Chiang Mai University (CMU) advances its sustainability commitments through five key themes under its carbon management and sustainability initiative: Measurement, Reporting and Verification; GHG Mitigation; GHG Removal, Capture and Storage; Climate Adaptation and Resilience; and Education, Research and Community Outreach. These themes provide an integrated framework for measuring greenhouse gas emissions, implementing carbon reduction measures, promoting low-carbon technologies, and engaging the university community in sustainable practices.
Sustainable Commuting Measure and Setting Targets
Under Theme 2: GHG Mitigation, Chiang Mai University focuses on reducing emissions through energy conservation, renewable energy development, waste management, and low-carbon infrastructure. Key initiatives include solar rooftop and floating solar installations, electric vehicles, energy-efficient building systems, smart grids, battery energy storage systems, and low-carbon building design. These measures support the transition toward cleaner energy and more sustainable university operations. Hence, CMU’s carbon management framework provides a foundation for reducing transportation-related emissions. The promotion of electric vehicles and the integration of energy-efficient technologies demonstrate the university’s efforts to support lower-carbon mobility. These initiatives can contribute to more sustainable commuting when implemented alongside measures encouraging students and staff to use public transportation, carpooling, cycling, walking, and other low-emission transport options.
CMU’s carbon emission projection graph further illustrates the university’s long-term carbon management approach. The graph presents emissions and carbon mitigation contributions across several categories, including renewable energy, transportation, energy saving, livestock waste, wastewater, municipal solid waste treatment, and carbon sinks. The dashed line marks 2025 as the beginning of the projected business-as-usual (BAU) comparison period. The projection indicates that renewable energy and energy-saving measures are expected to play increasingly important roles in the university’s carbon management, while carbon sinks are projected to contribute to emissions mitigation.
Chiang Mai University Sustainable Commuting
Purple EV Shuttle Bus
The Purple EV Shuttle Bus fleet represents the cornerstone of sustainable transportation infrastructure on campus. These vehicles utilize electric power and compressed biogas derived from biomass waste management facilities, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions while providing free public access to 16,000 daily riders across 11 routes. The service operates from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, prioritizing walkability and urban mobility through strategically positioned stations that encourage non-motorized transport connections.
For inter-campus transportation between Mae Hia Campus (Faculty of Agro-Industry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Northern Science Park) and Suan Dok Campus (Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital and health science faculties), the university operates 20-seat minibuses and vans. Multiple vehicles in this fleet have been converted to run on compressed biogas (CBG) produced from biomass waste collected within the university and Suthep subdistrict. This biogas is processed at the Biomass Management Center located at Mae Hia Campus, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from campus transportation operations.
Advanced smart cities technology enhances the system through AI-powered monitoring and real-time tracking via mobile applications, enabling efficient resource management and improved accessibility. LED displays communicate route information and university announcements, while integrated CCTV systems ensure passenger safety. The fleet includes specially adapted vehicles for persons with disabilities, promoting inclusive cities and equal transportation access for all community members.
Anywheel Bicycle Services
Beyond conventional public transportation, Chiang Mai University promotes sustainable commuting by providing cycling infrastructure and Anywheel bicycle-sharing services across the campus. More than 33 bicycle-sharing stations are distributed throughout CMU’s green spaces, faculties, and major campus areas, making bicycles more accessible for students and staff.
In addition, the university community benefits from exclusive discounts and special offers for using the service, encouraging cycling as a convenient, affordable, and environmentally friendly alternative to motorized transportation.
EV Charging Stations
Chiang Mai University (CMU) provides two electric vehicle (EV) charging stations equipped with 180 kW DC fast-charging technology at the Energy Research and Development Institute–Nakornping (ERDI), Chiang Mai University. Powered entirely by solar energy, these stations have been available to the public, including CMU students and staff, since 2018.
The stations enhance the convenience and efficiency of EV charging while helping reduce reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative supports CMU’s commitment to becoming a Smart City–Clean Energy university and achieving its strategic objective of Net Zero Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions. Furthermore, the stations serve as operational-scale demonstrations for assessing carbon footprint reductions associated with the transition to electric vehicles, in accordance with the guidelines of Thailand’s Thailand Voluntary Emission Reduction Program (T-VER).
Through the Chiang Mai University (CMU) Pathway to Carbon Neutrality, particularly Theme 2, which focuses on greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation, CMU promotes sustainable commuting by providing students and staff with a range of transportation options. These services are offered free of charge, encouraging the university community to adopt cleaner and more environmentally friendly travel practices. By reducing reliance on conventional vehicles and promoting clean-energy transportation, CMU aims to improve traffic conditions, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a cleaner campus environment. These initiatives also extend their benefits to surrounding communities by contributing to improved local air quality and a more sustainable urban environment.
Sources:
- Carbon One, Chiang Mai University. CMU Pathway to Carbon Neutrality.
- SCMC : Sustainable Campus Management Center (2026) Purple EV Shuttle Bus Timetable. [Facebook] 17 June
- มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ Chiang Mai University (2026) สถานีชาร์จ EV พลังงานโซลาร์เซลล์ ‘DC Fast Charge 180kW’ .[Facebook] 3 July