2.9 Elements of green building implementation as reflected in all construction and renovation policies

2.9.5 Green Building 

A Green Building is designed, constructed, and operated with the objective of minimizing environmental impact while promoting the health and well-being of its occupants. These buildings prioritize the efficient use of natural resources, energy conservation, and long-term sustainability. The key components of Green Buildings are as follows:

2.9.5.1 Natural Ventilation: Buildings are designed with good airflow and ventilation, utilizing wind channels and air circulation systems to reduce the need for air conditioning.

Natural Ventilation

2.9.5.2 Maximizing Natural Lighting: The design of the building incorporates large windows and heat-reflective glass panels to maximize the use of natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and electricity consumption.

Building 14, Memorial Library 10 years

2.9.5.3 Efficient Air Circulation: The internal layout of the building is designed to allow for smooth air circulation, avoiding blockages that can obstruct airflow and ensuring that indoor air remains fresh and comfortable.

Faculty of Science, Sriracha.

2.9.5.4 Indoor Green Spaces: The building includes indoor gardens or spaces with plants, which provide environmental and health benefits, such as improved air quality and enhanced occupant well-being.

Faculty of Environment, Bangkhen Campus.

The Office of the University Library created area between buildings as “Library in the Park”   so that students can sit and relax in natural site.   To respond to the “Green Campus” policy, the Office of the University Library renovated 475 square metres of space within the office to be “Library in the Park” reading area in natural atmosphere and saving energy for student and staff.Moreover, the Office separated space within the Library in the Park as a site of special event such as “Music in the Park” among variety of botanical garden which comprised of 2 species of plant: Acanthaceaeand  Bignoniaceae.

Faculty of Science, Sriracha.

2.9.5.5 Use of Sunlight-Blocking Materials to Reduce Heat: The building incorporates materials that block or reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat entering the building. This method improves energy efficiency and enhances indoor comfort by minimizing the need for air conditioning.

Science and Technology Laboratory Building

2.9.6 Building design and construction by focusing on the environment and the quality of life of the residents Able to adapt to ever-changing environments.

Energy Conservation Building Certificate.

 The design of a new building of the Faculty of Engineering at KamphaengSaen received award from the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE). This design passed the Building Energy Code (BEC), standard criteria for efficient energy consumption building evaluation which accredited by DEDE.

Simulation of Kasetsart University’s Medical Park and Hospital Project at Bangkhen Campus

The Medical Park project at Kasetsart University spans 50 rai. Of this, 25 rai will be dedicated to the construction of the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Dentistry, and a 400-bed Kasetsart University Hospital. The remaining 25 rai will be designed as a Medical Park, a green space that aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The park will feature various types of trees and plants to create a calming, park-like atmosphere for patients and their families, promoting relaxation and well-being. The building structures will be designed by faculty experts from the Faculty of Architecture, ensuring that the design meets both functional and environmental standards.

Bidyalankarana Learning Center building, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University received “BEC Awards”

Bidyalankarana Learning Center building of Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University

Bidyalankarana Learning Center building, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University received “BEC Awards” This is the label for energy efficiency standard of new building design.

The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) offered the "BEC Awards2018 " to 18 buildings that met the Building Energy Code (BEC) design standard for energy conservation. There were only 18 buildings out of 114 buildings from 33 organization were inspected and certified from DEDE.

Bidyalankarana Learning Center building of Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University is a 13 storey building. It has an area of 22,979 square meters, with a height of 69.5 meters and WWR 20% of ratio. This building can save 54% of energy and received a very good building rating.

Society and Policies: According to a criteria of Thai Green Building, Kasetsart University has a policy to preserve green spaces by requiring new building size 1,000 square meters or more to have a green roof, green wall or install solar energy, at least 50% of the green roof area totally. All buildings in the university will have natural ventilation system, using a translucent roof, using of shading materials to reduce heat entering the building, and planting trees on the roof. As for the master plan of the university, the buildings that was constructed before, will be renovated. It is another challenge to improve the building to meet the green building criteria.

Green economic recovery: Demanding of energy - saving and environmental friendly buildings is increasing in all parts of the country as of the support, promotion and supervision of the government. According to a policy on energy conservation promotion and the Ministerial Regulations on the design of energy conservation buildings, the Department of City Planning and Urban Development, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has issued a new city plan. Which clearly requires that the new building will have to build as environmental friendly in both energy and water saving, as well as increasing green space. This is an opportunity for Kasetsart University to issue regulations on building construction which must be environmental friendly, electricity saving, and remain natural in the area. In addition, using all resources in the building worthwhile and to be a source of learning and observing of students and personnel.

“The Way Forward” in the Context of Green Building involves implementing approaches and strategies to create buildings that have minimal environmental impact and use resources as efficiently as possible, meeting long-term sustainability needs.    

Key approaches for Green Buildings include:

1. Energy Efficiency: Installing energy-saving devices, using LED lighting systems that consume less energy, and designing buildings to maximize natural light to reduce electricity use.
2. Water Efficiency: Implementing wastewater treatment systems that allow water to be reused and installing water-saving devices within buildings.
3. Sustainable Materials: Selecting environmentally friendly, recycled, or reusable construction materials while minimizing the use of toxic substances harmful to health.
4. Reducing Carbon Emissions: Decreasing reliance on energy sources emitting carbon dioxide by using renewable energy such as solar panels and designing buildings that reduce the need for heating and cooling.
5. Waste Management: Promoting recycling and managing construction waste by designing buildings that minimize waste generation and effectively managing waste in the long term.
6. Environmentally Responsive Design: Designing buildings that adapt to the site’s environment, such as utilizing sunlight, managing wind direction, and selecting suitable materials and technologies for the climate.
7. Renewable Energy Integration: Installing solar panels or wind turbines to reduce dependence on non-renewable energy sources.
8. Green Building Certification: Many organizations aim to meet certification standards such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) or the WELL Building Standard, ensuring that the building meets criteria for efficient use of energy and resources.

These approaches promote Green Buildings as a new standard for sustainable development, aligning with efforts to combat climate change and use resources responsibly over the long term.

Remark : All activities in 2.9 refer to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), otherwise known as the global goals, especially relating to Goal 11: Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning and management in all countries.