Author: Kittipong Bunlear

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University (WU) has long prioritized sustainability and adherence to high standards in its infrastructure development and energy management initiatives. The university ensures that all new buildings and renovations comply with the EIT Standard (The Engineering Institute of Thailand under His Majesty the King’s Patronage), which emphasizes precision and careful implementation. Construction and maintenance are supervised by licensed architects and engineers in collaboration with the Division of Landscaping and Building, ensuring compliance with the Ministerial Regulations on Building Control. Besides, WU’s Center for Library Resources and Educational Media has been recognized as meeting the Building Energy Code (BEC), the national standard for energy efficiency in buildings. This recognition, granted by the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) under the Ministry of Energy, highlights the building's…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University is committed to measuring and setting targets for more sustainable commuting by implementing a comprehensive approach that includes cutting-edge technologies, forward-thinking policies, and innovative measures. The university’s 20-year strategic plan (BE 2561-2580) aligns with Thailand's 20-Year National Strategic Framework (BE 2560-2579), the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan (BE 2560-2564), and the Thailand 4.0 policy. This robust plan, consisting of 9 strategic issues, 36 objectives, 94 key performance indicators, and 78 strategies, aims to support the nation’s sustainable development, positioning Walailak University as a key player in shaping Thailand's future. A core focus of Walailak University’s mission is the promotion of sustainable, eco-friendly practices. The university has set ambitious targets to become a model for green living, both on and off campus. This includes…

Walailak University recognizes the critical importance of water conservation and efficient water usage. The university actively promotes conscious and efficient water usage in the wider community. Currently, Walailak University is implementing water conservation projects and promoting conscious water usage in wider communities, while also providing knowledge to local farmers to help them plan and implement water-saving measures and reduce water consumption.In 2023, the university organized free training sessions to raise awareness of conscious water usage in wider community including local residents and various organizations in the area. Additionally, the university developed and designed a decision support program for water management planning at the sub-district level focusing on actively promoting conscious water usage. The case study was conducted in Khnab Nak Subdistrict, Pak Phanang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, where the…

Sustainability and Stewardship Promoting Conscious Water Usage and Efficient Water Management: Fostering Campus-Wide Water Conservation Initiatives Walailak University actively promotes conscious and efficient water usage on campus by conducting awareness campaigns to foster a sense of responsibility among its staff, emphasizing the importance of water conservation and mindful water usage. These efforts aim to ensure that all members of the university community recognize the significance of preserving water resources and using them efficiently.Walailak University encourages staff, students, and visitors to be aware of and contribute to water conservation. The university has placed signs and implemented the measurement that is water-saving measures, such as encouraging reduced water use, using water only when necessary, checking for leaks, and turning off taps while brushing teeth or after use. These signs are displayed in…

Sustainability and Stewardship Walailak University implements sustainable water extraction and management systems on campus, with dedicated conservation areas for storing water to ensure an adequate supply for consumption and domestic use within the university. Also, the existence of sustainable water extraction technologies is for flood control, irrigation, and the use as drinking water. The university has a system in place to produce tap water from raw water extracted from reservoirs that collect rainwater during each season. It also employs an irrigation process to control water volume and has built water gates, a technology designed and applied sustainably to meet the needs of local communities. In 2023, the university has established water conservation areas where water is extracted from reservoirs of the university, covering a total of 1,672,217 square meters to…

Strengthening Local, Regional, National, and Global Partnerships for Sustainable Water Management In 2023, Walailak University has focused on developing collaboration on water security with local, reginal, national, and global government agencies to address natural disasters and ensure sustainable water resource management. These efforts aim to meet the water needs of local communities efficiently and reliably, whether through flood prevention, saline water management, or drought mitigation. Additionally, the university places great emphasis on empowering communities by encouraging their participation in water management processes, which remains a key priority for sustainable development. Collaboration with Local Governments on Water Security for Sustaining Livelihoods, Human Well-being and Socio-economic Development Nakhon Si Thammarat Province is in an area influenced by both the southwest and northeast monsoons. WU diagnoses that the weather conditions often result in…

Currently, Walailak University actively supports practical water conservation off campus through continuous community engagement. In 2023, the university initiated the "Living Weir" project to conserve water in the Na Mai Pai area, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. This project focuses on a continuous digital monitoring development, evaluation, and assessment system to measure the changes and benefits of the living weir.The Na Mai Pai community, located in Na Mai Pai Subdistrict, Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, predominantly consists of agricultural workers who have been facing a severe water shortage crisis for both consumption and domestic use. Recognizing the importance of addressing this water crisis, Walailak University has extended its support for practical water conservation off campus, building on the initiatives started in previous years. This support is…