PENANG, 19 April 2016 – The Centre for Education and Training on Renewable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Green Technology (CETREE&GT), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) would strive to reduce the effect of the global warming phenomenon with the applications of sustainable or green technology in various sectors such as energy, development, water, solid waste, transportation, construction, agriculture and forestry in the country.

According to the Director of CETREE&GT, Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Wira Mohd Shafiei, green technology relates to a system which could reduce the environmental pollution and lower or end the release of greenhouse gases, is safe to use, prepares a sustainable environment, conserve the natural energy sources and promotes the use of new energy sources.

He added that, among the efforts introduced by CETREE&GT would be in the application of new energy sources by developing an engine that utilises palm oil which is used for cooking to move the engine, in place of petroleum oil.

“We have modified the engine of the mobile exhibition van to use 100 percent palm oil used for cooking, which is much cleaner than petroleum oil to move around," he explained.

Apart from that, he said that students too need to better understand the issue of global warming and to increase their knowledge on green technology, a field of study that would be seeking for experts in the future.

“Approximately 80 percent of the carbon released was the result of using fossil fuels, diesel and coal from human activities which have contributed to the global warming phenomenon.”

“High levels of carbon released into the atmosphere would increase the amount of greenhouse gases, heating the planet and causing global warming,” he said when addressing global warming issues in the Talk Series on Green Technology, here recently.

Other than the Talk Series, the Energy Efficiency Cluster would conduct activities such as discussions, Speaker’s Corner, exhibitions, and quizzes among others in conjunction with Energy Efficiency Week beginning from 18 until 20 April, and held at Foyer STUV, USM.

Translation: Tan Ewe Hoe

Text: Nor Khamisah Saidin (USM Internship Student)