Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
Mahidol University has moved increasingly towards sustainable development by considering the cost-effective use of energy under policies to promote energy conservation and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. 16 electric trams powered by renewable energy operate along 4 routes on Salaya campus to enable free on-campus transportation. The tram schedule can be viewed using the MU Tram application; the tram normally departs every 10 minutes. In addition, Mahidol University’s Jakka Center is supporting cycling so as to reduce pollution and traffic, by adding pedestrian and bicycle facilities on campus. Over 7,000 bicycles are available, which are used by students and staff for on-campus transportation and evening exercise. Energy-saving buildings have received several awards. The Mahidol Learning Center Building received the Thailand Energy Awards and ASEAN Energy Awards in Tropical Building category, while the Athitayathorn Building received Thailand Energy Awards in Conservation in the Building Control category. The Athitayathorn building was designed to reduce energy consumption and optimize the use of natural energy for maximum benefit. Apart from these, 10 solar rooftops were installed in Salaya, Phaya Thai, and Kanchanaburi campuses, which have generated 142.62 kilowatts of electricity so far. In the future, a further 32 kilowatts will be installed to cover the entire Salaya campus. These developments will promote a low-carbon society that decreases the use of fossil fuels and help reduce the cost of electricity while maintaining the necessary energy supply to the University. A biodiesel-production project that processes used vegetable oil is being conducted at the Salaya Campus. This will produce biodiesel from around 80% of the used vegetable oil, which can be used as 21,829.39 kWh of renewable energy per year, such as for the University’s buses. Therefore, this results in cost reductions for raw materials for fuel production, reuse of resources, reduction of environmental impacts, and the establishment of the sustainable used oil management system, so promoting an efficient increase in the proportion of clean energy used in the University.
