In accordance to the Prime Minister’s declaration of intention at the COP26 convention held in Glasgow on 1 November 2021 that Thailand has the intention of becoming carbon neutral within 2050 and aims to reduce its net carbon emission to zero within 2065, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi (KMUTT), as a university with clear policies on sustainability of energy and environmental management whose contribution in development of sustainable universities is well known, has declared that its net carbon emission will be reduced to zero within 2040 in the campaign of “KMUTT Carbon Neutrality 2040”.
Assoc. Prof. Suvit Sae-tia, the dean of KMUTT said, “as of now, the climate change has caused various impacts on humanity and the world. We are now seeing more frequent floods, wildfires, heat waves, glacier melting phenomena, and bleached coral reefs that alarmed us of the impending dangers. Such change correlates with the IPCC’s latest research that indicated the global warming situation was approaching critical point and suggested the governments of worldwide nations take immediate actions to change the course of event before it’s too late. Such climate change originates from humans’ needs and deeds and the ever-growing population would lead to more consumption of natural resources and energy.
“Global warming is caused by CO2 emission from human activities. Right now, the situation is approaching the tipping point where the temperature would become irreversibly high. Each nation and organization, big and small, has declared their compliance to the carbon neutrality policies within 2050. KMUTT, as a university with over 20 years’ experience of researches in climate change, is well equipped in knowledge, experts, staffs, and technology as well as clear strategic goals in sustainable development is well-recognized as a leading university in energy conservation both domestically and internationally. Such recognition serves as a proof of KMUTT’s understanding of the subject.
In support of carbon emission reduction, KMUTT has declared its mission to eliminate its carbon emission to zero within 2040 in the “KMUTT Carbon Neutrality 2040” campaign that shall be accomplished with the use of renewable energy and plantation to absorb carbon and thus reduce the impact of climate change. KMUTT also aims for the campaign to be an example. KMUTT also set our finish line ahead of the government to show that all sectors in the country are proactive and are willing to promptly participate when ready. We believe that many other institutes will also respond to the policy, which will be good for the country and our world as well.”
The dean of KMUTT has stated that KMUTT’s priority in carbon neutrality is the result of the university’s plans to become an example for other organization who might be less ready to learn from, especially private sectors as well as industrial sectors. KMUTT is equipped with expert and viable technologies, thus will be able to inspire them to reduce their carbon emission.
“After our announcement, we will plan out our operation systematically to define appropriate operation in each timeframe which will be evaluate yearly to ensure that we can accomplish each yearly goal up until we achieve carbon neutrality eventually.”
KMUTT Carbon Neutrality 2040 has been integrated to its new strategic objectives in Sustainable Development Goals, along with other 5 goals: 1. Increasing the Student Engagement; 2. Demonstrating the Impact of Research and Innovation; 3. Encouraging the Community Engagement; 4. Building Green Infrastructure & Environment; and 5. Creating a Sustainable Management System.
“From now on, carbon neutrality will be integral to our work and corporate culture. We aim for our staffs to become aware of the impact of climate change and participate in reducing such impact. KMUTT, as an academic institute, is ready to work in tandem with other organizations whether in Thailand or worldwide to aide them toward carbon neutrality,” said Dr. Suvit.
For its determination toward carbon neutrality, KMUTT has been appointed as a member of Thailand Carbon Neutral Network (run by TGO) and the Race to Zero Network, an international association working toward carbon neutrality. KMUTT will also be a part of Thailand’s industries progress toward 100% renewable energy (RE100) as a founding member of RE100 Thailand Club, started by Federation of Thai Industries.