7.2.1 Energy-efficient renovation and building
Metric: University measures towards affordable and clean energy
Have a policy in place for ensuring all renovations or new builds are following energy efficiency standards.
Prince of Songkla University (PSU) has established the Policy on Energy-Efficient Building Renovation and Construction B.E. 2566 (2023) to guide university units in improving the efficient use of energy and natural resources in building development and renovation. The policy provides an institutional framework for incorporating energy efficiency, low-carbon design and environmentally responsible practices into the planning, renovation and construction of university buildings.
Energy-Efficient Building Planning and Design
Under the policy, PSU promotes the systematic planning and control of energy use within buildings to improve efficiency and maximise the benefits of energy consumption. The University also promotes the design, renovation and construction of energy-efficient and low-carbon buildings, together with the selection of environmentally responsible construction materials and equipment. Examples include products carrying recognised environmental and energy-efficiency certifications such as Thailand’s Energy Efficiency Label No. 5, FSC certification, Green Labels, Carbon Reduction Labels and Green Industry certification.
PSU further encourages passive building design principles that can reduce energy demand. These include orienting buildings to improve natural ventilation, making greater use of natural daylight and designing windows and building elements to reduce direct solar heat gain.
Climate-Responsive and Green Building Environments
Energy-efficient building development is also integrated with environmental design. The University promotes the use of locally appropriate vegetation, preservation of large trees, provision of shaded areas, establishment of green zones and maintenance of permeable areas around buildings. These approaches contribute to reducing heat around buildings while improving the overall environmental performance of university facilities.
Alignment with National Energy and Green Building Standards
PSU supports the application of relevant laws, regulations and recognised standards for energy conservation in buildings. The policy specifically refers to ministerial regulations and legislation concerning energy-conservation building design, the Government Green Building assessment criteria, and the Thai’s Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (TREES) developed by the Thai Green Building Institute.
Through this policy framework, PSU incorporates energy-efficiency considerations into its approach to building renovation and new construction and provides university units with guidance for improving the energy and environmental performance of campus buildings. The University continues to strengthen the implementation and monitoring of these principles as part of its broader commitment to sustainable campus development and responsible energy use.
