Process for carbon management and reducing carbon dioxide emissions
Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) has a process for carbon management and for reducing carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions. The Policy on Carbon Neutrality (Carbon Neutral – Scope 1) by 2050 and Achieving Net Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2065 (SWU Zero Carbon) and Waste Separation within the University (SWU Zero Waste) was announced on 13 December 2024 by the Acting President of Srinakharinwirot University (SWU) and applies across all university areas throughout 2025.
Targets
The policy sets long-term carbon targets – carbon neutrality for Scope 1 emissions by 2050 and net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065 – and an annual target to reduce the University’s greenhouse gas emissions by 5% each year (item 3).
Emission reduction measures
To meet these targets, the policy requires the University to: reduce electricity and tap water consumption by 5% each year and replace lighting with LED bulbs and air conditioners with energy-saving (Label No. 5) units (item 1); plant trees and increase green spaces every year to enhance its carbon credit (item 2); promote alternative energy such as solar cells and floating solar systems and collaborate with external agencies on energy conservation (item 4); renovate existing buildings and construct new buildings in accordance with energy-saving guidelines (item 5); treat and reuse wastewater on campus (item 6); and reduce general waste by 10% each year through waste separation (items 7–9).
Figure 1. SWU Zero Carbon / SWU Zero Waste policy, announced on 13 December 2024 by the Acting President of Srinakharinwirot University.
Source: Srinakharinwirot University – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RfkRyrs-IJXZ1DNKW3evwUw8CyXDzgLQ/view
Monitoring of energy use and emissions
For 2025 (B.E. 2568), SWU continues to monitor energy use on both campuses through the SWU SDG Sustainability Web App dashboard, which records monthly electricity consumption by campus and the electricity generated by on-site solar PV systems by building. In 2025, total electricity consumption was 200,559 GJ (Ongkharak Campus 97,606 GJ and Prasarnmit Campus 102,953 GJ), and solar PV systems at Ongkharak Campus generated 463.59 GJ (128,773.89 kWh) of low-carbon electricity. Electricity use at Ongkharak Campus fell by 7.6% compared with 2024, in line with the policy target of reducing electricity use and emissions by 5% each year.
Source: SWU SDG Sustainability Web App dashboard – Electricity consumption and solar energy data (data for 2025, B.E. 2568) https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycby53PzkcT8eUJD9a933GyE_59Tyse0n8TG1QjRJUxyqwEYqK_xBcjTKrLDgHnuEIs7G/exec
Implementation in 2025
In 2025 (B.E. 2568), the Central Library procured construction work to upgrade the lighting control system inside its existing building to a smart lighting control system (e-GP project no. 68039090133). The invitation to bid was announced on 17 March 2025 with a reference price of 24,610,000 THB; two bidders submitted proposals and the contract award was announced on 27 May 2025. Smart lighting control reduces unnecessary electricity use and therefore the related carbon emissions.
Figure 2. Central Library announcement of 17 March 2025: invitation to bid for upgrading the smart lighting control system inside the existing Central Library building (reference price 24,610,000 THB).
Source: Thai Government e-Procurement (e-GP) system – https://process5.gprocurement.go.th/egp-template-service/dwnt/view-pdf-file?templateId=84f0445f-618f-412f-9e8b-b986adca5ca2
Carbon reduction at the Faculty of Engineering
The Faculty of Engineering of SWU reduces carbon emissions by improving energy efficiency, generating renewable energy and monitoring electricity consumption continuously. This work supports the University’s Carbon Neutrality Roadmap, which aims for carbon neutrality by 2050, and reduces the greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations while increasing the use of clean energy.
A key measure is the 74 kWp solar rooftop photovoltaic system on the Faculty Auditorium, installed as part of the auditorium renovation completed in December 2025. The system has 140 monocrystalline solar panels of 545 W each and is fully connected to the building’s electrical network. The electricity it generates is used on site, which reduces the building’s dependence on grid electricity.
Figure 3. The 74 kWp solar rooftop photovoltaic system on the Faculty Auditorium, connected to the building’s electrical network for on-site renewable energy generation.
Monitoring and carbon reduction results
The Faculty tracks electricity consumption and renewable energy generation through a real-time energy management system. The data are used to measure electricity savings and to check how well the carbon reduction measures work.
To evaluate the project, grid electricity consumption after implementation (June–September 2026) was compared with the same months before implementation (June–September 2025). Grid electricity consumption fell from 380,100 kWh to 328,000 kWh, a saving of 52,100 kWh or 13.71%. Using Thailand’s grid emission factor of 0.4750 kgCO₂e/kWh, this saving avoided about 24,747.5 kgCO₂e, or 24.75 tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
Table 1. Carbon reduction performance of the Faculty of Engineering (June–September)
Indicator | Result |
Electricity savings | 52,100 kWh |
Reduction in grid electricity consumption | 13.71% |
Emission factor | 0.4750 kgCO₂e/kWh |
Carbon emissions avoided | 24,747.5 kgCO₂e |
Carbon emissions avoided (tCO₂e) | 24.75 tCO₂e |
The emissions avoided were calculated with the method of the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (TGO): Carbon reduction (kgCO₂e) = Electricity savings (kWh) × Grid emission factor (kgCO₂e/kWh) = 52,100 × 0.4750 = 24,747.5 kgCO₂e.
Next step: Solar Carport Project (2027)
To reduce emissions further, the Faculty plans a Solar Carport Project in 2027, which will turn existing outdoor parking areas into solar canopies fitted with photovoltaic panels. The system is planned to have an installed capacity of not less than 180 kWp and is expected to reduce grid electricity consumption by about 200,000 kWh per year. It will also serve as a learning and demonstration facility on renewable energy for engineering students, and will increase the Faculty’s share of renewable energy in support of the University’s Carbon Neutrality Roadmap.
Figure 4. Preliminary design and layout of the 180 kWp Solar Carport Project planned for 2027.
Together, the policy targets, reduction measures, monitoring and projects such as the smart lighting upgrade at the Central Library and the solar rooftop system of the Faculty of Engineering form SWU’s process for carbon management and emission reduction.