Sustainable innovation, a concept that transcends borders, is the intentional and continuous improvement of products, processes, and workforce to generate long-term social and environmental benefits while creating economic profits. It is a global effort to meet the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. In the context of smart cities, sustainable innovation is crucial for fostering a brighter, more sustainable future for all.
Understanding Sustainable Innovation
Defining Sustainable Innovation
Sustainable innovation transcends traditional innovation by incorporating environmental sustainability into the entire product lifecycle. From design and manufacturing to service and end-of-life disposal, this comprehensive approach ensures that new products and processes not only meet specific requirements but also minimise environmental impact and enhance social benefits. This practical application of sustainable innovation is key to creating a more sustainable future.
Why Is Sustainable Innovation Important?
Sustainable innovation is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of business growth and profitability. The ability to accurately report on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics is becoming a critical business need as companies across industries commit to net-zero paths and greater transparency. Advanced technologies offer businesses opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of their products and services, achieve significant material, energy, and waste savings, and improve operational efficiency and safety.
Research by Richard Adams and colleagues categorises sustainable innovation into three broad areas:
- Operational Optimisation: Improving operational processes to reduce environmental and social impacts without fundamentally changing the business model. This can include using renewable energy, reducing packaging, and enhancing eco-efficiency.
- Organisational Transformation: Creating new products and services that meet societal needs and benefit the environment, shifting from “doing less harm” to “doing good by doing new things.”
- Systems Building: Collaborating with other organisations is a key pillar of sustainable innovation. It’s about creating positive impacts on people and the planet, and it recognises that sustainability is a collective effort. This collaborative approach is what makes sustainable innovation so powerful and promising.
Sustainability In Sarawak
The Sarawak Digital Economy Strategy 2030, part of the broader Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030), outlines the state’s vision to become a developed society driven by data and innovation by 2030. Anchored on six economic sectors and supported by seven enablers, including digital transformation and renewable energy, the strategy aims to foster economic prosperity, social inclusivity, and environmental sustainability. Central to this vision is the integration of sustainable innovation to ensure resilient and sustainable growth.
Sarawak’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its emphasis on green and circular economies as drivers of development. Policies encouraging investment in sustainable technologies and practices are seen as essential for building a resilient economy that can withstand future shocks, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. By focusing on inclusivity, well-being, emission reduction, biodiversity conservation, and supply chain circularity, Sarawak aims to create a more sustainable and prosperous future.
The Research Ecosystem at Swinburne Sarawak
Swinburne Sarawak is home to three major research centres: the Centre for Digital Futures, the Centre for Innovative Society, and the Centre for Sustainable Technologies.
These centres are not just academic institutions; they are drivers of change. Their projects extend beyond the realm of academic publications, aiming to make tangible impacts on industry and community. By closely engaging with industry stakeholders and local communities, these centres ensure their research projects address real-world challenges and create lasting benefits. Their involvement and support are invaluable contributions to Sarawak’s development agenda.
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital culture and sustainability, the Centre for Sustainable Technologies (CST) at Swinburne Sarawak stands as a beacon of cutting-edge research and development. Under the visionary leadership of Prof. Jaka, a chemical engineer and electrochemist by training, CST has been a trailblazer in pioneering projects that integrate technological innovation with sustainable practices since 2018.
Through a diverse team of experts from various engineering disciplines, including chemical, civil, mechanical, electrical, robotics, and mechatronics, as well as biotechnology, they closely collaborate with Sarawak state stakeholders and top international partners to solve industry-specific problems through research and development tailored to their needs. Their work is not just about innovation, but about shaping a sustainable future.
Focus Areas of Research
CST’s research encompasses several critical areas that are vital for sustainable development:
CST’s research areas are not only academically rigorous but also strategically aligned to tackle pressing real-world challenges, particularly those relevant to Sarawak and the broader region. By focusing on sustainability-driven projects, CST is directly contributing to the resolution of Sarawak’s journey towards self-efficiency and better livelihood for all.
Current Projects and Collaborations
CST has embarked on several key projects that demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and innovation:
- Circular Economy Initiatives: One of CST’s flagship projects involves collaboration with Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB) to convert coal fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion, into construction materials. This initiative not only helps manage industrial waste but also supports sustainable infrastructure development by repurposing fly ash for road pavement and other construction uses. The project is currently ongoing and is entering the next phase with local industry partners.
- Hydrogen Economy: CST plays a significant role in Sarawak’s ambitious hydrogen economy project. The centre supports the development of hydrogen fuel-cell buses and refuelling stations. They completed a six-month techno-economic analysis with SEDC, guiding the establishment of significant hydrogen production plants in Bintulu. These efforts contribute to Sarawak’s goal of integrating hydrogen fuel technology into public transportation and industry.
- Waste-to-Wealth Biomass Projects: CST is focused on converting palm oil biomass into high-value products through processes like pyrolysis and torrefaction. These processes produce biogas, bio-oils, and biochar, reducing agricultural waste and creating valuable resources. Current projects include catalytic wet torrefaction of oil palm biomass and lignin extraction from local biomass aimed at enhancing the economic value and sustainability of palm oil production.
Notable Collaborations
CST’s success is bolstered by strong collaborations with a wide array of industry and research partners:
Energy Sector Partners:
- PETRONAS Research Sdn. Bhd.: Collaboration on developing a methane reactor for CO2 separation from flue gas to produce syngas.
- Sarawak Economic Development Corporation Energy (SEDC) Sdn. Bhd.: Joint projects on hydrogen economy initiatives.
- National University of Singapore, Curtin University Malaysia, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Tiangong University, Shandong University of Technology, National Research and Innovation Agency Indonesia, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Widya Mandala Surabaya Catholic University Indonesia: Collaborative research on various energy projects.
Agricultural and Environmental Partners:
- Sarawak Timber Association, TKK Agriculture Development Sdn. Bhd., PSN Management Sdn. Bhd., Cahya Mata Sarawak, Sarawak Research and Development Council (SRDC): Joint projects on sustainable agriculture and environmental management.
- University of East Anglia, Coventry University, University Malaysia Sarawak, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kyushu University, Kagoshima University, University of the Philippines Diliman, University of Bremen, CSIRO, NTU, NUS: International collaborations on environmental research funded by various international agencies.
Rural and Urban Development Partners:
- Jabatan Kerja Raya (JKR) Sarawak, Sarawak Energy Berhad (SEB), Trienekens Sarawak Sdn. Bhd., Hilti (M) Sdn. Bhd., Hock Seng Lee (HSL) Berhad, Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia (Sarawak), PCSS Consultancy Sdn. Bhd., Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation (STIDC): Collaborative efforts on rural and urban infrastructure projects.
Centre Updates and Ongoing Projects
CST continues to make strides in various research areas with ongoing projects such as:
1. Circular Economy:
- Fly Ash Utilisation: The SEB fly ash project converts fly ash into construction materials. Collaborations with local industries aim to harness fly ash from the Balingian power station for road pavement and refined products like tiles.
2. Hydrogen Economy:
- Techno-Economic Analysis: CST completed a comprehensive analysis to guide local government and investors on hydrogen production technologies. This analysis supports Sarawak’s hydrogen production plants, H2biscus and H2ornbill, providing a roadmap for hydrogen economy development.
3. Biomass Waste-to-Wealth:
- Catalytic Wet Torrefaction: Projects focusing on the catalytic wet torrefaction of oil palm biomass and bio-oil production via catalytic co-pyrolysis. These initiatives aim to maximise the economic value of palm oil biomass.
- Lignin Extraction: Research on extracting lignin from local biomass using Low Transition Temperature Mixtures (LTTM), with potential applications in pyrolysis.
4. Miscellaneous Projects:
- Petronas CO2 Methane Reactor Project: Developing a new reactor for CO2 separation and syngas production, funded by Petronas.
Notable Mentions
- Microtunnelling in Kuching: CST is pioneering micro-tunnelling techniques for the Kuching Wastewater Management System. This method involves constructing a network of trunk sewers using trenchless technology. The project addresses challenges such as variable geological conditions and pipe-jacking forces, ensuring sustainable and efficient wastewater management.
- Geopolymer Concrete Technology: CST is researching geopolymer concrete using fly ash as a sustainable alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). This research aims to reduce environmental pollution and the disposal problem of fly ash while providing a low-carbon, durable construction material.
- Riverine Infrastructure: The centre is studying the impact of riverbank soil movement and geomorphological changes on riverine infrastructure. This research aims to improve the resilience and sustainability of structures like jetties, ferry ramps, wharves, and bridges.
- Bio-soil Development: CST is developing bio-soil using Microbially Induced Calcite Precipitation (MICP) technology. This project utilises local bacteria from Sarawak to improve soil properties, integrating microbiology, geochemistry, and civil engineering.
- Ground Improvement Methods: Research on innovative ground improvement methods, such as floating stone columns, to treat thick deposits of soft clay. This project aims to enhance the bearing capacity and stability of soft soils, which are common in floodplains and riverbanks.
Future Prospects and Goals
CST aims to continue its trajectory of impactful research and innovation with several future projects and goals:
- Expanding Biomass Waste-to-Wealth Projects: The centre seeks strong industry partnerships to further progress in converting palm oil biomass into valuable products.
- Hydrogen Production Projects: New hydrogen production projects are in the planning stages, aligning with Sarawak’s Post-Covid Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS).
- Patent and Commercialisation: CST aims to patent and commercialise new formulations and technologies, such as the one-mix fly ash formulation for construction, which simplifies on-site usage similar to ready-mix concrete.
The Centre for Sustainable Technologies at Swinburne Sarawak exemplifies how academic research can intersect with industry and community needs to drive sustainable innovation. Through their multidisciplinary approach and strong industry partnerships, CST is not only solving contemporary problems but also paving the way for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future. Prof. Jaka and his team continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, making significant strides for Sarawak in its journey towards a greener, more sustainable world.
As we journey towards a more sustainable future, let the strategic vision outlined in Sarawak’s Digital Economy Strategy 2030 and Post-COVID Development Strategy 2030 guide our actions. Let us not only strive to adopt sustainable practices but also actively seek opportunities to contribute to the sustainable innovation ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, aspiring researcher, or industry leader, consider joining CST’s mission by exploring opportunities for collaboration and employment. Together, let’s heed the call to create a more sustainable and prosperous Sarawak.
