BU Drives the Green World with Solar Rooftop - A Sustainability Model in Educational Institutions
Ajarn Purat Osathanugrah, President of Bangkok University, announced the sustainability mission for BU to be part of driving society at the academic forum of Mahidol University Quality Fair 2024 on November 26, 2024. One of the intended missions is the implementation of clean energy Solar Rooftop, which aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy Access. This addresses environmental, social, and governance challenges. The Solar Rooftop project will impact the environment through reducing greenhouse gas emissions and using renewable solar energy, as well as sustainable resource management. It also creates positive social impact by serving as a model for educational institutions, building environmental awareness among students, and participating in solving global warming issues.
For the Solar Rooftop project, solar panel installation is currently underway at Parking Lot 6, scheduled to begin full operation in October 2025. This project is expected to efficiently produce electricity to meet the university's internal energy needs. The project will not only help reduce energy costs but also demonstrate the university's commitment to creating a sustainable environment and social responsibility, including genuine intention to promote clean energy use within the university area.
The Solar Rooftop project plans to expand installation to cover the entire university area on the rooftops of 13 buildings: A3, A4, A7, A8, B1, B2, C1, C2, C3, C4, C6, and C10, with a total generating capacity of 4.081 MWp
Upon project completion, Bangkok University is expected to reduce electricity consumption from the existing system by over 50 percent per year by switching to solar energy from Solar Rooftop instead. Besides saving electricity costs, this project will also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 17,520 tons per year, demonstrating Bangkok University's commitment to promoting the environment and seriously supporting sustainable development goals.
