Author: Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University consistently releases an annual Academic Sustainability Journal Report. The 2023 edition provides insights into the university's ongoing sustainability efforts, highlighting key initiatives and developments in sustainable practices across various aspects of the institution. Setting and Infrastructure In 2023, the university intensifies its commitment to sustainability through enhanced preservation of green spaces and water conservation areas. The focus remains on overarching strategies and foundational infrastructure, with comprehensive policies and planning aimed at making Walailak University a model of sustainability. This approach includes developing eco-friendly buildings and sustainable innovations, strengthening connections with global and national sustainable university networks, supporting sustainability-focused student organizations, maintaining a dedicated sustainability website, and performing in-depth statistical analysis to guide future efforts. Smart BuildingSmart Classroom Energy and Climate Change In 2023, the university…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University plays a significant role in supporting the local community economy by prioritizing the purchase of food products from sustainable sources and local. This is part of the university's Food Preparation and Sustainable Consumption Policy, which ensures that the food provided on campus is safe for students, staff, and visitors. This policy not only promotes the quality of life in the surrounding community but also emphasizes reducing environmental impact while supporting local and sustainable products. Procurement of Products from Sustainable Sources Walailak University prioritizes purchase of products from sustainable sources including local farmer and food producers, particularly from the Satit Walailak Pattana Community, located within 1-2 kilometers of the university. Most of the products sold on campus come from local communities and sustainable sources, including seasonal…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) has made sustainable community development and the provision of academic services a core strategic priority to uphold its mission of being the "Pillar of the Region." Over the next five years (2023-2027), the university plans to disseminate research findings and extend technological advancements to local communities, while also promoting lifelong learning. As a local knowledge center, the university offers free access to all facilities such as labs, technologies, plant stocks, and educational resources to help communities achieve balanced and sustainable livelihoods, with a focus on food security, sustainable farming practices, and skill development for alternative career paths. The university provides free academic services and resources, including labs, advanced technologies, and plant stocks, to farmers, food producers, and restaurant operators, involving stakeholders from both the…

Sustainability and Stewardship Measuring and tracking the amount of food waste generated from food served within the university for the  whole campus is a mission of Walailak University to promote sustainable resource use and reduce environmental impact. By monitoring waste levels, the university aims to identify opportunities to minimize waste generation, enhance food management practices, and increase awareness among students, staff, and vendors. These efforts support the university’s commitment to sustainability and contribute to broader goals of reducing food waste within the community.The Center for Smart Farming and Landscaping Architecture is the main unit or center at Walailak University that is responsible for measuring food waste at Walailak across the campus. The center is equipped with staff who directly work in tracking food waste and setting strategies for food waste…

Sustainability and Stewardship Achieving sustainable academic services and community development is one of Walailak University's key strategies to fulfill its founding mission of being a "pillar of the region." Over the next five years (2023-2027), the university has established a strategic plan to disseminate and expand research outcomes and technology to local communities, alongside promoting the university as a learning center for the region. This allows the community to access and apply knowledge in supporting their livelihoods and balancing natural resources and the environment. The knowledge, skill or technology provided focus especially on food security, sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, safe agriculture and aquaculture and sustainable fisheries, food processing from agricultural and fishery products, as well as preparing local entrepreneurs for food product certification.Consequently, Walailak University has been providing access on…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University realizes that hunger among staff can affect their productivity, focus, and overall well-being. Without access to nutritious meals, staff members may experience fatigue and reduced concentration, which can hinder their performance and job satisfaction. To address this, the university provides interventions to prevent or alleviate hunger among members of staff, such as Free Food Intervention at the Botanic Park, the affordable food price policy, and events providing free food. Free Food Intervention at Botanic Park The Free Food Intervention at Botanic Park, serving as the food bank for food security promotion for students and staff is a significant initiative by Walailak University (WU) focused on enhancing food security and alleviating hunger among university staff. Held monthly, the program offers an array of nutritious, free meals sourced primarily…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University, through its Center of Property Management, oversees the quality and pricing of food to ensure that students, staff, and visitors have access to healthy and affordable choices for all food outlets. Recognizing the impact of healthy and affordable food choices on enhancing the well-being of the campus community, the university has launched various programs to promote better nutrition and wellness among food operators. Furthermore, the center conducts regular inspections to uphold strict hygiene standards at all campus food outlets. Figures : The Center of Property Management organizing an annual meeting in 2023 to discuss the prices and quality of food with food operators on campus. Affordable Food Choices In the contracts for food operators in all food outlets wishing to conduct business on campus, they…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University’s Center of Property Management oversees the recruitment of food operators across campus through transparent and respectful procedures to ensure that the food operators provide sustainable and inclusive food choices for students, staff, and visitors. The university's food outlets include the Chor Pradu Food Center, the Activity Building Food Center, the WUH Food Center, retail convenience stores, food kiosks, cafeterias, vending machines, Walailak University markets, and the Kla-D shop. All these outlets offer sustainable food options, and vendors must comply with the 2022 Policy on Food Preparation and Sustainable Consumption. The center places great importance on fair trading to ensure that all food vendors at WU food centers, food kiosks, cafeterias, and retail convenience stores have equal opportunities to operate their businesses on campus. This initiative…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) has implemented several initiatives to address food insecurity among its students, ensuring that all students have access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food. Among these are the Free Examination Support Food Station and the Free Food Intervention at the Botanic Park. These interventions, active for several years, provide essential support for students facing food access challenges due to economic constraints. Free Examination Support Food Station Walailak University recognizes that some students, particularly those from low-income backgrounds, struggle to access adequate and nutritious food, especially during exam periods when they require energy to study effectively. A lack of proper nutrition during these critical times can negatively impact academic performance, increase stress levels, and even contribute to higher dropout rates among economically disadvantaged students. Figure :…