Search

Ecological theory emphasizes headwater streams and wetlands as hotspots for metabolism of terrestrially derived organic matter and biogeochemical transformations. Time of concentration Tc is defined as the wave travel time from the most hydraulically remote point to the point of study. Tc is an important element in hydrological studies, especially in drainage system designs and the estimations of flood arrival time. The common approach in the estimation of Tc is based on Kinematic Wave (KW) approximation for both overland flow and river routing. This approximation, however, may not be appropriate on a flood plain with inundations. The main objective of this study is to propose the estimation of Tc with Diffusive Wave (DW) approximation considering the effect of flood inundation. The proposed method is demonstrated in the Kelantan River basin, Malaysia, focusing on a severe flood event in December 2014. This study compares the estimated Tc with other estimations based a Rainfall-Runoff-Inundation simulation and with a simple correlation method between rainfall amount in different durations and peak river discharges. In consequence, the proposed method with DW approximation with flood inundation showed closer estimations of Tc by the other two methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For construction stakeholders to fully embrace sustainability, its long-term benefits and associated risks need to be identified through holistic approaches. Consensus among key stakeholders is very important to the improvement of the ecological performance of industrialized building systems (IBS), a building construction method gaining momentum in Malaysia. Sustainable construction has become an increasing concern in the Malaysian construction industry nowadays. One of the approach by the Malaysian Government to enhance the ecology or sustainability is through the implementation of IBS in the construction projects. IBS has been introduced in Malaysia since year 1960s and many industries players and academics acknowledge the advantages of IBS. Nevertheless, there have several obstacles faced in order to increase the implementation of IBS and most of the obstacles are rooted from the issues of readiness. To change from conventional or traditional method to a modern method of construction or IBS is not an easy to execute. The key point of the change is a readiness and how to ready for change. Therefore, this highlights the factors which are the key readiness factors to improve sustainable construction through the implementation of IBS. This paper used qualitative approach and interview as a research technique in data collection process. Finding from data interview and literature review, there are three key factors that influence readiness in the implementation of IBS. The key factors are suitability, knowledge and ability. The output can also be used as a guideline for construction players towards the betterment of IBS implementation by introducing the factors that should be emphasized to make sure they ready to implement IBS and get advantages from it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research strives to improve safety cultures to reduce work-related injuries in the hazardous environment of the construction industry for foreign workers using a training course. It focuses on developing a framework for needs of information delivery used by foreign workers based on misunderstanding problem in, Health, Safety and Environment Induction Training (HSEIT). The aim of this study is to discover the needs and redevelop a framework for information delivery for foreign workers in the course. This study has been carried out using quantitative approach with convenient sampling. The respondents are foreign workers who are involved in construction works in a natural environment. They are trained how to protect themselves against hazardous environmental and ecological events. Research findings revealed that among the needs for information delivery by the foreign workers in training course include printed text in their own language for the notes, books, booklets; oral delivery is also expected to be in their own language, which includes face-to-face delivery, slides, film, and video. This is found to be very beneficial when they confront dangerous environmental risks. Also, they need printed visual materials like notes as well as video. In overall, the needs framework is able to greatly impact and contribute in construction industry, in which it could be the guidelines and alternative reference for various parties like the course instructors, safety officer, and the Construction Industry and Development Board (CIDB). In fact, the environmental framework is able to increase the gained information and understanding in satisfying the needs of the foreign workers in the natural site besides advancing the instructors' delivery of the contents in training course and eliminating the language barrier in HSEIT. It is also potential to help the CIDB achieving the course objective and increase the safety performance in open environments as well as the safety awareness among foreign workers. The findings of the study indicate that the training has played a role in decreased work-related injuries and changing attitudes to safety training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All stakeholders should participate in striving towards sustainable construction in order to embark upon the environmental impact issues. Construction industry has been recognised as a major contributor of economic growth and sustainability of a country, however, it could have a negative impact for the economy, quality of environment as well as social contexts, if this industry is not managed properly. This research would like to address the issue of the increasing use of natural resources that leads to increasing construction waste. This subject is not only a major issue debated in Malaysia, but it has also become a major issue globally. It occurs due to the lack of awareness of good construction waste management practices among stakeholders. Accordingly, this research paper will discuss the issue of waste management in more detail that including stakeholders' awareness, future's impact and also the best practices of waste management in improving the sustainability of construction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worsening environmental issues combined with incessant global warmings has given rise to environmental awareness as well as "green-trends" within the construction industry worldwide, including Malaysia. As people become more concerned of the state of global atmosphere; their attitude towards the ecology also starts to show positive inclination. Within Malaysia, Green Hotels are among sustainable initiatives that have started to grow and are becoming a trend. Nevertheless, considering the infancy of such initiatives in the country motivates this paper to have deeper insight into the subject matter by investigating the environmental attitudes of the Malaysian hotel consumers as well as their perception towards Green Hotels. A total of 115 questionnaire survey forms were distributed and 51 of them were returned in proper manner for analysis thus yielding a satisfying 44.35% response rate. Frequency and descriptive analysis mere undertaken using the 21st Version of SPSS software and in the end, it was found that Malaysian hotel consumers are generally positive towards the ecology and that the Green Hotel concept is very much welcomed by them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the fastest growing trends in the field of innovations is energy efficiency. This area can contribute to the sustainability development of the country by reducing the energy intensity of the economy. Energy and environment plays a key role in achieving the desired economic growth for the country. Worldwide industries use 40 percent energy for material and consumption protection to fulfil human needs. One of the approach in order to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases to the environment is by conserving energy. This could be executed by implementing energy management especially in office buildings. Energy management can also increase the efficiency of energy in the building. This study focus on the performance indoor environment and energy management system implementation in office building. Energy management is one of the contemporary challenges, thus study adopts an exploratory approach by using a tool developed by UNIDO called EnMS or Energy Management System. Findings show that by implementing indoor environment and energy management can reduce electricity consumption up to 30%. However, the awareness on energy management in Malaysia is still very low. The lack of awareness towards energy conservation among users can be enhanced by implementing indoor environment and energy management. Therefore, serious initiatives by the organization are needed to promote the effectiveness of indoor environment and energy management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]