14.4.2 Action plan to reducing plastic waste

Srinakharinwirot University has a formal, institution-wide action plan to reduce plastic waste, implemented through its SWU Zero Carbon and SWU Zero Waste framework and a specific policy on campus plastics. The “SWU Zero Carbon and Zero Waste” policy sets annual reduction targets for general waste (10% per year), mandates waste separation across all university areas, and requires ongoing education and awareness-raising on waste separation for students, staff, academics and on-campus businesses. Complementing this, the “SWU Campaign to Reduce Plastic Bag Use and Ban Foam Food Containers” policy requires all campus vendors to minimise the use of plastic bags, ban foam boxes and plastic cups, discourage plastic cutlery and straws, promote reusable containers and cloth or paper bags, and allow only biodegradable food packaging without extra charges. Together, these measures constitute an operational action plan that reduces single-use plastics at source, changes behaviour among vendors and consumers, and supports the wider institutional goals of SWU Zero Waste and reduced plastic leakage to the environment.

Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy, and On-Campus Waste Separation (SWU Carbon Neutral & SWU Zero Waste)

Srinakharinwirot University sets a policy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065 (SWU Zero Carbon), together with the promotion of waste separation within the university (SWU Zero Waste), as follows:

1. Reduce energy use within the university by decreasing annual consumption of electricity and tap water by 5% each year, and promote the replacement of light bulbs with LED types and the replacement of air conditioners with energy-saving label No. 5 models in all university areas.

2. Plant trees and increase green spaces on campus every year in order to increase the university’s carbon credit.

3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5% every year.

4. Support the use of alternative energy sources such as solar cells and floating solar systems, and collaborate with external agencies on energy conservation.

5. Promote the renovation of existing buildings and the construction of new buildings in accordance with energy-saving and energy-efficient design principles.

6. Support the treatment and reuse of wastewater within the university, for example using treated water for watering plants.

7. Promote waste separation across all university areas and implement waste management measures to reduce the volume of all types of waste.

8. Provide education and raise awareness on waste separation among students and staff, and foster a sense of responsibility for waste separation among students, personnel, academic staff and business operators within the university.

9. Reduce general waste within the university by decreasing the amount of general waste generated on campus by 10% each year.

This policy is effective from now onwards.
(Update: 2 December 2021)

SWU Policy on Reducing the Use of Plastic Bags and Prohibiting the Use of Foam Food Containers

1. All shops within Srinakharinwirot University shall reduce the use of plastic bags and refrain from using foam food containers and foam-based products within the University premises.

2. All shops within Srinakharinwirot University shall refrain from using plastic drinking cups and instead use reusable cups or paper cups, and shall not use plastic cup carriers for beverages.

3. All shops within Srinakharinwirot University shall jointly promote the reduction of plastic bag usage and the prohibition of foam food containers, and shall identify appropriate incentive measures for customers, such as offering discounts.

4. All shops within Srinakharinwirot University shall communicate with and encourage customers to reduce the use of plastic bags and shall not actively promote or support the use of plastic bags.

5. All shops within Srinakharinwirot University shall reduce the use of plastic spoons, forks and straws, and shall first ask customers whether they require plastic cutlery and plastic straws before providing them.

6. All shops within Srinakharinwirot University shall promote the use of cloth bags, reusable bags or paper bags instead of plastic bags.

7. Shops are permitted to use food packaging products that are biodegradable and environmentally friendly, and shall not charge additional costs to customers for such packaging.

8. The use of plastic bags for hot food is permitted only where necessary.

9. All shops within Srinakharinwirot University shall jointly encourage and foster good environmental practices among students, staff, academic personnel and the general public on campus, such as supporting the use of personal lunch boxes and refillable bottles for food and beverages.

This policy shall take effect from the date of its announcement.
Update: 2 December B.E. 2564 (2021)

Source: https://sdg.swu.ac.th/policies/16