Cambodia's Air: Strategies For Pollution Reduction

Cambodia, a Southeast Asian country known for its temples of Angkor Wat and the architecture of Siem Reap, is facing a growing problem with air pollution. The country's rapid economic growth and energy consumption have led to increased air pollution, primarily from transport, electricity generation, industry, and residential development. In response, Cambodia has developed its first Clean Air Plan, which aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality. This plan includes measures such as raising vehicle emission standards and improving cookstoves, with the goal of reducing pollutants and improving the health of its citizens, especially children and young people, who are more vulnerable to the effects of air pollution.

Reducing vehicle usage

Cambodia's Clean Air Plan aims to reduce air pollution by targeting vehicle emissions and imports. The country has seen a rapid increase in the number of registered vehicles, with a rise of around 65% between 2015 and 2019. This increase in vehicle usage has contributed to higher pollution levels, particularly in the capital city of Phnom Penh. To address this issue, the Clean Air Plan includes several strategies:

Raising vehicle emission standards

The plan aims to implement stricter emission standards for vehicles, reducing the amount of pollutants released into the atmosphere. This includes transitioning to newer, less polluting vehicles that meet European Union standards.

Limiting the age of imported cars

Cambodia has been importing substantial numbers of used vehicles, which are often over 10 years old and significant contributors to air pollution. By limiting the age of imported cars, the country can reduce the number of older, more polluting vehicles on the road.

Encouraging alternative forms of transportation

Promoting alternative forms of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or using public transportation, can help reduce the number of personal vehicles on the road. Investing in public transportation infrastructure, such as buses, trains, or carpool lanes, can make these options more accessible and attractive to commuters.

Implementing traffic management strategies

Traffic management strategies, such as improving road infrastructure and traffic flow, can help reduce congestion and idling times, thereby decreasing vehicle emissions. This includes improving road design, implementing one-way streets, or introducing traffic signal systems that optimize traffic flow.

Promoting remote work and virtual meetings

Encouraging remote work and virtual meetings can help reduce commute times and the overall number of vehicles on the road. Businesses can be incentivized to offer remote work options, and public awareness campaigns can highlight the environmental benefits of virtual meetings.

Improving vehicle maintenance and inspection

Regular vehicle maintenance and inspection programs can ensure that vehicles are operating efficiently and within emission standards. This includes checking tire pressure, engine tuning, and emissions control technology. Offering incentives for electric or hybrid vehicles can also help reduce emissions.

Limiting the age of imported cars

Cambodia's Clean Air Plan, launched in January 2022, outlines a strategy to address the country's current and future emissions. One of the key goals of this plan is to limit the age of imported cars, transitioning Cambodia's automotive fleet to newer, less polluting vehicles that meet stringent European Union (EU) standards. This measure is particularly important given that Cambodia is a significant importer of used vehicles, which are typically over 10 years old and are major contributors to air pollution and climate emissions.

Cambodia's vehicle fleet is rapidly growing, with a 65% increase in registered vehicles between 2015 and 2019. This growth is a major driver of the country's urban pollution problem. By limiting the age of imported cars, Cambodia can ensure that only newer, less polluting vehicles are added to its fleet, reducing the overall emissions from the transport sector.

The benefits of transitioning to newer vehicles are twofold. Firstly, newer vehicles are typically equipped with more advanced emissions control technologies, which can significantly reduce the release of harmful pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter. Secondly, newer vehicles are more fuel-efficient, which not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also lowers fuel costs for vehicle owners.

It is worth noting that while limiting the age of imported cars is a crucial step, it should be coupled with other measures to further reduce emissions from the transport sector. For example, the Clean Air Plan also aims to raise standards for vehicle emissions across the board, ensuring that all vehicles on Cambodia's roads, not just imported ones, meet stringent pollution standards. Additionally, encouraging the use of alternative fuel vehicles, such as electric or hybrid cars, can further reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Improving cookstoves

The ACE 1 stove is available for bulk purchase through The Stove Auction in Cambodia, with the sale subsidised by SNV and C-Quest Capital. The auction was set up to stimulate the emerging market for improved stoves in Cambodia, bridging the gap between manufacturing and marketing and sales.

Financing is also available for end users who are not distributors. Stoves are sold using a payment scheme typically arranged with a $25 down payment and $7 monthly instalments for 12 months. Non-profits play a role in educating families about the health risks of smoke exposure, helping to calculate existing cooking costs and providing ongoing service, follow-up support, and training on safe food preparation and nutrition.

The Royal Government of Cambodia has regulated air pollutant emissions and concentrations since 2000, but rapid economic growth and energy consumption mean that air pollution continues to impact human health. Cambodia's Clean Air Plan outlines actions to reduce air pollutant emissions over the next decade, with the goal of improving air quality and public health.

Transitioning to biogas for cooking

Cambodia's transition to biogas for cooking is an important step in reducing the country's air pollution levels. Here are some key paragraphs on this topic:

Paragraph 1: Benefits of Biogas for Cooking

Biogas installations offer a sustainable and clean energy solution for rural Cambodians, who often lack access to modern energy sources like gas and electricity. Traditional cooking methods using wood fires are harmful to health, expensive, and time-consuming. Biogas, produced from cow dung, provides an efficient and eco-friendly alternative.

Paragraph 2: Improving Indoor Air Quality

The use of biogas has a direct positive impact on indoor air quality, especially for women and children, who are particularly vulnerable to the high concentrations of pollutants emitted by wood-burning stoves. By reducing indoor air pollution, biogas improves respiratory health and overall living conditions.

Paragraph 3: Environmental Benefits

Biogas installations combat climate change and deforestation by reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal. The bio-slurry, a byproduct of biogas production, serves as an organic fertilizer, boosting agricultural production and improving soil structure without the negative environmental impacts of chemical fertilizers.

Paragraph 4: Social and Economic Impact

Biogas improves the lives of women and children, who no longer need to spend excessive time collecting firewood. This frees up time for education, employment, and social activities, strengthening their position within families and society. Additionally, the shift to biogas reduces the global number of deaths associated with indoor air pollution from open-fire cooking.

Paragraph 5: Technical Aspects and Challenges

Cambodia has recognized the potential of biogas, with initiatives like the National Biodigester Programme. However, one challenge is the cost of household-sized biogas plants, which remain out of reach for poorer families. Nevertheless, with income from CO2 certificates and microcredits, some households are able to finance these plants, and local entrepreneurs are being trained to build and maintain the installations.

Reducing construction pollution

Cambodia's first Clean Air Plan, published in 2021, outlines actions to reduce air pollutant emissions over the next decade. The plan identifies construction as a major contributor to air pollution.

Use Greener Fuel and Local Sources

Construction companies should aim to use sustainable sources of fuel and prioritise local suppliers. This reduces fuel emissions from travel time and lowers the carbon footprint of materials. Using low-sulphur diesel to power equipment and vehicles is another way to reduce emissions.

Repurpose Buildings

Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, repurposing existing buildings significantly reduces air pollution as there is no large-scale physical construction and land clearance involved.

Upgrade Machinery

Older machinery can cause high levels of pollution. Hybrid technology can help lower fuel consumption and emissions, thus reducing the environmental impact. Adopting hybrid technology in place of diesel-powered diggers and excavators is one way to do this.

Use Targeted Monitoring Services

Having accurate and real-time data on on-site emissions helps construction companies understand the impact of their activities. Services like EMSOL provide real-time data on pollution sources, allowing companies to take quick action to improve the situation.

Use Water Sprays or Sprinklers

Using water sprays or sprinklers to control dust can be beneficial during tasks such as skip filling or concrete breaking. This prevents dust from spreading and becoming airborne.

Explore Recycling Options

Exploring industrial recycling options can help reduce waste. Builders should follow programmes like the EPA's Industrial Recycling Program, which focuses on recycling construction waste and debris.

Use Environmentally Friendly Tools, Products, and Materials

Using eco-friendly tools, products, and materials can minimise waste and energy consumption on construction sites. Wienerberger, for example, offers green building solutions for walls, roofs, and facades.

Protect Ecological Resources

Construction work should aim to minimise harm to animals and marine life in the area. The goal should be to complete projects within the timeline while using eco-friendly processes and creating the least amount of environmental impact.

Source Local Materials

Sourcing materials locally reduces the need for transportation, thereby lowering fuel emissions and the carbon footprint.

Use Quiet Power Tools and Equipment

Using quieter tools and equipment can help manage noise pollution, reducing stress, sleep disturbance, and high blood pressure in nearby residents.

Schedule Work During Sociable Hours

Working during the day, when residents are less likely to be sleeping, can help minimise the impact of noise pollution on the local community.

Put Acoustic Barriers in Place

Movable noise barriers can help manage noise pollution levels and reduce the impact on both workers and local residents.

Improve Machinery and Maintenance

Upgrading machinery and ensuring proper maintenance can reduce emissions and pollution. Using particulate filters and catalytic converters can also help improve air quality.

Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Using the correct PPE, such as respiratory protective equipment (RPE), can help protect workers from inhaling harmful pollutants.

Manage Waste

Properly managing and disposing of waste is crucial. All waste should be correctly dealt with to prevent it from spreading or ending up in waterways. This includes covering drains and keeping roads and footpaths clean to prevent silt and pollutant runoff.

Monitor and Treat Wastewater

Any wastewater produced should be properly collected and treated to prevent water body pollution.

By implementing these strategies, construction companies in Cambodia can play a crucial role in reducing air pollution and improving the country's air quality.

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