Leading University Creating Innovation for Sustainable Future
“Green from Within: Building Green Habits and Transforming Communities through Student-led Sustainability Action” by the Faculty of Nursing, Siam University, is a finalist in the 2026 International Green Gown Awards (Student Engagement category). The multi-year initiative began in 2023 and aligns with SDGs 12, 13 and 17.
Year 1 (2023): Starting on campus
Nine fourth-year nursing students launched the project at the Khlong Ladpachee community with faculty mentorship, focusing first on the campus. The baseline carbon footprint was 3.94 kgCO₂e per person per month. Through peer-made educational videos, QR-based surveys, the Energy Saving Challenge and One Green for One World, 256 students took part voluntarily. The result was a statistically significant 4.5% reduction in carbon footprint, about 1,097 kgCO₂e over three months (p < 0.05).
Year 2 (2024): A circular economy with the community
The project expanded to the Khlong Lad Phachi community. PET bottle collection systems were set up in two dormitories housing about 480 residents, collecting more than 50,000 bottles (over one ton). Students co-designed branded textile products with community members. This circular economy model raised community income by 80%, to between 3,000 and 5,000 THB per month.
Year 3 (2025): Growing through peer-to-peer sharing
The project deepened its partnership with the Government Savings Bank (GSB) under the Youth for Community Development Programme. It was co-presented at the Siam Fair Market and received recognition from the Deputy Governor of Bangkok. It also gained institutional support as a possible framework for a sustainability curriculum aligned with the university’s UI GreenMetric strategy.
Workshop and activity gallery
