By Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC)
29 January 2025: The Connect & Conserve 2025—Sustainability Awareness Workshop recently organized by the AIT Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) underscored AIT’s commitment to environmental stewardship and a greener future. The on-campus event was designed to foster sustainability awareness and action through presentations, interactive activities and discussions.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension and Director of UNITAR-CIFAL Bangkok, emphasized the need for collective action in achieving sustainability goals, underscoring the urgency of integrating environmental consciousness into academic and institutional initiatives.
Ms. Sireesha Bantu, Director of OSC, presented an overview of AIT’s sustainability roadmap, detailing key priorities such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, AIT’s ambitious 2025 waste management remodeling plans, and the introduction of certified sustainability literacy assessment for all students. She also reinforced the power of collective action in achieving AIT’s Net Zero Campus vision, urging attendees to play an active role in shaping a more sustainable future.
A key highlight of the event was the Myth Buster sessions, where participants tested their sustainability knowledge through fast-paced true or false challenges. Covering topics such as recycling, energy conservation, and sustainable consumer choices, these sessions debunked common misconceptions while inspiring participants to adopt more responsible practices.
The Open Mic—Pitch Your Idea session provided a platform for participants to collaborate in groups and develop innovative sustainability solutions for AIT. This session, judged by Dr. Sushil Kumar Himanshu, Assistant Professor, of Agricultural Systems and Engineering, SERD, and Dr. Branesh Madhavan Pillai, Assistant Professor, Industrial System Engineering, SET, encouraged creative problem-solving. The top two ideas, selected based on feasibility and impact, were awarded prizes, with some proposals considered for future implementation—demonstrating how student-driven initiatives can shape AIT’s sustainability efforts.
The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognizing winners from the Open Mic Pitch and the SDG game sessions. Mr. Tawee Sayamipuk, co-founder of Alive Loop, a startup converting waste into sustainable products, was a special guest. The SU Campus and Environment team contributed to the organization of the workshop.
Attendees were reminded that sustainability is an ongoing journey. Participants explored SDG-themed games at interactive booths, providing opportunities for networking, discussions, and hands-on engagement with sustainability challenges.
