HIGHLIGHTS
- Thammasat University launches its Carbon Neutral Campus initiative through the first kick-off meeting of the Carbon Neutral Campus Working Group, establishing a strategic framework to accelerate climate action and carbon neutrality policies across the university.
- Sets ambitious climate targets aligned with Thailand’s national commitments, including a 47% greenhouse gas emission reduction by 2035 (from the 2019 baseline), achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, and positioning Thammasat as a national leader in climate change action.
- Implements a four-pillar strategy for measurable impact—Transformative Policy, Systematic Data Collection, Participatory Actions, and Empowering TU Community—covering all campuses to build a data-driven pathway toward sustainable transformation and climate resilience.
On 15 June 2026, Thammasat University—led by the Quality and Sustainability Development Division in collaboration with SDG Move (Centre for Research and Support of Sustainable Development Goals), Faculty of Economics—held the first kick-off meeting of the Carbon Neutral Campus Working Group (1/2026). The objective is to accelerate carbon neutrality policies, which currently stand as a core mission and key environmental agenda for the university.
The working group comprises executives and experts from various sectors. Their primary role is to provide policy recommendations and design actionable initiatives to present to the Rector and the Sustainable Development Goals Steering Committee. Furthermore, the group is tasked with driving policies and activities alongside internal and external organisations to ensure alignment with Thammasat University’s sustainable development strategy across all dimensions.
Core Objectives Aligned with National Targets
During the meeting, the working group established university targets that align with Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The three primary objectives are:
- Reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 47% by 2035 (compared to the 2019 baseline).
- Achieve Net Zero GHG emissions by 2050.
- Become a national leader in supporting and driving climate change initiatives.
These objectives primarily respond to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13: Climate Action, with a specific emphasis on greenhouse gas mitigation.
Four Strategic Directions
To ensure these goals translate into tangible results, the meeting proposed four key strategic directions:
- Transformative Policy: Driving policies from the University Council to direct, support, and facilitate the establishment of systems, data collection, and GHG reduction measures.
- Systematic Data Collection: Implementing a system to collect GHG emissions data across Scopes 1, 2, and 3, alongside the systematic tracking of carbon credits and offsetting.
- Participatory Actions: Planning and executing initiatives collaboratively with all faculties, departments, and the student union, complemented by continuous data-driven reviews.
- Empowering TU Community: Enhancing climate change knowledge and green skills amongst students, staff, faculty members, and the wider society.
First-Year Operational Plan
For the inaugural year, the working group has outlined clear quarterly targets:
- Quarter 1: Establish data collection systems for Scopes 1, 2, and 3 to inform policy planning, and prepare a trial for data collection and calculation for Scopes 1 and 2.
- Quarter 2: Focus on capacity building for relevant personnel across all units to support accurate GHG data collection.
- Quarter 3: Calculate the university’s historical GHG emissions from the baseline year to the present.
- Quarter 4: Design measures to reduce and offset GHG emissions in line with national targets through the participation of all sectors.
This carbon neutrality initiative will encompass data and operations across all Thammasat University campuses. It serves to prepare the institution for the draft Climate Change Act, which will require higher education institutions to formulate plans and report their GHG emissions. Additionally, it acts as a crucial mechanism to help Thammasat University achieve its goal of becoming the top-ranked university in Thailand in the THE Impact Rankings, whilst fostering sustainable change both within and beyond the university.
Thammasat University Order on the Appointment of the Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions Working Group
