Evidence 1
AIT is dedicated to ethical sourcing of goods and services, emphasizing sustainability across its procurement and construction practices. The Institute Procurement Policy underscores our commitment to environmentally responsible procurement, aiming to strengthen these practices by 30% and offering green choices for 25% of campus needs by 2026. AIT is actively promoting a Supplier’s Code of Conduct to ensure ethical standards. In building and construction, we are focused on creating energy-efficient, environmentally friendly structures. We aim to enhance 20% of AIT’s buildings as green buildings by 2027, and encourage the use of building materials made from recycled sources. Procurement and construction efforts involve transparent reporting and accountability every six months. At AIT, sustainability is not just a goal but a fundamental principle guiding the Institute’s actions.

Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: See Annex 15 on Procurement (page 33), and page 17, Annex 7 on Buildings and Construction

Evidence 2
AIT has a well-defined policy on ethical sourcing of food and supplies, deeply rooted in its sustainability commitment. The university’s Office of Procurement and Inventory Administration (OPIA) is mandated to adhere to ten key purchasing principles that encompass human rights, labor relations, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption measures. These principles underscore AIT’s dedication to sourcing its food and supplies while upholding internationally proclaimed human rights, avoiding complicity in human rights abuses, supporting labor rights, eliminating forced and child labor, and eradicating discrimination in employment. Furthermore, AIT’s commitment extends to endorsing a precautionary approach to environmental challenges, promoting greater environmental responsibility, encouraging the development and diffusion of environmentally friendly technology, and actively working against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery, in its procurement processes. This comprehensive policy reflects AIT’s commitment to responsible and ethical sourcing practices.

Please refer to VII Green purchasing, (Page-11)

AIT remains dedicated to responsible hazardous waste disposal, focusing on minimizing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. The Institute’s Solid Waste and Plastics Policy emphasizes reducing landfill waste, increasing recycling, and managing waste creation. We are working towards 100% waste segregation in academic areas and 50% segregation in residential areas by 2024. AIT is committed to a zero plastic policy for non-biodegradable plastics by 2030 and reducing overall plastic use by 50% by 2025, and single-use plastics by 2022. Reporting on these efforts is overseen by the Sustainability Club, Student Union Campus & Environment, and the Office of Facilities and Asset Management, under the supervision of the Vice President of Administration. In addition, AIT’s Internal Operations Policy ensures sustainability initiatives are integrated into all Institute activities. We aim to increase sustainable practices by 20% across all units by 2026 and develop a paperless administrative system. AIT is actively implementing these policies to create a greener, more sustainable future.

Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: Please refer to Annex 4 on Solid Waste and Plastics (page 11), and Annex 12 on Internal Operations (page 27).

AIT has a comprehensive sustainability policy that addresses waste management, with a focus on reducing waste sent to landfills and increasing recycling. The policy outlines specific goals and measures to achieve these objectives. AIT aims to reduce waste to landfills and promote recycling by implementing waste segregation in academic and residential areas, as well as reducing paper usage. The policy also sets specific targets, such as achieving 100% waste segregation in academic areas by 2024 compared to 2021 and implementing a 100% zero plastic policy by 2030, with a reduction of 50% of plastic use across the campus by 2025. Additionally, the policy calls for the elimination of single-use plastics from 2022.

To achieve these goals, AIT has outlined measures such as providing facilities for segregated waste disposal, implementing a Management Information System to monitor waste collection, and reducing paper usage. The policy also emphasizes education and training for all stakeholders on recycling opportunities and responsible waste practices. AIT’s commitment to sustainability in waste management is evident through its clear policy goals and actionable measures to reduce waste to landfills and promote recycling across the campus. The policy not only focuses on waste sent to landfills and recycled but also addresses the reduction of single-use plastics and overall sustainability in internal operations.

Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: Please refer to Annex 4 on Solid Waste and Plastics (page 11), and Annex 12 on Internal Operations (page 27).

AIT has a well-defined policy and goals related to the minimization of plastic use on its campus. The policy, outlined in the “Solid Waste and Plastics” section, reflects AIT’s commitment to reducing the consumption of natural resources, reusing materials, and actively creating as little waste as possible. One of its specific goals is to implement a 100% zero plastic policy by 2030, which includes a reduction of 50% of plastic use across the campus by 2025 and the elimination of single-use plastics from 2022. This clearly demonstrates the university’s commitment to minimizing plastic usage.

To achieve these goals, the policy outlines measures such as the banning of single-use plastic bags and plastic straws from 2022, encouraging the use of reusable water bottles and cups, and promoting the use of compostable containers for packing food. Additionally, the policy emphasizes a reduction in plastic use across the campus by actively discouraging plastic water bottles and exploring alternatives such as water bottles and reusable containers. AIT’s comprehensive approach to minimizing plastic aligns with its broader sustainability goals and reflects its dedication to reducing the environmental impact of plastic consumption.

Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: Please refer to Annex 4 on Solid Waste and Plastics (page 11), and Annex 12 on Internal Operations (page 27).

AIT has policies and measures focused on minimizing disposable items. AIT’s sustainability policy targets waste reduction and plastic use. The plan aims to implement a 100% zero plastic policy by 2030, with a 50% reduction in plastic use by 2025 and the elimination of single-use plastics from 2022. The internal operations policy encourages sustainable practices, like using reusable items and reducing commodity consumption.

Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: Please refer to Annex 4 on Solid Waste and Plastics (page 11), and Annex 12 on Internal Operations (page 27).

AIT ensures disposable policies extend to outsourced services and the supply chain.

Source:Campus Waste Management – Office of Facilities and Assets Management (ait.ac.th)

To promote SDG 12, all the vendors are informed of the waste management policy that encourages waste segregation, recycling, and minimization of plastic use. Many shops offer discounts to encourage reusable containers and cups. At AIT, our comprehensive facility services create a vibrant and supportive environment, fostering academic excellence and personal well-being for everyone on campus.

Source 1:AIT Auxiliary services – Office of Facilities and Assets Management

Source 2:AIT Cafeteria – Office of Facilities and Assets Management

AIT actively measures the amount of waste generated and recycled across the university on both a monthly and yearly basis. This comprehensive waste monitoring includes various waste categories, such as food waste, dry waste, and wet waste, reflecting the university’s commitment to effective waste management and sustainability practices. This systematic approach ensures that AIT remains engaged in quantifying and optimizing its waste generation and recycling efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and enhance its overall sustainability initiatives.

Source 1: Google Sheets 

The AIT Annual Report 2022 highlights productive collaborations and impactful achievements with esteemed partners, contributing to enhanced research capabilities and innovative solutions for global challenges. Focused on themes like Climate Change, Smart Communities, Food-Energy-Water, Infrastructure, and Technology, Policy, and Society, the report highlights AIT’s efforts in fostering knowledge exchange and addressing pressing issues.