Sustainability Initiatives

Botanical Garden Campus Towards Net Zero will organize these numerous natural assets into an integrated and harmonized campus plan to achieve Net Zero Emissions and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy. Put simply, Net Zero refers to reducing GHGs as much as possible, with any remaining emissions sequestered by oceans and forest ecosystems. According to the United Nations, more than 3,000 businesses – including some industry partners of AIT such as Thailand’s Bangchak Corporation – are working to reduce their emissions in line with Net Zero, and 1000 educational institutions have joined the Race to Zero, pledging to take rigorous, immediate action to halve global emissions by 2030.

For more information on the AIT Botanical Garden Net Zero Campus initiatives please refer to link below: https://ofam.ait.ac.th/ait-net-zero-plans/

Upcoming Events at AIT – Join Us in Our Sustainability Initiatives!

The Asian Institute of Technology continues to reaffirm its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship through responsible E-Waste Management. Improper disposal of electronic waste poses serious health and environmental risks, while responsible recycling helps recover valuable materials and supports a circular economy.

Through this initiative, the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) invites all schools, offices, and residential units to identify unused or obsolete electronic items for proper disposal. Examples include computers, monitors, printers, mobile phones, keyboards, and other outdated devices.

How to Participate:

• For office e-waste:
  Email [email protected] to report e-waste with an inventory number. OSC will guide you through the write-off and disposal process in coordination with OPIA.
• For personal e-waste:
  Please drop off your items at the AIT Store (OFAM premises, ground floor) after consulting with store staff, Khun Ekarin. Pickup may also be arranged on request via [email protected].

Deadline for reporting: 30 November 2025

All collected e-waste will be processed through a certified recycling company that ensures safe, environmentally responsible handling.

Together, let’s make AIT a low-waste, eco-friendly campus and take another step toward a sustainable future.

📩 For inquiries, please contact [email protected].

Sustainability Activities: 2025

“Saving Energy 101” Workshop to Inspire Sustainable Action

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) reaffirmed its commitment to sustainability with an engaging and interactive workshop titled “Saving Energy 101,” held on 31 October 2025 at the AIT Conference Center (B108).Organized by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) in collaboration with the Econok Foundation, the two-hour session aimed to raise awareness about energy conservation, climate responsibility, and the importance of small, everyday actions that can drive meaningful environmental change.

Far from a typical lecture, Saving Energy 101 invited participants to get hands-on with energy concepts. The session featured experiments such as the Hand Crank Generator and Water Density activity, which demonstrated the principles of power generation and energy flow in an engaging, tangible way. Participants also took part in interactive quizzes, team challenges, and group discussions, diving into concepts like the Tragedy of the Commons and Ellsberg Paradox to understand how individual decisions shape collective sustainability outcomes.

The workshop emphasized the connection between energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and climate change. Facilitators shared simple, low-cost methods to reduce energy use – from switching to energy-efficient appliances to practicing mindful consumption habits. By the end of the session, participants walked away with a clearer understanding of how small, consistent efforts can create a significant positive impact on the environment.

The Saving Energy 101 workshop marked another milestone in AIT’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainable living practices. By inspiring individuals to think critically and act responsibly, AIT continues to lead by example -proving that collective action begins with individual responsibility.

Decarbonization Nexus 2025

The Asian Institute of Technology successfully hosted Decarbonization Nexus 2025 on 11–12 September under the theme “Connecting Minds. Empowering Actions.” The two-day flagship event reaffirmed AIT’s commitment to becoming a Botanical Garden Campus and reaching net-zero emissions by 2030.

Organized by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) in collaboration with research centers, partners, and AIT International School the Nexus featured:

• The Hack to Decarbon Hackathon – an inter-university innovation challenge
• The Inter-University SDG Research Fair and Technology Exhibition
• The AIT International School (AITIS) Waste to Worth Competition
• Specialized workshops on ESG strategies, circular economy, and nature-based solutions

Workshops such as “Greener Futures: ESG Frameworks and Sustainability in the Real World” (by AIT Extension & RecyGlo), “Advancing Climate Resilience through NbS” (by RRC.AP), and “Keys to Success: Circular Economy & Systems Thinking” (by Yunus Center AIT) gave participants hands-on learning opportunities to advance climate solutions.

The event also featured a lively eco-friendly market, food trucks, and innovation booths that brought together academia, industry, and the community in co-creating sustainable solutions.

Decarbonization Nexus 2025 was not just an event -it was a movement towards climate action, innovation, and sustainability.

Hack to Decarbon Hackathon 2025: Youth Innovators Driving Climate Action

One of the highlights of the Decarbonization Nexus 2025 was the Hack to Decarbon Hackathon, where university students and young professionals pitched bold solutions to cut greenhouse gas emissions. Over two days, diverse teams designed scalable solutions spanning climate tech, circular economy, ESG, and nature-based innovation.

Guided by mentors and enriched with interactive workshops-including sessions on ESG, NbS, and circular economy – the hackathon empowered participants to transform knowledge into impactful ideas.

Winners of Hack to Decarbon 2025
🥇 Best Decarbonization Solution – Team 3 Decarb Dynamics (Chennai Institute of Technology / AIT Special Study Program) by Ashmita Chettiyar, Saravana Hari M
🥈 Most Innovative Emission Reduction Solution – Team 6 Koshroom (AIT) by Areeb Manzoor
🥉 Best Technology-Driven Emission Solution – Team 2 Green Clique (AIT) by Marc Gauvin Battung, June Vincent Blas, Francis Andrei de Castro, Lourdes Anne Marasigan

The hackathon reaffirmed AIT’s commitment to net-zero by 2030 by inspiring youth-led innovation for a sustainable future.

Research for Climate Solutions: Winners of the Inter-University SDG Research Fair

As part of Decarbonization Nexus 2025, the Inter-University Research Fair and Technology Exhibition brought together cutting-edge research on sustainability, food security, and climate resilience. More than 20 booths showcased projects on energy, smart infrastructure, and sustainable agriculture.

The competition recognized outstanding research projects aligned with the UN-SDGs and AIT’s mission of sustainability:

Winners of the Research Competition 2025
🥇 Nature-Based Solutions for Sustainable Rice Production in ASEAN: Boosting Productivity, Soil Health, Water Productivity and Decarbonization to Achieve UN-SDGs by Subesh Dhakal
🥈 Empowering Farmers with Climate-Smart Agriculture through Digital Technology by Shubham Anil Gade
🥉 Climate-Smart Aquaculture: Oral Vaccines for Sustainable Food Security and Net-Zero Goals by Andrea Nathaly Pardo Valarezo and Suryasnata Das

These projects demonstrate how research can translate into practical, scalable solutions for decarbonization and sustainability.
The fair was complemented by workshops on ESG strategies, nature-based solutions, and circular economy frameworks, enabling participants to bridge knowledge with action.

Young Innovators from AIT International School at Decarbonization Nexus 2025

Sustainability starts young – and the students of AIT International School (AITIS) proved it at the Decarbonization Nexus 2025. Through the Waste to Worth Competition, AITIS students showcased creative ideas for reimagining waste as a resource, inspiring the community with their innovation and passion.

AITIS Winners 2025
🥇 1st Place – Anubhav Naskar
🥈 2nd Place – Akira Sritong
🥉 3rd Place – Warayus Koonsawasdikool

Their exhibits were part of the wider Decarbonization Nexus ecosystem, alongside hackathons, research fairs, and specialized workshops on ESG, NbS, and circular economy practices.
By spotlighting young learners, AIT reaffirmed that climate awareness and innovation begin with education – and that the path to net-zero by 2030 is a collective effort across generations

Connect & Conserve, 20th August 2025

On 20 August 2025, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted the Connect & Conserve 2025: Sustainability Awareness Workshop at the AITCC RBB Auditorium. Organized by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC), under the leadership of Mrs. Sireesha Bantu, the event brought together over 90 students and staff to promote sustainability through knowledge-sharing and hands-on participation.

Keynote remarks were delivered by Prof. Abdul Salam, Dean of the School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), and Mr. Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director of AIT Extension. Both emphasized the importance of collective responsibility in addressing climate change and highlighted AIT’s role in advancing sustainability across research, education, and campus operations.

The program featured a lively Kahoot quiz game on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), followed by an insightful talk from Dr. Zakir Hossain, Program Director and Senior Program Specialist at AIT Extension, who stressed the value of training, partnerships, and community engagement in tackling sustainability challenges. Representing the student voice, Ms. Yasmin, representative of the AIT Student Union, presented the Union’s Sustainability Action Plan. Mrs. Sireesha Bantu, Director of OSC, then shared AIT’s sustainability roadmap, outlining progress on carbon neutrality, waste reduction, and the institute’s performance in the THE Impact Rankings.

A highlight of the afternoon was the Climate Change Role-Play Simulation Game, where participants worked in teams to identify a sustainability-related problem and propose solutions. Each team was tasked with linking their ideas to one or more key entities – including governments, private sector, NGOs, academia, students, finance, agriculture, media, and energy sectors – encouraging participants to think holistically about climate responsibility and collaboration.

The event concluded with a prize distribution ceremony and the opening of SDG Games Booths, where participants explored sustainability concepts in an interactive and engaging format. The workshop closed with a networking session over coffee and tea, offering participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration.

Connect & Conserve 2025 reaffirmed AIT’s commitment to fostering a culture of environmental responsibility, innovation, and shared action toward a sustainable future.

AIT Achieves Record Performances

Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has achieved a historic milestone in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, securing its highest-ever overall score of 89.4 out of 100. This performance places AIT among the top 101–200 institutions globally, reflecting its strong commitment to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through research, teaching, and community engagement. AIT Achieves Record Performance in Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025 – Asian Institute of Technology

In this year’s rankings, AIT participated in 12 of the 17 SDGs, achieving Top 50 rankings in four SDGs and Top 100 in four others. Notably, AIT ranked : linkedin.com+2ait.ac.th+2uow.edu.au+2linkedin.com+1uow.edu.au+1

• 19th in SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
• 19th in SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
• 19th in SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• 19th in SDG 13: Climate Action
• 19th in SDG 14: Life Below Water
• 19th in SDG 15: Life on Land
• 19th in SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
• 19th in SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• 19th in SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• 19th in SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• 19th in SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• 19th in SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
  
  This achievement underscores AIT’s dedication to integrating sustainability into its core mission, aligning with its vision of fostering technological innovations and sustainable development in the Asia-pacific region.

Yoga Day Wellness
AIT Hosts Yoga for Wellness Session in Honor of International Yoga Month 2025

On Saturday, 10 May 2025, the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC), in partnership with the AIT Student Union (SU) and with the valued support of the Embassy of India, organized a special “Yoga for Wellness” session to mark the International Month of Yoga 2025. The initiative focused on encouraging healthy habits, mental clarity, and a stronger sense of community on campus.

The event took place at the RBB Auditorium, AIT Conference Center, where participants gathered for a morning of guided yoga and reflection. The session opened with registration and a brief welcome, followed by an engaging and peaceful yoga routine led by experienced instructors. Through breathing techniques, stretches, and mindfulness exercises, attendees were able to refresh both body and mind.

The session fostered a warm and focused atmosphere, allowing attendees to fully immerse themselves in the experience. The event provided a calm and supportive space for relaxation, self-care, and holistic well-being—highlighting AIT’s ongoing commitment to promoting a healthy and mindful campus culture.
A big thank you to you everyone who took part and made the event a success!

Environment Day
AIT Earth Hour Movement 2025: One Hour, Off Power!

On Saturday, 22 March 2025, the AIT community came together in solidarity for the AIT Earth Hour Movement, joining the global call for climate action by switching off all non-essential lights and electrical appliances from 8:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Inspired by the global Earth Hour initiative led by WWF, this campus-wide activity focused on raising awareness about climate change, energy conservation, and sustainable living.

One of the most significant outcomes of this effort was a 200 kW reduction in electricity load during the Earth Hour, as reported by the PEA portal. This reduction, compared to a typical evening in the last week of March, demonstrates the collective power of small behavioral changes when adopted by an entire community.

• To put it into perspective:
  Switching off non-essential lights and appliances for just 1–2 hours daily could potentially save nearly 0.5 million THB per year in energy costs at the institute level.
• Expanding this effort could lead to greater energy efficiency and cost savings for both AIT and individual households—while also reducing our climate impact.

A key highlight of the event was the Earth Hour Photo Challenge, where participants documented buildings across campus with their lights switched off. The first submissions for each building were rewarded with Homkrun coupons as a token of appreciation.

The campaign also encouraged lasting habits, including:
🔌 Turning off unused lights and fans
🌱 Choosing energy-efficient practices
🌍 Being a role model for sustainability on campus

Special thanks to our volunteer photographers for capturing the moment and to everyone who made the event meaningful. Let’s continue the momentum and make “Switch Off and Save” a part of our everyday actions—because small steps lead to big impact
Together, we made a difference – One Hour, Off Power!

Connect & Conserve, 29th Jan 2025

Connect & Conserve 2025: A Resounding Success in Sustainability Awareness!
The Connect & Conserve 2025—Sustainability Awareness Workshop, organized by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) at AIT, concluded with an inspiring impact! The event empowered participants with knowledge, interactive discussions, and actionable ideas to drive positive environmental change.

Key Highlights:
✅ Inspiring Keynote: Mr.Voravate Chonlasin, Executive Director, AIT Extension & Director, UNITAR-CIFAL Bangkok, emphasized collective responsibility in achieving sustainability goals.
✅ Sustainability at AIT: Ms. Sireesha Bantu, Director of OSC, outlined AIT’s sustainability roadmap, from ESG goals to waste management transformation and sustainability literacy assessments for students.
✅ Engaging Activities: Myth-busting challenges, a sustainability quiz (with HomeKrun rewards!), and interactive SDG-themed games kept the energy high.
✅ Innovative Solutions: The Open Mic—Pitch Your Idea session showcased groundbreaking sustainability ideas, judged by Dr.Sushil Kumar Himanshu and Dr.Branesh Madhavan Pillai. Winning ideas are now being considered for implementation at AIT!
✅ Recognizing Changemakers: Special guest Mr.Tawee Sayamipuk, co-founder of Alive Loop, shared insights on transforming waste into sustainable products.
🎉 The event wrapped up with a prize distribution, networking, and hands-on sustainability activities—reinforcing that sustainability is an ongoing journey!
A huge thank you to all speakers, participants, and the AIT community for making this event a powerful step toward a Net Zero Campus! 💚♻️

Sustainability Activities: 2024

Campus Walk for Campus Clean-Up Day-III: 30th September 2024

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in the Campus Walk for Campus Clean-Up Day III! Your enthusiasm and dedication to promoting sustainability at AIT are truly inspiring, and together, we made significant strides towards a cleaner, greener campus. In total we were able to collect 50kgs of trash!

As part of the initiative, we encouraged participants to collect recyclables from their daily lives from now until September 30th. The more recyclables collected, the better the chances of winning a special prize!

Here’s how it worked:

1. Participants gathered recyclables over the days leading up to the event.
2. Collected items were confirmed with OSC volunteers during the clean-up.
3. Recyclables were disposed of in designated segregation bins near the 7-Eleven.

A note about the event logistics: the meeting point on September 30th was changed to the area near 7-Eleven, making it easier for everyone to join in.

Thank you once again for your active participation in making AIT a more sustainable campus. Together, we can continue to create a positive impact on our environment!

Connect & Conserve 2024: AIT’s Commitment to Sustainability, 28th August 2024

On 28 August 2024, the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) hosted the “Connect & Conserve 2024: Sustainability Awareness Fair” at the AIT Conference Center. Organized by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) under the leadership of Ms. Sireesha Bantu, the event brought together over 90 students and staff to promote sustainability through knowledge sharing and community engagement.

Keynote speakers included Dr. Guilberto Borongan, Director of RRCAP, and Prof. Joyashree Roy, Director of the SMARTs Center, who highlighted the importance of collective efforts in advancing sustainability. The event focused on AIT’s ambitious goal to become a Net Zero Campus by 2030, alongside discussions on sustainable commuting, waste management, and behavioral changes that support sustainable living.

Dr. Guilberto Borongan

Prof. Joyashree Roy

Mr. Luis Enrique Medina Jaimes, an environmental engineer specializing in Remote Sensing and GIS, presented his work on SDG 13: Climate Action. He emphasized the role of forests in combating climate change and demonstrated how satellite imagery can track deforestation and forest regeneration. Mr. Ranjit Singh, a scientist at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and a PhD scholar at AIT, shared innovative food technologies addressing SDG 2: Zero Hunger, such as precision agriculture, nutrient-rich foods, and AI-based quality control.

Interactive booths focused on various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), from waste management (SDG 12) to climate change (SDG 13), offering participants hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn about sustainability in a fun, engaging way. The event successfully encouraged the AIT community to embrace sustainable practices, reinforcing AIT’s leadership in fostering a greener, more sustainable future.

AIT Named Finalist for International Green Gown Awards 2024

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has been honored as a finalist in the prestigious 2024 International Green Gown Awards, under the “2030 Climate Action” category. AIT’s “Net Zero Campus Initiative: A Leap Towards Sustainable Climate Action” has been recognized for its innovative approach to sustainability, aiming for Net Zero status by 2030.

Supported by the UN Environment Programme and Allianz Global Investors, the Green Gown Awards celebrate excellence in sustainability across the global education sector. AIT is one of 95 finalists representing 61 institutions from 28 countries.

The “Net Zero Campus Initiative” integrates economic, environmental, and social values, transforming AIT into a low-carbon, resource-efficient, and renewable energy-powered educational hub. Key projects include extensive solar installations, energy efficiency programs, waste recycling, and nature-based solutions.

AIT’s campus serves as a collaborative platform for educators, researchers, and partners, promoting the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy and sustainable practices for future generations.

1.5 MW Solar Roof Project Progress – Operational from September 2024

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is advancing toward a sustainable future with its 1.5 MW Solar Roof Project, set to be fully operational in September 2024. In collaboration with BCPG Public Company Limited, this initiative began in 2020 and involves solar panel installations across 20 campus buildings. Once completed, the system will generate 1.95 GWh of electricity annually, reducing carbon emissions by nearly 973 tons each year. AIT continues to lead in campus sustainability with plans for further expansion.

Campus Walk for Campus Clean-Up Day-II: 4th April, 2024

The Student Representative Team and Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) hosted a Campus Walk for Campus Clean-Up Day-II on Thursday, April 4th, 2024 at 4:00 pm. This event aimed to cultivate a sense of responsibility and pride among students in keeping their campus clean and environmentally friendly. Participants met at AIT Square and were offered the opportunity to give back to their campus community.

They not only helped clean the campus but also gained practical knowledge about waste segregation and sustainable practices through hands-on experience. Refreshments were provided as a token of appreciation for their efforts. The event aimed to be a collaborative effort, and organizers emphasized the importance of student involvement and support for its success.

Energy Conservation Awareness Campaign: April 10th – May 9th, 2024

We are thrilled to announce the launch of an exciting initiative aimed at fostering energy conservation across our campus residential area! The campaign will run from April 10th to May 9th, 2024. We invite all students, staff, and faculty members residing on the AIT campus to participate by registering in our Energy Conservation Awareness Campaign.

The main goal of this campaign is to instigate behavioral shifts that result in energy conservation, decreased electricity expenses, and most importantly, reduced carbon emissions. By making minor adjustments to our daily habits, we can collectively bring about a notable difference in both our electricity bills and environmental impact. We seize this opportunity to urge all members of the AIT community across schools, departments, offices, and centers to practice energy conservation through simple behavioral changes. This may include turning off electrical appliances when not in use in your office, meeting rooms, or classrooms.

Let’s celebrate the residents who went above and beyond in their energy-saving efforts:

Studio/Dormitory Category Winners:

1st Prize (1500 B): Mr. Ranjit Singh, st123343

2nd Prize (1000 B): Mr. John Francis Pedroso, st123414

3rd Prize (500 B): Ms. Aye Myat Mon, st123411

Family Unit Category Winners:

1st Prize (1500 B): Ms. Izel Ann Mojado-Dante

2nd Prize (1000 B): Mr. Md. Anishur Rahman

Congratulations to all our winners! Your achievements inspire all of us to continue our efforts towards energy conservation.

Looking forward, we are excited to announce that the registration for the second phase of the campaign will begin in August, with the campaign itself running from September 10 to October 9. We encourage everyone to continue the journey towards sustainable living and participate in the upcoming phase by saving energy and saving your electricity cost.

Thank you once again for your dedication and participation. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue to work together for a more sustainable and energy-efficient community

E-Waste Management Campaign: March – April 2024

AIT underscores the importance of sustainable e-waste management, given its environmental repercussions. Incorrect disposal of electronics poses pollution and health hazards. When e-waste ends up in landfills, it can release hazardous substances such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and brominated flame retardants into the soil, water, and air, causing pollution and harming ecosystems and human health. E waste also contains various valuable and precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, palladium, copper, and rare earth elements. Recycling metals from e-waste curbs mining, conserves resources, and fosters a sustainable society. 

In light of this, as committed by the AIT Campus Sustainability Committee chaired by “Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto, President of AIT”, Office of Sustainable Campus(OSC) officially announces the launch of “E-Waste Management Campaign” encouraging all schools, offices, and residences within the AIT community to take proactive steps in identifying any unused or obsolete electronic devices that may be lying around in your schools, office buildings and at your AIT residence. These could include old computers, printers, mobile phones, keyboards, fax machines, power banks and other electronic equipment that are no longer in use.

Campus Walk on Campus Clean-Up Day: 16th February 2024

This event happened on 16th February 2024 and was a grand success! Organized by the Student Representative Team and Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC), the Campus Walk for Campus Clean-Up Day aimed to instill a sense of responsibility and pride in keeping the AIT campus clean and green. Participants gathered at the AIT Square at 4:00 PM for this initiative.

The event provided an opportunity for the AIT community to actively contribute to the well-being of the campus by engaging in practical activities like waste segregation and learning about sustainable practices. Participants not only made a positive impact on the environment but also enjoyed refreshments provided as a token of appreciation for their efforts.

Overall, the event fostered a spirit of camaraderie and commitment to maintaining a clean and green campus. It showcased the dedication of the AIT community towards sustainability and collective action for a better tomorrow.

Connect & Conserve Sustainability Awareness and Networking Fair: 25th January, 2024

Sustainability Activities: 2023

World Wildlife Day-Living with Snakes : March 3rd 2023

We were pleased to invite everyone to participate in the event “Living with Snakes: A Comprehensive Training Program for Safe and Human Co-existence” held on March 3, 2023, in celebration of World Wildlife Day. The event aimed to raise awareness about the campus ecosystem and support Sustainable Development Goal 15.

Recognizing the diverse wildlife on the AIT campus, particularly snakes, the training program provided education on snake biology, identification, response protocols during encounters, and first aid for snake bites. Expert trainers from the Arsorapit Wittaya Project, Nick Wildlife Team, and Trekking Thailand Tour led the comprehensive training, ensuring participants learned essential skills for safely interacting with snakes.

The event, organized by Natural Resource Management (NRM) and sponsored by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) and AIT Wildlife Watch, took place at the ground behind Korea House. We were grateful for the participation and contributions toward fostering a safer and more harmonious relationship with campus wildlife.

Sustainability Expo: August 23rd to 25th, 2023

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) showcased its commitment to sustainability through the Sustainability Expo, held from August 23rd to 25th, 2023, as part of its aim to achieve net zero by 2030. The event featured an Inter-university Research Fair, Hackathon, and expert-led talks on critical topics like water conservation and climate change. AIT President Prof. Kazuo Yamamoto emphasized collaborative efforts towards a net-zero carbon campus, urging participants to embrace transformative change. Supported by sponsors like Indorama Ventures, the expo facilitated networking and collaboration among researchers, businesses, and organizations, highlighting AIT’s dedication to sustainability.

Hacking Zero: August 23rd to 25th, 2023

The “Hacking Zero” Hackathon co-organized by the AIT Entrepreneurship Center (AIT EC), highlighted tech’s power for innovative green solutions through constructive green financing. AIT EC has been collaborating with diverse global partners to host a range of hackathons to address pressing issues and promote sustainability with an inclusive approach, ensuring that no one is left behind. The event facilitated teamwork to brainstorm and create practical, inventive answers for pressing environmental problems.

“Green Construction Designs” & AIT-NSTDA Friendship Bridge Design Competition Award Ceremony: Dec 1st, 2023

On December 1st, 2023, the Seminar on “GREEN CONSTRUCTION DESIGNS” & AIT-NSTDA Friendship Bridge Design Competition Award Ceremony took place at the AIT Conference Center (AITCC), organized by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) in collaboration with the Structural Engineering Forum (SEF) and supported by Aurecon, Thailand. The event aimed to celebrate creativity, sustainability, and innovation in architectural design.

During the seminar, attendees had the opportunity to engage with expert speakers who shared insights into green construction and recent trends in sustainable architecture. Additionally, the event showcased the winning design of the AIT-NSTDA Friendship Bridge Design Competition, emphasizing its role in connecting AIT and NSTDA with a culturally rich Wooden Bridge while contributing to AIT’s goal of becoming a Net Zero Campus by 2030. The event provided a platform for networking and discussions over coffee, allowing participants to explore innovative architectural designs that blend aesthetics with sustainability.

Energy Conservation Campaign: June 2nd, 2023

The Energy Conservation Campaign at AIT, initiated by the Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC), aims to engage the AIT community in saving energy, reducing costs, and supporting sustainability efforts. By making small changes in daily behavior, such as turning off lights and appliances when not in use, utilizing natural light, and setting air conditioning temperatures above 24 degrees Celsius, significant energy savings can be achieved. With the potential for 16% to 20% energy savings in residential areas and even higher in office spaces, the campaign encourages active participation from all members of the AIT community.

As part of the campaign, OSC is offering enticing coupons and prizes to individuals who demonstrate a reduction of at least 5% in their energy consumption compared to the previous month. The campaign will continue until December 2023, with participants encouraged to sign up using the provided QR code. Through collective efforts and small behavioral changes, the AIT community can contribute to both cost savings and AIT’s goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2030. For more information, individuals can contact [email protected].

Recycle and E-waste collection booth: March 31st, 2023

The Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) and Campus Sustainability Club (CSC) are spearheading an initiative to collect recyclable waste and E-Waste from the AIT community. This effort aims to promote environmental stewardship and contribute to a healthier campus environment. Tomorrow, on March 31, 2023, starting at 5:00 pm, a Mega Fair Booth will be set up at AIT pond near the AITCC entrance for waste collection.

All types of E-waste, plastic bottles, glass material, used paper, cardboard boxes, and clean stretchable plastic will be accepted at the booth. The collected waste will be diligently sorted and sent to appropriate recycling or reuse facilities. By participating in this initiative, members of the AIT community can actively contribute to making our campus more sustainable and help protect the planet for future generations. As Robert Swan, author, rightly said, “The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.” Let’s take action together to safeguard our environment and create a greener, healthier campus.

SDG Innovation for Sustainable Campus Competition: February 28th, 2023

The “SDG Innovation for Sustainable Campus Competition” was a remarkable opportunity for participants to showcase their talents. Interested individuals were invited to register through the provided link or by scanning the QR code on the flyer. The competition offered exciting prizes, certificates of participation, and the chance to present innovations at our Sustainability Expo in August 2023 to the AIT community and external stakeholders. Participants had the opportunity to explore their potential and demonstrate their creativity in developing solutions for a sustainable future. It was a chance to contribute to shaping a greener and more sustainable campus community.

Sustainability Activities: 2022

AIT SDG Research Fair: December 5th, 2022

The AIT SDG Research Fair has successfully concluded, covering research related to over 10 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) is pleased to announce the completion of the fair and extends its gratitude to esteemed AIT Management, including Prof. Yamamoto Kazuo, AIT President, Mr. Russell Rein, Vice President of Administration, Professor Shobhakar Dhakal, Vice President (Academic Affairs), and Dr. Christopher J. Garnier, Executive Director of AIT Extension, for their support and encouragement of the presented research. Their presence and valuable remarks greatly contributed to the success of the event.

OSC sincerely appreciates the enthusiastic participation of all attendees who presented their research to over 120 students, faculty, and staff eager to learn about the outstanding work being conducted at AIT. Special thanks to those who provided feedback to help determine the winner of the research fair. All participants received a Certificate of Participation and a special gift aimed at promoting the reduction of one-time plastic use.

Congratulations to Ms. Htet Yamin Ko Ko, the winner of the Research Fair, who received a prize of 15,000 B for her research on “Neural Network and Machine Learning-based Remote ECG Alerting System”.

AIT on the Move Toward Becoming a ‘Sustainable Campus’: June 5th, 2022

The World Environment Day (WED) event at AIT on 5th June 2022 was a resounding success, fostering a spirit of responsibility and action towards environmental conservation. Organized by the Regional Resource Center for Asia and the Pacific (RRCAP), School of Environment, Resource and Development (SERD), and Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC), the event was inaugurated by AIT President Dr. Eden Y. Woon, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to sustainability. Highlights of the event include:

• Emphasis on AIT’s journey towards sustainability, with various milestones achieved such as forming a sustainability task force and implementing policies.
• Collaboration with partners and stakeholders to promote sustainability and address environmental challenges.
• Notable experts stressing the importance of individual actions and market mechanisms in promoting environmental protection.
• Exhibits, workshops, and a sustainable bazaar promoting eco-friendly living, including reusable products and waste management solutions.
• Information sessions on energy efficiency, clean energy, and sustainable practices.
• The establishment of AIT’s Office of Sustainable Campus (OSC) to drive the institute’s sustainability vision.
• Engaging activities such as a photo competition showcasing biodiversity and raising awareness about environmental threats.

The event underscored AIT’s leadership in sustainable development and its commitment to fostering a greener, more sustainable future for all.