Kittipong Bunlear – Page 8 – Walailak University Sustainable Development

17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

WU’s Collaborations with Governments and NGOs for Tackling Climate Change, Promoting Marine Resource Conservation, and Improving Well-being for Thai Society

Outreach and Engagement Walailak University has direct involvement in, and provides substantial input into, national government and regional non-governmental organizations in SDG policy development. This includes identifying existing and emerging problems and challenges, formulating policies and strategic frameworks, modeling future scenarios with and without targeted interventions, monitoring and reporting on policy implementation and impacts, and supporting adaptive management to improve long-term sustainability outcomes. Since Professor Dr. Sombat Thamrongthanyawong assumed the presidency, Walailak University researchers have increasingly collaborated with government bodies and NGOs to advance policy and strategy development toward achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. This aligns with the university’s commitment to becoming a leading institution in SDG implementation.In 2024, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Warit Jawjit continued to work with partners on the development of the Provincial and Municipal Action…

17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Transformation of Brownfield Land for the Construction of the Sirin Museum

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship Most of the area where Walailak University (WU) is now located was once a vast, dense forest. Over time, much of this land was cleared and used for agricultural purposes. Before the university was established, the area had been utilized for various types of farming, including agriculture, aquaculture, and livestock activities such as dairy, Nile tilapia, goat, and pig farming, as well as mangosteen and rubber tree cultivation. Consequently, some parts of the land had already become brownfield sites due to possible contamination from chemical substances or fertilizers, while other areas were left abandoned.In later years, Walailak University developed several of its new buildings on these brownfield sites—both on land that had been previously contaminated and on areas affected by the university’s earlier activities. For example, the…

17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Adopting Sustainable Standards for New Building Construction

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University (WU) has long prioritized sustainability and the application of high standards in its infrastructure development and energy management initiatives. A notable example is the Center for Library Resources and Educational Media, which was constructed in accordance with the Engineering Institute of Thailand (EIT) Standard under His Majesty the King’s Patronage. This standard emphasizes precision, structural integrity, and meticulous implementation throughout the design and construction process. The building’s maintenance is also overseen by licensed architects and engineers from the Division of Landscaping and Building, ensuring continuous adherence to safety and quality standards. In addition to meeting EIT requirements, the center operates in full compliance with the Building Energy Code (BEC) — Thailand’s national standard for energy efficiency in buildings. The BEC certification, granted by the Department…

17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Collaboration with Local Authorities to Provide Affordable Housing for Local Communities

Outreach and Engagement

Outreach and Engagement Walailak University is surrounded by vibrant local communities, many of which face significant socio-economic challenges. One such community, the Satit Walailak Pattana community located behind the university, has long struggled with limited access to affordable and stable housing. Severe poverty, lack of financial opportunities, and barriers to accessing housing loans have forced many residents to rent small rooms instead of establishing secure homes. This instability has placed additional burdens on families, making it difficult to achieve long-term stability in their livelihoods, health, and education. In 2024, Walailak University initiated a collaborative effort with government partners to address this pressing issue. The Agricultural Land Reform Office, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and the Thai Buri Subdistrict Administrative Organization joined hands with WU to design practical solutions for…

17Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Pedestrian Access Prioritization on Campus

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University places great importance on prioritizing pedestrian access for students, staff, and the general public within the campus. The university has implemented an infrastructure development project to construct pedestrian walkways covering all areas of the campus, aiming to enhance safety, convenience, and overall quality of life for students, personnel, and visitors. This project is part of the university’s Sustainable Campus Policy, which focuses on creating an environment conducive to learning and high-quality living. The construction of walkways spans key areas of the university, including routes connecting academic buildings, dormitories, libraries, cafeterias, and outdoor activity spaces, facilitating safe and convenient movement for students and staff. The design of the walkways also adheres to safety standards, accessibility principles for persons with disabilities (Universal Design), and the use of…

16Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Providing Affordable Housing for Students

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University (WU) is committed to supporting students’ well-being by ensuring access to affordable, high-quality housing on campus. Recognizing that off-campus rental costs in Tha Sala District have risen significantly due to urban expansion and increased migration, WU has consistently set dormitory fees lower than market prices. By doing so, the university helps reduce students’ financial burdens and creates an environment where they can focus on their academic and personal development. Click on the map for a clearer view with more details. Affordable Housing Management and Evaluation The Center of Property Management oversees all student dormitories and plays a central role in maintaining affordable pricing and quality facilities. To strengthen student participation, the center has established Student Dormitory Committees in every dormitory. These committees represent student voices by…

16Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Providing Affordable Housing for Employees

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship In 2024, Walailak University (WU) continued its commitment to supporting employee well-being by providing access to affordable housing throughout their working life. The university recognizes that safe, affordable, and convenient housing is essential for staff stability, work-life balance, and long-term institutional loyalty. Click on the map for a clearer view with more details.Housing for employees at WU is divided into two main types: apartments for single or married employees and family houses for staff who live with their spouses and children. All accommodations are located within the campus, ensuring proximity to workplaces, security, and a strong sense of community.The housing is arranged in two primary zones:Walainivas Zonesituated in the south of the campus. WU Hospital Housing Zone located in the east of the campus. Affordable Housing Evaluation The rising…

16Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Technology Development and Adaptation for Remote Work at Walailak University

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship At Walailak University, the Policy on Remote Working has been in place as part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability and staff well-being. The policy aims to promote flexible work arrangements among university staff, enabling remote work where applicable. Consequently, the university promotes and allows telecommuting or remote working for employees in accordance with tis policy. The university also provides guidelines encouraging staff to work efficiently, thereby reducing commuting time to the workplace. By reducing unnecessary daily commuting, the university not only alleviates traffic congestion on campus but also contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with personal vehicle use. Online Meeting Internal MeetingsAs part of the policy, Walailak University actively encourages staff to organize internal meetings via online platforms, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams, whenever…

15Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

WU Promoting Sustainable Commuting towards a Greener Campus

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University has implemented a range of initiatives to promote sustainable commuting on campus. These include the operation of electric shuttle buses to facilitate convenient and eco-friendly travel, the construction of covered walkways to encourage walking in all weather conditions, and the promotion of bicycles through designated bike lanes and cycling campaigns. In addition, the university supports the use of electric vehicles by both staff and students for commuting on and off campus, reducing reliance on fuel-powered transportation and lowering carbon emissions. Together, these initiatives contribute to a safer, greener, and more sustainable campus environment. Free Electric Shuttle Car Service Walailak University has implemented the WU Electric Shuttle Car Service, a pioneering green transportation initiative powered by both solar and electric energy. This service offers free, eco-friendly…

15Oct 2025 by Kittipong Bunlear

Walailak University’s Measures and Targets for Sustainable Commuting

Sustainability and Stewardship

sustainablility and stewardship Walailak University prioritizes measuring and setting targets to drive sustainable commuting both off and on campus. In 2024, Walailak University issued a policy on public transportation and student vehicle usage. This policy was issued to promote the measures for sustainable commuting on campus, which aligns with the 13th National Economic and Social Development Plan (2023–2027). The policy focuses on promoting the use of electric vehicles and supporting public transportation systems with low carbon emissions for the students, staff, and the general public at Walailak University. Figures : Policy on Public Transportation and Student Vehicle UsageWalailak University continues to maintain and expand its pedestrian pathways and covered walkways to encourage walking as a sustainable mode of transportation, thereby reducing the carbon footprint associated with personal vehicle use. This initiative…

Author: Kittipong Bunlear