RECAF

Initiated by ACEPRO USM

RECAF
Reduce Carbon Footprint Project 2011
Thank you for leaving your carbon footprints at home!

USM-Bangkok, Thailand
11 -17 October 2011

Sustainability outreach project initiated by:

Association of Civil Engineering Postgraduate and Research Officers (ACEPRO)
1

RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

CONTENTS
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................... 3
1.

Introduction ........................................................................................................... 4

2.

Venue ..................................................................................................................... 6

3.

Target Audience ................................................................................................... 6

4.

Proposed Theme ................................................................................................... 6

5.

Conceptual Design............................................................................................... 6

6.

Problem Statement ............................................................................................... 7

7.

Objectives.............................................................................................................. 7

8.

Scope of Work ....................................................................................................... 7

9.

Date and Proposed Itinerary ............................................................................... 7

10.

Budget .................................................................................................................... 8

11.

Advisory Personnel ............................................................................................... 9

12.

Executive Personnel ............................................................................................. 9

13.

Evaluation and Reflection.................................................................................... 9

14.

Endorsements ...................................................................................................... 10

15.

References ........................................................................................................... 11

Appendix ......................................................................................................................... 12

RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

Executive Summary
RECAF, acronym for Reduce Carbon Footprint Project 2011, tagged with the theme Thank You
for Leaving Your Carbon Footprints at Home! has encapsulated the whole idea behind this
sustainability outreach project. Transportation is one of the major greenhouse gases contributors
towards global warming especially for dense developing city, Bangkok. Low public preference
for public transportation utilization in developing countries has been an old time hurdle in
promoting carbon neutrality. The goals of this project are: (1) to heighten public awareness on
the importance of public transportation utilisation towards global warming reduction, (2) to
appreciate travellerss effort in reducing carbon footprint and energy, and (3) to promote
intellectual collaboration between ASEAN universities in air pollution research towards
sustainability. From 11 October till 17 October, 2011, with 35 facilitators, this project will kick off
with the launching of awareness campaign on Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) train from
Butterworth, Penang to Bangkok, Thailand, targeting train commuters. Academic interaction
and seminar involving postgraduates from USM, Chulalongkorn University, and Asian Institute of
Technology (AIT) would drive it further by propagating research network among ASEAN
universities. It is a prime opportunity for us to share and learn from the experience by eminent
and prestigious environmentalists in the world. We hope that this project will serve to garner
nation attention and foster sustainable development.

RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

1.

Introduction
Carbon footprint is the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases
(GHG) emitted over the whole lifecycle of an item or activity (Grenon et al., 2009). It is the
major contributor to global warming. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
(IPCC, 2007) revealed that warming of the climate system is unequivocal and estimated
global mean temperature increase of approximately 0.76C between 2001 and 2005. Over
90% probability this is caused by increasing of GHGs concentrations in atmosphere due to
human activities (IPCC, 2007). The environmental and economic risks of the climate change
magnitude projected for the 21st century have been featured in international policy
debates (AOSIS, 2009; G8, 2009; IPCC, 2007)
In year 2008, International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated contribution of 23% of the
total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the world by transportation sector (Schipper et al.,
2009). CO2 emission from transport-related activities in Asian developing countries is
predicted to grow significantly in the future. Emissions from ground transportation can
contribute as much as 2040% of a citys GHG emissions (Kennedy et al., 2009).
Transportation and its environmental impacts are a major component of urban sustainable
environmental management. At the same time, transportation and mobility are essential for
urban economics and the quality of life.
Closely interconnected with transportation sector, tourism, with current high-growth
emission trends, could become major global source of GHGs in the future (Scott et al.,
2010). Tourism sector needs energy for transporting visitors to and from, as well as within,
destinations, in accommodation establishments, and for various activities. The energy use in
tourism is linked to emissions of GHGs (Scott et al., 2010).

Table 1: Distribution of emissions from tourism by sub-sector (UNWTO-UNEP-WMO, 2008).

2005

2035*

Tourism sub-sectors
Air transport
Car transport
Other transport
Accommodation
Activities
Total
World
Tourism contribution

CO2 (Mt)

CO2 (Mt)

515
420
45
274
48
1,302
26,400
1302

40%
32%
3%
21%
4%
100%
100%
5%

1631
456
37
739
195
3059

53%
15%
1%
24%
6%
100%

In 2005 Bangkok city had annual carbon emissions per capita of 7.1 tonnes (ROAPUNEP, 2009). Comparing cities globally, the carbon emission in Bangkok is relatively higher
than most major cities, for instance, Tokyo (5.9 tonnes in 2003), London (5.9-6.2 tonnes in
2006), Seoul (3.8 tonnes), Milan (5.4 tonnes in 2005), and Barcelona (3.4 tonnes) (Croci et al.,
2010; Dodman, 2009; Dhakal, 2009). Transportation sector contributed nearly 50% of total
annual carbon emission per capita in Bangkok, much higher than other cities such as
London (21.7%), New York (21.9%), and Milan (21.3%) (Croci et al., 2010). Comparisons of
fuel consumption by land and air transportation sectors among prominent cities are shown
in Table 2, Table 3, and Table 4.

RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

Table 2: Estimation of gasoline consumption based on vehicle kilometers travelled

(VKT)(Kennedy et al., 2010).
Cities/Vehicles

VKT (billion km)

Fuel efficiency (km/L)

Gasoline consumption (ML)

Bangkok
Passenger car
Microbus & pickup
Van & pickup
Motorcycle
Urban taxi
Fixed route taxi
Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle
Business taxi

23.272
0.665
0.873
0.005
1.102
0.090
0.005
10.790
0.015

11.67
12.32
12.42
12.00
11.63
13.00
12.50
24.57
11.63

1994
54
70
0.4
95
7
0.4
439
1
2662

Barcelona
Cars
Motorcycles
Trucks and vans

1.675
0.600
0.168

10.15
35.29
6.21

165
17
27
209

8.045

6.38

1234

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown

Unknown
Unknown
Unknown

1711
32
54
1797

18.167
10.274

7.48
5.87

2428
1751
4179

Unknown

Unknown

357

Denver
Gasoline vehicles
London
Cars
Motorcycles
Goods vehicles
New York City
Passenger vehicles
Light trucks
Prague
Gasoline cars

Table 3: Consumption of other ground transportation fuels (Kennedy et al., 2010).

Cities
Bangkok
Barcelona
Cape Town
Denver
Geneva
London
Los Angeles
New York City
Prague
Toronto

Diesel (ML)

LPG (TJ)

Natural gas (TJ)

2094
256
724
197
51
1238
3212
637
281
2011

0
0.054
0
0
0
0
1699
0
0
0

0
131
0
0
0
0
4296
0
0
0

RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

Table 4: Jet fuel loaded onto planes at major airports in ten cities (Kennedy et al., 2010).
Cities
Bangkok
Barcelona
Cape Town
Denver
Geneva
London
Los Angeles
New York City
Prague
Toronto

Jet fuel (ML)

Airports

4293
1058
1211
326
294
9100
4202
5615
420
1830

Donmaung Airport
Barcelona Airport El Prat
Cape Town International Airport
Denver International Airport
Geneva International Airport
Heathrow and City Airports
LAX, BUR, and LGB Airports
JFK and LaGuardia Airports
Ruzyn Airport
Toronto Pearson Airport

At the sustainability front, consumers should play a greater role in spreading awareness on
carbon footprint reduction apart from policy makers and industrial operators. Public
awareness is the fundamental driving force for sustainability. It is a challenging commitment
but it lies at the core of sustainable urbanisation.

2.

Venue
Public awareness campaign:

Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) train

(Butterworth, PenangBangkok, Thailand)(Round trip)

Academic interaction/seminar: (a) Chulalongkorn University, Thailand

(b) Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Thailand

3.

Target Audience
Awareness campaign is targeted for commuters travelling on Keretapi Tanah Melayu
Berhad (KTMB) train from Butterworth, Penang to Bangkok, Thailand (to-and-fro) while
academic interaction involves postgraduates from USM, Chulalongkorn University, and AIT.

4.

Proposed Theme
Thank You for Leaving Your Carbon Footprints at Home!

5.

Conceptual Design
All activities are geared towards minimal yet cozy interaction concept, demonstrating a
creative and bold approach instilling environmental awareness among people from all
walks of life by showing appreciation.

RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

6.

Problem Statement
Transportation is one of the greatest greenhouse gases contributors towards global warming
especially for dense developing city, Bangkok. Low public preference for public
transportation utilization in developing countries has been an old time hurdle in promoting
carbon neutrality.

7.

Objectives
i. To promote public awareness on the importance of public transportation utilisation
towards global warming reduction
ii. To appreciate and encourage travellerss effort in reducing carbon footprint and
energy consumption by train commuting
iii. To galvanise intellectual collaboration between ASEAN universities in air pollution
research towards sustainability

8.

Scope of Work
RECAF raises public environmental awareness on carbon footprint reduction with public
transportation. This project focuses on several aspects as following:
(a) Awareness campaign on train during the 46-hour round trip from Butterworth,
Penang to Bangkok, Thailand.
(b) Academic interaction in Chulalongkorn University, Thailand.
(c) Academic seminar on air pollution research in AIT, Thailand.

9.

Date and Proposed Itinerary

Date/duration: 11-17 October, 2011, 7 days 6 nights
Proposed itinerary: Please refer to Appendix A.

RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

10. Budget
Proposed budget is estimated at RM 33,333.00 and sponsors will be sourced as much as
possible. Transportation and accommodation is the major expenditure with estimation of
RM 30,233.00. Therefore, we are forwarding a request for some sponsorship for 35
participants for this sustainability outreach project.
Table 5: Budget estimate

Item/Expenditure

Details

Anticipated
Revenue
(RM)

Participation fee

RM 300 x 35 persons

10,500.00

Transportation

Academic
Interaction/
Seminar

RECAF
Awareness
Campaign

Contingency
Allocation

Anticipated
Costs
(RM)

KTMB Train Ticket

(Butterworth-Bangkok)
(Round trip)
RM111.90 x 35 persons x 2 trips

7,833.00

Bus services (Bangkok & Pattaya)

(8 hours x 5 days)
RM 3000 x 5 days

15,000.00

Bus services
(USM Nibong Tebal - Butterworth)
(Round trip)
RM 100 x 2 trips

200.00

Accommodations
RM 100 x 18 rooms x 4 nights

7,200.00

Souvenirs
RM 50 x 5 pieces

250.00

Corporate shirts
RM60 x 35 pieces

2,100.00

Campaign T-shirts
RM 40 x 35 pieces

1,400.00

Campaign promotional items

Giveaways: RM 2 x 400 pieces x 2 trips
Banners: RM 150 x 2 pieces
Brochures: RM 1 x 400 pieces x 2 trips

2,700.00

Meals
Breakfast: RM 10 x 35 persons x 2 trips
Lunch: RM 15 x 35 persons x 2 trips
Dinner: RM 15 x 35 persons x 2 trips

3,150.00

Report printing and binding

RM 50 x 10 pieces

500.00

RM 100 x 35 participants

3,500.00

Grand Total

33,333.00

RECAF
Initiated
nitiated by ACEPRO USM

11. Advisory Personnel

Professor Dr. Hamidi Bin Abdul Aziz
Aziz,
Dean, School of Civil Engineering, USM.
Associate Professor Dr. Badorul Hisham Bin Abu Bakar,
Deputy Dean (Postgraduate and Research), School of Civil Engineering, USM.
Ahmad Zia Ul-Saufie Bin Mohamad Japeri
Japeri,
President, ACEPRO 2011.

12. Executive Personnel

PROJECT DIRECTOR
Lo Ming Rui

VICE PROJECT DIRECTOR I

Mohd Ariff B. Ahmad Nazri

SECRETARY
Nurul Izma Bt. Mohammed

PROGRAMME
ADVANCEMENT
COMMITTEE
Zul Azmi B. Mohtar
Mohd Hafiz B. Zawawi

LOGISTICS
COMMITTEE
Siti Zubaidah Bt. Ahmad
Mohd Khairul Azuan B.
Muhammad

VICE PROJECT DIRECTOR II

Younes Bagheri

TREASURER
Siti Khadijah Bt Esa

PUBLIC RELATIONS
SPONSORSHIP &
COMMITTEE
PROCUREMENT
COMMITTEE
Ng Soon Min
Nur Atiqah Bt. Ahmad
Ramadhansyah Putra
Awalluddin
Jaya
Mahyun Bt. Ab. Wahab Mohammadreza Samadi
Tavana

Figure 1: Organisation chart of the working committee.

13. Evaluation and Reflection

Outcomes of the campaign will be evaluated through random response sampling among
commuters. Random respon
response
se sampling is proposed to eliminate voluntary response bias
and avoid under-coverage
coverage bias, producing representative samples. Simple questionnaire
covering basic understanding of carbon footprint reduction practices and comments on
campaign execution will be designed. Responses sampled will be analysed statistically for
evaluation and reflection. Recommendations for future work could be drawn from the
reflection.
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RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

14. Endorsements
Prepared by,

(LO MING RUI)

Project Director,
Reduce Carbon Footprint Project 2011,
Association of Civil Engineering Postgraduate and Research Officers (ACEPRO),
School of Civil Engineering,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Engineering Campus.

Supported by,

(AHMAD ZIA UL-SAUFIE BIN MOHAMAD JAPERI)

President,
Association of Civil Engineering Postgraduate and Research Officers (ACEPRO),
School of Civil Engineering,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Engineering Campus.

Supported by,

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR. BADORUL HISHAM BIN ABU BAKAR

Deputy Dean (Postgraduate and Research),
School of Civil Engineering,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Engineering Campus.

Supported by,

PROFESSOR DR. HAMIDI ABDUL AZIZ

Dean,
School of Civil Engineering,
Universiti Sains Malaysia,
Engineering Campus.

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RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

15. References
AOSIS, 2009. Alliance of small island states (AOSIS) declaration on climate change.
Retrieved 20 June, 2011, from http://www.sidsnet.org/aosis/documents/AOSIS%20
Summit%20Declaration%20Sept%2021%20FINAL.pdf
Croci, E., Melandri, S., and Molteni, T., 2010. A comparative analysis of global city policies in
climate change mitigation: London, New York, Milan, Mexico City and Bangkok.
Working Paper n. 32. Centre for Research on Energy and Environmental Economics
and Policy (IEFE)
Dhakal, S., 2009. Urban energy use and carbon emissions from cities in China and policy
implications. Energy policy 37, 4208-4219.
Dodman, D., 2009. Blaming cities for climate change? An analysis of urban greenhouse gas
emissions inventories. Environment and Urbanization 2009 21: 185.
G8, 2009. Declaration of the leaders of the major economies forum on energy and climate.
Retrieved 20 June, 2011, from http://www.g8.utoronto.ca/summit/2009laquila/2009mef.pdf
Grenon, G., Martha, J., and Turner, M., 2008. How big is your carbon footprint?: Before you
can build an energy-efficient supply chain, you need to understand your
companys carbon emission. London: Booz Allen Hamilton Inc..
IPCC, 2007. Climate change 2007: Synthesis report. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University
Press.
Kennedy, C., Steinberger, J., Gasson, B., Hansen, Y., Hillman, T., Havrnek, M., Pataki, D.,
Phdungsilp, A., Ramaswami, A., and Mendez, G. V.. 2010. Methodology for
inventorying greenhouse gas emissions from global cities. Energy Policy 38 (2010),
4828-4837, doi:10.1016/j.enpol.2009.08.050.
Kennedy, C., Steinberger, J., Gasson, B., Hansen, Y., Hillman, T., Havrnek, M., Pataki, D.,
Phdungsilp, A., Ramaswami, A., and Mendez, G. V.. 2009. Greenhouse gas emissions
from global cities. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2009, 43, 7297-7302.
ROAP-UNEP, 2009. Eco facts: climate change in Bangkok. Bangkok: UNEP Regional Office or
the Asia Pacific. Retrieved 21 June, 2011, from: http://www.roap.unep.org/BARCC_
2009/BARCC_brief.pdf.
Schipper, L., Fabian, H., and Leather, J., 2009. Transport and carbon dioxide emissions:
Forecasts, options analysis, and evaluation. ADB Sustainable Development Working
Paper Series, No.9. Manila, Philippines: Asian Development Bank.
Scott, D., Peeters, P., and Gssling, S., 2010. Can tourism deliver its aspirational greenhouse
gas emission reduction targets?. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 18: 3, 393-408,
doi:10.1080/09669581003653542.
UNWTO-UNEP-WMO, 2008. Climate change and tourism: Responding to global challenges.
Madrid: UNWTO.

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RECAF
Initiated by ACEPRO USM

Appendix
Appendix A
Proposed Itinerary
DATE

11 Oct 2011
(Tue)

12 Oct 2011
(Wed)

13 Oct 2011
(Thu)

14 Oct 2011
(Fri)

15 Oct 2011
(Sat)

16 Oct 2011
(Sun)

17 Oct 2011
(Mon)

TIME

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS

12:00 MYT

Departure from USM Engineering Campus

13:30 MYT

Arrival at KTMB Butterworth Station

14:20 MYT

Depature from Butterworth, Penang

15:00 MYT

Launching of RECAF Awareness Campaign

10:30 ICT

Arrival at Bangkok (Hualomphong Station), Thailand

12:30 ICT

Lunch

14:00 ICT

Hotel check-in

16:00 ICT

Discussion/preparation work with representatives from

Chulalongkorn University and AIT

08:00 ICT

Academic visit to Chulalongkorn University

14:00 ICT

Postgraduate seminar at Chulalongkorn University

20:00 ICT

Rest and relaxation

08:00 ICT

Academic visit to Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), Klong

Luang, Pathumthani.

14:00 ICT

Environmental Colloquium at AIT

08:00 ICT

Departure from Bangkok

10:00 ICT

Arrival at Pattaya

11:00 ICT

Sightseeing around Pattaya

21:00 ICT

Hotel check-in

06:00 ICT

Departure from Pattaya

08:00 ICT

Arrival at Bangkok / Sightseeing in Bangkok

14:45 ICT

Departure from Bangkok (Hualomphong Station)

17:00 ICT

RECAF Awareness Campaign

14:00 MYT

Arrival at Butterworth Station

15:00 MYT

Departure from Butterworth

16:30 MYT

Arrival at USM Engineering Campus

12