Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

Environmental Protection and

Energy Conservation Group
QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
FROM THE EDITORS DESK
Mr. Shyam Agasthya (BNE) and Mr. Pradeep Krishnan (M&IE)
Summer has arrived in the Sultanate of Oman. Temperatures are soaring beyond 45 degrees including the
humidity levels. Muscat has seen the problem of water shortage like never before. There have been frequent
power outages as well. Its time to think on long term energy and water conservation and use of alternative
sources of energy for day to day activities. The staff and students of Caledonian College of Engineering
should take initiatives in developing technologies that can conserve natural resources be it paper,
electricity, water, oil or gas, reduce the plastic wastes, tin cans, construction demolition wastes and
electronic wastes which are harming the environment. We hope that the role of EPEC Group will be a
major catalyst for all the initiatives that the college takes.

CONTENTS
Colors And Energy Conservation P2
Tapping Solar Energy In School Bags P3
Student Internship Application is Online at CCE P4
Earth Day at Airport Height Campus P5
Being Eco Friendly P6
Insights on Energy and the Environment: Learn and See, the CCE way! P7

Page 1 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

COLORS AND ENERGY CONSERVATION

By Ms. Rita Debray, Technobasics, School of Foundation Studies
Efficient use of energy is the crux of environment conservation. Color plays an important role in
conserving energy. Light and heat is largely reflected by white or light colored surfaces, whereas its mostly
absorbed by black or dark colored surface. This is elementary science. Thus wise selection of color can
directly or indirectly reduce the energy consumption in some very common fields of daily life. Some
examples from our common life, where use of right colors influence reduction of energy usage, are listed
below to illustrate the point.

Traditionally, in hot & tropical climates, such as in Oman, houses have white or light colored roofs and
external paints. The light colored outer surfaces reflect most of the heat thus keeping the interior
temperatures lower. Studies show the energy consumption for cooling can be lower by as much as 15%
using light colored roofs rather than dark ones. On the other hand, in cold places, dark colored roofs a nd
exteriors absorb more heat from the sun, which helps in keeping the interiors warmer and thus reducing the
energy consumption for heating.

Interior paints also can influence consumption of energy in a significant way. White or lighter shades of
interior paints reflect much higher quantum of light making the interiors look brighter. Whereas to attain
the same level of brightness with darker interiors the energy consumption for lighting is relatively much
higher.

Choosing window curtains with light colored backdrops can reflect back heat in summer and thus can
remarkably reduce heating up the interiors, resulting in lower air-conditioning costs. In hot summer, it is
preferable to wear white/light colored dresses outdoors, this helps keep our bodies comparatively cooler.

Choosing wallpaper color as Black of a smartphone with AMOLED display (Active-Matrix Organic
Light-Emitting Diode) can save almost up to 6% of battery life per hour. If the screen is instructed to
display Black, it simply doesn't light up any of the little colored sub-pixels and thus can save power.

References
http://www.colormatters.com/color-and-science/color-and-energy-matters
http://www.greenbot.com/article/2834583/how-much-power-does-a-black-interface-really-save-on-
amoled-displays.html

Page 2 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

TAPPING SOLAR ENERGY IN SCHOOL BAGS

By Reabestwe Mashigo, Rethaka, Africa
Reabetswe Ngwane and his business partner Thato Kgatlhanye personify the buzz phrase social
entrepreneurship. They have designed schoolbags, through their company Rethaka, that do more than
carry books they help children read them too.

Rethaka recycles plastic bags - easy to come by across the South African landscape - turning them into
school bags which have built in solar power packs. These packs are charged all day in the sunlight while the
children are at school, and are fully charged when the sun goes down providing much need light for doing
homework. Thato Kgatlhanye came up with the idea and unsurprisingly the young woman was named first
runner up at last year's (2014) Anzhisha Prize. The prize, now in its fifth year, awards young entrepreneurs
from Africa.

"We currently have eight employees who are responsible for the entire process from the collection, washing
and sorting of the plastic bags, through to the final stitching and delivery of the Repurpose Schoolbags,"
said Ngwane.

Even for those who are lucky enough to never have a shortage of lights, perhaps this is a way for anyone
anywhere to conserve energy - after all sunlight is free and clean - the buzzwords of the future of energy
globally.

Reference
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/TOI-impact-Journalism-Day-Bagging-the-suns-
energy/articleshow/47743277.cms

Page 3 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

STUDENT INTERNSHIP APPLICATION IS ONLINE AT CCE

By Etab Mubarak Al Hinai, Placement Officer and Selva Pandian, Lecturer, CuTPD
Placement and training Centre (PTC) under Caledonian Unit of Training and Professional Development
(CuTPD) is responsible for the facilitation of summer internship to students. The procedure of internship
includes the processing of student application. PTC has processed around 985 applications during the
academic year 2013-2014 and 950 applications during the academic year 2014-2015.

As a green initiative, PTC has introduced online processing of internship applications. Now, the students
have to apply online, instead of visiting CuTPD and apply in the prescribed application form. This
eventually reduces the number of papers used and reduces the time involved in the process. File
management and data management are the other advantages of this online application system. Number of
internship application photocopies will also be reduced now. As a minimum calculation of around 10
Bz/photocopy, there will be a considerable amount of saving. Considering an average two applications for a
student, the net savings in two years is around OMR 40.

Summer Training Co2 Emission

2% 2%
3% Civil Engg 70
60
50
2%
13% 12% 40
30
Construction
8% 20
Engg 10 Co2 Emission
8% 18% 0
Measurement
21% & Costing
11%
Chemical Engg

To process the applications, around two reams of paper are used in one academic year. Paper making
requires wood fiber. One fifth of wood harvested in the world end up in paper. Wood pulp and paper are
considered to be fifth largest industrial energy consumer in the world. Reduction of paper waste will reduce
energy use, air, water pollution and solid waste (Ashley, 1999). Each ream of paper used is responsible for
30.5 pounds of released CO2 (Jason Karas). By the online system of internship application processing,
around 60 to 70 pounds of CO 2 emission is reduced in each academic year. The additional advantages are
as follows:
CO2 Water Consumption Solid Waste
70 Pounds 286 Gallons 24 Pounds
Potential Saving by Paper Reduction
Reference
Ashley, J. &. (1999). paper cuts - Recovering the paper landscape. Wolrdwatch Institute.
Jason Karas. (n.d.). Carobon rally.

Page 4 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

EARTH DAY AT AIRPORT HEIGHT CAMPUS

By Anuradha Girish, Technobasics, School of Foundation Studies
Successful completion of the third consecutive Earth Day celebrations was held at Airport Heights campus
on 27th April 2015. The theme of the program was Water and Waste Management. It was an integrated
program, involving Technobasics, Language and Learning and various clubs from SOFS. This year our
neighboring colleges Al Zahra College, International College of Engineering and Management, Travel and
Tourism College and Middle East College were invited for the program. All the invitees competed
enthusiastically and won prizes too. The activities included were, display of projects (Still/Working Model),
Poster Making, Photography, Documentary, Debate, Drama, Quiz competition and a Guest Lecture from
the subject expert.

Ms. Jenny Walker, ADPD, welcomed the gathering in the Assembly Hall. The event was graced by the
eminent speaker, Dr Ravinder Kumar, the pioneer and Head of EPEC group (Department of Electrical &
Computer Engineering CCE Oman) and he enlightened the students with his valuable lecture on Sea
Water Management. The projects and various other competitions were judged by the staff from the
engineering departments (Al Hail Campus). The judging panel consisted of Dr S. V Satyanarayana, Dr
Saravanan and Assistant Professor Elansezhian Rasu. The Head of the Technobasics Department Ms. Amal
Osman and the Campus Manager, Mr. Hussein Al Farsi concluded the program with prize distribution.
Overall, it was a wonderful program wherein every visitor witnessed the events, appreciated the innovative
skills and the team work presented by SOFS students.

Earth Day Celebrations at Caledonian College of Engineering Airport Heights Campus

Page 5 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

BEING ECO FRIENDLY

By Anuradha Girish, Technobasics, School of Foundation Studies
Being Eco Friendly This phrase seems to be very common these days. Being eco-friendly goes far beyond
just turning off lights when we leave the room or separating our garbage for recycling, it is about changing
the purpose of how we live. Eco- friendly products promote green living that helps to conserve energy and
also prevent air, water and noise pollution. They prove to be a boon for the environment and also prevent
human health from deterioration. Here are some simple steps to become Eco-Friendly.
The 3 Rs of Waste Hierarchy: We can reduce the amount of waste generated and improve the
waste management processes. Reuse items for different purposes instead of disposing them off.
Recycle most of the items that can be shaped into a new one.
Conserve Water and Electricity: It takes lots of energy to produce fresh water and electricity.
Simple ways like turning off lights, when not in use, fixing leakages, proper insulation, using
maximum day light etc., can reduce our daily energy consumption.
Plant More Trees: Trees give us oxygen, fruits, timber, prevent soil erosion, control floods and
provide shelter for wild life. The need of hour is to work with environmental groups to educate
more people and plant more trees so as to make this planet clean and eco-friendly.
Protect Local Water Sources: Avoid disposing hazardous materials like, factory waste, oils and
paints into water beds.
Drive Less, Walk More: A simple, yet more effective way to enjoy eco-friendly life is to either take
public transport for our daily commuting needs or try pooling in with our office colleagues to save
fuel and reduce carbon foot print. And if our office is couple of miles away then walking to and fro
is the best way.
Buy Energy Efficient Products: Products with more star energy ratings consume less energy and
prove to be eco-friendly. For instance CFL bulbs consume 40% less energy and last ten times longer
than the traditional bulbs.
Buy Locally Grown Products: When we buy locally grown products we are reducing our carbon
footprint in the form of using less plastic bags, saving fuel for transport etc.
Prevent Littering: Litter can originate from construction and demolition sites, households,
industries, uncovered trucks, pedestrians, and moving vehicles .Littering can have a big impact on
the environment, wild life and tourism industry. We should avoid littering being a responsible
citizen.
Buy Recyclable Products: Always look for recycling symbol before you buy certain items. Also
carry grocery bag to avoid carrying things in plastic bags.
JOIN ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS TO COMBAT POLLUTION.

Page 6 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

INSIGHTS ON ENERGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT: LEARN AND SEE,

THE CCE WAY!
By Ms Sonia Ibarra Buscano, Lecturer, M&IE Departmemt
PRELUDE: This is personal thoughts on teaching and learning during my first semester at the Caledonian
College of Engineering (CCE) lecturing Energy and Environmental Science (EES) module to EPE Level 1
Students.

Class picture with Mr. Baburajan, Project Consultant, CCE Project Department
In the context of the EES module, an industry visit was required for the students coursework re Pollution
Control measures. The prime objective is to make the students identify the various pollution sources and
fully understand the environment conservation methods.

However, a visit to the ongoing construction of the colleges laboratory block was organized as per intimate
discussion with Mr. Pandian Selva of the Caledonian Unit for Training and Professional Development.

The concept of the in-campus tour is basically modest: Learn something and see it everywhere. Simply
because pollution could be of any type including water, air, noise, land, etc. CCEs very own construction
site was a sound choice where students see numerous operating machines and equipment, and various
building materials used.

Hence, a lucrative chance for a direct assessment of remedial measures owing to air, noise and garbage
pollution (waste management) among others. Pardon us for the limited PPE used by the class during ocular
inspection.

Page 7 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015
Others may tend to disagree but the class activity was an exemplification of a literal fun in outdoor learning.
The students were made to think outside the box and not just confined within the four corners of the
classroom.

Exchange of ideas and in-situ discussions were spontaneous. Learning gained is not just academics
articulately written in report form but also personal as evidently showcased via commendable rapport with
each other. Generally speaking, the students definitely learn and see the CCE way in perpetuity.

In conclusion, grateful acknowledgement is due to the following staff of Professional Trading LLC
Contractor, Mr. Rivas Site Engineer and Mr. Nelson Project Manager, for the assistance and actual short
lectures during the tour.

Page 8 of 9
 Volume 2, Issue 2, July 2015

Environmental Protection and

Energy Conservation Group
Please send in your articles to the EPEC Editorial Group

Shyam Agasthya shyam.agasthya@caledonian.edu.om

Pradeep Krishnan p.krishnan@caledonian.edu.om

Articles are Invited for The Next Issue That Will

Be Released On 1st October 2015

GENERAL DISCLAIMER
All Articles in this Newsletter are for Information Purposes and Internal Circulation within the
Caledonian College of Engineering Only. The College does not claim any Monetary or any
other Benefits by using the Articles, Pictures and any other materials.

Front Page Image Courtesy

http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/about_freshwater/importance_value/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_statistics

Page 9 of 9