Evidences
7.2 University measures towards affordable and clean energy
Evidence 1
AIT prioritizes energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices. The Institute’s Energy Policy aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 15% in non-residential areas, increase local renewable electricity generation by 15%, and cut fossil-fuel consumption and energy expenses by 15% by 2026. We are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2040. The Office of Facilities and Asset Management oversees energy reporting, ensuring transparency through a real-time web-based system accessible to the public. In terms of buildings and construction, AIT is committed to creating energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. Our goals include developing a sustainable facilities tool by 2026, upgrading 20% of AIT buildings to green standards within 5 years, and promoting the use of recycled materials in construction by 10%. These policies and practices exemplify AIT’s commitment to a sustainable, energy-efficient future.
Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: See page 17, Annex 7 on Buildings and Construction
Evidence 2
AIT is committed to energy efficiency and environmental responsibility in all its endeavors. It ensures that all renovations and new builds adhere to stringent energy efficiency standards. The Institute’s objectives include promoting environmental management practices, conserving energy through improved utilization and investments in energy-efficient measures, and minimizing waste by reusing, recycling, and carrying out responsible disposal. AIT also focuses on reducing the impact of transportation, preserving campus flora and fauna, and adopting policies that consider the visual impact of its activities. These efforts underscore AIT’s dedication to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.
Created in January 2013 Reviewed annually
Comment: See page 1, Objective 1 on Institutional practice
The AIT is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by reducing its energy use and switching to clean and renewable energy supplies.
(Energy) Goals:
- To reduce the (non-residential) AIT’s electricity use by 15% in 2026 compared to 2022
- To be sourced by 100% renewable electricity generation by 2026 from 2022
- To reduce fossil-fuel consumption by 15% by 2026 compared to 2022
- To reduce overall energy expenses by 12% by 2026 compared to 2022
- To be carbon neutral by 2030
Source 1: Solar Power in AIT – Office of Facilities and Assets Management
Source 2: AIT Net Zero plans – Office of Facilities and Assets Management
AIT’s vision and definition of sustainability encompasses fostering a transition towards sustainability while reflecting a balance of economic, environmental, and socially responsible values through education, knowledge generation, translating knowledge into practice, and practicing those sustainability ideals in its day-to-day and strategic operations.
Source 1: AIT Net Zero plans – Office of Facilities and Assets Management
Source 2: AIT EV Charging Stations – Office of Facilities and Assets Management
The Asian Institute of Technology is resolutely committed to the transformation of its campus into a “Botanical Garden Net Zero Campus” by the year 2030. To realize this ambitious objective, AIT has meticulously devised an action plan, outlining specific strategies geared towards achieving the net-zero status. The immediate plan encompasses several key projects, including the 1.5 MW Solar rooftop Project, which has already secured a contract and is projected to become fully operational by April 2024. Additionally, discussions are underway for the implementation of a 4MW solar floating project covering a 20-acre area on the AIT reservoir, with the possibility of finalizing the agreement by the end of 2023 which will enable AIT to be 100% Renewable Energy-sourced campus.
Source 1: AIT Net Zero plans – Office of Facilities and Assets Management
Source 2: Solar Power in AIT – Office of Facilities and Assets Management
AIT conducts yearly energy reviews as a fundamental component of our dedication to sustainable practices. These reviews play a crucial role in our efforts to identify areas where energy waste is most prevalent across our campus. To accomplish this, we meticulously record energy consumption data for every building on our premises. The detailed information is systematically documented and stored. This data collection and storage mechanism allows us to monitor energy consumption trends, pinpoint inefficiencies, and implement targeted strategies to reduce energy waste effectively. It is a cornerstone of our commitment to creating a more sustainable and environmentally responsible campus.
Source
Link to Excel Sheet: Link
AIT Sustainability Policy is strongly aligned with the divestment of investments from carbon-intensive energy industries, specifically coal and oil. The policy outlines a clear commitment to reducing the university’s greenhouse gas emissions by adopting a sustainable energy approach. One of the key goals within the policy is to transition AIT to be fully solar-powered sourced by 2025. This transition indicates a deliberate effort to move away from conventionally generated power, including that from coal power plants, in favor of cleaner, renewable energy sources. Such a proactive stance reflects AIT’s dedication to environmental responsibility and sustainability, as well as its role in mitigating the impact of carbon-intensive energy sources on campus.
Refer to Annex 1 – Energy (Page 7)
Source: AA-1-2-9 AIT Sustainability Policy
7.3 Energy use density
7.4 Energy and the community
AIT actively promotes awareness and education on the importance of energy efficiency and clean energy to the local community. The Office of Sustainable Campus at AIT organized a video and poster contest, allowing participants from various backgrounds, including students, staff, faculty, residents, and children, to create content on the topics of reducing food waste and conserving energy in daily life. This initiative not only extended flexibility and participation opportunities but also served as a vital part of our awareness program. By engaging the local community in such activities, we aimed to impart knowledge about the significance of energy conservation and inspire sustainable practices, all while offering attractive prizes to encourage participation.
AIT is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and transitioning to clean and renewable energy supplies. As part of our energy policy, we have set clear goals to achieve this, which include increasing local renewable electricity generation and reducing fossil-fuel consumption. Additionally, our policy emphasizes transparency and public engagement by creating a web-based system to monitor and report energy generation and consumption in real time, which will eventually be made available to the public. While the policy focuses on achieving specific energy-related objectives, it also aligns with the broader goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040. This commitment not only benefits the university but also contributes to the larger community and encourages a pledge toward 100% renewable energy beyond the university.
See page 7, Annex 1 on Energy
AIT Energy efficiency services for industry Provide direct services to local industry aimed at improving energy efficiency and clean energy (energy efficiency assessments, workshops, research renewable energy options).
Source 2: AIT signs MoA with Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited (BCP) – Asian Institute of Technology
AIT Policy development for clean energy technology Inform and support governments in clean energy and energy-efficient technology policy development in the local/regional/Global sectors.
AIT Assistance to low-carbon innovation Provide assistance for start-ups that foster and support a low-carbon economy or technology.
Source 1: Green Startups (ait.ac.th)
