Housing and Sustainable Development

Housing and Sustainable Development 1. What is ‘Sustainable development? Sustainable development is a very simple proposal of very high significance, which suggests achieving equilibrium between economic, social and environmental issues and concerns. â€Å"If we are to maintain and improve the quality of our own lives and pass that quality on to future generations, we must use finite natural resources in an efficient way without waste, and protect the natural environment to enhance the ability of future generations to maintain and improve their lives.† (Housing Corporation, 2008) There are mainly two definitions of sustainability which are related to ‘Planning Field, the first one says, â€Å"Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.† (Housing Corporation, 2003) And secondly the UK definition says, â€Å"Ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come.† (Housing Corporation, 2008) The main aim of sustainable development is to ensure that the people can use the necessary services without the use of automobiles. They should be promoted to use the public transport. The placement and location of the development should be such as to modify the access to the local amenities by walking, and using public transport. The features of our built environment are very fundamental in attainment of sustainable patterns. This may include the reduction of green house gases and CO2 emissions, less pollution, preservation of the natural resourc es, consistent and comprehensive local communities and wealthy and safe economy. (Archive2 official documents, 2009) This seminar paper will try to explore the relationship between housing development and sustainability. The term ‘Sustainability is very vast and depends upon various aspects like economy, transportation, environment, social communities, residential development etc. In this seminar paper I will explain the role of housing sector in the process of achieving sustainable development. On the other side it will explain the benefits to the housing sector via achievement of sustainability. Eventually this seminar paper will enlighten the role of the planning systems in achievement of sustainable housing development, with the help of some major issues in new housing development, like transportation, higher density, social inclusion, mixed land use development and use of brown field sites. I will also try to focus on the provisions in the planning systems for the sustainable development in rural areas, with the help of PPS7. 2. Housing development and Sustainability With the reference to the above mentioned definition of sustainability, housing development plays a very important role in the achievement of sustainability, because housing development consumes the resources in its construction, maintenance and use, on a larger scale. There is a correlation between housing and sustainability, it is a two way process. Integrating morality of sustainability into housing development, its maintenance, and restoration will not make important input in accomplishment of general sustainability objectives, but it will also offer significant progress in the quality robustness and cost efficiency of the housing development. How housing development contributes to sustainability? Global climate change is the most extensive and potentially harmful environmental issue now days, as a cause of the green house gases emissions, remarkably CO2. The solution on this issue can be found in decreasing the travel overall and minimising the use of cars specifically. Housing sector also has a significant contribution to play, in features of the dwellings, the structure and the location of the housing development. The unhealthy change in the local climate occurs due to the poisonous gases and green house gases emissions from the houses in the development. This is the main reason of the contribution of housing development in achievement of sustainability. (Archive2 official documents, 2009) When the life of any building ends, the recycling and reuse of the materials and resources will help in reduction of the quarrying and other resource activities for new resources, this will eventually help in the reduction of landfill amount at the demolition of the mines and quarries.   With respect to the green house gas emissions and the higher consumption of energy from every house produces some dangerous gases like SO2 (causes acid rain), NOx and CO, these gases are very poisonous for human health. The maximum use of energy efficiency will optimistically reduce the emissions of these pollutants. There is a chance of causing the ill health effects called as, ‘sick building syndrome (Archive2 official documents, 2009) due to very compact and air-tight arrangement of houses in the development and the increasing utilisation of synthetic materials. So the cautious selection of building materials will help to enhance the use of renewable resources, helping to improve the macro and micro level climate in the development. (Housing Corporation, 2003) How sustainability benefits housing development? There are some benefits which housing development gets through sustainable patterns, like energy efficiency, social inclusion, and economic effectiveness. These terms are related with the environmental, social and economic development of the community. Many poor families are not able to heat up their houses at a required level; also some houses suffer from the condensation and dampness, which affects the health of the community. The sustainable housing development not only include the environment responsive and energy efficient houses but also will have provision of employment, schools, shops, primary health care centre etc local amenities which will be accessible for the residents of the development using public transport or by walking. This new sustainable housing development will be a mixture of various groups like income groups, age groups and tenures. This will help in achieving the social inclusion. (Archive2 official documents, 2009) 3. Planning systems and ‘sustainable housing development Achievement of the sustainable development is one of the important issues in front of our society, where we live, work. In 1992, ‘The Rio Earth Summit, documented that, in the achievement of the sustainable development, the local government has a very important role to play, because it has the control of the local development and the land use. This role of the planning systems is explained practically in the UK Governments ‘A Better Quality of Life a Strategy for Sustainable Development for the UK (May 1999). The national strategy sets out four ‘key objectives that must be achieved simultaneously: Effective protection of the environment Maintenance of high and stable levels of economic growth and employment Social progress that recognises everyones needs; and Prudent use of natural resources.† (Nicholas et al, 2005) In the new planning system, as mentioned in ‘Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004, the local planning authorities are supposed to encourage the sustainable development by means of application of sustainability considerations while preparing the planning documents like ‘SPD and ‘DPD. This technique will be useful for the local planning authorities to appraise the insinuation of the sustainability in their local development plans. (Dudley MBC, 2006) To achieve the broad objectives of sustainable development, the country requires a â€Å"transparent, flexible, predictable, efficient and effective planning system† (ODPM, PPS1, 2005, p3, paragraph 7). UK government has made some provisions in the planning system like, planning policy guidance and statements (revisions), national planning policy, regional planning guidance, and the code for the sustainable homes, which will provide a structure for the planning of ‘sustainable development. These provision s in made in the planning systems will optimistically help the local planning authorities to implicate and encourage the sustainable patterns in the new developments. Planning Policy Statement 1 (PPS 1) Delivering Sustainable Development (2005) states that â€Å"Planning authorities should ensure that sustainable development is treated in an integrated way in their development plans. In particular, they should carefully consider the interrelationship between social inclusion, protecting and enhancing the environment, the prudent use of natural resources and economic development.†(ODPM, PPS 1, 2005, paragraph 24). 4. Elements encouraging the ‘Sustainable housing development Mixed land use development and higher residential densities Mix land use means; use of the land, for development of houses, businesses, schools, recreational areas, etc., public, semi-public, and private development, in the close proximity of each other. There are some important prospective of the mixed land use development. It helps to reduce the often travelling because it brings the various deeds and amenities comparatively close to each other. Mixed land use development raises the ‘safety and security of the development. Also helps to increase the access to the local jobs and employment. The reduced residential density, isolated land use and detached street patterns are related with the increased automobile use and increases the ‘obesity and the persistent illness in the community. The increased residential density can minimise the ‘land take. It helps in reduction of travel and minimises the use of private vehicles by enhancing the use of public transport.   Higher residential densities decrease the area of the land r equired for roads, car parking, which helps to make the development more pedestrian responsive. It also helps in increment of Social inclusion by growing number of people inside walking distance. It helps to make the development socially strong and sustainable. Eventually this will increase the number of people on the street, which can enhance the liveliness and apparent safety of the development. The important thing to be kept in mind while providing a location for high density areas in the development is, to locate these areas nearer to the traffic nodes and should be having easy access to public transport. If the high density areas are located away from the public transport, the ‘car dependency in the development will start to increase creating the development unsustainable. Mixed land use and the increased residential density is the key in achievement of sustainable patterns and making the development more comprehensive. (Archive2 official documents, 2009) Use of Brownfield sites    In UK, the term ‘Brownfield site is described as, ‘previously developed land, and on which redevelopment is possible. In general, this land has been utilised previously for commercial or industrial development, and which is now in a dilapidated condition and probably polluted. The deficiency of ‘Green land availability for new development, in the recent time, ‘Brown field sites came in to the picture, particularly in those areas where the requirement of the ‘residential or ‘commercial development is more. The ‘Brownfield sites are meant not only for the residential or commercial development, but also can be utilised as open spaces, recreational spaces, local amenities etc. The repossession and reuse of ‘Brownfield site is a key factor of UK governments ‘Sustainable Development Strategy, which incorporates a variety of ‘economic, social and environmental objectives. Redevelopment of ‘Brownfield sites helps to improve th e environmental strength and the ugliness of the surroundings. The increased use of ‘Brownfield sites promotes the practicability of public transport, also makes helps in utilising existing communication and infrastructure. It also enhances the overall residential densities, and proposes chances for the improved quality residential developments, with the provisions of the employment and the other local amenities. The ‘Brownfield sites can be redeveloped in Urban as well as Rural areas, depending upon the accessibility and feasibility. (Archive2 official documents, 2009) Car free development (sustainable transport) Any housing development to be considered as sustainable neighbourhood development should minimise the necessity of private transport, like cars. There should be promotions to walking, cycling and use of public transport. This will not only result in reduction of the pollution but can be considered as a important factor in the creation of a healthy ‘community cohesion, a neighbourhood development, where its residents feel relaxing, walking which will result in more social interaction to make the development community healthy and wealthy. Mixed land use development and higher residential density will help in reduction of general travel and will promote walking and cycling, reducing the use of private transport. (Department for Transport, 2008) There are several ways which will encourage and promote a reduction in ‘car dependency, like Proposing entirely or partially a ‘car free environment, and maximising provision of walking plazas and designing separate tracks for cycling. Controlling car spaces and charging for residential car parking. Controlling the admissions of the cars in specific period of the day in the whole development or certain areas of it. Limitation of ‘Non-residential car parking and providing restricted parking at workplace. Promoting use, offering some concessions and favouring actions on eco-friendly cars or scooters. The transportation decisions in the proposed development will totally dependent upon its location, scale and the kind of the development proposed. Also there should be a focus on the capacity of the existing transportation network. (Department for Transport, 2008) 5. Sustainable housing development in rural areas UK government has made a provision in the form of ‘Planning Policy Statement 7 Sustainable Development in rural areas, to encourage and deliver the sustainable patterns in new housing development in rural areas. ‘The policies in PPS 7 applies to the rural areas like country towns, villages and the wider, mostly undeveloped countryside areas which are on the periphery of the larger urban settlements. (ODPM, PPS 7, 2004, p3) As specified in PPS 7, local planning authorities should emphasis on the location of the new development in rural areas, that it is near to the ‘local service centres where the basic needs like jobs, residences and the local amenities will be provided closer to each other, so that they can be accessible via public transport and by walking or cycling. (ODPM, PPS 7, 2004) In UK there are various ‘country towns and ‘villages which are having social, historical and architectural importance, or the make a considerable participation to â₠¬Ëœcountryside character. PPS 7 suggests to the local planning authorities to make sure that the proposed new housing development admires and where essential, promotes these specific values of that area. PPS 7 also advise planning authorities to prepare a ‘positive framework for enhancing the sustainable development which supports the conventional ‘land-based activities and the provide the entertaining facilities and amenities which needs the ‘country side location by making sure that doing this will not affect the value and natural characteristics of the rural area in which the development is proposed. (ODPM, PPS 7, 2004, p8) 6. Eco Housing in India- ‘Government of India had taken an initiative for encouragement of ‘Sustainability in new emerging housing developments. Currently in is being tested in ‘Pune, Maharashtra on a trial basis, and is called as ‘Eco housing policy. This initiative was formed with the partnership of the local government authorities (PMC, PCMC) with some national and international private organisations like, USIAD (United states agency for international development), TERI (Tata Energy Research Institute), IIEC (International Institute for Energy Conservation) etc. The main objective of this project to construct urban and rural sustainable ‘habitat, encouragement and distribution of the achievement gained via this project, through a Pilot study in Pune, to the other large urban cities in India. Also to start a ‘procedure of improvement in housing market for ‘Eco Housing in India to carry ‘the supply and demand of eco housing mutually, was the initiative goal of this project. This project got a financial aid by US-AEP (United States Asia Environment Partnership). The main characteristic feature of this project is estimating ‘eco-ranking of existing building output and appraisal schemes for acclimatizing to the Indian reference and creating catalogue of ‘eco-friendly materials, tools and techniques as advices and suggestions to the Builders and housing developers in Pune. (Eco Housing Corporation, 2009) Eco housing program has started to create awareness and getting noticeable reply from other ‘Municipal Corporations like Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM), who appointed SciTech Part (STP), Pune for assisting MCGM in modifying the measures of the program to suit conditions of Mumbai City. (Eco Housing Corporation, 2009) 7. Summary- Housing is a corner stone component of sustainable development. Providing higher density residential development will encourage sustainable patterns like social inclusion, car free development, through planning systems. In the surrounding area there are many dilapidated sites we can find. Instead of using new green field site for the development, planners can amalgamate these waste land, and increase use of brown field sites for new development, will obviously help in encouragement in environmental and social sustainability. Doing this will help in enhancement of the surroundings of the housing development, restoring the urban form of the area. Mixed land use development will reduce the car use of the residents, bringing required amenities like shops, retails, employment within the walkable distance or by using public transport. Some rural areas having natural and architectural or historical importance should be treated carefully while proposing the new housing development. This wil l help in retaining the ‘village character of that area. Indian government also initiated an ‘eco-housing policy for encouragement of sustainable patterns in new housing developments. Though it was in a starting age, in current times many municipal corporations became aware of their own environment and social issues. They have started adopting this new policy of eco-housing. Pune Municipal Corporation with the help of University of Pune, planning to construct an institute which will help in spreading this ‘key issue of sustainability through education.

Chemistry Titration Acid Base Lab Essay

Question: What effect does an indicators pH range have on the end point of the titration of vinegar and 1.00 mol dm-3 of sodium hydroxide solution? Equation: CH3COOH (aq) + NaOH (aq) à ¯ NaCH3COO (aq) + HOH (l) Data Collection Table A: Table Representing the Initial Volume of NaOH in the Burette, the Final Volume of NaOH in the Burette and the Difference between Those Values for Specific Trials When Using Different Indicators. There were a minimum of three trials performed for this lab as there needed to be three of the same difference between the final and initial burette readings of the sodium hydroxide. This is due to the fact that a titration lab requires one to acquire three of the same values for this section to understand the exact amount of base required to reach the endpoint of the reaction. Indicator Initial Volume of NaOH solution (ml)  ±0.05 Final Volume of NaOH solution (ml)  ±0.05 Difference Between the Final and Initial Burette Readings (Volume of NaOH used) (ml)  ±0.1 Qualitative Observations 1. Calculate the Initial Concentration of Acetic Acid Before Diluted With Distilled Water C1V1 = C2V2 C1= C2V2 V1 C1= (0.09mol/dm3)(0.1L) (0.01L) Concentration of Acetic Acid Before Dilution = 0.9mol/dm3 Sample Calculation B: Calculating Percent Uncertainty for the Volume of Sodium Hydroxide Needed for Different Indicators Example: Bromocresol Green =Ãâ€" =25.0% Sample Calculation C: Calculating the Percent Error Percent error )Ãâ€"100 ) Ãâ€"100 =0.034% Sample Calculation D: Propagating Uncertainty for the Volume of Sodium Hydroxide Required for Each Indicator = (0.9 ±0.1) + (1.5 ±0.1) + (0.2 ±0.1) + (2.9 ±0.1) + (0.4 ±0.1) = 5.9ml ±0.1 Graph A: Titration curve of the Amount of Sodium Hydroxide Required to Reach the Endpoint for Different Indicators Tested Graph B: Titrations curve of a strong base and weak acid. Approximately 9.2 is the pH of the equivalence point as seen in the graph. Conclusion This lab required one to determine the different volumes of sodium hydroxide base required to reach the end point of a titration with acetic acid as the analyte when using different indicators. The equation is as followed: CH3COOH (aq) + NaOH (aq) à ¯ NaCH3COO (aq) + HOH (l) It was determined that phenolphthalein was the best indicator for use in this lab. This is due to the fact that the vinegar that was used in class has an acetic acid concentration of 0.87 mol/L which is 5.0% acetic acid (Meheen, n.a). In the lab, phenolphthalein required 0.90 mol/L of the sodium hydroxide solution in order for a color change to take place (endpoint was reached). This value is fairly close the concentration of acetic acid in the vinegar used in the lab, therefore, phenolphthalein was the most accurate of indicators used in this titration lab. Through research it has been determined that phenolphthalein should have, in fact, been the best indicator of use. Phenolphthalein has a pH range between 8.0 to 9.8 which is an appropriate range for a weak acid strong base titration. This is because the equivalence point for this titration will take place at a point of pH approximate to 9 which falls into the pH range for the indicator phenolphthalein. This can be seen in Graph B. This equivalence point will be greater than 8.7 as the weak acid (vinegar) only partially dissociates and releases a little amount of its hydrogen ions, making it a weak acid. On the other hand, sodium hydroxide contains sodium acetate which raises the pH considerably of the vinegar as it is fairly basic. Therefore, the equivalence point will be greater than seven and more specifically approximate to 9. All of the indicators that were used did not have a pH range above 9 except for phenolphthalein. This is the reason why phenolphthalein was the best indicat or. Graph A illustrates the different volumes of sodium hydroxide that was needed to reach the endpoint of the reaction when being added to a solution of vinegar using various indicators. The least amount of sodium hydroxide required to reach the endpoint of the reaction for the indicators used are displayed as followed: methyl orange, bromocresol green, phenolphthalein, bromothymol blue and methyl red. Many indicators were used to determine which one was right for this specific lab. It was necessary to determine which indicator was correct for this lab. This can be explained by the equivalence and endpoint. The equivalence point is the point of the reaction when one has added the correct amount of the base to the acid. However, the endpoint is the point in which the indicator changes color. Error bars are not present on the graphs displayed as titration labs require one to do continue experimentation for a test using a specific indicator until they have obtained a value for the differen ce between the final and initial burette readings (volume of NaOH used) a minimum of three times. The vinegar had a pH or approximately 2.4 making it highly acidic (Rousseau, 2012). Therefore, the equilibrium will be on the left. However, when the sodium hydroxide basic solution was added to the vinegar, the equilibrium started to shift more to the right. For instance, when base was being added to the vinegar solution with the indicator Bromocresol green, the color of the solution turned from yellow to green. When the green color is seen, the end point has been reached however, if the color becomes blue then over-titration has taken place, therefore shifting equilibrium even further to the right. There were few anomalous results that arose during the course of the lab. For instance, for the test using phenolphthalein, one trial had a considerably larger difference between the final and initial burette readings (volume of NaOH used) of 1.4ml. The other trials all had a difference of 0.9ml for using this specific indicator. This can be seen in all tests using different indicators except one represented in data collection table A, Bromocresol green. This proves that there were systematic and/or random errors that took place during the lab. Evaluation There were few errors that took place during the course of experimentation. These errors could have negligibly affected the results obtained throughout the process. One considerable error that took place was making the sodium hydroxide solution. 1gram of white crystalline sodium hydroxide pellets were required in order to create the solution. Unfortunately, while the pellets were being measured on the electronic balance they interacted with moisture from the air. Additionally, the pellets were put in the volumetric flask when water that would subsequently mix with these pellets was being measured in the graduated cylinder. Therefore, there was lot of time before the water was placed in the volumetric flask for the sodium hydroxide pellets to absorb moisture from the air. This is a concern as solid sodium hydroxide has the formula NaOH (s). Additionally in air there is carbon dioxide (CO2). The formula for the reaction between this carbon dioxide and the solid sodium hydroxide is as f ollows: 2 NaOH + CO2 → Na2CO3 + H2O Therefore, the hydroxide from the sodium hydroxide and the oxygen from carbon dioxide combine to from water (H2O) which affects the results that were obtained in the lab (ATSDR, 2011). This is because the sodium hydroxide concentration in the solution that was made to act as the base, would have decreased as the pellets reacted with air to form water. It would have been beneficial to purchase the specific amount (in grams) of sodium hydroxide pellets that was necessary for this experiment (1gram). This would ensure the sodium hydroxide pellets would not react with the carbon dioxide in air for very long before being put in the volumetric flask with water added. This is because there would be no need to measure these pellets on the electronic balance. A very common error with titration labs is that over-titration often occurs. This is the point in which too much titrant is added to the analyte during a trial. Therefore, the reaction passed the endpoint as too much of the basic sodium hydroxide was added to the acidic vinegar solution containing acetic acid. Unfortunately, this took place for most trials. For instance, phenolphthalein reaches its endpoint when it changes from being clear and transparent to becoming a light shade of pink. Though this may be, for all of our trials when using this indicator the color became a hot pink shade proving that over-titration had taken place. An improvement for this component of the lab is simple. An improvement to control this error would be to use a burette with a smaller opening. This is because the endpoint can be overshot quite easily and this would ensure the error would not take place. It would have been best to manage the amount of base entering the beaker as much as possible with greater accuracy. An additional error that took place was how the stopcock was not entirely effective. This is due to the fact that when the stopcock was turned to close the burette opening, little droplets of sodium hydroxide would still pour into the beaker. This means that if the solution had reached the endpoint and additional droplets were leaked from the beaker an inaccurate reading of the sodium hydroxide in the burette would be recorded. This error could have been improved by using a BT50 digital burette (Bibby, 2010). This burette would ensure that a considerably small amount of sodium hydroxide would be discharged from the device at most. A button will be pressed to stop the base from entering the beaker containing the acid electronically. The accuracy of this instrument is within  ±0.2%, and precision is better than 0.1% allowing for the most accurate of results to be obtained. Temperature should have been controlled throughout the process as it does play a role in affecting the data obtained in a titration lab. The volumetric glassware used for the purpose of this lab is calibrated at 20oC and a higher temperature of a solution would result in it holding a greater volume than desired (Atkins). Since the room temperature is approximately 24oC it can be assumed that the temperature of the solutions used in the experiment were greater than 20oC. Therefore, these solutions can expand and the concentration in molarity would decrease. Therefore it would have been beneficial to keep the temperature of the acid and base constant at 20oC. This could have been achieved by using an alcohol thermometer. If the temperature for the acid and base were not 20oC, than it would either need to be placed in the refrigerator if the solution was too hot or would need to be put in a beaker and on a hot plate to reach the desired temperature. The temperature for each indicator that was used was not consistent throughout the lab. This is because the temperature of the room changed throughout experimentation. The door in the classroom was open to get rid of the stench from a lab done in the previous class. Therefore, the temperature of the classroom was gradually getting colder and colder. A consistent temperature for each indicator would ensure that the pH range for a color change would not increase or decrease. This is because with a decrease in temperature there is less ionization that takes place allowing the pKa value to increase and therefore, the color change will occur at a higher pH. To ensure all the temperatures of the indicators were kept consistent throughout the lab it would have been beneficial to use an alcohol thermometer and place it in the indicator solution before conducting the trial (ChemBuddy, 2009). If the temperature changed for one trial, the indicator would either need to be placed in the refrigerator if the solution was too hot or would need to be put in a beaker and on a hot plate to reach the desired temperature. The table below represents how temperature can affect the pH range for a color change for specific indicators. To ensure this does not occur, the lab should be taken out in a room with no windows so the temperature does not change. The table below represents how the endpoint changes with a change in the temperature of an indicator. Indicator Color Change Range 18oC 100 °C Methyl Orange 3.1-4.4 2.5-3.7 Methyl Red 4.4-6.2 4.0-6.0 Phenolphthalein 8.2-9.8 8.1-9.0 Quoted from Chemia analityczna, J.Minczewski Z.Marczenko, PWN, Warszawa 1973. Another error was that there were bubbles in the burette tube. When the sodium hydroxide solution was poured in the burette it was done quite quickly creating many bubbles in the beaker. Unfortunately, my group could not afford rinsing the solution out and pouring in more sodium hydroxide solution because we wanted to ensure we had enough of the solution for the whole lab. Therefore the bubbles caused an inaccurate volume reading. The bubbles occupy a particular amount of volume and this means that the volume in the burette would in fact be less than the amount reported during trials. Since the bubbles all formed near the stopcock it would have been best to pour the sodium hydroxide solution into a waste beaker in hopes that the bubbles would be eliminated before beginning the trial. This is because the pressure of the titrant in a burette will force the bubbles out. Unfortunately, in some cases the bubbles remain near the stopcock. If this is the case, it would be best to use a suction method approach. This involves one to partially open the stopcock allowing the contents of the burette to discharge in the beaker. Then, they will use the pipet bulb to suck air from the bubbles through the nozzle of the burette. This will drive out the air bubbles present in the solution out of the beaker into the suction device. One must ensure that the sodium hydroxide that was poured in the beaker during this process is accounted for by slowing pouring in the amount necessary in the burette for the trial to begin. One experimental error that was unavoidable was the cleaning of the burette before using it. It was necessary to clean the burette using water, as it may have had some residue or contamination from a previous experiment. Additionally this residue could have affected the pH of the sodium hydroxide solution that was to be put in the beaker for the purpose of this titration lab. However, there were some droplets of water left on the sides of the beaker after it was cleansed which would have decreased the concentration of the sodium hydroxide solution that was subsequently poured in this material and lowered the pH level of the sodium hydroxide solution as water is neutral (pH of 7.0). With a lower concentration of sodium hydroxide in the base, the pH would have decreased therefore allowing more of this base to be added to the vinegar in order for the endpoint to be reached in a reaction. This is due to the fact that sodium hydroxide is a highly basic solution and water is neutral. When they are mixed the pH of the solution will be lower than the initial pH of the sodium hydroxide solution. An improvement for the lab could have been to detect the pH of the acid –base titration once it has reached the endpoint using a pH meter. This was one of the limitations in this acid-base titration lab as the indicators that were used did not show a change in color at an exact value of pH but only changed in a specific range of the pH. For example, the indicator Bromocresol green changes the color of the solution of a pH range between 3.8 to 5.4. This range is considerably large resulting in one to obtain results that are not necessarily the most accurate. An improvement for this component of the lab would have been to use a pH meter. A pH meter is a device that that measures the pH of a solution by determining the voltage of the solution by immersing two electrodes in it. Then, the reading device will present the pH value. This would have led for the most reliable pH readings to be obtained and the correct amount of sodium hydroxide to be added to the acidic solution. The lab could have been furthered in several ways. It would have been interesting to test these different indicators and the amount of sodium hydroxide required for the end points to be shown when using a strong acid and base. At the equivalence point the same amounts of hydrogen and hydroxide ions will form water, therefore having a pH of 7. For instance, if hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide were used the following reaction would take place: HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) –> H2O(l) + NaCl(aq) H+(aq) + Cl-(aq) + Na+(aq) + OH-(aq) –> H2O(l) + Na+(aq) + Cl-(aq) H+(aq) + OH-(aq) –> H2O(l) The first equation displays the reaction between the strong acid and strong base. The second reaction displays the HCl and NaOH dissociated in their respective ions. The last equation is known as the net ionic equation which eliminates the spectator ions from the previous equation. This proves that water will be produced. The neutralisation reaction will take place because salt will also be formed. This is because the anion from the dissociation of the strong acid and the cation from the dissociation of the strong base will come together to form the salt. The salt is not seen the net ionic equation as it dissociates. For this acid base titration lab it was legitimate to compare the outcomes with other classmates to determine if there were any anomalies between the data that was obtained. This is because it would have provided one with the knowledge of the types of errors that occurred and how much it affected their data. For instance, Sarah and I compared our results with Rachel Hung and Yashna Lakhani’s group. Yashna and Rachel’s groups provided information upon different indicators and some of the ones my group used as well. When comparing with the data of these groups it was determined that all of the results were mostly exactly the same or off by 0.1ml for the difference between the final and initial burette readings. For instance, for phenolphthalein, the value my group obtained for this was 0.9ml however, Yashna’s group got 1.0ml. This could have been due to a human error known as a parallax. A difference of 0.1ml could have taken place as one of our groups were unable to determine the position of the meniscus on the burette and therefore, the wrong readings of sodium hydroxide solution could have be collected. An acid base titration has several uses. One of the main real life uses of this experiment is to mix compounded drugs. A pharmacist will need to mix drugs appropriately in order for them to be in the appropriate pH range for the human body. Antacids are commonly used to help issues concerning heartburn, acid reflux and more. These feelings most likely take place due to excess hydrochloric acid in the stomach which causes an uncomfortable feeling. This subsequently allows a backflow of this acid to go up the esophagus which can make someone feel like their throat is burning. These tablets counteract the acidity as they go to the stomach area and react with the hydrochloric acid. These tablets are basic and change the liquid in the stomach to being not as highly acidic. Common antacid tablets contain Mg(OH)2 and Al(OH)2. A reaction equation by using an antacid tablet is shown as followed: HCl+NaOHà ¯ NaCl+H2O The acid base titration in this case is used to determine the amount of the stomach acid present in one’s body. Therefore, it can be discovered how much antacid will be needed for someone dealing with the issues mentioned above in order to make the hydrochloric acid present in their stomach less concentrated (Cavite, 2010). This will ensure the pH of the stomach will be less acidic. In other words, the lab will determine how much hydrochloric acid will be needed to be titrated by the base. Bibliography: 1. â€Å"Acid-Base Indicators.† Acid-Base Indicators. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. . 2. Meheen, T. â€Å"#3- Lab.† Titration – Analysis of Vinegar. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. . 3. Rousseau, Sasha. â€Å"If You Dilute Vinegar, How Will It Affect the PH Value?† EHow. Demand Media, 07 July 2011. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. . 4. â€Å"Toxic Substances Portal – Sodium Hydroxide.† Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH). N.p., 22 Apr. 2002. Web. 3 Mar. 2011. . 5. â€Å"Downloads†. Stuart Digital Burette. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. . 6. â€Å"CALIBRATION OF VOLUMETRIC GLASSWARE.† CALIBRATION OF VOLUMETRIC GLASSWARE. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. . 7. â€Å"Acid Base Titration – End Point Indicators.† Acid Base Titration – End Point Indicators. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. . 8. Pallas_reg. â€Å"Acid-Base Titrations: Analysis of Antacid Tablets.† Scribd. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2012. .

Stefan’s Diaries: Bloodlust Chapter 10

I awoke next as dusk was settling over the city. From my window, I could see the goldfish-orange sun sinking low behind a white steeple. The entire house was silent, and for a moment, I couldnt remember where I was. Then everything came back: the butcher shop, the vampires, me being flung against the wall. Lexi. As if on cue, she glided into the room, barely making a sound as she pushed open the door. Her blond hair was loose around her shoulders, and she was wearing a simple black dress. If looked at quickly, she could be mistaken for a child. But I could tell from the slight creases around her eyes and the fullness of her lips that shed been a full-grown woman, probably around nineteen or twenty. I had no idea how many years shed seen since then. She perched on the edge of my bed, smoothing back my hair. â€Å"Good evening, Stefan,† she said, a mischievous glint in her eye. She clutched a tumbler of dark liquid between her fingers. â€Å"You slept,† she noted. I nodded. Until Id sunk into the featherbed on the third floor of the house, I hadnt realized that Id barely slept in the past week. Even on the train, Id always been twitching, aware of the sighs and snores of my fellow passengers and always,alwaysthe steady thrum of blood coursing through their veins. But here no heartbeats had kept me from slumber. â€Å"I brought this for you,† she said, proffering the glass. I pushed it away. The blood in it smelled stale, sour. â€Å"You need to drink,† she said, sounding so much like me speaking to Damon that I couldnt help but feel a tiny pang of irritation–and sorrow. I brought the tumbler to my lips and took a tiny sip, fighting the urge to spit it out. As I expected, the drink tasted like dank water and the scent made me feel vaguely ill. Lexi smiled to herself, as if enjoying a private joke. â€Å"Its goats blood. Its good for you. Youll make yourself sick, the way you were feeding. A diet made exclusively of human blood isnt good for the digestion. Or the soul.† â€Å"We dont have souls,† I scoffed. But I brought the cup to my lips once more. Lexi sighed and took the tumbler, placing it on the nightstand next to me. â€Å"So much to learn,† she whispered, almost to herself. â€Å"Well, we have nothing but time, right?† I pointed out. I was rewarded with a rich laugh, which was surprisingly loud and throaty coming from her waif-like body. â€Å"You catch on quickly. Come. Get up. Its time to show you our city,† she said, handing me a plain white shirt and trousers. After changing, I followed her down the creaking wooden stairs to where the other vampires milled about in the ballroom. They were dressed up, but all looked faintly old-fashioned, as if theyd stepped out of one of the many portraits on the wall. Hugo sat at the piano, playing an out-of-tune rendition of Mozart while wearing a blue velvet cape. Buxton, the hulking, violent vampire, was wearing a loose, ruffled, white shirt. and Percy had on faded britches and suspenders that made him look as though he were running late to play a game of ball with his schoolmates. When they saw me, the vampires froze. Hugo managed a slight nod, but the rest merely stared in stony silence. â€Å"Lets go!† Lexi commanded, leading our group out the door, down the slate path, through zigzagging alleyways, and finally onto a street marked Bourbon. Each entryway led to a dimly lit bar, from which inebriated patrons stumbled out into the night air. Suggestively clad women gathered in clumps beneath awnings, and revelers acted punch-drunk, ready to laugh or fight at a moments notice. I instantly knew why Lexi took us here. Despite our odd attire, we attracted no more attention than any of the other lively revelers. As we walked, the others flanked me, keeping me in the center of their circle at all times. I knew I was being watched sharply, and I tried to remain unaffected by the scent of blood and the rhythm of beating hearts. â€Å"Here!† Lexi said, not bothering to consult the rest of the group as she pushed open a saloon door that read M ILADIESin curlicue script. I was impressed by her boldness–back in Mystic Falls, only women of ill repute would ever enter a barroom. But as I was fast realizing, New Orleans wasnt Mystic Falls. The floor of Miladies was caked with sawdust, and I winced at the overwhelmingly acrid smell of sweat, whiskey, and cologne. The tables were packed shoulder to shoulder with men playing cards, gambling, and gossiping. One entire side of the room was filled with Union soldiers, and in another corner, a motley band consisting of players with an accordion, two fiddles, and a flute was playing a jaunty rendition of â€Å"The Battle Hymn of the Republic.† â€Å"What do you think?† Lexi asked, leading me to the bar. â€Å"Is this a Union bar?† I asked. The Union army had captured the city some months back, and soldiers stood sentinel on nearly every corner, maintaining order and reminding Confederates that the war they were fighting looked to be a losing cause. â€Å"Yes. You know what that means, right?† I scanned the room. Aside from the soldiers, it was a solitary crowd. Single men drowned their loneliness at wooden tables, barely acknowledging their neighbors. The bartenders filled glasses with a mechanical air, never seeming to register the people for whom they poured their wares. I understood immediately. â€Å"Everyone here is a stranger passing through.† â€Å"Exactly.† Lexi smiled, clearly pleased that I was catching on. Buxton cleared his throat in disapproval. I could tell he didnt like me–that he was waiting for me to slip up so he could stake me without incurring Lexis wrath. â€Å"Hugo, find us a table!† Lexi commanded. Hugo walked his hulkish frame over to a rough-hewn table next to the band. Before he could even open his mouth, the blue-coated soldiers at the table glanced at each other and stood up, leaving half-filled mugs behind. Lexi pulled out two chairs. â€Å"Stefan, sit next to me.† I sat, vaguely embarrassed that I was so compliant, like a child. But I reminded myself that even Hugo followed her lead. Lexi had Power, and she knew how to use it. Percy, Hugo, and Buxton also settled around. â€Å"Now,† Lexi said, taking one of the abandoned beer mugs and waving it around in the air, just as the waitress approached us. â€Å"Lets teach you how to behave in public.† My cheeks flushed with anger. â€Å"I am behaving,† I said through clenched teeth. â€Å"Despite the fact that there are so many people that its nearly impossible to concentrate.† Percy and Hugo snickered. â€Å"Hes not ready † Buxton said in a surly tone. â€Å"Yes, he is.† Lexis words were low and slightly menacing. Buxton clenched his jaw, clearly trying to rein in his temper. I shifted in my chair. I suddenly felt like I was ten years old again, with Damon protecting me from the Giffin brothers. Only this time it was a girl standing up for me. I was about to point out that I didnt need Lexi to answer for me when she placed a hand on my knee. The touch was gentle and calmed me. â€Å"It gets easier,† she said, briefly catching my eyes. â€Å"So, lesson one,† she stated, addressing the entire group. A kindness on her part, I realized, since I was the only one who didnt know the finer points of being a vampire. â€Å"Lesson one is learning how to compel without drawing attention to yourself.† She leaned back and eyed the band. â€Å"I dont like this song. Stefan, what song would you like to hear?† â€Å"Uh .† I glanced around the table, confused. Percy snickered again, but stopped when Lexi glared at him. â€Å",,God Save the South?† I said hesitantly. The first thing that came to my head, it was a tune Damon used to whistle when he was on leave from the army. Lexi scooted her chair back, the legs kicking up a layer of sawdust. She sauntered over to the band and looked each of the members in the eye as she said something I couldnt hear. The band stopped mid-chord and immediately switched to â€Å"God Save the South.† â€Å"Hey!† one soldier shouted. His comrades glanced at one another, clearly wondering why a band in a Union bar had suddenly been inspired to play a pro-Southern song. Lexi grinned, as if delighted by her trick. â€Å"Are you impressed?† â€Å"Very,† I said, meaning it. Even Percy and Hugo nodded in agreement. Lexi took a sip of her beer. â€Å"Your turn. Pick someone,† she said. I glanced around the bar, my eye catching on a dark-haired barmaid. Her eyes were deep brown, and her hair was tied in a low knot at the nape of her neck. Her lips were parted, and she wore a cameo pendant that nestled in the notch of her neck. In the split second between seeing and knowing, I was reminded of Katherine. I thought of my first glimpse of Miss Molly, and how Id mistaken her for Katherine as well. It felt as though my maker were intent to haunt me in New Orleans. â€Å"Her,† I said, nodding toward the girl. Lexi looked at me sharply, as if she knew there was a story behind this decision. But she didnt pry. â€Å"Clear your mind,† she said instead, â€Å"and allow your energy to enter her.† I nodded, remembering the moment on the train when my thoughts had touched Lavinias. I fixed my gaze on the barmaid. She was laughing, her head tilted back toward the ceiling, but as soon as my focus locked on her, her eyes lowered to mine, almost as if Id bidden her to do so. â€Å"Good,† Lexi murmured. â€Å"Now, use your mind to tell her what you want from her.† That was the piece I had missed. When Id tried to compel the conductor, Id had thousands of thoughts about possible scenarios that could happen during our interaction, but I had not asked for any of them. Come here, I willed, staring into her liquid chocolate eyes.Come to me.For a moment she held her place behind the bar, but then she took a hesitant step forward.Yes, keep going.She stepped forward again, more confidently this time, making her way toward me. I had expected her to look dazed, almost as though she were sleepwalking. But she didnt appear to be in a trance. To any bystander, she could have simply been coming to our table to take our drink orders. â€Å"Hello,† I said when she reached us. â€Å"Dont break eye contact,† Lexi whispered. â€Å"Tell her what you want her to do now.† Sit down,I thought. And, almost instantly, the girl wedged herself between me and Buxton, her thigh warm against mine. â€Å"Hello,† she said unblinkingly. â€Å"Its the strangest thing, but suddenly I just knew that I needed to sit here with you.† â€Å"Im Stefan,† I said, shaking her hand. My fangs elongated, and the sides of my stomach knocked together. I wanted her. Badly. â€Å"Dont embarrass us,† came Lexis final words before she turned from me to face the band. It was clear that while she wasnt condoning any of my subsequent actions, she wasnt necessarily condemning them. Invite me outside, I thought, placing my hand on the barmaids thigh. But even as I thought the words, I glanced at Lexi, breaking my connection with the girl. The girl shifted, pulled her hair up, then dropped it down on her back. She glanced at the band, rubbing her forefinger on the rim of a glass. Invite me outside, I thought again, refocusing my attention fully on her. Sweat prickled my temple. Had I lost the connection for good? But then she gave a slight nod. â€Å"You know, its awfully loud in here, and I want to speak with you. Would you mind if we went outside?† she asked, staring at me. I stood up, my chair scraping against the floor. â€Å"Id like that very much,† I said, offering her my arm. â€Å"Bring her back alive, boy, or youll be answering to me,† said a voice so low that I wondered if Id imagined it. But when I turned back, Lexi merely smiled and waved.

Rei Sustainability Case - 1910 Words

To: Council of Executive Vice Presidents Date: 1th of November, 2012 From: Anders Fà ¦dder Subject: Evaluation of REI’s sustainability goals I am writing in response to your inquiry regarding the plausibility of maintaining the continuous growth of the company as well as satisfying its sustainability goals. The following sections will address the three issues, mentioned by top management, by first describing them, then interpreting them and lastly they will be evaluated. Conclusion and recommendations will be based on this. REI focus greatly on the impact that their business has on the environment. They continuously work on finding new and innovative solution that will help reduce these negative effects. Their corporate mission†¦show more content†¦These include: * A 50 percent transit subsidy * Showers and secure bike storage at every REI facility * Telecommuting options at our headquarters location * Web conferencing and other technology tools In 2011, REI partnered with The Nature Conservancy to implement an afforestation project on the Bayou Bartholomew property in Louisiana, which will restore forest continuity with the adjacent Chemin-a-Haut State Park. Funding provided voluntarily by REI Adventures will finance the future retirement of carbon offsets from this project. Through this effort, REI supported The Nature Conservancy s restoration of this forest ecosystem, as well as the design of a carbon project. This carbon project has been validated and registered through a credible third-party certification system (the Verified Carbon Standard). The effort will contribute to long-term systemic change, benefitting the atmosphere and the forest ecosystem, and has been designed to produce verifiable carbon offsets in the future. Though REI would seek new and innovative solutions to all aspects within the company, there is at least one were they could only offset rather than reduce. REI’s largest source of GHG emissions was REI Adventures which generated 31 percent of its total, namely flying members to adventure destinations. This exception was dealt with by purchasing carbon offsets as a part of the travel package, paid by REI. Reduction of waste toShow MoreRelatedIct Development Beneficial Effects On Health Care Organizations1013 Words   |  5 Pagesmain factors involving in the development of information and communication technologies in a healthcare environment? 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