Waste poses a significant global environmental challenge, and Chiang Mai University is actively addressing this by transforming waste into valuable resources. Following the principles of a circular economy, CMU is developing innovative management approaches that not only reduce waste but also convert it into energy, which in turn delivers value to society.

          The current waste situation at CMU is as follows: The latest data reveals that CMU generates approximately 30 tonnes of waste per day, including 11.85 tonnes of organic waste, 9.60 tonnes of RDF (Refuse Derived Fuel) waste, 0.15 tonne of recyclables, 0.15 tonnes of hazardous waste, 0.90 tonne of glass bottles, 0.15 tonne of metals, and 6 tonnes of other types of waste. Among these, organic waste stands out for its high potential to be converted into renewable energy, waste such as biogas and CBG (Compressed Biogas), which can effectively substitute diesel.

          The practical approach to a circular economy here is to continue CMU’s waste management model as was implemented by the Integrated Biomass Management Centre, as part of the Energy Research and Development Institute of Nakornping (ERDI). This approach combines energy, biotechnology and environmental management systems, guided by the principle of ‘Maximised Efficiency – Smart Segregation – Realised Value’.

          Key steps of this model include: (1) Sorting waste at its origin, including at restaurants, dormitories, food centres and department stores near the university; (2) Converting organic waste into biogas and CBG using anaerobic digestion; (3) Utilizing on-campus energy recovery, for instance, by using CBG for collection vehicles and CMU public transport vehicles, as well as power generation for usage within the Centre; (4) Delivering by-products to the community, such as organic fertilizer made from fermented sediment for agricultural use.

        Tangible results would include a positive evaluation of economic value showing that a tonne of organic waste can generate an overall benefit of 1,500 to 2,000 baht. The income can be derived from biogas equalling 220 baht, carbon reduction equalling 200 kg/tonne, and transportation cost savings equalling 1,000 baht/tonne.
The goals of the ‘Waste into Energy’ model include: (1) managing up to 30 tonnes of waste per day; (2) reducing Landfill usage by 2,000 tonnes/year; (3) generating 100, 000 kWh/year of electricity; (4) reducing carbon emissions by 4,500 tCO?e/year; and (5) by producing CBG as a substitute for diesel to the equivalent of 10,000 kg/year of diesel.
In becoming a model environmental university, this blueprint is not just about reducing waste and expenses for Chiang Mai University; it also serves as an example for other local administrative agencies to follow, offering a clear path forward for designing waste management systems that prioritise maximising resource use in a sustainable manner. The slogan and belief that "Waste = Energy = New Opportunities" encapsulates Chiang Mai University’s unwavering commitment to becoming a carbon-neutral university.