On 25 September 2026, the Center for Academic Services (CAS) organized a waste separation campaign during the Royal Graduation Ceremony of Walailak University for the 2025 Academic Year (B.E. 2568). Waste separation stations were established for event participants, covering general waste, organic waste, recyclable waste, glass bottles, aluminum cans, bottle caps, and plastic straws. Student volunteers were stationed at each point to provide guidance and encourage participants to separate waste correctly.
The activity forms part of Walailak University’s efforts to advance its sustainability policies through the implementation of a Low Carbon Commencement approach. It aims to reduce the environmental impacts associated with the event by minimizing waste generation, using resources efficiently, increasing opportunities for material recovery and recycling, and fostering environmental awareness and participation among event attendees.
The initiative went beyond simply “separating waste” by incorporating systematic data collection. Each category of waste was weighed and its quantity recorded for use as Activity Data in the assessment of the Carbon Footprint of Event (CF Event). This enables the University to assess the actual greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste generated during the event and use the data to develop more effective greenhouse gas reduction measures for future activities.
The results of waste separation and weighing at the designated activity points showed that general waste accounted for 75.97%, organic waste 15.90%, recyclable waste 5.30%, glass bottles 2.47%, and aluminum cans 0.35%. These findings demonstrate that source separation provides clear information on both the quantity and composition of waste generated, allowing materials with remaining value to be appropriately recovered or recycled rather than being disposed of as mixed waste. At the same time, the initiative helped reduce unnecessary use of plastic bin liners and conserve resources associated with event operations.
Furthermore, an assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from waste management during the Royal Graduation Ceremony for the 2025 Academic Year found that approximately 3.88 tCO₂e of greenhouse gas emissions were generated, equivalent to 0.24 kgCO₂e per person. Separating recyclable waste during the event was estimated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5.46% compared with a scenario without waste separation. Food waste also demonstrated significant potential for further emission reductions, with an additional 16.36% reduction possible if it were utilized as animal feed. If comprehensive waste management measures were implemented, total greenhouse gas emissions could potentially be reduced by up to 21.82%. These findings demonstrate the important role of proper waste separation and management in advancing the Low Carbon Commencement approach in a tangible manner.
The initiative therefore reflects the concept of “From Waste Separation to Carbon Data,” linking waste reduction, efficient resource use, and data-driven environmental assessment. Through this approach, Walailak University continues to advance its Royal Graduation Ceremony toward a more tangible Low Carbon event while promoting participation and sustainability awareness among the University community and event participants.
The initiative also supports the University’s Green University efforts, particularly the Waste (WS) category, which emphasizes waste reduction, separation, recycling, and resource recovery. It further contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production through sustainable production and consumption practices; SDG 13: Climate Action through reducing environmental impacts and greenhouse gas emissions; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaboration among University units and students in advancing sustainability initiatives in practice.
News by Yari Nukul Center for Academic Services, Walailak University https://cas.wu.ac.th/en/