Thammasat University's Environmental Initiatives: Leading the Way to Carbon Neutrality

Thammasat University has launched the ambitious “Project Zero Waste” initiative to promote waste separation and reduce landfill waste, encouraging the university community to recognize the importance of efficient waste management. The project features the “Separate Before Disposing, Use the Right Bin” campaign, a collaborative effort between the Office of Asset Management and Sports and the Citizenship and Social Responsibility course (TU100), led by Assistant Professor Dr. Prinya Thaewanarumitkul, alongside various university clubs and volunteer groups including Thammasat University Television Club (TUTV), MC of Thammasat, TU Ambassador, and TU Cheerleader. Their collective goal is to raise awareness about waste management for environmental sustainability.

Current Waste Situation at Thammasat

In 2023, Thammasat University generated approximately 250 tons of waste monthly. This waste is managed through different channels namely.

1. Food waste, averaging 222 kilograms daily, is repurposed for animal feed and composting
2. Recyclable waste, about 97,077 kilograms annually, is collected and sorted for recycling
3. General and hazardous waste, exceeding 150 tons monthly, is sent to the university’s waste station

While additional sorting allows some remaining waste to serve as alternative fuel, there is still waste that cannot be sorted and must be landfilled, causing long-term environmental and social problems.

Zero Waste to Landfill: A Sustainable Goal

To reduce landfill waste, which takes an extensive period to decompose, Thammasat has established the “Zero Waste to Landfill” concept. The university aims to reduce landfill waste—such as contaminated plastics and non-combustible, non-recyclable items—by at least 20% of total waste to protect the environment and minimize landfill impacts.

Proper Waste Separation: An Easy Start

Thammasat encourages its community to correctly separate waste using the four-color bin system:

1. Green bins for organic waste, including food scraps and leftover liquids
2. Yellow bins for clean recyclables like plastic bottles, glass, and cans
3. Blue bins for general waste contaminated with food, such as curry bags and food containers
4. Red bins for hazardous waste, including batteries and light bulbs

Advancing Toward Carbon Credits

In 2024, the Office of Asset Management and Sports piloted participation in a Carbon Credit accumulation program to support greenhouse gas reduction. This comprehensive initiative encompasses waste management, tree planting, and clean energy from solar panels to efficiently control carbon dioxide emissions.

Carbon dioxide reduction has become a global priority as this gas significantly contributes to climate change, affecting society, economy, and environment. A popular concept in current carbon reduction efforts is “Carbon Neutrality,” where the amount of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere equals the amount absorbed through forests or other methods.

The Puey Ungphakorn Institute for Economic Research explains that achieving carbon neutrality—whether at individual, organizational, or national levels—involves both “reducing” and “offsetting” carbon emissions. Reduction measures include eliminating unnecessary activities, employing cleaner production technologies and waste management, and using clean energy like solar or wind power. Any remaining emissions can be offset through activities that reduce carbon elsewhere, such as reforestation, renewable energy investments, or purchasing carbon credits.

Following the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), Thailand set a goal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) indicates that currently, the forestry sector contributes to carbon absorption through tree planting, mangrove forests, and increasing green spaces. Thailand’s current absorption capacity is 90 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, with plans to increase this to at least 120 million tons. If absorption can reach 120 million tons, emissions can equal this amount, allowing for net-zero emissions and carbon neutrality by 2050.

The 75th Traditional Thammasat-Chulalongkorn Football Match: A Carbon Neutral Event

Recently, Thammasat elevated the 75th Traditional Thammasat-Chulalongkorn Football Match to carbon neutrality status, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions for society. This event received certification as a “Carbon Neutral Event”—a first for this traditional football competition.

All sectors—universities, students, and stakeholders—collaborated to plan efficient resource use for the event. This included assessing the event’s carbon footprint, managing waste, and offsetting carbon credits. The event was registered as a Carbon Neutral Event with the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization) to certify its carbon neutrality status and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction, which causes global warming.

This initiative aims to inspire and model for society the importance of organizing events that reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.

The phenomenon of rising global average temperatures affects climate, environment, and natural disasters, causing more frequent and severe natural disasters and rising sea levels. Carbon-neutral events represent a pathway toward sustainability and serve as a model for businesses seeking to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Events under the Carbon Neutral Event concept efficiently use resources through various means: LED lighting, recycled materials, proper waste management, and encouraging participants to use public transportation or electric vehicles. Carbon Neutral Events are expected to gain increasing popularity in the future.