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Running head: PINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Principles of Sustainability
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1PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Executive Summary
This report focuses on the theories of sustainability of energy sources in Australia and
Malaysia. The report compares and contrasts on different methods of sustainability of water
and other energy sources. These methods include the regulations and initiative taken by the
Government, the chief scientific explorations and technical innovation of the mentioned
nations. The report ends with a comparison and critical assessment of the measures taken by
both the countries to conserve both water and renewable energy resources.

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Table of Contents
Introduction................................................................................................................................3
Step 1..........................................................................................................................................4
Discussion..............................................................................................................................4
Energy Sustainability in Australia.....................................................................................4
Energy Sustainability in Malaysia.........................................................................................7
Step 2..........................................................................................................................................9
Water Sustainability in Australia...........................................................................................9
Policy and Initiatives taken by Government and Non-Government Agencies..................9
Water Sustainability in Malaysia.....................................................................................10
Step 3........................................................................................................................................11
A Comparison of Sustainable Development between Australia and Malaysia....................11
Conclusion................................................................................................................................11
References................................................................................................................................13

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Introduction
Australia is one of the highest per-capita greenhouse gases producing country in the
globe and it has ethical responsibility to diminish the generation levels of CO2. The country
suffers from horrible climatic changes causing damage to the environment. This degradation
has affected the Great Barrier Reef, which is the home of a huge variety of endangered flora
and faunas. All these causes have resulted in the conservation of energy resources by both the
Government and non-Government agencies (Griggs 2013). On the other hand, Malaysia with
its changes in demography and increase in population and industrial growth is suffering from
the change of climatic conditions owing to its depletion of fossil fuel (Rogers, Jalal and Boyd
2012). Malaysia although rich in fossil fuel, they are fast depleting causing an alarming
effects on its inhabitants. The Malaysian government is creating frantic efforts to promote
and develop the alternate sources of energy.
On the context of sustainability of water, it is evident from various reports that
Australia belongs to one of the driest nations of the world and suffers from tremendous
scarcity of water. This is the reason why Australian government has focused on the
conservation of water in the nation. On the other side, Malaysians continues to waste water
despite the repeated incidents of water shortages in the country. Malaysian government along
with few private sectors and NGOs has come up with suitable approaches to preserve these
non-renewable sources of energy.
The word sustainability according to the United Nations (the UN’s Brundtland
Commission coined the word in 1987), is defined as “meeting the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” From the
definition, it can be described as the discovery of clean renewable sources of energy that can
be regenerated instead of depletion (Dincer and Rosen 2012. The following report

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emphasizes on the significance of using alternate energy sources and its impact on
sustainable development.
The report closes with a detailed comparison of utilization of energy resources-
renewable and non-renewable of both the nations. The report highlights different approaches
taken by the two countries towards sustainable development.
Step 1
Discussion
Energy Sustainability in Australia
Australia’s renewable energy resource is mainly concerned with attempts to
enumerate and develop renewable energy, which consists of electrical energy, transportation
fuels and thermal power (Pearce, Barbier and Markandya 2013). In the year 2015, the overall
renewable energy utilization in Australia was 346PJ that stands for 5.9% of the total energy
consumption of Australia. In the 21st century, renewable energy has experienced considerable
development. During the end of the year December 2015, it was predictable that Australia
generated 35,007 gigawatt hours (GWh) of renewable electricity (or equivalent), contributing
to 14.6% of the total power generation in Australia (Sachs 2015). The report of 2016 Clean
Energy Australia shows a complete yearly picture of the energy sector and the latest key
figures of Australia and information on the nationwide energy business (Blewitt 2014). The
chief alternative energy sources that comprises to the country’s development are-
Hydro Power
Within the year, 1949 to 1974, the Snowy Mountains Scheme that was erected has a
power generating capacity of 3,800 MW containing 16 chief dams and 7 major power
stations. The plan produces 4,500 GWh electricity on a regular basis per year. Thirty power

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stations and fifty dams, which has an entire producing capacity of 2,600 MW is activated by
Hydro Tasmania plant. This company generates 9,000gwh o hydro-electricity every year on
an average. In the year 2007–08, hydro-electricity contributed to 43% of Australia’s
renewable energy generation. However, in the year 2014-15, this generation had gone down
to somewhat 39% of renewable energy generation (Bahadori and Nwaoha 2013).
Wind Power
In Australia till the month of July 2017, 15 wind energy projects with a collective
production power capacity of around 2,112 MW either are under construction, constructed or
will initiate construction if it receives economic closure by this year. During the year 2010 in
October, Australia's renewable electrical energy of about 22.9%, and 2% of the total electrical
energy consumption of the country, was supplied from wind power, which was enough to run
more than 700,000 residences. This generation of electricity was supplied by 52 wind farms
having 1052 turbines that generated roughly 5000gwh electricity annually. As of October
2010, the completely fixed capacity of the project was 1,880 MW (including only projects
over 100 kW) that has an additional 1,043 MW of project under construction. In South
Australia, wind power is becoming a fast-growing business as the nation has apt provisions
for constructing wind farms. Accordingly, South Australia produces extra wind power
generation than other Australian districts or province. During the month of October 2010,
South Australia provided an approximate amount of 20% power requirements for its district
from 435 that had a capability of 907MW, which is noticeably ahead of Victoria’s
267 turbines generating 428MW, and Western Australia’s 142 turbines producing 202MW.
In South Australia by the close of the year 2011, wind power had increased 26% electricity
production of the district, for the first time blowing out coal-fired electricity. South Australia
with just 7.2% of Australia’s inhabitants has 54% of the wind power facility of the
country. A desalination plant worth $A2.2 billion in Adelaide supply 50% water requirements

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of the town and it is fully generated by renewable energy. In the year 2009 the Waubra Wind
farm manifested at 192MW close to Ballart, was finished. It contained 128 turbines extended
over 173 km2 and was the largest wind farm in the Southern hemisphere. On the
contrary, Lake Bonney Wind Farm with only 99 turbines next to Millicent in South
Australia was the biggest with its capacity of 239.5 MW. However, the Macarthur Wind farm
in 2013 at Macarthur, Victoria broke all these records with its capacity of 420 MW.
Solar Photovoltaics
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technology produces power from rays of the sun and this is
utilized in grid-connected and off-grid applications. In the year 2000, German ecologists and
Eurosolar prospered the idea of implementing solar photovoltaics for 100,000 roofs plan.
This is when solar photovoltaics as a renewable source of energy became prominent in the
world. According to a report in 2016, the best solar market is the commercial sector that
ranges from 75-100kW. This market helped the solar market to develop to an average size of
5.56kW by the end of the year. Australia being one of the sunniest nations of the world has
huge favorable factors for the solar market to develop.
Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy in Australia although a natural resource, not used as a type of
energy. Still, the country has some recognized and prospective sites at the core of the nation
where geothermal action is obvious. In order to check the presence of high temperature,
geothermal wells have been drilled at suitable spots that proved the presence of such high
temperature. Consequently, projects are expected to come up in the approaching years and
investigation is expected at probable sites. South Australia, which is depicted as “Australia’s
hot rock haven” for its variety of renewable energy, could offer an expected amount of 6.8%
of Australia's bottom cargo control requirements by 2030.

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Biomass and Bio fuels
Biomass in Australia is directly utilized for power generation such as by smoldering
sugar cane waste (bagasse) for thermal power production in sugar factories. This is also
utilized to manufacture vapor for industrialized utilizations like preparation of food and for
heating. Biomass is also transformed into a fluid or gaseous biofuel. In 2015, Australia’s
26.1% (90.2PJ) of renewable energy utilization was contributed by Bagasse, while wood and
wood waste supplied an additional 26.9% (92.9PJ).
Biofuels generated from food crops have turn out to be contentious as food charges
amplified considerably in the middle of 2008, contributing to an increase alarmed
concerning food vs. fuel. In Australia Ethanol fuel is manufactured from cane or grains and at
present there are three business fuel manufacturers of ethanol in Australia, all of which are on
the east coast. A 10% restriction on the absorption of mixtures of fuel ethanol has been
enforced by the administration. In the year of 2007 March, a joint venture with
the Queensland Government and the Cane growers’ organization was initiated to encourage
the use of renewable fuels business. This led to the selling of over 100 million litres of the
latest BP Unleaded with reusable ethanol to Queensland motorists.
Energy Sustainability in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the energy policies are determined by the Malaysian government who
deals with matters of energy generation, supply, and utilization (Foo 2013). The energy sector
which comprises of the companies and services that supplies energy is controlled by The
Department of Electricity and Gas Supply. The other divisions of energy sectors include
institutions of research and development and consumers. Other than this, the chief energy
operators in Malaysia are the Government-linked organizations Petronas and Tenaga
Nasional Berhad.

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The energy policies of Malaysia are aided by Governmental bureaus like Ministry of Energy,
Green Technology and Water, Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga), and the Malaysia
Energy Centre (Pusat Tenaga Malaysia).
The government of Malaysia is trying to make biomass as the “fifth-fuel” resource
under the Fuel Diversification Policy of the country in order to improve the sources of
renewable energy resources. In the year 2001, a policy was set out with an objective of
contribution of renewable energy sources for 5% of power production, which became 500 to
600 megawatt (MW) by the end of 2005.Currently in the year 2016; a widespread attempt of
onshore wind-mapping projects have been initiated by the Sustainable Energy Development
Authority (SEDA) of Malaysia. In Malaysia SEDA is a constitutional organization under the
Sustainable Energy Development Authority Act of 2011. SEDA governs and controls the
execution of the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) system that includes a Renewable Energy fund
authorized under the Renewable Energy Act of 2011. To maintain the FiT scheme The
Renewable Energy fund was formed. At present whether wind power should be incorporated
in the FiT regime is determined by the onshore wind mapping systems. (Ahmad and Tahar
2014).
Usually, in Malaysia energy generation has revolved around oil and natural gas.
Presently Malaysia has production potentiality of 13GW power. As of July 2017, according
to Suruhanjaya Tenaga the Malaysian National Grid has a capacity of producing 19,023 MW
power, with a requirement of maximum 13,340 MW. In the year 2007, the country consumed
oil of 514 thousand barrels (23.6 million tonnes) daily alongside a consumption of 755
thousand barrels (34.2 million tonnes) each day. Nonetheless, there are merely 33 years of
natural gas reserves, and 19 years of oil reserves in Malaysia even when the energy
requirement is rising. The Malaysian government as a result of this is increasing the use of
renewable energy resources. At present Malaysia produces 16%hydroelectricity, and 84%

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thermal power production (Lim and Lee 2012). At present the industry of oil and gas in
Malaysia is subjugated by state possessed Petronas, and Suruhanjaya Tenaga, a legaislative
board administering the peninsular and Sabah energy has completely synchronized the energy
segment under the Electricity Commission Act of 2001 (Saadatian 2012).
Apart from government, some initiatives have been taken by a few non-governmental
organizations namely CETDEM which is sponsored by SEDA.
Step 2
Water Sustainability in Australia
On Earth, water is fundamental for all existence. Water is a critical reserve underneath
the market, culture and environment of Australia. In Australia, several aspects manipulate the
safety of water. These aspects are stimulated by expansion of population, environmental
deprivation, change and inconsistency of rainfall and climate, use of land, pollution,
organizational planning and Australia’s demands for exports, especially of natural resources
and food. Sustainable management of water will necessitate the technical modernization with
improved effectiveness on output and enhancement of environmental effects to maintain a
balance among trade and industry, ecological and societal concerns.
Policy and Initiatives taken by Government and Non-Government Agencies
Australia’s constitution of the Commonwealth assures that policy of natural resource
with water is a liability of the States: "The Commonwealth shall not, by any law or regulation
of trade or commerce, abridge the right of a State or of the residents therein to the reasonable
use of the waters of rivers for conservation or irrigation" (Section 100). In the early 21st
century, the government of Commonwealth has acquired a larger responsibility in the water
sector of Australia. The water policies at the federal level are directed by the Ministry for

10PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABILITY
Climate Change and Water. In the year 1994, in order to reform the water industry
a nationalized water scheme undertaken by the government of Australia approved the Water
Reform Agenda. In the year 2004, the National Water Commission replaced this and the
National Water Initiative (NWI) was implemented. The NWI "aims at increasing the
productivity and efficiency of Australia’s water use and establishing clear pathways to return
all water systems – rivers and groundwater – to environmentally sustainable levels of
extraction". Drinking Water Guidelines as part of a National Water Quality Management
Strategy was also formed by the administration. State initiatives taken by the local
governments comprise Commissions of Water, Protection Agencies of environment and
Competition Authorities. Natural Resources and Water Departments and Trade Departments
control these sectors. For example, under the Water Act 2000 in Queensland, policy of water
is the liability of the Water Commission of Queensland, which is controlled by the Natural
Resources Department, Mines and Energy and the Ministry of Trade. Other water
management project includes wastewater reuse and rainwater harvesting.
Water Sustainability in Malaysia
Water supply in Malaysia is characterized by several achievements and some
challenges. Malaysian government has approved a nationalized vision for water to guarantee
uninterrupted water supply in terms of capacity and superiority to bring together all
requirements, along with the environment. In the sustainable nationalized development plan
this vision is one of the chief programs. The policy is a guide to recognize the vision are
devised, accepted and distributed for all stakeholders, so that one and all preserve the water
resources and their ecosystems. The central government implements the national policy of
water, while the policy is approved by the state governments (Zailani 2012). Incorporated
land and water resources management founded on the basins of river and the fortification of
watersheds and aquifers is covered by the policy. Interstate transfers of water, water

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distribution to users, supervising of dams and its protection, and progression of activities in
watersheds, as well as the dam reservoirs vicinity are channelized by this policy. The state
governments accept and assist the contemporary rules that are executed for the national
policy of water.
Step 3
A Comparison of Sustainable Development between Australia and Malaysia
Australia is ranked 20th in the world on progress towards the sustainable development
program whereas Malaysia is ranked 63rd. Australia although has some highest rate of carbon
emissions it has developed its alternate sources of energy consumption. On the other hand,
Malaysia, which is a developing nation, still succumbs from some serious sustainable
development programs. Australia as a result of this is much ahead of Malaysia in the
sustainable development program. While Australia has alternatives energy resources like
hydro electricity and bio fuels, Malaysia still depends on limited alternatives like water and
gas supplies.
Conclusion
Therefore, the above report ends by drawing a line of comparison between Australia
and Malaysia’s sustainable development programs. The alternate uses of energies in both the
countries are efficient to support the countries growing demand for power generation.
Australia being technologically ahead of Malaysia manages the sustainable development
more effectively than Malaysia. Besides, the Australian government as well as the citizens of
the nation is working together to develop a sustainable resource program for the country.

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However, both the countries must develop more sustainable use of energy resources to
protect the non-renewable resources of the country.

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References
Ahmad, S. and Tahar, R.M., 2014. Selection of renewable energy sources for sustainable
development of electricity generation system using analytic hierarchy process: A case of
Malaysia. Renewable energy, 63, pp.458-466.
Bahadori, A. and Nwaoha, C., 2013. A review on solar energy utilisation in
Australia. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 18, pp.1-5.
Blewitt, J., 2014. Understanding sustainable development. Routledge.
Dincer, I. and Rosen, M.A., 2012. Exergy: energy, environment and sustainable development.
Newnes.
Foo, K.Y., 2013. A vision on the role of environmental higher education contributing to the
sustainable development in Malaysia. Journal of Cleaner Production, 61, pp.6-12.
Griggs, D., Stafford-Smith, M., Gaffney, O., Rockström, J., Öhman, M.C., Shyamsundar, P.,
Steffen, W., Glaser, G., Kanie, N. and Noble, I., 2013. Policy: Sustainable development goals
for people and planet. Nature, 495(7441), pp.305-307.
Lim, S. and Lee, K.T., 2012. Implementation of biofuels in Malaysian transportation sector
towards sustainable development: A case study of international cooperation between
Malaysia and Japan. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 16(4), pp.1790-1800.
Pearce, D., Barbier, E. and Markandya, A., 2013. Sustainable development: economics and
environment in the Third World. Routledge.
Rogers, P.P., Jalal, K.F. and Boyd, J.A., 2012. An introduction to sustainable development.
Earthscan.

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Saadatian, O., Haw, L.C., Mat, S.B. and Sopian, K., 2012. Perspective of sustainable
development in Malaysia. International Journal of Energy and Environment, 2(6), pp.260-
267.
Sachs, J.D., 2015. The age of sustainable development. Columbia University Press.
Zailani, S., Jeyaraman, K., Vengadasan, G. and Premkumar, R., 2012. Sustainable supply
chain management (SSCM) in Malaysia: A survey. International Journal of Production
Economics, 140(1), pp.330-340.