AIT's 100% Renewable Energy Pledge
The Asian Institute of Technology is dedicated to transforming into a “Net Zero Campus by 2030.” In pursuit of this ambitious goal, AIT has established precise policy guidelines for Energy Efficiency and Conservation, where AIT is prudently working on various solar projects to be 100% renewable energy powered before 2030.
Our divestment policy includes a shift from traditional electricity sources to solar power. These directives prioritize the advancement of energy-efficient building designs and responsible resource management to maximize benefits while maintaining environmental sustainability. Additionally, the institution underscores the importance of incorporating green spaces within and around each structure, aiming to decrease greenhouse gas emissions and achieve full reliance on renewable energy.
Furthermore, this strategy seeks to boost productivity by encouraging the adoption of efficient building standards through the replacement of conventional electrical appliances with energy-efficient alternatives. One of the proposed projects involves upgrading the 30-year-old chiller system to a highly efficient VRF air conditioning system for improved energy conservation. Another prospective initiative entails the replacement of all inefficient lighting with LED fixtures across the campus buildings.
(Energy) Policy Statement:
As per the AA-1-2-9 “AIT Sustainability Policy” Annex-1, published on 8 Dec 2021
The AIT is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by reducing its energy use and switching to clean and renewable energy supplies.
(Energy) Goals:
1. To reduce the (non-residential) AIT’s electricity use by 15% in 2026 compared to 2022
2. To be sourced by 100% renewable electricity generation by 2026 from 2022
3. To reduce fossil-fuel consumption by 15% by 2026 compared to 2022
4. To reduce overall energy expenses by 12% by 2026 compared to 2022
5. To be carbon neutral by 2040
Solar Power Generation of 50 kW on Library and 12 kW on Energy Building rooftop.
AIT current existing solar power generation
- The Library building boasts a 50 KW capacity solar panel installation.
- The Energy building features a 12 KW capacity solar panel installation.
These installations serve the primary purpose of harnessing renewable energy, thereby diminishing the reliance on fossil fuels and curbing carbon emissions. The Library’s solar panels initiated power generation in November 2015, delivering an average annual output of 64,000 to 66,000 kW-h and resulting in an annual reduction of approximately 33 metric tons of eCo2. Meanwhile, the Energy building’s solar panels commenced power generation in January 2017, producing an annual average of 34,000 to 36,000 kW-h, leading to an annual reduction of 18 metric tons of eCo2. These initiatives exemplify AIT’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally responsible energy solutions.
AIT 1.5 MW Solar Rooftop Project: A Step Towards 100% Renewable Energy Pledge
The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) is taking a leading role in driving a sustainable future with the launch of its Solar Rooftop Project. Inaugurated on 20 August 2024, this initiative stands as a testament to the institute’s strong commitment to environmental stewardship.
The journey began when BCPG brought its renewable energy expertise to AIT, conducting a comprehensive energy audit by March 2021. The feasibility of a solar power system was carefully analyzed, leading to the signing of a Power Purchase Agreement in June 2023. This agreement marked a pivotal moment in AIT’s commitment to sustainability, and the project officially commenced in January 2024.
However, AIT’s vision for a sustainable campus extends beyond the rooftops. The next phase of this ambitious project involves the introduction of a 1.2 MW floating solar system, further enhancing AIT’s capacity to harness solar power. This expansion will solidify AIT’s position as a leader in campus sustainability, setting a new standard for academic institutions across the region.
AIT’s Solar Rooftop Project is part of the institute’s broader commitment to sustainability, aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Renowned for its lush green campus, AIT aims to achieve Net Zero status by 2030 and promote the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy, focusing on minimizing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing natural ecosystems. This initiative also includes projects such as comprehensive energy efficiency and waste recycling programs, nature-based solutions, and other research initiatives dedicated to sustainability.
For over sixty years, AIT has established itself as a leading academic institution in sustainability in Asia. Through its academic initiatives, research, and community engagement, AIT has consistently contributed to the region’s sustainable development. The institute’s focus areas include Climate Change, Smart Communities, the Food-Energy-Water Nexus, Infrastructure, and Technology Policy & Society. By developing learning and research strategies that aim to decrease poverty, minimize risk, and foster the creation of green jobs, AIT is actively contributing to sustainable livelihoods in Asia.
AIT’s Solar Rooftop Project, along with its continuous sustainability initiatives, showcases the institute’s commitment to setting a sustainable example for Asia and beyond. The project is not only an infrastructure investment, but also an investment in the future.
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AIT future plans : 1.2 MW Floating Solar Project
AIT is resolutely dedicated to the vision of becoming a Botanical Garden NetZero campus by the year 2030, demonstrating a firm commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. As a significant stride toward this aspiration, AIT has formulated plans for a 1 MW floating solar project to be situated on the western edge of the AIT Campus reservoir. This forward-thinking initiative is slated to commence in 2024. By harnessing the power of solar energy through this innovative approach, AIT not only seeks to generate substantial clean energy but also exemplifies its pioneering spirit in addressing ecological challenges.
The choice to implement a floating solar project underscores AIT’s dedication to sustainable practices and carbon reduction, all while championing a more eco-friendly and renewable energy-focused future. These actions mirror AIT’s commitment to a cleaner, greener planet and inspire other institutions and entities to join the global drive towards sustainability.
AIT Library Solar Panels
| Year/ unit | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2016 / Kw-h | 6,193.80 | 7,878.20 | 9,278.30 | 8,979.00 | 9,278.30 | 8,979.00 | 9,278.30 | 7,246.60 | 6,132.10 | 5,542.30 | 5,268.40 | 4,886.80 |
| 2017 / Kw-h | 4,694.30 | 4,987.20 | 5,675.10 | 6,266.20 | 5,616.00 | 6,415.20 | 5,974.30 | 6,043.10 | 5,669.00 | 5,294.90 | 4,584.60 | 4,554.40 |
| 2018 / Kw-h | 4,362.50 | 4,832.80 | 5,281.80 | 5,796.40 | 5,552.10 | 5,935.50 | 5,471.90 | 5,433.60 | 5,709.30 | 5,377.10 | 4,785.60 | 4,471.60 |
| 2019 / Kw-h | 4,628.60 | 4,325.20 | 5,401.50 | 6,235.00 | 6,475.00 | 5,828.00 | 6,275.70 | 5,303.20 | 5,226.70 | 5,481.70 | 4,856.10 | 4,514.00 |
| 2020 / Kw-h | 4,255.90 | 4,930.40 | 6,128.40 | 5,949.20 | 6,371.20 | 6,458.90 | 6,624.20 | 5,843.40 | 5,453.90 | 4,369.40 | 4,935.70 | 4,796.50 |
| 2021 / Kw-h | 4,793.00 | 5,079.00 | 5,482.80 | 4,728.20 | 6,526.30 | 6,599.00 | 5,926.10 | 5,872.10 | 3,928.20 | 4,831.80 | 4,366.60 | 4,854.00 |
| 2022 / Kw-h | 4,975.70 | 4,398.50 | 5,160.10 | 6,088.00 | 6,296.70 | 6,546.90 | 5,908.90 | 5,321.60 | 4,755.80 | 4,991.20 | 4,538.60 | 5,002.90 |
| 2023 / Kw-h | 4,744.80 | 4,715.60 | 5,698.40 | 5,181.70 | 6,855.20 | 5,841.90 | 6,051.90 | 6,258.70 | 5,322.40 | 4696.30 | 4922.70 | 4904.60 |
| 2024/Kw-h | 4,751.40 | 4,851.60 | 5,751.30 | 6,395.10 | 5,618.10 | 5,882.70 | 5,402.90 | 6,199.00 |
Energy Building Solar Panels
Energy Building Solar Power Generation
| Year/ unit | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec |
| 2017 / Kw-h | 508.66 | 533.07 | 552.94 | 574.76 | 502.90 | 559.16 | 537.28 | 554.77 | 550.55 | 549.12 | 377.79 | – |
| 2018 / Kw-h | 325.38 | 476.36 | 543.81 | 535.50 | 500.68 | 523.81 | 492.58 | 506.44 | 549.97 | 543.20 | 136.14 | 513.60 |
| 2019 / Kw-h | 535 | 481 | 560 | 601 | 586 | 537 | 579 | 509 | 517 | 884 | 1,496 | 1,477 |
| 2020 / Kw-h | 1,310 | 1,225 | 1,439 | 1,416 | 1,470 | 1,454 | 1,522 | 1,402 | 1,363 | 1,135 | 1,438 | 1,073 |
| 2021 / Kw-h | 139 | 1,172 | 1,220 | 1,254 | 1,470 | 1,464 | 1,340 | 1,380 | 1,132 | 1,255 | 660 | 760 |
| 2022 / Kw-h | 1,488 | 39 | 894 | 1,416 | 1,438 | 1,327 | 1,236 | 1,159 | 1,318 | 1,260 | 1,426 | |
| 2023 / Kw-h | 1,377 | 1,235 | 1,460 | 1,259 | 1,525 | 1,292 | 1,354 | 1,452 | 1,280 | 1197 | 1368 | 1264 |
| 2024/ Kw-h | 1,258 | 1,212 | 1,315 | 1,394 | 963 | 1,182 | 919 | 1,100 | 1,242 | 1,289 |