Lao PDR
Related Research:
My background in mechanical engineering has led me to focus my research on the critical nexus of energy and the environment. A key area of my work is heat stress, where I investigate the combined effects of air temperature, humidity, solar radiation, and physical activity on human health, well-being, and productivity. By providing evidence-based mitigation strategies, my research supports policymakers as our world grapples with the ongoing threat of climate change. Energy efficiency, I aim to balance the need for occupant thermal comfort and productivity with minimized energy demand and consumption. This involves developing skilled energy managers and auditors, conducting energy audits in buildings and industrial sectors, and collaborating on research for passive cooling strategies, all of which contribute to national energy efficiency goals. Converting waste to energy involves transforming tree leaves, waste papers, sugar cane bagasse, waste cooking oil, fish residue (fish fat), rice husk, and sawdust into solid fuel for industries requiring a heat source. The waste to energy, energy efficiency, and heat stress are crucial for societal resilience, adaptation, and sustainability. Additionally, I am developing solar drying for the commercialization and expansion of hygienic, home-dried products.
Relation to Climate Resilience and Adaptation Theme:
In 2024, a heat wave is sweeping across Southeast Asia, with temperatures exceeding 42°C, highlighting the issue of global climate change. This rising heat causes environmental heat stress, affecting both outdoor and indoor occupants. Indoor FGT workers (855,000 workers, >85% female workers) and pupils in poorly ventilated spaces are impacted by heat stress symptoms due to improper indoor conditions. Research on heat stress in the Footwear-Garment-Travel (FGT) sector and public primary schools in Phnom Penh reveals significant symptoms experienced by garment workers and pupils, such as dizziness, muscle cramps, and extreme fatigue, especially during the hot months. This research provides evidence of heat stress impacts and offers guidance for policymakers on adapting to high heat due to climate change. By 2035, Cambodia is projected to experience a total economic loss of USD 3,273 million if effective measures are not implemented promptly. Energy efficiency in buildings and manufacturing including FGT sector are crucial for reducing CO2 emissions, improving occupant productivity, and mitigating heat health risks. In the field of energy efficiency, we strive to ensure thermal comfort for occupants and improve productivity while minimizing energy demand and consumption. We develop skilled human resources, including energy managers and auditors, who conduct energy audits in buildings and industrial sectors. Additionally, we participate in collaborative research on passive cooling strategies to contribute to national energy efficiency policies. In the FGT sector, large quantities of firewood are used for steam generation, contributing to deforestation. My research on converting waste to energy offers a solution by replacing firewood with eco-friendly biomass briquettes, reducing city waste, landfill use, and greenhouse gas emissions while promoting tree sustainability. These research activities help cut greenhouse gas production in manufacturing and reduce health risks for workers and occupants. My research on the critical nexus of energy and the environment supports national policies, enhancing resource sustainability and resilience. The methodologies for heat stress, energy efficiency, waste to energy can be applied throughout ASEAN to achieve carbon net zero by 2050.
Affiliated Organisation:
Lecturer-Researcher Head of Thermal Lab. CEMAT program manager and founder (Cambodia Energy Manager and Auditor Training, CEMAT) Thermal Lab., Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, Institute of Technology of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, Cambodia.