HIGHLIGHTS

• Official Policy Established: Two university notifications, the “Policy on Environmental Management” and the “Policy on Energy Conservation Management…” , both dated October 18, 2024, establish the requirement.
• Covers New Builds & Renovations: The policies explicitly state that the requirements apply to “All new build developments” and “Construction and renovation of all buildings”.
• Specific Energy Efficiency Standard Mandated: Both policies require projects to achieve a minimum “Certified” rating from TREES (Thai’s Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability).

Thammasat University has formally integrated stringent energy efficiency standards into its campus development guidelines through two key policies issued on October 18, 2024: the “Policy on Energy Conservation Management and Access to Modern Sustainable Energy” and the “Policy on Environmental Management.” These policies ensure that energy conservation and sustainable design principles are fundamental considerations for all new construction and renovation projects across the university.

Setting a High Standard: The TREES Certification Requirement

A central element of this commitment is outlined in Article 9 of the Policy on Energy Conservation Management and Access to Modern Sustainable Energy. This crucial article mandates that:

“Construction and renovation of all buildings within Thammasat University will adhere to the building design principle for energy conservation and must take into account energy efficiency as a primary factor, following the minimum “Certified” rating from TREES (Thai’s Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability).”

This requirement ensures that both new builds and major renovations are designed and executed with energy efficiency as a top priority. Adherence to the TREES standard provides a clear, measurable benchmark for sustainable building practices recognized within Thailand.

Reinforcing Sustainable Design Principles

The Policy on Environmental Management further reinforces this direction. Article (2) requires the university to “Perform design and physical development while following sustainable building design principles”, while Article (3)specifically reiterates that “All new build developments will be required to achieve a minimum ‘Certified’ rating from TREES”.

A Comprehensive Approach

By embedding these requirements directly into official university policy, Thammasat ensures that energy efficiency is not an afterthought but a core requirement for developing and maintaining its physical infrastructure. These policies, effective from late 2024, guide the university’s efforts to reduce its overall energy consumption, minimize environmental impact, and build a more sustainable campus for the future.