Green Infrastructure — UP Sustainability

Impact of Setting and Infrastructure Programs in Supporting the SDGs

The university has implemented various infrastructure and environmental setting programs that directly contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The key programs include the construction and revitalization of energy-efficient buildings based on green building principles, equipped with natural lighting and ventilation systems, as well as solar panels for renewable energy.

Green Building

A Green Building is designed, constructed, and operated with the objective of minimizing environmental impact while promoting the health and well-being of its occupants. These buildings prioritize the efficient use of natural resources, energy conservation, and long-term sustainability. The key components of Green Buildings are as follows:

Natural Ventilation: Buildings are designed with good airflow and ventilation, utilizing wind channels and air circulation systems to reduce the need for air conditioning.

Maximizing Natural Lighting: The design of the building incorporates large windows and heat-reflective glass panels to maximize the use of natural light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting and electricity consumption.

Naturally lit corridor with large windows, University of Phayao

Efficient Air Circulation: The internal layout of the building is designed to allow for smooth air circulation, avoiding blockages that can obstruct airflow and ensuring that indoor air remains fresh and comfortable.

Students studying in a naturally ventilated open corridor, University of Phayao

Use of Sunlight-Blocking Materials to Reduce Heat: The building incorporates materials that block or reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat entering the building. This method improves energy efficiency and enhances indoor comfort by minimizing the need for air conditioning.

Sunlight-blocking louvers on a building facade, University of Phayao

Sunlight-blocking roof structure, University of Phayao

Indoor Green Spaces: The building includes indoor gardens or spaces with plants, which provide environmental and health benefits, such as improved air quality and enhanced occupant well-being.

Indoor garden space, University of Phayao

Indoor green space with plants, University of Phayao

Solar Energy

Installing solar panels to convert sunlight into electricity is one of the fastest-growing renewable energy sources and can be installed both at the household level and at large-scale power plants. A significant approach is to reduce the cost of solar cell technology and to develop solar farms to produce large amounts of electricity. University of Phayao operates a solar PV power station with a total capacity of 3.5 MW.

Aerial view of solar PV rooftop installations, University of Phayao

Rainwater Harvesting and Water Management

University of Phayao has implemented rainwater harvesting systems and infiltration wells to manage stormwater and conserve groundwater. Rainwater harvesting systems are provided for the accumulation and storage of rainwater instead of allowing it to run off. As a well-designed water harvesting system, the university can cut down the cost of irrigation construction, using water from rainwater harvesting to irrigate plants and reduce campus dependence on tap water.

Rainwater collection pipe on a building, University of Phayao

Rainwater collection tank, University of Phayao

University of Phayao has also established canals to support agricultural activities by pumping water from the canals distributed throughout the campus. This water is used for irrigation and managing the watering systems in various gardens. Utilizing these water resources enhances agricultural efficiency and promotes sustainable water use within the university, as the water is treated effectively, leading to sustainable resource management and a reduction in the use of new water in agricultural processes.

Canal construction for agricultural irrigation, University of Phayao

Canal system distributing water across campus, University of Phayao

Pedestrian Walkways, Bicycle Lanes, and Low-Emission Mobility

All University of Phayao sites are cyclist and pedestrian friendly, with many vehicle-free paths for these users. There is a 5 mph speed limit on all internal roads, and cycle paths on the public roads, with cycle racks in a variety of designs available at all sites. The university offers free showers to cyclists, runs a "Cycle to Work" scheme for staff, and encourages cycling through a number of services, events, and groups, as well as providing free bikes to students.

Bicycle lane on campus road, University of Phayao

Bicycle lane along the roadside, University of Phayao

The width of the pathway is 1.50–5.50 meters, with a smooth, non-slip surface and no barriers that may cause harm to people with disabilities. The pathway and bicycle lane on the main roads have benches along both sides to provide rest areas for the public and people with disabilities, with enough space for wheelchairs without blocking traffic.

Covered pedestrian walkway with students, University of Phayao

Covered pedestrian walkway with benches, University of Phayao

Utilization of Digital Technology

The university uses digital technology to monitor energy and water consumption and to manage infrastructure assets sustainably. It operates a digital water supply system that allows it to monitor water usage at every location and determine whether the water meter is functioning properly. The online system allows relevant officials to review operations at any time and notifies users immediately if an anomalous operation occurs, such as a broken or leaky pipe, so that officials can enter the area right away to check or make repairs.
The Division of Buildings and Facilities launched a digital water meter project to enhance the university's standard to the digital era and improve the quality of life of students and staff, installing digital water meters at 40 points covering areas around the campus.

Campus map showing digital water meter locations, University of Phayao

Digital water monitoring system dashboard, University of Phayao

Motor-Vehicle-Free Zones

University of Phayao has established motor-vehicle-free zones in certain campus areas to promote green mobility and reduce emissions, with limited parking space managed through a parking card system. The university has guidelines to reduce vehicle use within campus by limiting parking in the lots of various buildings to personnel who hold a permit from the university to use the parking area. Security officers are stationed in the parking areas of various buildings to inspect incoming cars and maintain the safety of personnel's property.

Security officer at campus parking checkpoint, University of Phayao

Security officer inspecting vehicles at parking entrance, University of Phayao

In addition, University of Phayao promotes designated parking spaces for individuals with disabilities and those requiring assistance, in line with its policy of prohibiting public transportation and motorcycles within the campus. Motorcycle parking areas have therefore been provided at all three university entrances.

Motorcycle parking area at a university entrance, University of Phayao

Motorcycle parking area with security post, University of Phayao

Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals

These setting and infrastructure programs support the following SDGs: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 17, addressing key aspects such as poverty alleviation through equitable access to public space and facilities, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, green economic growth, resilient infrastructure, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and the protection of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, as well as global partnerships.