Walailak University’s Path to Carbon Neutrality: A Strategic Commitment to Sustainability
Walailak University is actively addressing climate change through its 20-year Strategic Plan (2018–2037), focusing on Strategy 5: Promote the Image as a Sustainable Happy Green University City. This initiative aims to drive the university towards carbon neutrality, in line with the Thailand Climate Change Master Plan, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Recognizing the university’s critical role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in responding to climate change, Walailak University has issued a 2024 Climate Action Policy. This policy sets a clear goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065.
Walailak University has established an action plan to achieve carbon neutrality, with the following key milestones:
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- 2022: The university assessed its baseline greenhouse gas emissions to serve as a database for planning emission reduction strategies.
- 2030: The target is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% compared to the baseline. This will be achieved through a combination of direct and indirect emission reductions, including promoting the use of renewable energy, improving energy efficiency in buildings and transportation, enhancing resource use efficiency, and encouraging reforestation to absorb carbon.
- 2050: The university aims to fully achieve carbon neutrality by reducing emissions across five key sectors: energy, transportation, agriculture, waste management, and land use.
- 2065: Walailak University’s goal is to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
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As part of the Climate Action Plan, Walailak University intends to monitor, verify, and evaluate its greenhouse gas emissions annually. To support this effort, the university has established a subcommittee board for advancing carbon neutrality. This subcommittee board is responsible for advancing strategic goals related to managing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions and preparing the institution to address all aspects of climate change (Mitigation, Adaptation, and Resilience). Additionally, the board oversees the measurement of the university’s greenhouse gas emissions to ensure proper tracking and reporting.
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals