The Connect & Conserve Sustainability Awareness and Networking Fair at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) held on 25 January 2024 from 16:00 – 19:00 pm, achieved success in fostering sustainability awareness and collaborative efforts toward the AIT’s plans to be Botanical Garden Net Zero Campus and to educate about United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
Sustainability Activities
Botanical Garden Campus Towards Net Zero
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.
Sustainability Activities: 2024
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.
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
The event drew a significant turnout, indicating strong interest and engagement. Featuring five informative talks, interactive Kahoot-style quizzes, and engaging game sessions at SDG-themed booths, the fair highlighted AIT’s commitment to sustainability. Talks by Dr. Guilberto, Director of RRCAP, outlined RRC.AP’s plans and Ms. Sireesha Bantu Director of OSC outlines AIT’s Net Zero Botanical Garden Campus objectives. Khun. Kheao, an expert in Organic Farming encouraged collaboration in organic farming at the AIT community Farm, while Khun. Ann, an expert in Waste Management, and a Ph.D. candidate discussed the importance of waste segregation. The event concluded with interactive booths with lot of gifts and fun, fostering connections and collective efforts for sustainability and UN SDG achievement.
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.
