Have you ever wondered how a university library could transform waste into wealth while making a global impact on sustainability? The answer lies in an innovative project that just earned international recognition at the world’s most prestigious library awards.
Thammasat University Library Wins IFLA Green Library Award 2025
Thammasat University Library has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing the 1st Place WINNER award at the IFLA Green Library Award 2025 in the Best Green Library Project category. Meanwhile, this groundbreaking achievement was celebrated on August 19, 2025, when Associate Professor Dr. Anyanitha Distanont, Director of Thammasat University Library, received the prestigious award in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Revolutionary Project: From Waste to Wealth
The winning project, titled “From Waste to Wealth: Green Library through Circular Economy,” represents a paradigm shift in how academic libraries approach environmental sustainability. As a result of this innovative initiative, the library has established itself as a learning space dedicated to sustainability education while implementing practical circular economy principles.
For example, the project encompasses several key activities that demonstrate its comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship. These include environmental education and awareness programs, recycling waste management systems, promotion of eco-friendly consumption practices, and real-time environmental impact monitoring.
Measurable Environmental Impact
The project’s success can be quantified through impressive environmental achievements. Notably, the initiative has successfully reduced recyclable waste by over 6,000 kilograms and decreased carbon dioxide emissions by more than 20,000 kilograms. Furthermore, these concrete results demonstrate how libraries can serve as catalysts for meaningful environmental change.
Global Recognition and SDG Alignment
This recognition from the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) positions Thammasat University Library as a global model for sustainable practices. The project aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing how academic institutions can contribute to worldwide sustainability efforts.
The library’s approach extends beyond institutional boundaries, actively promoting sustainability awareness and behavioral change within the broader community and society. This holistic strategy demonstrates the potential for libraries to become centers of environmental innovation and community engagement.
Setting International Standards
By winning this prestigious award, Thammasat University Library has established new benchmarks for green library initiatives worldwide. The circular economy model they’ve implemented serves as a blueprint for other institutions seeking to integrate sustainability into their operations while maintaining their core educational mission.
This extraordinary achievement proves that libraries can be powerful agents of environmental change, transforming traditional waste management into value creation while educating communities about sustainability. The Thammasat University Library’s success story offers a compelling roadmap for institutions worldwide to follow, demonstrating that environmental responsibility and academic excellence can thrive together. As libraries continue evolving in the digital age, this award-winning project shows how they can lead the charge toward a more sustainable future.
