Policy on Energy Efficiency Standards in Renovations and New Constructions (2023-2026)

To establish guidelines that ensure all renovation and new construction projects on Sakon Nakhon Rajabhat University’s campus are designed, constructed, and operated in accordance with energy efficiency standards and Thai government laws. This policy aims to reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable development on campus.

Scope

This policy applies to all renovation projects and new construction initiatives conducted on campus. It mandates that all projects, regardless of scale, adhere to Thai energy efficiency standards and sustainability requirements.

Relevant Standards:

  • Energy Conservation Promotion Act (B.E. 2535 – amended B.E. 2562) All projects must comply with the provisions outlined in the Energy Conservation Promotion Act, which requires buildings to meet minimum standards for energy efficiency, including the use of energy-saving materials and technologies in the design and construction process.
  • Thailand Building Energy Code (BEC) Projects should align with the BEC, which sets guidelines for energy-efficient building design. This code mandates standards for building envelopes, lighting systems, air conditioning, and electrical systems to minimize energy use and environmental impact.
  • Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI) Standards Where feasible, projects should seek to follow the Thai Green Building Institute’s standards for energy-efficient and sustainable building practices. This includes practices in waste management, water conservation, and air quality improvements to achieve a holistic approach to sustainability.

Policy Requirements:

  • Energy-Efficient Design and Planning All renovation and new construction designs must incorporate energy-saving principles, such as optimal building orientation, natural lighting, and insulating materials. Architects and engineers must ensure designs reduce energy consumption per the BEC standards.
  • Materials and Equipment Projects must prioritize using certified energy-efficient materials and equipment, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and sustainable building materials that meet or exceed the minimum requirements set by the Energy Conservation Promotion Act.
  • Energy Management and Monitoring Systems New buildings and major renovations must install energy management systems (EMS) to monitor and optimize energy consumption in real time. These systems should comply with the government’s energy monitoring and reporting requirements.
  • Approval and Compliance Procedures Before project initiation, design plans must be submitted for review to ensure compliance with energy efficiency standards. All plans should include documentation on materials, energy models, and design elements that meet or exceed government requirements. Regular audits and inspections will be conducted to verify compliance during construction and after completion.

Training and Awareness

University staff involved in planning, construction, and maintenance must receive training on energy efficiency standards and sustainable practices to ensure long-term compliance and operational efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

The policy will be reviewed every three years or at the end of each project to identify areas for improvement. Adjustments may be made to ensure alignment with new government regulations and advancements in energy-efficient technologies.

Enforcement: Failure to comply with this policy may result in suspension of project approval until compliance with energy efficiency standards is demonstrated. The university reserves the right to impose additional requirements on projects that fall short of these standards.

Effective Period: This policy is effective immediately and will be in force from 2023 to 2026, subject to review and renewal based on an assessment of energy efficiency impacts and regulatory updates.