Reporters: Dr. Jaray Suwannachart, Asst.Prof.Dr. Tachaya Sangkakool, Asst.Prof.Surawat Moogem, Tussawan Thong-on, Natrada Boonthad and Natpakal Poolperm
Evidence Date: October 25, 2024
Related SDGs:
Related Indicators: 11.4.8
Details: Supporting details and pictures
The Solar Cell Building Innovation Project: Driving Renewable Energy Adoption and Creating Research-Based Learning Centers at Rajamangala University of Technology Srivichai
Introduction
Achieving sustainable cities and communities under Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11 requires investment in safe, resilient, and environmentally friendly infrastructure. Specifically, SDG 11.B emphasizes substantially increasing the number of cities and human settlements adopting and implementing integrated policies and plans towards resilience to climate change. Rajamangala University of Technology Srivichai (RMUTSV), through its Research and Innovation Unit for Clean Energy and Sustainable Environment, has responded to this by initiating a project to install a solar cell system on the roof of a model building. This is a critical strategy for establishing energy security and fostering a green technology learning resource.
Project Implementation and Alignment with SDG 11
This model building innovation project focuses on installing solar panels on the roof, strategically placing them facing the South and West directions to maximize the utilization of solar energy potential in the Songkhla province area. This undertaking contributes to multiple sustainability goals:
- Strengthening Sustainable and Resilient Infrastructure (SDG 11.A and 9):
- The transition to clean energy independence on existing building infrastructure enhances the university’s resilience against fluctuating fossil fuel prices and reduces reliance on external power grids. This aligns with the concept of creating sustainable infrastructure under SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) and regional planning under SDG 11.A.
- Reducing the Environmental Impact of Cities (SDG 11.6):
- Utilizing renewable energy throughout the lifecycle of the solar equipment allows the university to reduce energy costs and, more importantly, decrease carbon dioxide emissions resulting from conventional electricity use. This directly contributes to reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of the urban community, as targeted by SDG 11.6.
- Creating Learning and Research Hubs for Sustainable Development (SDG 11 and SDG 4):
- The project is designed to be a learning resource for students in the Faculties of Architecture and Engineering concerning building performance and clean energy, thus integrating sustainability knowledge into core curriculum (SDG 4: Quality Education).
- The model building also serves as a research source for investigators to study the efficiency of solar renewable energy systems in a tropical climate. The research findings can be applied to develop appropriate solar technology for other communities in the region.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Solar Cell Building Innovation Project at RMUTSV is a vital mechanism for driving the university’s mission to support SDG 11 by intelligently integrating clean energy technology with its infrastructure. The installation of a geographically optimized solar system not only helps the university achieve its goals of energy self-reliance and cost reduction but also creates energy resilience and serves as a prototype for environmentally friendly urban development. A key recommendation is to publicly disseminate the energy savings and carbon reduction data from this model building to serve as an inspiration and a Best Practice for other organizations and communities.
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