14.4.3 Reducing marine pollution (policy)

Srinakharinwirot University contributes to reducing marine pollution by tackling wastewater and solid waste that can enter river and canal systems and ultimately reach the sea. Through its SWU Zero Waste and SWU Green frameworks, the University promotes campus-wide waste separation and sets a target to reduce general waste by 10% per year, alongside a formal policy requiring all on-campus vendors to minimise plastic bags, ban foam food containers and plastic cups, discourage plastic cutlery and straws, and use biodegradable or reusable packaging. These measures significantly reduce single-use plastics and other litter that might leak into urban drainage and waterways. In parallel, SWU implements on-site wastewater treatment and reuse, and runs the “SWU Rak Khlong Saen Saeb” programmes with nearby schools and communities to raise awareness, change behaviour and improve the condition of the canal that connects to Bangkok’s wider river system. Together, these operational policies and community initiatives show that the University addresses both land-based sources of marine pollution and local waterway stewardship as part of its commitment to SDG 14.

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)

SOURCE: https://drive.google.com/file/d/104yZ0Yiy1OIwP3TAPOxFUhzcaQz1UNyQ/view?usp=drive_link