SUT: Minimisation policies extended to suppliers

Sirindhorn Learning Park, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT)

Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) implements a comprehensive environmental and energy management policy to promote sustainable development in all dimensions of its operations. This extends not only within the university but also to external contractors and suppliers involved in the procurement and construction processes. The goal is for all sectors to operate under the principles of energy conservation, environmental impact reduction, and efficient resource utilization, in accordance with the Environmental and Energy Management Policy. This policy covers building design and construction, environmental management within offices, and environmentally friendly procurement. Link: Environmental and Energy Management Policy_2024 Under this policy, the university has established the following key guidelines:
1. Building Design and Construction – New building construction projects or building renovations must comply with the Ministerial Regulation specifying the types and sizes of buildings and the standards, criteria, and methods for energy-efficient building design B.E. 2563 (2020). The Terms of Reference (TOR) drafted by construction contractors must be reviewed and approved by the university's Green Office Committee. 1. Ensuring contractors comply with Suranaree University of Technology's (SUT) energy and environmental conservation standards.
2. Environmental management of buildings and offices – Operating internal university units in accordance with the Green Office guidelines, focusing on efficient energy and resource use, waste reduction, and promoting environmentally friendly behaviors.
3. Green Procurement – ​​The university promotes the procurement of environmentally friendly materials, equipment, and services, such as selecting energy-efficient materials, recycled materials, or biodegradable materials, and prioritizing suppliers with sustainability policies.
 Appointment of the Green Office Library Building Improvement Project Committee.
 Appointment of the Energy Saving Promotion, Environmental Management for Green Office, and Mental Health Promotion for Academic Building
 Appointment of the Electronic Bidding Evaluation Committee, the Goods Acceptance Committee, and the Project Supervisor for the electronic bidding (e-bidding) of the Library Building Improvement Project for a Green Office.
 Appointment of the Internal Green Office Assessment Committee for the Library Building.
 Appointment of the Green Office Project Implementation Committee.

Link: Green Office Technopolis
From the Green Office Project Implementation Manual, according to the standards of the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion, Building and Grounds Division, Suranaree University of Technology, in Category 6, Green Procurement (pages 93-97), SUT implements Green Procurement by considering the environmental impact throughout the product's life cycle. This aims to encourage manufacturers and distributors to develop and offer goods or services that reduce environmental impact. Selected products must be of high quality and certified with an Eco-Label, such as the Green Label, Energy Efficiency Label No. 5, or High Efficiency Label, to support sustainable resource use and reduce overall environmental impact, as shown in Tables 4.43 - 4.46.

For environmentally friendly procurement, Suranaree University of Technology (SUT) requires that all service contracts, such as cleaning, waste collection, and maintenance, include environmental specifications in the Terms of Reference (TOR). This ensures contractors operate in an environmentally friendly manner, promoting the use of materials, equipment, and tools with environmental labels such as the Green Label, Energy Efficiency Label No. 5, or the G (Green Production) symbol. Contractors are also required to use university resources economically and efficiently, in line with the Green and Clean University policy. Furthermore, the university mandates performance evaluations of contractors at least monthly to ensure continuous adherence to the specified conditions.
Link: Green Office Project Implementation at SUT