Chulalongkorn University Promotes Conscious Water Usage on Campus

Chulalongkorn University places great importance on the efficient and sustainable management of water resources within the campus under the concept of “Conscious Water Usage.” The initiative aims to raise awareness and foster water conservation behavior among students, faculty members, staff, and all visitors to the university. Various ongoing projects and activities have been implemented to promote the conscious and responsible use of water, such as wastewater treatment and reuse, installation of water-saving sanitary fixtures, and environmental awareness campaigns. These efforts encourage all members of the university community to use water resources efficiently and responsibly, making water conservation a part of the organizational culture and daily lifestyle at Chulalongkorn University, ultimately positioning the university as a model of sustainable water management in Thailand.

At the policy level, Chulalongkorn University has announced and disseminated the “Chulalongkorn University’s Sustainable Water Use and Sanitation Management and Promotion Policy” to provide guidance for students, faculty members, and staff across all units. The policy serves as a framework for supporting water and sanitation management within the university, promoting efficient water use, ensuring standardized wastewater treatment, and cultivating a culture of conscious and sustainable water usage.

Chulalongkorn University’s Sustainable Water Use and Sanitation Management and Promotion Policy

At the implementation level, Chulalongkorn University has carried out various projects and activities promoting conscious water usage among students, faculty, and staff, including:

1. Upgrading and Replacing Water-Saving Sanitary Fixtures

The Physical Resources Management Office, Chulalongkorn University, which oversees all campus buildings and physical facilities, has replaced conventional faucets with automatic sensor faucets in restrooms to minimize unnecessary water use and prevent water wastage from forgetting to turn off taps. In addition, water-saving sanitary fixtures have been installed in all buildings under its supervision.

2. Installation of Awareness Signs and Campaigns Promoting Water Conservation

The Office of Physical Resources Management has designed and installed water-saving awareness posters and signs in water-use areas such as restrooms, kitchens, and washing areas to raise awareness of the importance of water conservation among students, faculty, staff, and visitors. The office has also encouraged all faculties and departments to install similar water-saving signs in their respective areas.

Kitchen – Chamchuri 5 Building, Chulalongkorn University

The Faculty of Nursing organized an activity titled “Promoting Awareness and Efficient Use of Energy and Resources” under the Green Office Project for Fiscal Year 2025. Activities included:

1. Sharing posters promoting water and electricity conservation through internal communication channels such as Line groups;
2. Installing stickers and conservation messages in male and female restrooms; and
3. Replacing some conventional faucets with automatic ones to reduce water use.

Restroom – Faculty of Nursing, Chulalongkorn University

Similarly, the Office of Student Dormitory, Chulalongkorn University and Chulalongkorn University’s Dormitory Student Committee have jointly created and installed signs reminding residents to turn off water and electricity when not in use in both common areas and private rooms. The initiative also includes awareness-raising and communication activities encouraging dormitory residents to save water and electricity, reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and help lower utility costs. [ https://rcuchula.com/rcu_web/index.php ]

3. Water Reuse Project

Chulalongkorn University, through the Office of Physical Resources Management and the Office of Property Management, treats and reuses wastewater from consumption and domestic use within the Suanluang–Samyan area. The treated water is reused for purposes that do not require potable water quality, such as replenishing ponds and watering plants in the Chulalongkorn University Centenary Park and other campus areas.

This process reuses wastewater generated from residential buildings such as CU Terrace and CU iHouse, which, after treatment, is used for landscape irrigation—saving up to 55 million liters of freshwater per year and reducing water expenses by approximately 150,000 baht annually. The initiative not only conserves water but also supports the growth of vegetation that contributes to the campus’ green lungs and long-term ecological balance.

[ https://pmcu.co.th/samyan-smart-city/ ]

[ http://www.green.chula.ac.th/index.php/water/water-recycling-project/ ]

4. Using Native Drought-Tolerant Plants in Landscaping

The Office of Physical Resources Management also promotes sustainable landscaping by planting native and drought-tolerant plant species across the campus. These species require minimal water and are well-adapted to Thailand’s climate, helping reduce the university’s freshwater consumption for irrigation.

Native plants are easier to maintain and help preserve local biodiversity. For example, the landscaping around the Chulalongkorn University Dharma Center Building includes tamarind and Pterocarpus indicus (pradu) trees at the front and banyan trees at the back of the building, reflecting sustainable and eco-friendly landscape management practices.

[ http://www.sustainability.chula.ac.th/th/report/3681/ ]

Chulalongkorn University Dharma Center Building

Through these comprehensive efforts, Chulalongkorn University demonstrates a systematic and integrated approach to promoting conscious water usage on campus—from policy development and infrastructure improvements to active participation from all sectors of the university. This reflects the university’s strong commitment to becoming a leading higher education institution in sustainable water management.