Page 107 - Towards A Sustainable Future 2024

This project has allowed me to work alongside an actual company and with other students and
lecturers from other design discipline courses. I understood more about the environmental
issues, how carbon emission affects our environment, and how we work. During the work
process, I also learnt about a furniture manufacturer’s operation and the amount of waste
generated in this industry. Our idea is to upcycle the off-cut into something useful instead of
ending up as firewood.
Even though some of my earlier ideas were rejected due to their impracticality, I learned from
them and tried to refine the ideas better. I also got to apply my presentation skills as I was required
to present ideas to my teammates and the client. The experience of presenting our ideas to the
client also gave me a taste of working on a real-life project. I got to apply my technical skills in
CAD software to create visualisation and drawing files for prototyping. Both experiences have
Peh Zhi Rou developed my presentation, communication, and technical knowledge skills. I am grateful to be
involved in this project as it has given me good exposure to the working world.

I have a deep-seated interest in environmental issues and sustainable consumption practices.
Taking this initial step not only aligns with my convictions but also lays the foundation for
broader initiatives in the future. Our collaborative partner company grapples with a surplus of
off-cut wood from furniture fabrication. Initially, I contemplated selling these off-cuts to other
businesses, viewing it as a potential solution. However, upon reflection, I recognised that such
an approach merely transfers the burden elsewhere, failing to address the root issue. Thus, it
became imperative to devise a more sustainable strategy for utilising these materials.

An innovative solution emerged: integrating the off-cuts into our partner company’s existing
product line. This approach not only adds value to the company but also aligns with the ethos of
our project. It’s a symbiotic arrangement benefiting the company and the project initiator. I have
cultivated a newfound appreciation for wood as a natural resource by navigating the challenges
Muhammad Thaqif inherent in design and material selection. This experience has underscored the importance of
Bin Zulkifli conscientious material usage, reinforcing my commitment to sustainable practices.

References
1. https://www.secondcharmhome.com/
2. https://mtc.com.my/wizards/mtc_tud/index.php
3. Comparison of teak wood properties according to forest management: short versus long rotation | Annals of Forest
Science | Full Text (biomedcentral.com)
4. https://www.woodworks.org/resources/calculating-the-carbon-stored-in-wood-products/
5. https://www.paperonweb.com/A1110.htm
6. https://www.epa.gov/energy/greenhouse-gas-equivalencies-calculator#results
7. https://youtu.be/m20IKVGQNNE

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