ID :
86858
Fri, 10/30/2009 - 16:01
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/86858
The shortlink copeid
GERMANY GETS IT GOING GREEN
Ummi Nadiah Rosli
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The wheels of his bicycle races on the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur as cars honk along the congested lanes during peak hour madness.
He navigates through the rough terrains of the city landscape - avoiding the
potholes, slowing down for pedestrians and careful to distance himself away from
the oncoming traffic.
He takes this route everyday to work, cycling by houses, apartments and
skyscrapers, noticeably the iconic Petronas Twin Towers located just a few
blocks away from his workplace.
Taking only 10 minutes to reach his building, it was another triumphant
morning as he managed to escape the traffic nightmare experienced by others on
the road. Wiping off the beads of sweat on his forehead, he locks his bicycle
then fixes his tie and suit. Upon entering the office a staff greets, "Good
Morning Your Excellency!".
Now how many diplomatic officials can claim that they travel to work on
sheer pedal power? German Ambassador Dr Guenter Georg Gruber definitely can.
THE GREEN AMBASSADOR
It is a common understanding that Germans are obsessed with punctuality, but
that doesn't prevent Dr Gruber from arriving to work, business meetings or
official functions with wheels of a different kind.
Discarding the more stylish rides available from the fast cars that his
country is famous for, Dr Gruber insists on reducing his carbon footprint by
engaging in a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
"If I took my car to the office, it can take me close to an hour to reach
there compared to when I cycle, which takes only 10 minutes. Less fuel, less
time and less headache," said the 61 year-old Ambassador. And he is not the only
one with headaches.
Malaysia has one of the highest rates of Single-Occupancy Vehicles (SOV) in
the world. According to a report issued in 2007, about 65 to 70 per cent of the
cars entering the city were SOV. About 125,000 vehicles i.e. 65 per cent (on
average) of vehicles that crosses the MRRII highway during the morning and
evening peak hours are SOV.
The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur Ahmad Fuad Ismail estimates that currently
over a million motorists mostly SOV drive into the city daily. These vehicles
which travel with very low efficiency, attribute to congestion and green house
gas emission.
Dr. Gruber stated, "I also cycle to functions that are nearby my office
(located at Jalan Tun Razak). But what's funny is that when I arrive at the
hotel valets along with the other fancy cars, I'm told I can't park my bicycle
there. Even after I tell them I'm an Ambassador!".
MADE IN GERMANY
The Ambassador might receive curious stares when he cycles to work here, but
his environmental fervour is nothing strange to the German community.
The green wave which hit their shores in the 1970s continues its momentum
till today, affecting generations of Germans with advanced thinking in the green
revolution.
Germany is considered the world leader in renewables and energy leading the
sustainable industry revolution. Its green technology benefits and its companies
has helped to influence the global environment by setting a good example for a
developed nation.
In 2007, Germany was the ‘world champion’ in energy saving, whereby it
registered the world’s largest decline in energy consumption.
The European country is also number one in the fields of photovoltaics and
wind energy. Meanwhile renewables, make up more than 15 per cent of domestic
electricity production and it has a 10 per cent share of global renewables
market in 2008, with a target of increasing it to 20 per cent by 2020.
Germany raked 29 billion Euro (RM143 billion) in revenues in 2008 from this
industry, and over 9 billion Euro (RM 44 billion) in exports and over 13 billion
Euro (RM 64 billion) in domestic investments.
They also lead in the research and development of green technology worldwide
with over 15 billion Euro (RM74 billion) in government investment. The renewable
sector also employed some 280,000 employees in 2008, a number they hope to push
to 400,000 by 2020.
MALAYSIA CAN BE A ROLE MODEL
Amidst all the successes achieved by Germany in promoting green technology,
Dr Gruber was quick to add that it has been a long journey for the country.
"It took 40 years for Germany to develop effective green policies, and we
are still improving our ways to promote a more sustainable industry. Back in the
1960's Germany was occupied with growth, building our economy at whatever cost.
We exhausted our natural resources, and didn't care about our forest and rivers.
The breakthrough happened in the 1970's when grassroot movement pushed for
greener policies, subsequently the German Green Party was founded in 1980,
running on a predominantly environmental platform and it achieved national
prominence.
The success of the Green party, he said, was more than political. It
ingrained in the mindset of Germans to be more environmentally conscious and to
vote for greener policies.
"In a way, Malaysia today is reminiscent of Germany in the 70's. The country
is on the brink of a green revolution and I think Malaysia can be a role model
for others in forging the way. Malaysia, having one of the richest
biodiversities in the world could become a key player. You have everything -
water, sun, natural resources", he remarked.
GREEN IS IN
Malaysia has already kick-started several bilateral partnerships with some
of German's flagship enterprises in the green industry.
Major investments by German companies include the joint venture with
Q-cells, the world's largest manufacturer of photovoltaic cells. Its factory at
Selangor Science Park started operating this year producing solar cells for
the world market.
With an investment of 1 billion, Euro Q-cells will also provide solar cells
for the state of Selangor for the use of a township comprising of a quarter
million people over the next 10 years.
Other German players are also making their presence felt in Malaysia through
collaborations in biofuel innovations and transfer of technology for green
building (architecture). Additionally, courses in sustainable development are
being introduced in local universities by German varsities.
"There's a lot that Malaysia can do in this industry since saving energy is
not a burden, but a chance for a new market and more employment opportunities.
Fossil fuels are limited, so energy saved is the best source of energy."
The country can invest in the insulation of homes and buildings, lay the
groundwork for renewable energy sources in the industrial and agricultural
sectors as well as improve on the public transportation, among others," Dr
Gruber said.
He added that the government could also support energy-efficient programmes,
including providing research grants, renewable energy export initiative, energy
efficiency export initiative and others.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
Glancing at the Twin Towers from his high-rise office, Dr Gruber commented
that even though he hopes that the green wave will speed up in Malaysia, Germany
understands that countries have the right to develop.
"Germany will not tell Malaysia what to do. We are here to share experiences
and to bring like-minded Malaysians for the green cause.
Germany is willing to go the extra mile, and we have the track record to
prove our green commitment. In 2007, 8 per cent of our GDP came from
environmental technology and we aim to boost it to 14 per cent by 2020. We want
to further reduce our energy consumption by 25 to 30 per cent."
A pioneer in green technology, Dr Gruber stated that Germany sees the
potential for Malaysia to join the ranks of the industry's front-runners like
Voith (whose turbines and generators generate a third of the world's
hydroelectric power), and Bosch-Siemens, Osram and Miele (which produce
efficient household devices).
"The demand for green technology is growing, and the faster Malaysia joins
the bandwagon, the better the quality of life for all Malaysians. Alternatives
are always there for us, but are we up to take the challenge?".
In the meantime, if you happen to see Dr Gruber cycling around the streets
of Kuala Lumpur, do not forget to say hello, or as the Germans say 'Guten tag!'.
-- BERNAMA
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The wheels of his bicycle races on the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur as cars honk along the congested lanes during peak hour madness.
He navigates through the rough terrains of the city landscape - avoiding the
potholes, slowing down for pedestrians and careful to distance himself away from
the oncoming traffic.
He takes this route everyday to work, cycling by houses, apartments and
skyscrapers, noticeably the iconic Petronas Twin Towers located just a few
blocks away from his workplace.
Taking only 10 minutes to reach his building, it was another triumphant
morning as he managed to escape the traffic nightmare experienced by others on
the road. Wiping off the beads of sweat on his forehead, he locks his bicycle
then fixes his tie and suit. Upon entering the office a staff greets, "Good
Morning Your Excellency!".
Now how many diplomatic officials can claim that they travel to work on
sheer pedal power? German Ambassador Dr Guenter Georg Gruber definitely can.
THE GREEN AMBASSADOR
It is a common understanding that Germans are obsessed with punctuality, but
that doesn't prevent Dr Gruber from arriving to work, business meetings or
official functions with wheels of a different kind.
Discarding the more stylish rides available from the fast cars that his
country is famous for, Dr Gruber insists on reducing his carbon footprint by
engaging in a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
"If I took my car to the office, it can take me close to an hour to reach
there compared to when I cycle, which takes only 10 minutes. Less fuel, less
time and less headache," said the 61 year-old Ambassador. And he is not the only
one with headaches.
Malaysia has one of the highest rates of Single-Occupancy Vehicles (SOV) in
the world. According to a report issued in 2007, about 65 to 70 per cent of the
cars entering the city were SOV. About 125,000 vehicles i.e. 65 per cent (on
average) of vehicles that crosses the MRRII highway during the morning and
evening peak hours are SOV.
The Mayor of Kuala Lumpur Ahmad Fuad Ismail estimates that currently
over a million motorists mostly SOV drive into the city daily. These vehicles
which travel with very low efficiency, attribute to congestion and green house
gas emission.
Dr. Gruber stated, "I also cycle to functions that are nearby my office
(located at Jalan Tun Razak). But what's funny is that when I arrive at the
hotel valets along with the other fancy cars, I'm told I can't park my bicycle
there. Even after I tell them I'm an Ambassador!".
MADE IN GERMANY
The Ambassador might receive curious stares when he cycles to work here, but
his environmental fervour is nothing strange to the German community.
The green wave which hit their shores in the 1970s continues its momentum
till today, affecting generations of Germans with advanced thinking in the green
revolution.
Germany is considered the world leader in renewables and energy leading the
sustainable industry revolution. Its green technology benefits and its companies
has helped to influence the global environment by setting a good example for a
developed nation.
In 2007, Germany was the ‘world champion’ in energy saving, whereby it
registered the world’s largest decline in energy consumption.
The European country is also number one in the fields of photovoltaics and
wind energy. Meanwhile renewables, make up more than 15 per cent of domestic
electricity production and it has a 10 per cent share of global renewables
market in 2008, with a target of increasing it to 20 per cent by 2020.
Germany raked 29 billion Euro (RM143 billion) in revenues in 2008 from this
industry, and over 9 billion Euro (RM 44 billion) in exports and over 13 billion
Euro (RM 64 billion) in domestic investments.
They also lead in the research and development of green technology worldwide
with over 15 billion Euro (RM74 billion) in government investment. The renewable
sector also employed some 280,000 employees in 2008, a number they hope to push
to 400,000 by 2020.
MALAYSIA CAN BE A ROLE MODEL
Amidst all the successes achieved by Germany in promoting green technology,
Dr Gruber was quick to add that it has been a long journey for the country.
"It took 40 years for Germany to develop effective green policies, and we
are still improving our ways to promote a more sustainable industry. Back in the
1960's Germany was occupied with growth, building our economy at whatever cost.
We exhausted our natural resources, and didn't care about our forest and rivers.
The breakthrough happened in the 1970's when grassroot movement pushed for
greener policies, subsequently the German Green Party was founded in 1980,
running on a predominantly environmental platform and it achieved national
prominence.
The success of the Green party, he said, was more than political. It
ingrained in the mindset of Germans to be more environmentally conscious and to
vote for greener policies.
"In a way, Malaysia today is reminiscent of Germany in the 70's. The country
is on the brink of a green revolution and I think Malaysia can be a role model
for others in forging the way. Malaysia, having one of the richest
biodiversities in the world could become a key player. You have everything -
water, sun, natural resources", he remarked.
GREEN IS IN
Malaysia has already kick-started several bilateral partnerships with some
of German's flagship enterprises in the green industry.
Major investments by German companies include the joint venture with
Q-cells, the world's largest manufacturer of photovoltaic cells. Its factory at
Selangor Science Park started operating this year producing solar cells for
the world market.
With an investment of 1 billion, Euro Q-cells will also provide solar cells
for the state of Selangor for the use of a township comprising of a quarter
million people over the next 10 years.
Other German players are also making their presence felt in Malaysia through
collaborations in biofuel innovations and transfer of technology for green
building (architecture). Additionally, courses in sustainable development are
being introduced in local universities by German varsities.
"There's a lot that Malaysia can do in this industry since saving energy is
not a burden, but a chance for a new market and more employment opportunities.
Fossil fuels are limited, so energy saved is the best source of energy."
The country can invest in the insulation of homes and buildings, lay the
groundwork for renewable energy sources in the industrial and agricultural
sectors as well as improve on the public transportation, among others," Dr
Gruber said.
He added that the government could also support energy-efficient programmes,
including providing research grants, renewable energy export initiative, energy
efficiency export initiative and others.
TIME IS RUNNING OUT
Glancing at the Twin Towers from his high-rise office, Dr Gruber commented
that even though he hopes that the green wave will speed up in Malaysia, Germany
understands that countries have the right to develop.
"Germany will not tell Malaysia what to do. We are here to share experiences
and to bring like-minded Malaysians for the green cause.
Germany is willing to go the extra mile, and we have the track record to
prove our green commitment. In 2007, 8 per cent of our GDP came from
environmental technology and we aim to boost it to 14 per cent by 2020. We want
to further reduce our energy consumption by 25 to 30 per cent."
A pioneer in green technology, Dr Gruber stated that Germany sees the
potential for Malaysia to join the ranks of the industry's front-runners like
Voith (whose turbines and generators generate a third of the world's
hydroelectric power), and Bosch-Siemens, Osram and Miele (which produce
efficient household devices).
"The demand for green technology is growing, and the faster Malaysia joins
the bandwagon, the better the quality of life for all Malaysians. Alternatives
are always there for us, but are we up to take the challenge?".
In the meantime, if you happen to see Dr Gruber cycling around the streets
of Kuala Lumpur, do not forget to say hello, or as the Germans say 'Guten tag!'.
-- BERNAMA
