Thammasat’s commitment to reaching “Net-Zero”

Climate change is the most pressing issue of our time. Many countries, authorities, companies and institutions have pledged commitments to reduce carbon emissions or at least contribute their share to the global target of net zero emissions. Thammasat University has publicly committee to reaching net-zero by issuing the Net Zero Emission Policy, dated February 15, 2022, emphasized on the promotion to reduce direct and indirect green house gas emission from the activities in the university.

ประกาศมหาวิทยาลัยธรรมศาสตร์_Net-Zero-Emission-Policy-2022

Manage and develop transportation systems that are safe and energy-efficient, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, and use vehicles that are environmentally friendly, are what Thammasat University has set as one of the key requirements stated in the “Policy on Environmental Management” issued in 2019. Thammasat University – Policy on Environmental Management

The University advocates a firmed intent in the reduction of energy consumption from fossil fuel and implemented several initiatives for carbon dioxide emissions reduction. It has signed an agreement of cooperation with “Haup Car” to promote the use of electric vehicles. The University has also provided 4 electric vehicle charging locations in Rangsit Campus and one station at Dome building, Tha-Prachan Campus to support those who use electric vehicles. Each location has at least one electric vehicle charging station, altogether around 8 stations within the University.

It has signed another agreement of cooperation with “Anywheel” to promote the use of shared bicycles to allow and promote the students, staff, and visitors in actively contributing to reduce the use of fossil fuel powered vehicles within the campus. The University aims to continue promoting the use of bicycles as non-motorized transport (NMT) by adding bicycle lanes. It continually upkeeps and improves pedestrian paths to promote walking which is good for the health.

Continuing to enhance the awareness and the importance of emission reduction, the University has implemented a multi-year project to replace fossil fuel powered service shuttles with EV shuttle buses. This also includes the project of changing 20 shuttle buses service in Rangsit Campus from Natural Gas Vehicle (NGV) to be Electric Bus which was completed in 2021.

In 2023, Thammasat University’s Faculty of Architecture and Planning and SCG Cement-Building Materials Co., Ltd. signed an agreement for academic cooperation aiming to drive the country towards a Net Zero society. The partnership focuses on developing sustainable building practices, promoting Net Zero Energy building design, and advancing energy-saving innovations. By combining academic research and business expertise, this initiative addresses climate change and reduces the construction industry’s carbon footprint, which contributes over 39% of global emissions. This collaboration will create and disseminate guidelines for Net Zero Building, fostering long-term sustainability and contributing to Thailand’s goal of net-zero emissions.

TDS joins forces with SCG for academic cooperation, aiming to drive the country towards a Net Zero Society (June,2023)
Thammasat Design School organized an event on exchanging knowledge about sustainable environmental design titled “Climate Resilience – Addressing Climate Change”

Thammasat University and Princeton’s Andlinger Center co-hosted a seminar on January 20, 2023, titled “Net Zero Thailand: Towards Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Thailand.” The event aimed to explore pathways for Thailand to achieve its climate goals, drawing insights from the US and Australia. Dr. Chris Greig from Princeton shared findings on different approaches to net-zero emissions, including renewable energy, electrification, and carbon capture technologies. He emphasized the affordability of net-zero goals but noted challenges like land use changes and social hurdles. The seminar concluded with a discussion on applying these insights in Thailand’s context.

Thammasat and Princeton University co-organize a seminar on “Net Zero Thailand: Towards Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Thailand”
Seminar: “Toward Net Zero Thailand with Insights from the US & Australia and Application for Thailand”