cheap, low-quality material. Rather it is the management and economizing of resources such as implementation of work in phases or postponement of the finishing processes. Further, the building material and labor cost are reduced to between 65% and 70%. Thinner walls, less energy-consuming and environmental-friendly materials are used. Normally, the walls are constructed of concrete while the timber is used for the first floor. The surface finishes for the walls and floor make use of locally available resources.
The bedroom in this kind of development is usually situated on the first floor. The main aim of the project is to design the bedroom based on providing comfort. Since this is a low-traffic area, the floor needs to be healthy, warm and appealing. Wood is the best material for this room because of its affordability, environmental friendliness and natural beauty. The wood used for floor finishes has been known to improve the quality of air inside and thus the bedroom floor needs to have finished wood laid on concrete beams. This is wood that is coated to provide smooth finishing and durability of the floor. The next alternative to this would be jack arch floor that makes use of compressed earth blocks. The walls can best be made using burnt bricks that have been immersed in water for 24 hours. These provide warmth and save on cost. Another alternative would be masonry walls made of concrete which though strong are relatively cold.
The kitchen in this housing development has light traffic with high food and drink spillages. The recommendable floor for the kitchen is wood that is lightly sanded and recoated. These sheets of sanded wood are normally laid on concrete beams using adhesives. This is most suitable because of the ease of cleaning and ease of movement. The next alternative would be finished concrete. This has the advantage of easy cleaning but can cause falls in case of liquid spillage while the cost is higher than wood. The walls of the kitchen need to be built using concrete. This is because of its strength, less energy consumption and mortar saving. Bricks would be the alternative but they use high energy.
The shower rooms are characterized by water and light traffic. It is highly recommended that the floor and walls be made of ceramic tiles which are prepared from ceramic material and laid on the adhesive mixture and allowed to dry. This is because of their environmental friendliness, lesser costs and no adverse effects from water. They provide a beautiful finish that is easy to clean and maintain. Another alternative would be concrete tiles that are prepared from concrete and given smooth finishes. The disadvantage of this is the high cost involved.
Contractor’s offices
Office buildings act as symbols of financial, social and technological progress and show economic activity index. Office facilities and structures can improve productivity mainly through the entrance or working hall and boardroom. The design for this structure is integrated and focuses on achieving high performance. The main objectives of this project are: increasing flexibility and productivity, improving health, increasing the satisfaction of workers, and enhancing performance. The office entrance hall is characterized by medium or high traffic depending on the type of activities that take place in the office. This means that the floor has to be made of material that can withstand high resistance. The use of concrete tiled floor is the most recommended. This is done by laying tiles on concrete beams. The pre-stressed concrete beams provide strength to the floor while providing comfort. In addition, the smooth finish of the tiles is beautiful and easy to clean and maintain. This also ensures that the area maintains its uniqueness. The next best alternative for this kind of floor would be painted concrete floors. The pre-stressed concrete beams are finished smoothly and paint or other coating substances are applied. This allows for ease in cleaning due to the smooth nature. The disadvantage of this is that the paint wears out easily due to the traffic while the finish is not that beautiful and appealing as compared to tiles. The walls of the entrance hall are highly recommended to have wall tiles. The tiles are laid on the masonry walls while wet. They are then allowed to set and bond. The tiled wall allows the company to have customized tiles that are easy to maintain and are durable although more time is taken in laying the expensive tiles. The next alternative would be to plaster the wall to a smooth finish and then apply good coating such as paint. This has the disadvantage of wearing out easily but takes a shorter time to recoat.
The office boardroom is normally a light traffic luxurious area. It is where meetings and private delegations of the company are held. This area requires floor type as that of the entrance hall but in this case, soft furnishings of carpets are laid on the floor. This provides comfort, warmth and luxurious element. The alternative would be to have floor murals. The walls of the boardroom require smooth finishing of wall tiles due to the high quality and durability it possesses. However, wall plastering can be done with the application of high glossy paint to cover the wall and still give it a good finish.
It is important to note that indoor air quality is a critical factor to consider when it comes to selecting materials used within the room. The case is concerned with an auditorium at a local university, which requires proper materials and furnishes for six main elements. These include
seating upholstery,
textile for acoustic wall panels in the seating area,
ceiling paint,
carpeting for the auditorium,
carpeting for the stage, and
wood finishes for lectern and wall paneling on stage as shown in Figure 1 below.
The primary concern for the client is indoor air quality, which is why the selection of materials and furnishes with their manufacturers are chosen correspondingly.
In order to properly understand the underlying priority in deciding what options to select for these six items, it is useful to define what constitutes indoor air quality or IAQ. The latter refers to the air quality within and around buildings and structures, especially as it relates to the health and comfort of building occupants’ (EPA part. 1). It carries immediate and long-term health hazard effects, which provides a solid basis behind the client’s requests. Firstly, for the seating upholstery, plush or recycled cotton from Crypton Fabric manufacturer is the best choice since it “is low-emitting and GREENGUARD Gold Certified ” (LDF par. 8).
It is cost-efficient, durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean as well. Secondly, when it comes to textile for acoustic wall panels in the seating area, vertisol made by Vertisol Acoustics is recommended because it does not emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (Miralles par. 5). Thirdly, in the case of the ceiling paint, Biora Air paint made by Teknos is selected since it “absorb and neutralizes aldehyde pollutants,” and it does not release VOCs (Dezeen par. 2).
Fourthly, for the carpeting for the auditorium and the stage, Bio-Floor carpets by Earth Weave Carpet Mills made from untreated wood should be the choice of interest because it is non-toxic and does not contain any VOCs (Johnson par. 9). Lastly, Pure Glue Eco Plywood wood panels from Hanson uses eco-friendly wood combined with “a non-toxic, formaldehyde-free glue for improved air quality” (Hanson Plywood Limited par. 1). It has California Air Resources Board’s No Added Formaldehyde (NAF) verification and certification (Hanson Plywood Limited par. 3). All of these selections with their manufacturers not only offer superior indoor air quality solutions, but equivalent or even better durability and aesthetics.
Fig. 1.
All of the described manufacturers and their products have The Gold Standard certification for Indoor Air Quality, as shown in Figure 2 below. The client’s primary concern was indoor air quality, which is why the materials and furnishes with minimal contribution to indoor air pollution were selected. For example, the wood itself is not harmful, but the glue and surface coating is, which is why NAF certification is critical. Textiles and carpets can release VOCs due to dyes and treatment, and thus, untreated products or products with no VOC precursors are chosen with a similar logic being applied to the ceiling paint.
In conclusion, the core concern for the client is indoor air quality, which is why the selection of materials and furnishings with their manufacturers are chosen correspondingly. The items of interest include seating upholstery, textile for acoustic wall panels in the seating area, ceiling paint, carpeting for the auditorium, carpeting for the stage, and wood finishes for the lectern and wall paneling on stage. It is critical to note that indoor air quality is an important factor to consider when it comes to selecting materials used within the room.
Fig. 2.
Works Cited
American Wood Council. National Design Specifications. ANSI, 2018.