🌿 ARIT VRU Receives Its 2nd LESS Recognition: Green Carbon Sink

The Academic Resource and Information Technology Center (ARIT), Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage, has taken another significant step toward sustainability by receiving its second Letter of Recognition under the Low Emission Support Scheme (LESS). The recognition is granted by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and certified by the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization).

This achievement reflects ARIT’s concrete efforts to address environmental challenges through two key initiatives: the “ARIT Green Carbon Sink” project, which focuses on expanding green spaces and enhancing the capacity of trees to absorb and store carbon, and the installation of high-efficiency air conditioners to replace older units, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions within the building.

🌳 ARIT Green Carbon Sink was developed with the vision of transforming green spaces into more than areas for relaxation. They serve as an important part of ARIT’s efforts to absorb and store carbon. ARIT systematically surveyed and recorded tree data within its premises to assess their greenhouse gas sequestration potential in accordance with LESS guidelines. The survey identified 52 trees eligible for assessment, with a total carbon sequestration potential of 358,062 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO₂eq).

Beyond increasing and maintaining green spaces, ARIT also emphasizes the development of “green learning spaces” by providing educational materials on trees, green-space management, and greenhouse gas reduction. QR Codes have also been introduced to provide access to information about the trees, allowing users to learn more about different species and their role in carbon sequestration. These efforts encourage the participation of staff, students, and library users in environmental conservation.

🌱 As part of its green-space development, ARIT has improved the landscape and expanded green areas across its premises. Herb and vegetable gardens have also been developed as learning spaces for environmental education. These efforts are complemented by ongoing tree maintenance, the conversion of fallen leaves and food waste into compost, and the active participation of staff in caring for green spaces.

❄️ At the same time, ARIT has continued to improve energy efficiency within its buildings by replacing 36 existing air-conditioning units and installing 39 high-efficiency inverter air conditioners. This initiative aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the air-conditioning improvement project achieved a net reduction of 3,531 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (kgCO₂eq).

✨ Through these combined efforts in green-space development, carbon sequestration, energy conservation, and environmental engagement, ARIT has achieved a total greenhouse gas reduction of 68.449 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂eq). This achievement represents more than a recognition or certificate; it demonstrates ARIT’s continued and tangible commitment to environmentally responsible resource and energy management.

💚 ARIT Green Carbon Sink marks another important milestone in developing environmentally conscious learning spaces by connecting resource conservation with learning and participation. ARIT will continue to strengthen its green organization and advance the “ARIT Smart & Green Library towards Net Zero Campus” initiative toward a more sustainable future. 🌏🌿