WU’s Commuting: Developing Sustainable Campus Mobility with Solar-Powered Shuttles and Green Energy Solutions

16Oct 2024 by Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship

Walailak University has undertaken the WU Electric Shuttle Car Service, offering solar-powered electric shuttles to provide free transportation around campus for students, staff, and the public. This service aims to reduce the dependence on personal vehicles, lowering the risk of accidents and minimizing damage to life and property. Also, it promotes the use of clean energy, reduces air and noise pollution, and supports the university’s goal of becoming a Smart & Green University.

Powered by both solar and electric energy, the fleet initially consisted of 18 shuttles with 14 seats each, operating on six routes since 2018. The service has expanded by 2023, with 20 electric vehicles, 10 with 13 seats, and another 10 with 22 seats, covering seven routes. Operating from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, the service reaches major university locations such as student dormitories, lecture halls, the Architecture & Design Building, the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media, Walailak University Hospital, and more, even connecting to external public transportation networks.

Key Shuttle Routes:

Route 1 – Academic Buildings

- - Architecture & Design Building

- - Anatomy Building

- - The Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment

- - Hua Taphan Building (Chef’s Kitchen)

- - Academic Building 5

- - Academic Building 9

Route 2 – Classroom Buildings

- - Lan Sai Square

- - Chor Praduu Food Center

- - Thaiburi Hall Building

- - Lecture Building 6 (ST)

Route 3 – University Front

- - The Student Activity Building

- - Thaiburi Hall Building

- - Lecture Building 6 (ST)

- - Walailak Park

- - Khum Sawat Hotel

- - Walailak University Center

- - Applied Thai Traditional Medicine Hospital

- - Thasala Hospital

Route 4 – Botanic Park

- - The Student Activity Building

- - Botanic Park

Route 5 – Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion

- - The Student Activity Building

- - Center for Cultural and Sports Promotion

Route 6 – Architecture & Design Building

- - The Student Activity Center

- - Architecture & Design Building

Route 7 – WU Resident Dormitory

- - The Student Activity Center

- - Lan Sai Square

- - WU Residence

The electric shuttle vehicles are designed for optimal functionality. They are open-air, operating at speeds of 40-50 km/h, with features such as semi-automatic sun and rain protection curtains, secure fastenings, full lighting for safe nighttime driving, and advanced security measures like CCTV cameras. Additionally, the shuttle system is connected to external public transportation for further convenience.

Walailak University is also undertaken to promote eco-friendly transportation by encouraging the use of bicycles and electric public transportation over personal vehicles. To support this, the university has designated specific bicycle routes and installed covered walkways, creating safer and more efficient pathways, and establishing bicycle maintenance stations with three locations:

- - Location 1: Near the Student Activity Building

- - Location 2: At Laksananives5 Dormitory

- - Location 3: At the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media

These efforts align with the university’s long-term goal to become a green, sustainable campus, making transportation even more convenient for students while reducing the university’s carbon footprint.

In 2023, WU installed five electric vehicle charging stations, continuing to encourage the use of electric vehicles by students and staff. The university has made significant strides in adopting renewable energy solutions across campus. Solar rooftop systems have been installed on academic buildings and parking areas, providing clean energy to power university facilities. Electric motorcycles are available for rent. Additionally, biogas production from animal waste is used to generate electricity in the livestock facilities, demonstrating the university’s commitment to green energy solutions.

The integration of wind power and solar traffic signs further highlights the university’s efforts to utilize renewable energy sources, reducing its reliance on traditional energy and moving closer to its carbon-neutral goals. By implementing these sustainable transport and energy initiatives, Walailak University is setting a benchmark for green university living, contributing to global environmental goals, and promoting long-term sustainability.

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