Sustainable Commuting at WU with Measures and Targets

Sustainable Commuting at WU with Measures and Targets

Walailak University has measured and set targets for sustainable commuting in all dimensions, including issuing measures and policies, adopting new sustainable technologies and others. Walailak University has developed a 20-year strategic plan (BE 2561-2580) to prepare and support the country’s development plans in alignment with the National 20-Year Strategic Framework (BE 2560-2579), the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (BE 2560-2564), and the Thailand 4.0 policy. The university’s 20-year strategic plan consists of 9 strategic issues, 36 objectives, 94 key performance indicators, and 78 strategies to drive its development and contributions to the nation.

In 2565 BE (2022 CE), Walailak University initiated a policy to drive the university towards becoming a sustainable green university that prioritizes environmental friendliness, fosters a livable community, and serves as a positive role model for the surrounding communities. To achieve these goals, Walailak University has launched initiatives and campaigns to encourage participation and awareness among its departments, staff, students, and relevant stakeholders. These efforts are focused on managing the environment within the framework of the Green University policy. This encompasses areas such as landscape management, energy conservation, waste reduction and management, water management, transportation, and environmental education.

Walailak University actively promotes the use of bicycles, walking, carpooling, and vanpool among its faculty, staff, and students. In promoting sustainable transportation and reducing the environmental impact, Walailak University has implemented a policy of limiting vehicle access to certain areas on campus. This encourages walking between buildings, which helps save fuel, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and alleviates current traffic issues.

Currently, Walailak University has implemented several sustainable commuting options and infrastructure improvement on campus, including:

  1. Covered and Uncovered Walkways: There are a total of 54 walkways, both covered and uncovered, making it convenient for pedestrians to move around campus.
  2. Bicycle Lanes: The campus features 54 bicycle lanes, promoting the use of bicycles for commuting within the university.
  3. Shuttle Bus Services: The university provides shuttle bus services with seven different routes, facilitating transportation around the campus.
  4. Bus pool: There are two bus pool routes, offering shared transportation options for the university community.
  5. Van pool: Additionally, there are three vanpool routes, further promoting environmentally friendly commuting.

Walailak University has measured and set targets for more sustainable commuting including walking, cycling, shuttle bus, bus pool, and van pool. The details are provided in the table below.

Sustainable Commuting

Targets

(Route)

Current Status in 2022

(Route)

Year to Complete

Cover and Uncover Walkway

60

54

2025

Cycling

60

54

2025

Shuttle Bus

10

7

2025

Bus pool

4

2

2025

Van pool

5

3

2025

Goal 11 : Sustainable cities and communities

Goal 3: Good health and well-being

Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

Goal 13: Climate action