Walailak University’s Commitment: A Path to Achieving Carbon Neutrality

Walailak University has implemented climate change initiatives as part of its 20-year Strategic Plan (2018-2037), under Strategy 5: Promote the Image as a Sustainable Happy Green University City, driving the university toward carbon neutrality. This commitment aligns with the Thailand Climate Change Master Plan, specifically aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The university assesses its carbon footprint from university activities under guidelines set by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization), which aligns with international standards. The assessment references ISO 14064-4 (2018), Greenhouse Gas Protocols (2001, 2004), and certain aspects of ISO/TR 14069 (2013), adapted to Thailand’s context. The fiscal year 2022 serves as the base year for this evaluation. The carbon footprint calculation covers three scopes, as outlined in the table below:

The carbon footprint assessment from Walailak University’s activities revealed that, in the fiscal year 2022, the university emitted approximately 10,437 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The highest emissions came from activities under Scope 2 (electricity usage), accounting for 64.07%, followed by Scope 3 and Scope 1, respectively.

Figure: Walailak University assesses the carbon footprint from its main activities using the fiscal year 2022 as the base year for the evaluation.

Based on the carbon footprint assessment of the university, WU has undertaken measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from activities across all three scopes, to achieve carbon neutrality. The university has implemented projects under the Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS) in the energy sector, focusing on Scope 2, which contributes the highest proportion of greenhouse gas emissions. These projects were submitted to the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization). Two key activities were conducted:

1. 1. Replacing lighting equipment with more efficient alternatives, resulted in a reduction of 2,038,622 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent.

2. Installing high-efficiency air conditioning systems to replace the older units, achieving a reduction of 5,887,630 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Together, these activities reduced total greenhouse gas emissions by 7,926,252 kg of carbon dioxide equivalent or 7,926.252 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. Additionally, the university managed the installation of solar rooftop systems on the Building for Science and Technology, the Architecture & Design Building, and the parking lot roof, with a capacity of 2,000 kWp for internal use, aimed at reducing electricity costs by no less than 30%.

Figures: Walailak University certifies the results of the greenhouse gas emission reduction assessment under the Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS) in the energy sector.

Figure: Solar Rooftop Electricity Generation System Management at Walailak University

Moreover, Walailak University has undertaken other activities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1, such as prioritizing the use of electric vehicles for the university’s internal transportation system and serving students and staff. This includes electric courier vehicles, which help reduce fuel consumption from organizational vehicles. For Scope 3, the university has implemented the Walailak University Digital Office Management System (DOMS) to manage electronic documentation, significantly reducing paper usage. In 2023, Walailak University successfully reduced paper consumption by 81.44% compared to 2022.

Figures: Walailak University prioritizes the use of electric vehicles as the internal transportation system within the campus. (Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1)

Figure: Walailak University Digital Office Management System (DOMS) and the trend of reducing paper usage within the university. (Reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1)

Besides, Walailak University has initiated a study on carbon containment in plant biomass (above-ground biomass) using a demonstration plot in the Walailak Botanic Park. Data collection from trees within a 40×40 meter (1600 square meters) plot, consisting of 84 trees, revealed that the plant biomass can contain an equivalent of 38.21 tons of carbon dioxide.

Figures: Walailak University initiates research on carbon containment in plant biomass (above–ground biomass) using a sample plot in the Walailak Botanic Park as a demonstration area.

The greenhouse gas reduction activities mentioned above have resulted in Walailak University’s carbon footprint calculation for the fiscal year 2023 being 7,267 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. The largest proportion of emissions remains in Scope 2, with 5,013.16 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. When compared to the baseline year (fiscal year 2022), the carbon footprint from all three scopes has decreased by 57.89%, 75.00%, and 64.58%, respectively, compared to the baseline year.

Figure: Carbon footprint assessment of Walailak University for the fiscal year 2023, compared to the baseline year.

Figure: The Carbon Footprint Emission Report.

Walailak University’s Commitment: A Path to Achieving Carbon Neutrality

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Walailak University’s Commitment: A Path to Achieving Carbon Neutrality

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