Assumption University of Thailand (AU) announced a set of short-term energy and resource conservation measures designed to help the institution respond proactively to global energy fluctuations while reinforcing a longer-term culture of sustainability across the university community.
The announcement explained that rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East may affect global energy and economic stability, including Thailand, which depends heavily on imported energy. In response, the university introduced practical steps aimed at reducing energy use, easing financial pressure on both the institution and individuals, and encouraging more responsible use of shared resources.
A Practical Response to a Global Challenge
Under the new measures, offices and classrooms are asked to set air conditioning at 25 to 26 degrees Celsius, switch off air conditioners at least 15 minutes before the end of working or class hours, and power down lights, computers, and other electrical devices when not in use. The university also instructed responsible departments to inspect and maintain air-conditioning and electrical systems to reduce unnecessary energy loss.
These actions framed energy conservation not simply as a cost-control measure, but as a shared institutional responsibility. By focusing on daily habits and building operations, the university positioned the effort as something every member of the community can support.
Smarter Mobility and More Efficient Operations
The announcement also encouraged greater use of video conferencing in place of inter-campus or external travel when appropriate. It further promoted carpooling, the use of university transportation services, and more efficient scheduling of central vehicle trips in order to reduce fuel use and improve cost-effectiveness.
In addition, the university called for wider adoption of paperless systems and electronic documents, careful use of water, and contingency planning for supplies needed to support teaching and operations. For departments where the nature of the work allows, supervisors may also consider work-from-home arrangements, provided that service quality and university operations are not affected.
Supporting a Culture of Sustainability
The measures took effect on March 6, 2026, and will be supervised by the Office of the Vice President for Administrative Affairs and the Office of the Vice President for Legal and Privilege Affairs, with progress reports submitted periodically to the President. The policy will be reviewed every month or whenever the energy situation changes significantly.
Most notably, the announcement closed on an optimistic note, stating that the university sees this collective response as a valuable starting point for building a culture of sustainable resource use. It emphasized that these actions can help AU and the country navigate immediate energy pressures while also fostering habits that support the university’s Sustainable Development Goals in the long term.
With this new initiative, Assumption University of Thailand signaled that even in a period of global uncertainty, practical action, shared responsibility, and institutional discipline can help turn challenge into progress.
WRITER: THE AU LIBRARY
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