On Thursday, 12 February 2026, at 14:30 hrs, in the lobby on the first floor of the Sirikunakorn Building, Office of the President., Khon Kaen University hosted a press conference to formally announce the university’s commitment to carbon neutrality.

Assoc. Prof. Charnchai Panthongviriyakul, M.D., KKU President, officially delivered the Declaration of Intent for a Carbon Neutral University. He was joined by university executives, including Asst. Prof. Tala Thammaroj, M.D., Vice President for Administration;  Assoc. Prof. Choopong Thongkamsamut, Ph.D., Vice President for Physical Ecosystem and Environment; and  Prof. Thidarut Boonmars, D.V.M., Ph.D., Vice President for Enterprise and Societal Sustainability.

Also participating were private sector executives: Mr. Samir Yamdagni, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the HYAPSS Joint Venture, and Mr. Nakarin Saintngamsathit, Executive Vice President of the HYAPSS Joint Venture.

Representatives from government and local authorities graced the ceremony, including Mr. Thongchai Muangsonthi, Khon Kaen Provincial Industry Officer; Mr. Surachai Sinprakorb, Khon Kaen Provincial Energy Officer; Mr. Chairat Pathumnanagul, Deputy Mayor of Khon Kaen City Municipality; Mr. Soraworn Dansermsuk, Deputy Mayor of Ban Ped Town Municipality; and Mr. Pisarn Khamya, Deputy Mayor of Ban Tum Town Municipality. University executives, and representatives from the public, private, and media sectors were also in attendance. 

Declaration of Carbon Neutrality by the KKU President

The Declaration of Khon Kaen University’s Carbon Neutrality, delivered by the KKU President, is as follows:

For decades, Khon Kaen University has continuously driven clean energy policies in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  We have made concerted efforts across several fronts, including food waste management, tree planting, the introduction of EV buses, the development of clean energy buildings, and the implementation of solar energy systems.

Today, we mark another significant milestone with the installation of an integrated solar power system comprising both ground-mounted (Solar Farm) and floating (Floating Solar) facilities. With a total installed capacity of 30 megawatt-peak (MWp), this project represents the largest clean energy generation initiative in Thailand’s Northeast. Beyond reducing electricity expenditure and dependence on the conventional grid, it strengthens energy security across the university campus.

These operations systematically align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy; SDG 13, Climate Action; SDG 15, Life on Land (supporting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems); and SDG 17, Partnerships for the Goals (cooperation for sustainable goals). The project serves as a strategic mechanism for achieving measurable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Khon Kaen University now formally declares its firm commitment to achieving Carbon Neutral University status by 2029. This commitment is intended to create a sustainable legacy for future generations and for the people of the Northeast. The University aspires to serve as a globally responsible institution, demonstrating that innovation and social responsibility can advance in tandem in a secure and sustainable manner.

Khon Kaen University continues its role as a Green University by consistently driving clean energy policies, including food waste management, tree planting, electric vehicle transport, the development of energy-efficient buildings, and the solar power system. The installation of the 30 MWp Solar Farm and Floating Solar is recognised as a leading project in Thailand and Southeast Asia, reinforcing energy security and substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

These operations align with the SDGs concerning clean energy, climate action, ecosystem preservation, and development partnerships. This reaffirms Khon Kaen University’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2029, acting as a prototype higher education institution responsible for the environment, and establishing a stable legacy of sustainability for society and the region.

   

News: Benjamaporn Mamook 

Photography: Natthawut Charuwong / Punnawaj Khuntip (4th Year Co-operative Education Trainee, Thai Language Programme, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University)