From the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation to agriculture and the manufacturing of goods, human activities have pushed greenhouse gas emissions to new levels. This has resulted in climate change, a phenomenon that has brought about complex challenges and serious consequences for humankind and the cities we live in.
On top of climate change, global events like the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts have also heightened the importance of building resilient cities for a more sustainable future.
With the aim of fostering a resilient city that’s able to overcome future shocks, both the public and private sectors have come together to create innovative solutions that promote sustainability, equity, diversity, and inclusion for the wellbeing of our planet and people.
1. Protecting coral reefs
By 2030, an estimated 90 percent of coral reefs around the world will be threatened by a combination of stressors, including climate change. This is expected to hit 100 percent by 2050 if no action is taken. Reefs are critically important ecosystems, supporting 25 percent of all marine life in the ocean and providing homes for a diverse range of biodiversity.
To help protect the world’s reefs, AECOM has partnered with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to set up the Resilient Reefs initiative, a unique programme that is designed to help UNESCO World Heritage-listed coral reefs develop and implement resilience strategies. The purpose of the initiative is to accelerate the development of creative solutions that address the challenges faced by coral reefs.
2. Ensuring a reliable source of water supply in Singapore
The Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant (KMEDP), formally launched in February 2021, is an innovative large-scale desalination facility and a public private partnership between Keppel Infrastructure and PUB Singapore.
Located close to the urban catchment Marina area and the sea, the KMEDP, with engineering design support by AECOM, is the world’s first dual-mode desalination plant built with the ability to treat up to 137,000 m3 of freshwater and sea water each day, depending on weather conditions.
The KMEDP is set to incorporate environmentally friendly features such as rainwater harvesting and is an important and crucial infrastructure that has the potential to be a reliable source of water supply for Singapore.
3. Transformation of a traditional facility
Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works (SWHSTW), the first large-scale secondary sewage treatment in Hong Kong, is currently in the works of being transformed into Shek Wu Hui Effluent Polishing Plant (SWHEPP) by 2034.
Commissioned by the Drainage Services Department of the HKSAR Government, AECOM provides consultancy services for SWHEPP to become the largest tertiary sewage treatment plant in Hong Kong. When completed, it is expected to address future development needs from population growth while increasing effluent quality to meet stringent discharge standards.
Showcasing how digital solutions can help build a more liveable future, a series of innovative technologies, smart site management systems, and hi-tech devices have been adopted during construction. In fact, the SWHEPP is one of the first Government projects in the city’s construction sector to apply blockchain technology to form a single platform for multiple construction contracts.
FastTrack CityHack, a stirring weekend filled with creativity and innovation
Inspired and have an idea that you think could help solve the challenges we are facing today? You’re just the person we’re looking for!
FastTrack CityHack is finally making its way to Singapore’s shores on 25-27 November 2022. This is your chance to brainstorm solutions that will complement the nation’s transformative objectives and actions in building a better and resilient Singapore.
With the mentorship and guidance of over 40 industry experts, team up and innovate with other like-minded creative thinkers and doers to bring your vision to life.