Carbon Footprint of Large-Scale Academic Gatherings: Insights from the Suranaree Agricultural Fair 2025

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from the School of Environmental Engineering have conducted an in-depth study on the carbon footprint of the Suranaree Agricultural Fair 2025, a nine-day public event held in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. The event, promoting sustainable agricultural innovation and the Bio-Circular-Green Economy, attracted 258,917 participants and was spread over 226,068.19 square meters. The study aimed to assess the environmental impacts of large-scale academic gatherings, identify major sources of greenhouse gas emissions, and propose opportunities for emission reduction.

Key Takeaways:

  • The total carbon footprint of the event was estimated at 1,524,844.09 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent, with an average emission of 5.89 kilograms per person.
  • Food consumption and participant travel were the primary contributors to the total emissions, accounting for more than 67 percent of the total emissions.
  • Emission patterns were analyzed across different participant groups, revealing varying behaviors and engagement levels that influence carbon emission results.
  • The study demonstrates the significant environmental impact of large-scale academic fairs and provides a foundational dataset for ongoing emissions monitoring.
  • The research offers targeted recommendations to enhance data collection, promote low-carbon practices, and support institutional efforts toward achieving carbon neutrality.
  • The study contributes to integrating sustainability principles into event management within the higher education sector.

Statistics:

  • The event was attended by 258,917 participants.
  • The event was held across an area of 226,068.19 square meters.
  • The total carbon footprint of the event was estimated at 1,524,844.09 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent.
  • Food consumption and participant travel accounted for more than 67 percent of the total emissions.
  • The average emission per person was 5.89 kilograms.
  • Emissions averaged 6.74 kilograms per square meter and 14,115.19 kilograms per hour of the event.

Sources:

  • Global Journal of Environmental Science and Management. Carbon footprint associated with a small-scale emissions reduction initiative for sustainable event management. 2025, 11(3):941-962. Available at: http://www.gjesm.net/.
  • School of Environmental Engineering, Technopolis Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima 30000, Thailand (contact: V. de cadenet for additional information).