In the heart of Indonesia, at the Universitas Indonesia in Depok, a revolution is brewing. Led by Dr. Yudan Whulanza, a mechanical engineering professor, a groundbreaking study is reshaping our understanding of sustainable urban development. Published in the International Journal of Technology, the research delves into the intricate web of the built environment, offering a roadmap for decarbonizing our cities and transforming the energy sector.
The built environment, encompassing everything from homes to hospitals, is a significant contributor to global emissions. As cities expand, so does their environmental impact. Whulanza and his team argue that transforming this environment is not just crucial for combating climate change but also presents a monumental opportunity for the energy sector.
“The task of decarbonizing the built environment is daunting,” Whulanza acknowledges, “but it’s also one of the most rewarding engineering challenges of our time.”
At the core of this challenge lies concrete, the most widely used material after water. Its production accounts for 5-7% of global carbon emissions, a staggering figure that underscores the urgency of finding sustainable alternatives. The process of making concrete involves heating limestone to extreme temperatures, releasing vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Whulanza’s research highlights the complexity of this issue, noting that half of these emissions come from the chemical reaction itself, making carbon capture a formidable task.
However, the study doesn’t stop at identifying problems. It offers solutions, too. One promising avenue is the use of hydrogen to power the high temperatures required in concrete production. But for this to be truly sustainable, the hydrogen must be produced in a low-carbon manner. This is where the energy sector comes in, with the potential to supply clean hydrogen and drive down emissions.
But what about the concrete that’s already been produced? Whulanza’s team is exploring ways to repurpose concrete from deconstructed buildings, integrating these materials into new projects. This not only reduces waste but also cuts down on the demand for new concrete, creating a virtuous cycle of sustainability.
The commercial implications are vast. As cities grow, so does the demand for new infrastructure. By embracing sustainable practices, the energy sector can tap into this market, supplying clean energy and materials. Moreover, the shift towards sustainability will create new jobs, from engineers designing low-carbon buildings to technicians maintaining clean energy systems.
Whulanza’s research also underscores the importance of a systems approach. “Without a holistic perspective,” he warns, “isolated changes in specific areas may result in unintended consequences.” This means that decarbonizing the built environment requires collaboration across sectors, from energy to construction, from policy to practice.
The study, published in the International Journal of Technology, or ‘Jurnal Teknologi’ in English, is a call to action. It’s a reminder that the challenge of climate change is also an opportunity for transformation. By embracing this challenge, the energy sector can drive sustainability, create jobs, and shape a greener future. As Whulanza puts it, “This transition will facilitate the adoption of more sustainable practices, improve system efficiency, utilize technology, and generate new employment opportunities.” The future of our cities, and our planet, depends on it.
