Green initiative in Suranaree University of Technology in Thailand

¹ School of Civil Engineering, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhonratchasima, Thailand
² Division of Buildings and Ground, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhonratchasima, Thailand

^* Corresponding author: vacharapoom@sut.ac.th

Abstract

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) has participated in the Universitas Indonesia (UI) GreenMetric World University Rankings since 2013. It attempts to pursue campus sustainability programs and policies. The rankings is broadly based on the frameworks of environment, economy, and equity. The measurement criteria are divided into six categories with different point weighting i.e. setting and infrastructure, energy and climate change, waste, water, transportation, and education. These criteria heavily and directly involve the tasks and responsibilities of SUT's the Division of Buildings and Ground. A lot of environmental challenges in civil engineering and infrastructure works need to be achieved. The results of this year self-assessment show that although the university is in the developing stage, it can preserve both natural and planted forests more than 90%. It takes seriously role in green initiative by contributing 30% of total budget on sustainable efforts each year. It receives four national awards in the recognition of energy conservation initiative for green buildings. The university establishes the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plant (ISWM Plant) based on mechanical and biological treatment (MBT) which turns general wastes into valuable and sellable refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Moreover, these sustainable movements are in the continuous improvement process.