2.10 Greenhouse gas emission reduction program

Kasetsart University has recognized the importance of climate change and is committed to being part of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to support Thailand's greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

2.10.1.1 Reduce burning by using weeds to compost to reduce air pollution.

Use food waste to make compost.

Organic Waste Compost Pile Decomposing leaf piles to be used as planting material for plant propagation.

The Composting in a Beautiful Garden project can help to reduce the amount of organic waste, such as twigs and leaves by landfill. The stick scraps and leaf scraps will be composed to be fertilizer and use for soil maintenance and for plants on campuses.

2.10.1.2 Public transportation management within Kasetsart University To reduce the amount of emissions from vehicles that will generate greenhouse gases.

 Transportation service of electric vehicles instead of diesel combustion engine

Electric Scooter Service at Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus

          Kasetsart University, Bangkhen Campus, led by Dr. Chongrak Watcharinrat, President of Kasetsart University, signed a memorandum of understanding with Mr. Justin Tiew, General Manager of Beam Mobility (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Mr. Hoon Sup Jung, authorized director of Thai Personal Mobility Co., Ltd. This agreement involves the provision of 1,000 electric scooters for students and staff to use within the university campus. The goal is to increase convenience for on-campus transportation while reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The university also provides safety training for those using the electric scooters, covering traffic rules, safety protocols, helmet usage, and other measures to minimize accidents.

 Electric bicycle service at Kasetsart University Kamphaengsaen Campus

                 Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen Campus, led by Associate Professor Dr. Anucha Pinyophummin, Vice President of Kamphaeng Saen Campus, along with Assistant President for Academic Services and Special Affairs, Director of Kamphaeng Saen Campus Office, and Director of Property Management Division, jointly signed a contract for electric bicycle service with Gogo Transtech Co., Ltd., which provides 200 electric bicycles for students and staff to facilitate travel within the university, reduce the number of cars entering the university, create more space, and reduce traffic problems. It is environmentally friendly and helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions within the university. In addition, the university is campaigning for electric bicycle users to wear helmets and follow traffic laws or regulations to reduce accidents.

2.10.3.3 Adequate nearby accommodation for student and staff in order to reduce commuting.

Accommodation for students and staff

2.10.3.4 Reduction of air travel.

There is a park and go building service to reduce travel. 

Traveling by car is the most energy-consuming journey. Carbon monoxide is released and a large number of other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which is one of the causes of global warming.

Kasetsart University Have realized and given importance to the environment that will arise from traveling. By Kasetsart University Provides inter-campus conferences, online meetings, automated book transfers, parking facilities and dormitories for students and staff to help reduce the need for travel and help to directly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from activities.

Society and Policies: At present, climate change is an important issue to be aware of as it is the main reason for the change in the earth's atmosphere as a whole. The cause is the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that continues to increase. As a result, global temperatures have risen due to greenhouse gas emissions from various activities. Greenhouse gases are known to be able to stay in the atmosphere and keep heat from going out of the world for decades. It recognizes the importance of reducing greenhouse gases caused by activities by creating activities to promote campaigns from individuals to the organizational sector, as well as developing to the public society, such as organizing campaigns labeled as reducing energy consumption within the agency to raise awareness of students and personnel in the field of energy conservation. The establishment of bicycle stops to support the use of bicycles within KU areas instead of cars, the

choice of solar power sources in various areas, infrastructure planning in response to long-distance travel reduction policies, etc., with the aim of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, divided into direct, indirect, and energy emission reduction, which activities and projects, as well as innovations, have been extended to provide knowledge for publicity to those interested in aiming for wider effect, from household level to international level.

Green economic recovery: Kasetsart University Turning to care for the environment and changing lifestyles with more environmental considerations, such as reducing fuel and carbon dioxide emissions by turning to more public transport. Carry a water bottle with you and use a cloth bag to reduce plastic waste. Or turn to support the purchase of products that are environmentally friendly, easily biodegradable, etc.

Sustainable development: Kasetsart University recognizes and cares about global warming, is committed to sustainability for the world by promoting solar energy consumption, replacing clean energy in the office, and continuing other activities. The university has set policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, save energy, and reuse resources to reduce energy consumption and create environmentally friendly behavior. Students and university staff are continuously cooperating, understanding energy conservation, being able to use it properly, efficiently and cost effectively, positively for the whole agency, and furthering the household sector for broader effect.

"The Way Forward" in the context of climate change initiatives within universities refers to the development and implementation of projects that support greenhouse gas reduction, conservation of natural resources, and sustainability on campus. This is achieved through the involvement of students, faculty, and the university community to create positive environmental impacts.

Climate Change Project Strategies within Universities:

Low-Carbon Campus Initiative

University can aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing renewable energy sources like solar panels, wind, or biomass. Additionally, energy-saving devices can be installed in buildings, including LED lighting and smart energy management systems, to reduce energy consumption in each building.

Green Transportation Initiatives

This aims to promote the use of electric vehicles on campus, such as electric buses for student transportation or bike-sharing stations within the campus. This reduces the use of personal vehicles and encourages walking or carpooling to minimize transportation-related carbon emissions.

Green Buildings 

This aims to develop environmentally friendly buildings on campus through energy-efficient designs, such as using sustainable materials, improving air circulation systems, maximizing natural lighting, and designing structures that reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling.

Waste Management and Recycling Programs

The establishment focuses on reducing waste volume, recycling used materials, and managing organic waste to produce compost or renewable energy. This includes placing sorting bins throughout the campus, promoting recycling activities, and efficiently managing food waste in dining facilities.

Campus Green Spaces and Reforestation Projects

Create and expand green areas within the campus, including planting trees to absorb carbon dioxide and improve air quality. These green spaces also help lower campus temperatures and provide relaxation areas for students and staff.

Green Innovation Research Programs

Universities can serve as centers for researching and developing innovations related to climate change, such as clean energy technology, carbon reduction solutions, or sustainable agricultural methods. These programs engage students and faculty in environmental problem-solving.

Sustainability Education Programs

Develop courses or subjects focused on climate change and sustainability, including seminars, workshops, and practical research projects on energy conservation, carbon reduction, and environmental protection, raising awareness and understanding among students.

Community Engagement Programs

Universities can collaborate with surrounding communities to promote climate change initiatives, such as sustainable energy training for households or partnering with local organizations to develop green spaces and recycling projects within communities.

Water and Resource Conservation Initiatives

Reduce water usage within the university by implementing water recycling technologies, such as installing rainwater collection systems, using recycled water in bathrooms and green spaces, and applying technology to reduce water usage in cleaning processes or agriculture on campus.

Conclusion

These projects not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and conserve the environment but also establish the university as a model of sustainability and climate change action. "The Way Forward" involves integrating these projects into the university's daily operations.

However, in some conservation activities, there is support for public and private organizations with the intention of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, to cooperate in the establishment of projects and campaigns to empower and increase the efficiency of Kasetsart University to implement the project well.

Remark: All activities in 2.10 refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the global goals, especially relating to Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. Improve education, awareness-raising and human and institutional capacity on climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. And relating to Goal 7 : Increase share of renewable energy. Ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.