Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.
Mahidol University has a waste-management policy and support the use of products and services that have been environmentally certified to manage waste systematically and effectively, both within the University and in the surrounding communities. Integrating the circular economy (recycling) concept to reduce waste as much as possible, the University has implemented the “Mahidol No Plastic” project, which has effectively reduced the number of plastic bags by 8,645,604 between 2016-2020, and 216,875 plastic bottles in 2020 with the use of water dispensers. Moreover, recycling bank projects have been established to convert waste into economic value, and help improve the waste-separation behaviors of students, staff, and members of the public. This has resulted in better waste management within the University and reduced environmental pollution. In addition, 400 polo shirts have been made from 8,000 plastic bottles through the “We Turn” project, which is considered a useful, applicable, and environmentally friendly prototype. In the community sector, the Mahidol Eco Town project has been implemented to promote cooperation with the community by expanding the recycling bank project model and instilling awareness of waste separation among our youth. Thirty-three schools are participating in the project, showing that the project is widely accepted and the network can be expanded effectively. Compost that has been made from plant waste, amounting to 323,910 kilograms, has been produced with an aeration pile system that replaces incineration; this method has received organic standard certification. Bio-fermented water has been produced to assist with wastewater treatment and eliminate bad odors. This reduces maintenance costs and generates revenue from sales. It is also used as a learning resource for various agencies and interested people. The University is always aware of the environment, so that biological wastewater is treated according to the standards of the Pollution Control Department before release into natural water sources. Also, 7,266 cubic meters of used water were recycled for many activities, such as watering plants and washing buses, resulting in a reduction in the University’s water bills, better waste management, a systematic recycling system, and sustainable production.
