Green Building

Mahidol University has set policies on building renovation and construction by promoting energy-saving buildings along with effective resources use to gain maximum benefits, to be safe for the environment, by promoting green spaces around and in the area of each building to reduce greenhouse gases emissions, protect health and promote productivity of people in the building. The concepts for green building designs are as follow.

Energy and resource saving

Mahidol University aims for designs that seamlessly integrate the environment in relation to its eco-university strategy when it comes to energy-saving building design. The buildings would be designed to have good airflow, allowing for a natural cool breeze, and ample natural light, reducing energy consumption. Moreover, electrical equipment installed inside has been improved for better efficiency and energy savings, such as the use of LED lights, automatic building control, and the installation of natural renewable energy systems.

In terms of water resource conservation

Reducing raw water consumption will help alleviate future water shortages. Mahidol University therefore supports and promotes water-saving and efficient building design and use. This includes selecting water-saving sanitary ware and equipment, such as toilets, faucets, and showerheads, or using products with a green label. Furthermore, Mahidol University reuses recycled water from wastewater treatment, such as for flushing toilets and watering plants. Furthermore, it stores recycled water along with rainwater to replace tap water for watering plants during the dry season. Regarding green space management, the university selects local plant species that are suitable for the climate and require little water. These plants are easy to maintain, durable, and resistant to weather conditions, and reduce water usage. The university installs sub-meters for systematic and efficient water management in various areas. Furthermore, it establishes policies and campaigns to raise awareness and awareness among building users about water conservation and efficient water use.

Water Consumption Monitoring across Mahidol University

Mahidol University monitors water consumption across all campuses through systematic measurement and reporting. For units located outside the Salaya Campus, water usage data is recorded and reported monthly through the MU ECO DATA platform. At the Salaya Campus, the University has implemented a comprehensive and centralized measurement system, detailed as follows:

Water Source: The primary source of water consumption at Mahidol University, Salaya Campus, is the Provincial Waterworks Authority (PWA) mains supply. All water usage from this source is metered and accounted for in the monitoring system.
Measurement Coverage: A total of 90 digital water meters have been installed across the Salaya Campus, covering all academic, research, administrative, and support units. This ensures accurate and real-time monitoring of water consumption throughout the campus.
Water Consumption Data (FY 2019–FY 2025): The University maintains comprehensive records of annual water consumption (in cubic meters) from Fiscal Year 2019 (2562) to Fiscal Year 2025 (2568) to support resource management planning, efficiency improvement, and sustainability performance evaluation.

Water Consumption of Mahidol University from Fiscal Year 2019 to 2025 (Cubic Meters)
System Monitoring and Inspection: The installation of digital water meters represents a transition toward a digitalized system through the use of an Online Monitoring System with high precision. This system enables continuous tracking and monitoring of water consumption data in each unit across the University. It plays a key role in supporting the University's sustainable water management strategy.
Locations of Digital Water Meter Installations within Mahidol University, Salaya Campus
Water Loss Prevention: This digital system can provide real-time alerts in the event of abnormal water usage (such as leakage or pipe bursts), enabling staff to promptly investigate and carry out repairs. This ensures an effective reduction of water loss within the system.
Water Usage Monitoring and Leakage Detection System

Recycled Water Distribution Pipeline Project: This project utilizes treated wastewater that is subsequently disinfected with bi-chlorine in the final treatment stage before being distributed to various units, including the Wastewater Treatment Facility, Bus Parking Area, Faculty of Veterinary Science, National Institute for Child and Family Development, and the National Laboratory Animal Center. The recycled water is used for tree and landscape irrigation, equipment and machinery cleaning, stable and animal cage washing, as well as bus washing.
Over the course of nearly six years, the use of recycled water has enabled the university to reduce potable water consumption by 57,735 cubic meters.

Recycled Water Volume at Mahidol University, Salaya Campus from 2019–2025 (cubic meters)

         Mahidol University has also developed structural mechanisms and technologies for controlling and utilizing surface water, which is derived from rainwater retained in the campus canal system. The details are as follows:

         Surface and Rainwater Control System: The University has implemented and developed the Mahidol Monitoring System (MMS) in conjunction with three Rainwater Pumping Stations. These systems work together using information technology to continuously monitor and control water levels within the campus canal network.

         Purpose – Drought Preparedness: The MMS is not only designed for flood prevention, but also plays a crucial role in drought prediction and water level management. The system ensures that an adequate amount of surface water is stored and maintained as reserve water during periods of water scarcity.

         Alternative Water Source for Non-Potable Use: The stored surface water serves as a sustainable alternative water source for non-potable purposes, such as watering large trees and maintaining green areas on campus, especially during the dry season. This helps reduce dependence on the main municipal water supply.

         In Fiscal Year 2024, the university utilized 1,059.72 cubic meters of rainwater and surface water for campus operations.

Building design

Mahidol University's building design incorporates environmental and natural elements to create a sense of natural harmony among the occupant’s inside. It is also a way to protect one’s health and increase productivity. Mahidol University’s architectural design uses heat-tolerant and heat resistant materials, as well as durable and low-maintenance materials. As shown in Mahidol Learning Center Building and Athittayatorn Building, International College, the building design considers the quality of life of everyone and all classes, such as wheelchair routes and convenient steps for pedestrians.

Less pollution, more green spaces

Mahidol University encourages adding more green spaces externally and internally through structural design to support landscape improvement of the building by planting trees in and around the buildings to support eco-university policies and develop good health and well-being for both students and personnel. A gardening competition is also held to encourage organizations to improve the university's landscape. Aside from adding green spaces, this also aids in pollution reduction by absorbing carbon dioxide.