SDG 13 : CLIMATE ACTION
Mahidol University recognizes the urgent challenges posed by climate change and has adopted a comprehensive net-zero greenhouse gas emissions policy to minimize environmental impact. Under its flagship “9 to Zero” initiative, the University promotes clean energy and low-emission operations through the installation of rooftop solar panels, the use of electric trams and bicycles, and plans to expand EV charging infrastructure.
Bioenergy from used vegetable oil further supports its transition toward renewable energy. Air quality is continuously monitored, with innovations such as the PM2.5 Footprint Calculator raising awareness of health risks from particulate matter and encouraging behavioral change.
The MU Carbon Footprint Program tracks campus-wide emissions and informs strategies for reduction. Faculties, such as the Faculty of Dentistry’s Low Carbon Hospital, have applied these data-driven methods to cut emissions, lower costs, and move toward a low-carbon campus. Complementary projects, including the Tree Planting and Tree Measuring Initiatives, have documented over 13,600 trees capable of absorbing 6,523 tons of CO₂, while the Vertical Green Space and MU Eco Park projects expand greenery and urban cooling. The Eco Town Project, developed with PTT, advances recycling and sustainable waste management to replace incineration. Collectively, these initiatives reflect Mahidol University’s proactive leadership in mitigating climate change, fostering sustainability, and achieving alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
13.2 Low-carbon energy use
13.2.1 Low carbon energy tracking
Mahidol University actively monitors and manages its energy consumption to ensure sustainability, efficiency, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Energy use across teaching, research, and medical facilities is governed by the university’s energy management policy, which promotes renewable energy adoption and aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and 13 (Climate Action).
To achieve this, Mahidol University has been expanding its solar energy systems since 2010 across multiple campuses, including Salaya, Phayathai, Bangkok Noi, Bang Phli, Kanchanaburi, and Nakhon Sawan. By 2022, the Salaya Campus had installed 12.25 megawatts (MW) of solar panels on rooftops and water surfaces, providing clean electricity for campus operations. Currently, the university operates 18.73 MW of installed solar capacity, generating approximately 1.36 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month and reducing emissions by around 660 tons of CO₂ equivalent monthly. Additional expansions totaling 4.51 MW are planned through 2025.
Mahidol University also employs a Smart Energy Management System (SCADA) that automatically records real-time electricity data from buildings and displays it via an online dashboard for analysis and energy optimization. Buildings such as the President’s Office and Mahidol Learning Center use demand-control systems that regulate air conditioning to limit electricity peaks below 500 kW, maintaining comfort while improving efficiency.
Furthermore, energy-efficient appliances—including LED lighting, low-energy air conditioners, and high-efficiency computers and printers—are widely used, with 85.6% of campus equipment meeting energy-saving standards.
These integrated strategies reflect Mahidol University’s commitment to responsible energy use, renewable power expansion, and leadership in sustainable campus operations.
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13.2.2 Low-carbon energy use
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13.3 Environmental education measures
13.3.1 Local education programmes on climate
Mahidol University consistently conducts local education programs and awareness campaigns addressing climate change risks, impacts, mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction, and early warning systems through a variety of projects and activities.
Mahidol University’s Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies organized the Natural Disasters Management Training Program to strengthen knowledge and skills in managing disasters caused by climate change. The program emphasized the use of technology, cross-sector collaboration, and community participation to promote global health and environmental sustainability.
The training addressed major natural disasters—such as earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, and sinkholes—focusing on both pre- and post-disaster management, including early warning, environmental restoration, and livelihood recovery. Thirty scholarship recipients from government agencies across Asia, South Africa, and South America participated in the program.
As a result, participants gained essential knowledge on disaster preparedness, awareness, and mitigation, with nearly 90% successfully applying their learning to benefit their organizations. The project stands out for its focus on emerging and severe natural disasters that increasingly threaten communities worldwide. Its impacts span from community resilience and national economic stability to global environmental and humanitarian outcomes, supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 13 (Climate Action), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), and 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).
The Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, in collaboration with Banpu Public Company Limited , organizes the annual Environmental Science Youth Camp (Power Green Camp) to cultivate young leaders in environmental science. The camp promotes environmental awareness, scientific thinking, and hands-on learning experiences that encourage youth to apply environmental knowledge in daily life and share it with families, schools, and communities, fostering sustainable coexistence with nature.
The 19th camp (2024), held under the theme “Urban Rewilding: Forest–City–Life,” focused on reconnecting youth with nature, emphasizing the importance of forests, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable urban ecosystems. Participants learned about forest restoration and the use of science, technology, and innovation for sustainable environmental solutions.
Over the years, the camp has evolved through various themes—such as climate change adaptation, waste management, and biodiversity conservation —with a total of 1,159 participants nationwide . Each edition combines theory, fieldwork, and scientific innovation to build practical problem-solving skills.
Distinctively, this camp integrates scientific knowledge and technological tools in environmental care, making it one of Thailand’s most impactful youth initiatives. Its outcomes span multiple levels:
The Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, in collaboration with Nakprasit School, Bang Chang Nuea Temple Foundation, organized a project to educate primary school students on energy conservation and global warming. The program aimed to raise environmental awareness among youth and encourage behavioral change toward sustainable energy use.
A total of 90 students from grades 2–6 participated in lectures and hands-on training activities designed to help them understand the causes and impacts of global warming and the importance of energy efficiency. Divided into six mixed-grade groups, students engaged in creative and practical activities that linked classroom learning to real-life applications.
The project successfully enhanced students’ awareness of energy saving, inspiring them to apply what they learned in daily life and share the knowledge with their families, peers, and communities. This ripple effect promotes broader societal change toward sustainable practices.
At a national level, the initiative contributes to fostering a culture of energy conservation among youth, while at a global level, it supports Thailand’s efforts to reduce energy consumption and mitigate climate change impacts.
This project aligns with Mahidol University’s Strategy 3 — Policy Advocacy and Leadership in Capacity Building for Sustainable Development — and supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
On October 30, 2024, the Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, Mahidol University, hosted a workshop titled “Curriculum Development to Promote Carbon Neutrality for High School Students.” The event aimed to gather insights from experts, educators, and partner schools to design educational programs and activities that raise awareness and encourage action on greenhouse gas reduction and sustainability among high school students.
Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kittikorn Jamorndusit, Dean of the Faculty, the meeting brought together representatives from key organizations such as the Nakhon Pathom Secondary Educational Service Area Office, Phrae Community College, the Institute of Technology and Information for Sustainable Development, and schools within the Carbon Neutrality Campus network — including Kanchanaphisek Wittayalai Nakhon Pathom School, Satriwitthaya Phutthamonthon School, Nakprasit School, and others.
Participants also joined a learning tour of Mahidol University’s Salaya Campus, visiting key sustainability sites such as Eco Park, solar panel installations, the recycling bank, wastewater treatment systems, and organic gardens, to observe practical examples of carbon reduction initiatives.
This workshop was held under the Carbon Neutrality Campus Joint Unit Project, a collaboration between Mahidol University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and the United Nations ESCAP. The initiative aims to exchange knowledge, develop educational tools, and promote pathways for Thai educational institutions to achieve carbon neutrality and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
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13.3.2 Climate Action Plan, shared
Mahidol University has established a comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which is shared and implemented in collaboration with local government agencies and community groups through various joint projects and initiatives.
Based on findings, Samut Songkhram’s major greenhouse gas sources in 2019 were transportation (52%), energy (43%), and waste management (8%). The province’s emissions were projected to nearly double by 2030; however, through the implementation of 17 targeted reduction measures—such as waste sorting, methane capture, and clean energy initiatives—emissions could be reduced by up to 13.2% from the business-as-usual scenario. The project also developed a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan, identifying key risks such as sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and high tides. Adaptation strategies focused on improving water management, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and promoting community-based responses. The final outputs—a provincial greenhouse gas reduction plan and adaptation strategy—will inform national policy through the TGO and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, ensuring that Samut Songkhram contributes effectively to Thailand’s long-term climate goals.
Through collaboration among local leaders, municipal authorities, academics, and private tourism partners, the project integrates research, innovation, and community participation to create a low-carbon, sustainable agricultural ecosystem. Activities include applying clean energy technologies, organizing outdoor learning programs, promoting eco-conscious housing design, and supporting cultural and social initiatives that align with climate adaptation. The project also conducts carbon sequestration assessments in pomelo orchards, surveys farmers’ awareness of carbon credit opportunities, and provides knowledge exchange to help the community move toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative not only enhances the global competitiveness and export confidence of Nakhon Pathom pomelos but also positions Koh Lat E-Ten as a leading example of sustainable, climate-resilient community development.
Following the MoU signing, the event featured a lecture by Dr. Kittikorn Jamorndusit on “Necessary Environmental Standards for the Industrial Sector” and a group discussion led by Associate Professor Dr. Nopphon on “The Development Direction of Lampang Province towards Carbon Neutrality.” The collaboration represents a significant step toward integrating academic expertise with local governance and the business sector to drive sustainable, low-carbon development and create lasting positive impacts on communities and the environment.
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13.3.3 Co-operative planning for climate change disasters
Mahidol University actively participates in collaborative planning for climate change-related disasters, including those that may lead to population displacement both domestically and across borders. The university works closely with government agencies and partners through various projects to enhance preparedness, resilience, and sustainable response strategies.
Based on findings, Samut Songkhram’s major greenhouse gas sources in 2019 were transportation (52%), energy (43%), and waste management (8%). The province’s emissions were projected to nearly double by 2030; however, through the implementation of 17 targeted reduction measures—such as waste sorting, methane capture, and clean energy initiatives—emissions could be reduced by up to 13.2% from the business-as-usual scenario. The project also developed a Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan, identifying key risks such as sea-level rise, saltwater intrusion, and high tides. Adaptation strategies focused on improving water management, enhancing infrastructure resilience, and promoting community-based responses. The final outputs—a provincial greenhouse gas reduction plan and adaptation strategy—will inform national policy through the TGO and the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, ensuring that Samut Songkhram contributes effectively to Thailand’s long-term climate goals.
The project, running from May 2023 to May 2024, engages government agencies, farmers, and community enterprises to strengthen agricultural resilience and promote inclusive economic growth. Its outcomes include policy plans that support local and national sustainability efforts, emphasizing the expansion of green spaces, drought mitigation, and pollution reduction. By fostering agroforestry-driven livelihoods and natural resource stewardship, the initiative contributes directly to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 8, 12, 13, and 15), empowering communities to build strong, environmentally conscious
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13.3.4 Inform and support government
Mahidol University actively collaborates with local and regional governments to provide information, support, and expertise in climate change disaster risk monitoring and early warning systems through various research initiatives and community-based projects.
Mahidol University’s Nakhon Sawan Campus has played a key role in promoting sustainable water resource management in Bueng Boraphet, Thailand’s largest freshwater wetland and a site of international ecological importance. Despite its rich biodiversity, Bueng Boraphet has faced persistent challenges, including unclear land boundaries, competing water demands, environmental degradation, and community conflicts arising from limited water supply for agriculture, fisheries, and domestic use. To address these issues, the Bueng Boraphet Research and Training Center was established to provide academic research, data collection, and policy recommendations that support sustainable water use and community participation. From 2013 to 2022, the center collaborated with local water user organizations across nine sub-districts to manage droughts, improve water allocation, and balance agricultural and ecological needs. Supported by Mahidol University’s Social Policy Driving Project (2022–2024), a participatory water management system was developed, emphasizing cooperation, data-driven decision-making, and democratic engagement. This initiative has strengthened community networks, enhanced local capacity, and serves as a model for inclusive, sustainable water resource governance in Thailand.
From 2022 to 2025, Mahidol University’s Bueng Boraphet Wetland Water Management Project has made significant progress in developing a collaborative, data-driven, and participatory approach to sustainable water management. In 2022, the project focused on building the water management system by collecting and analyzing spatial and usage data, engaging government agencies, local communities, and educational institutions, and establishing the Bueng Boraphet Smart System for data access. This groundwork led to the creation of a shared water management model and the registration of five local water user organizations to promote cooperation and reduce conflict.
During the 2023–2024 implementation phase, the project expanded participation through training, youth engagement, and the creation of the Bueng Boraphet Data Center and learning materials. As a result, nine subdistricts and over 3,700 individuals registered their water use needs, covering 5,011 plots (69,871 rai), while conflict levels among users dropped to zero. The project also launched a Water Image Downloader system to utilize satellite imagery for monitoring and planning, and more than 200 people have visited the learning center. Recognized and certified by the Nakhon Sawan Bueng Boraphet Management Committee. The system has become a model for participatory governance.
Looking ahead to 2024–2025, the initiative aims to strengthen local livelihoods through eco-friendly farming practices such as alternate wet–dry rice cultivation and the use of aquatic weed-based fertilizer to boost income and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This inclusive, research-based, and democratic approach—endorsed at the policy level—earned the project a “Very Good” Award in the 2024 Democracy Innovation Contest (Community and Organization category) and is now considered a model for sustainable and cooperative water management across Thailand.
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13.3.5 Environmental education collaborate with NGO
Mahidol University, as an institutional body, collaborates with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) on climate adaptation initiatives under the vision of the Carbon Neutrality Campus. The University strives for academic excellence within a sustainable framework, envisioning a future where the campus operates with a net-zero carbon footprint, setting a leading example in environmental responsibility.
Through the integration of research, innovation, and community engagement, Mahidol University proactively addresses the challenges of climate change. By partnering with both global and local organizations, the University transforms its campus into a living laboratory for sustainability, fostering education, awareness, and collective action toward a greener and more resilient future.
The International Carbon Neutrality Campus Cooperation and Experience Exchange Project aims to strengthen academic collaboration and promote practical strategies for achieving carbon neutrality across public, private, and entrepreneurial sectors. Led by Mahidol University’s Faculty of Environment and Resource Studies, in partnership with UNESCAP and Shanghai Jiao Tong University, this initiative is part of the university’s 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. It establishes a Carbon-neutrality Campus Joint Unit to advance research, innovation, and policy implementation on carbon neutrality through international cooperation. The project emphasizes capacity building, expert networking, and knowledge exchange via training programs, workshops, and conferences, helping senior executives and institutions adopt effective sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices. By fostering global collaboration and providing technical expertise, the project supports tangible progress toward carbon neutrality and contributes to long-term climate resilience and sustainable development at the community, national, and international levels.
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13.4 Commitment to carbon neutral university
13.4.1 Commitment to carbon neutral university
Mahidol University has established a target date to achieve carbon neutrality in alignment with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, encompassing all Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions.
Mahidol University’s “9 to Zero” or “Step to Zero” initiative is a strategic plan to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions within nine years, by 2030, in alignment with Thailand’s national net-zero goal. The plan outlines progressive reduction targets compared to business-as-usual projections in three phases:
Mahidol University actively monitors its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through the development of an organizational carbon footprint, ensuring effective management and reduction strategies across all university operations. The university systematically collects and analyzes emission data across three key scopes:
This comprehensive approach enables Mahidol University to effectively track, manage, and implement strategies to reduce its total carbon footprint.
Mahidol University has set a goal to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030, guided by its “9 Steps to Zero” framework — a comprehensive plan promoting sustainability through innovation, awareness, and collaboration.
Together, these nine principles form Mahidol University’s roadmap to achieving a sustainable, low-carbon future by 2030.
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13.4.2 Achieve by date
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