KKU Engineering Leads the Northeast Toward Net Zero — Partnering to Drive a Sustainable Green Economy

17 October 2025
15:30

On Friday, October 17, 2025, the Innovation and Engineering Services Center, Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, organized the project “Isan Towards Net Zero: Empowering Business, Industry and Society” to strengthen collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and educational institutions in driving the Northeastern region toward a low-carbon economy.

The event was honored by Assoc. Prof. Choopong Thongkamsamut, Ph.D., Vice President for Physical Ecosystem and Environment of Khon Kaen University, who presided over the opening ceremony, together with representatives from partner organizations in both the public and private sectors at the Auditorium, Khon Kaen University Science Park.

Assoc. Prof. Choopong delivered a keynote speech on “The Role of Khon Kaen University as a Knowledge Hub for Sustainable Development in the Northeast and Supporting Thailand’s Path to Net Zero.”

He emphasized that Khon Kaen University is committed to driving the Northeastern region to become a “Model Region” for the transition toward a low-carbon economy by integrating knowledge, innovation, and strategic action that aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university has set a clear goal to achieve Net Zero status by 2029, reinforcing its leadership in sustainability and green innovation.

Assoc. Prof. Ratchaphon Santivarakorn, Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, stated that the project aligns with the national strategy toward Net Zero. The Faculty of Engineering has been collaborating with private and governmental partners to establish a comprehensive carbon credit management system and carbon emission reduction mechanisms, while also providing a platform for knowledge sharing among experts, academics, and successful entrepreneurs to inspire other organizations across the region.

In the morning session, Prof. Wanida Kaenakart, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Research, Innovation, and International Affairs, explained that the project was initiated in response to climate change and the increasing influence of ESG standards and the low-carbon economy, which are shaping production chains and business competitiveness. The event represents collaboration between the Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, and major partners including Bureau Veritas, B.Grimm, and the Khon Kaen University Science Park, serving as an integrated platform to drive the regional business and industrial sectors toward a concrete Net Zero transition.

The event also featured a keynote address via video conference by Mr. Pawit Kesawong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, on the topic “Thailand’s Path Toward Net Zero.” He outlined the national roadmap, the Climate Change Act, and government measures aimed at achieving the country’s Net Zero target within the next 25 years.

A highlight of the event was the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Signing Ceremony, where Khon Kaen University and key regional partners—including the Khon Kaen Federation of Industries, the Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholder organizations—expressed their shared commitment to advancing the Northeast toward a low-carbon society.

The afternoon session featured a panel discussion on “Decoding Success: A Roadmap to Low-Carbon Organizations,” with representatives from Khon Kaen University, the Federation of Thai Industries Khon Kaen Chapter, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Department of Agriculture, and private sector companies. The session was moderated by Ms. Benjamaporn Mamook, Senior Public Relations Officer, Office of Communications, Khon Kaen University.

The program also included a technical talk by experts from Bureau Veritas on “Verification Standards: Gaining a Competitive Edge in the Global Market,” and an introduction to the KKU–BV Training Program, designed to build business capacity for a low-carbon transition.

The event concluded with a special lecture on “Driving Sustainable Tourism Businesses” by Ms. Phetlada Ochaiphumi, Director of the Sustainable Production and Consumption Promotion Division, accompanied by exhibitions from seven participating public and private organizations showcasing green technologies and innovations that promote sustainable business development.

The “Isan Towards Net Zero” initiative represents another significant milestone that reflects Khon Kaen University’s role as a leading knowledge-based institution—one that not only nurtures quality graduates but also drives clean energy, renewable power, and the Circular Economy. Through collaborative networks of entrepreneurs, academics, and experts, the university continues to empower the Northeastern region toward a sustainable, low-carbon future for Thailand.