Cool comfort, Zero Harm: Next-Generation Refrigerants for a Healthier Planet

By RISC | 1 day ago

Did you know that the new generation of HFO refrigerants is even more eco-friendly?We often overlook how much our everyday appliances, air conditioners and refrigerators can impact the ozone layer. The key lies in refrigerants. If the wrong ones are used, they can significantly damage the ozone layer and accelerate global warming.In the past, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were widely used for their excellent cooling efficiency, non-flammability, and low toxicity. But CFCs are extremely stable and persist in the atmosphere for decades. When exposed to UV radiation, they release chlorine radicals that destroy ozone molecules, leading to ozone depletion and global warming.As the damage became undeniable, the world phased out CFCs in favor of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), which were less harmful but still contributed to global warming. Countries, including Thailand, have since moved to discontinue them.Today, newer alternatives have emerged:• Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Ozone-safe (ODP = 0) but with very high global warming potential (GWP = 1,000–10,000).• Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs): Ozone-safe (ODP = 0) with an ultra-low GWP (1–10).When choosing air conditioners or refrigerators, always check that the refrigerant has an ODP of 0 and a low GWP. This helps protect the ozone layer and reduces climate impact.World Ozone Day, 16 September reminds us of the ozone layer’s crucial role as Earth’s protective shield. It absorbs harmful ultraviolet rays—especially UVB and UVC—that can cause skin cancer, cataracts, crop damage, ecosystem disruption, and rising global temperatures if left unchecked.At The Forestias, we are taking real action. Our cooling systems use HFO R1234ze, one of the world’s most eco-friendly refrigerants, with an ODP of 0 and a GWP of less than 1. This transition cuts carbon emissions by up to 43,869 tCO₂e annually compared with traditional HFCs.It’s a major step toward building a community that is environmentally responsible—and safe for generations to come.Content by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Sustainable Building Material Researcher

Hug Your Paw Boss for 5 Minutes – Boost for the Heart and Soul

By RISC | 5 days ago

“Today I’m so tired… let me hug my paw boss to recharge.”“Why do I suddenly feel calmer, with my heartbeat slowing down?”That’s all it takes. A simple hug can soothe the body, ease the mind, and melt away stress—especially when the “boss” we’re hugging is our dog.Nancy R. Gee, PhD, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Center for Human-Animal Interaction at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, confirms that hugging, touching, or closely interacting with dogs for just 5–20 minutes can be mutually uplifting. It lowers cortisol (the stress hormone) while increasing oxytocin (the love hormone). And the benefits aren’t one-sided—dogs feel them too. Amazingly, this special connection can even happen with dogs we’ve just met.Virginia Satir, a pioneering American family therapist, once said that people need 4 hugs a day to survive, 8 hugs to maintain well-being, and 12 hugs to truly grow—both physically and emotionally.Science backs this up. Marti R. and colleagues at the University of Basel, Switzerland, studied 21 healthy volunteers with no dog allergies. Participants alternated between hugging a real dog and hugging a stuffed lion while researchers measured changes in blood oxygen levels in the prefrontal cortex. The results? Hugging or playing with a real dog led to stronger effects, boosting the brain’s executive functions for thinking and decision-making.Other studies also show that hugging increases dopamine, stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin, lowers heart rate, and even strengthens the immune system. These benefits are most effective when hugs last at least 20 seconds.Hugging also stimulates hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen, helping distribute it more efficiently throughout the body—leaving us refreshed and re-energized.Hugs are like nature’s own medicine—the more we hug, the healthier and happier we become.When you get home today, don’t forget to hug your paw boss. Remember… always pay attention to your dog’s feelings. If they’re not comfortable, give them space.This National Hug Your Hound Day—falling on Sunday, 14 September 2025—take five minutes to open your heart and share this healing energy with your furry friend.And if you’re looking for a home or condominium with a true pet-friendly environment—complete with facilities and open spaces where you and your dog can run and play together—Whizdom The Forestias Petopia is where every day feels special.Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISCReferences:Gee NR, Rodriguez KE, Fine AH, Trammell JP. Dogs Supporting Human Health and Well-Being: A Biopsychosocial Approach. Front Vet Sci. 2021 Mar 30;8:630465. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.630465. PMID: 33860004; PMCID: PMC8042315.​Gee NR, Townsend L, Friedmann E, Barker S, Mueller M. A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial to Examine the Impact of a Therapy Dog Intervention on Depression, Mood, and Anxiety in Hospitalized Older Adults. Healthcare (Basel). 2025 Jul 25;13(15):1819. doi: 10.3390/healthcare13151819. PMID: 40805852; PMCID: PMC12346317.​Grewen K. M., Girdler S. S., Amico J. & Light K. C. Effects of partner support on resting oxytocin, cortisol, norepinephrine, and blood pressure before and after warm partner contact. Psychosom. Med. 67, 531-538 (2005).​Handlin, L. et al. (2011) ‘Short-Term Interaction between Dogs and Their Owners: Effects on Oxytocin, Cortisol, Insulin and Heart RateAn Exploratory Study’, Anthrozoös, 24(3), pp. 301–315. doi: 10.2752/175303711X13045914865385. ​Holt-Lunstad J., Birmingham W. A. & Light K. C. Influence of a “warm touch” support enhancement intervention among married couples on ambulatory blood pressure, oxytocin, alpha amylase, and cortisol. Psychosom. Med. 70, 976-985 (2008).​Light K. C., Grewen K. M. & Amico J. A.More frequent partner hugs and higher oxytocin levels are linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate in premenopausal women. Biol. Psychol. 69, 5-21 (2005).​Marti R, Petignat M, Marcar VL, Hattendorf J, Wolf M, Hund-Georgiadis M, et al. Effects of contact with a dog on prefrontal brain activity: A controlled trial. PLoS ONE 17(10): e0274833 (2022).

Green spaces and nature are “silent companions” that gently embrace our hearts

By RISC | 6 days ago

Did you know that more than 720,000 people die by suicide every year—that’s one person every 40 seconds? Each loss leaves behind deep emotional scars for families, friends, and society as a whole.In Thailand, the situation is equally concerning, with over 4,500–5,000 deaths by suicide annually, or more than 12 lives lost each day. These numbers highlight the urgent need for collective action to prevent such tragic and avoidable losses.While suicide is a complex issue, prevention can begin with everday actions, such as:📌 Nurturing warm and supportive family relationships📌 Listening with openness and empathy, without judgment📌 Encouraging access to mental health services free from stigma📌 Creating safe environments where people feel comfortable sharing their feelings These small efforts form an “emotional shield,” helping vulnerable individuals feel less alone.Beyond these emotional protections, our surroundings—especially green spaces and nature—also play a vital role in safeguarding mental health and reducing suicide risk.Green spaces do more than beautify cities; they improve health and quality of life by contributing to:📌 Environmental benefits, such as carbon capture and water purification📌 Physical health, by reducing air pollution and cooling urban heat📌 Mental health, by lowering stress and fostering calmnessOne large-scale study in Wales which analyzed data from over 2 million people over 10 years found that individuals living in greenery or water faced a lower risk of anxiety and depression.Promoting the creation and use of green spaces—and ensuring they are well-developed, maintained, and accessible—is especially important in high-stress areas, such as dense urban neighborhoods, noisy work environments, or communities lacking recreational areas. This ensure equal access to mental health benefits that nature provides.Green spaces and nature truly are “silent companions,” quietly supporting our well-being – whether through a nearby park, a shaded walking path, or natural areas integrated into schools, workplaces, and homes. Projects like The Forestias, which incorporates extensive  forest areas for long-term sustainability, embody this vision: creating restorative environments that clam the mind, reduce stress, and renew the spirit to help us move forward.Story by Sittha Preedapirat, Senior Researcher, Brain Computer Interface, Happiness Science Hub, RISCReference byGeary, R. S., Thompson, D., Mizen, A., Akbari, A., Garrett, J. K., Rowney, F. M., … Rodgers, S. E. (2023). Ambient greenness, access to local green spaces, and subsequent mental health: A 10-year longitudinal dynamic panel study of 2·3 million adults in Wales. Lancet Planetary Health, 7(10), e809–e818. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(23)00212-7​Twohig-Bennett, C., & Jones, A. (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Research, 166, 628–637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030​Triguero-Mas, M., Dadvand, P., Cirach, M., Martínez, D., Medina, A., Mompart, A., Basagaña, X., Gražulevičienė, R., & Nieuwenhuijsen, M. J. (2015). Natural outdoor environments and mental and physical health: Relationships and mechanisms. Environment International, 77, 35–41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2015.01.012​World Health Organization. (2025). World Suicide Prevention Day 2025. https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-suicide-prevention-day/2025​World Health Organization. Regional Office for Europe. (2023). Assessing the value of urban green and blue spaces for health and well-being. https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/367630​กรมสุขภาพจิต. (n.d.). รายงานสถานการณ์การฆ่าตัวตายในประเทศไทย ปีงบประมาณ 2566. https://suicide.dmh.go.th/news/view.asp?id=92​

“Neuroinclusive Design” — Designing for Diverse Perceptions

By RISC | 3 weeks ago

Differences among people go far beyond gender, status, or education. Did you know that we also experience the world in profoundly different ways—how we perceive, feel, and interact with our surroundings?This is where “Neuroinclusive Design”—design that embraces neurological diversity—emerges as a groundbreaking concept for the future of architecture. Whether you find comfort in silence or music, or feel uneasy under lighting that is too bright or too dim, design that consider the variety of perceptions, sensitivities, and neurological responses can transform a simple building into a truly safe space.The goal of Neuroinclusive Design is to create environments that understand the diverse needs of individuals—children sensitive to sound, older adults facing memory challenges, or anyone whose brain simply responds uniquely to their environment. At its heart, this principle emphasizes flexibility, safety, non-judgment of differences, and adaptability to individual needs. It draws upon a wide spectrum of design elements—light levels and colors, materials, temperature, acoustics, greenery, textures, forms, partitions, and glass—each carefully considered through an understanding of how the nervous system perceives and processes space.Although the idea may sound new or even theoretical, in practice it can be applied to everyday buildings in simple yet transformative ways. For instance, using soothing colors—earth tones or soft pastels—can promote calmness and reduce stress. Flexible lighting systems, such as dimmable lamps or adjustable blinds, allow individuals to adapt their surroundings to their personal comfort.Another powerful yet straightforward application is the inclusion of a “quiet corner”—a private retreat for reading or reflection, shielded from noise and distraction. Acoustic materials can soften disturbances in multi-purpose areas, while the presence of greenery enhances tranquility. These features not only support children with ADHD but also provide respite for adults seeking a break from external stressors. Natural textures such as cotton fabrics or wood finishes, which avoid harsh reflections, further reinforce feelings of stability and comfort.In workplaces, Neuroinclusive Design has the potential to elevate both productivity and wellbeing. Lower ceilings paired with focused task lighting encourage concentration, while warm tones can ease stress and brighter colors stimulate creativity. Rough textures or intricate wall patterns may even encourage curiosity, sparking dialogue and collaboration among colleagues.Ultimately, Neuroinclusive Design is not just about understanding users – it’s a long-term investment in boosting performance, reducing stress, and cultivating an inclusive organizational culture. Because a truly great space is one where everyone can be themselves, thrive, and do their best work – no matter how they perceive the world.Story by Nattapat Tanjariyaporn, Senior Researcher in Brain Computer Interface, RISC​

“Fahsai Mini” and Its Mission to Purify Bangkok’s Air

By RISC | 4 weeks ago

Ratchaprasong District, one of Bangkok’s busiest business hubs, experiences constant movement from both locals and tourists throughout the day. This high traffic density contributes to the accumulation of air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM), which poses significant health risks to urban residents.To address this, the “Fahsai Mini” air purification tower was installed to explore the potential of outdoor air purification systems under real operating conditions. The project gained the trust of Gaysorn and Ratchaprasong district management, leading to the installation of units in front of Gaysorn Amarin and Gaysorn Village buildings.Fahsai Mini utilizes Venturi Scrubber technology, continuously refined by the Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC), to effectively capture dust particles and other air pollutants. A real-time air quality monitoring system automatically adjusts the tower’s operation based on detected dust levels, allowing the system to respond precisely to current conditions and use resources only as needed. Performance evaluations conducted in March–April 2025, a period marked by persistently high PM2.5 levels, showed that Fahsai Mini could significantly reduce PM2.5 concentrations, achieving a maximum average hourly reduction efficiency of 65% and a maximum 24-hour daily average reduction of 36%. These results corresponded closely with environmental factors such as wind direction and speed, relative humidity, and daily traffic density. Time-based analysis indicated that Fahsai Mini performed best from evening (18:00) to midday (12:00), coinciding with peak area usage and traffic congestion. During midday periods with strong natural winds, PM2.5 levels were also reduced, further improving air quality. Even during the rainy season or periods of lower dust levels, Fahsai Mini operates automatically based on real-time conditions, activating only when dust levels exceed the set threshold. This ensures consistently low dust concentrations and helps minimize short-term exposure to high particulate levels.Fahsai Mini is no longer just an air purification device — it serves as a continuous monitoring mechanism, working tirelessly to protect everyone from invisible airborne threats, even when people are unaware of the risks around them.Content by Napol Kieatkongmanee, Senior Sustainable Designer

Humans find ways to live. So do animals

By RISC | 1 month ago

“Humans find ways to live. So do animals…. We do not harm one another.” You might recognize this line from the iconic Thai song “Cheewit Sampan” (Life’s Connection) by Carabao. But have you ever noticed how every living creature seems to follow its own rhythm — its own “time” to be alive? Nature has designed these rhythms in such a fascinating way. When you look closely, animal behavior isn’t all that different from human lifestyles. Let’s explore how animals live and how their patterns mirror ours. Animals’ behaviors can be grouped into four main types.Diurnal – These are the office workers of the animal world. They’re up with the sun, active during the day, and rest at night. Their eyesight is great in bright light — like elephants, monkeys, and many bird species.Nocturnal – Night is heaven’s time. They sleep during the day and come alive after dark. Their senses are finely tuned including hearing, smell, and eyesight in the dark — like bats, owls, snakes, and nocturnal insects.Crepuscular – Active at dawn and dusk, they avoid both harsh sunlight and total darkness – like deer, rabbits, and some mosquitoes.Cathemeral – No fixed schedule here, these animals eat and rest at any time, depending on the season, safety, and environment – like bears and tigers. In nature, “Time” isn’t just ticking on a clock in nature — it’s the heartbeat of life. All life on earth is simply trying to survive… each on its own time, in its own way.Written by: Ms. Kotchakorn Rattanama, Biodiversity Researcher at RISCReference:Vallejo-Vargas, A.F., Sheil, D., Semper-Pascual, A. et al. Consistent diel activity patterns of forest mammals among tropical regions. Nat Commun 13, 7102 (2022).https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-022-34825-1?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Exercise parks for older adults boost well-being in so many ways…

By RISC | 2 months ago

As we get older even everyday tasks can get tiring.But the right kind of exercise can help us stay active, safe, and independent.Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC) has researched senior-friendly exercise parks and found clear benefits, including fewer falls. Special parks for older adults are already installed at The Forestias forest district and its The Aspen Tree community.Outdoor exercise areas for older adults keep us young in 4 key areas:◾️ Strength Exercises: Bodyweight exercises strengthen upper and lower muscles, helping us stand, walk, and get up from sitting down.◾️ Balance Exercises: Wobble boards, step platforms, uneven surfaces, and handrails help us stay steady when standing or moving and reduce the risk of falls.◾️ Coordination & Functional Exercises: Rhythmic and sequenced movements help us coordinate between hands, eyes, and feet for daily movements like walking, turning, and standing up, reducing our fall risk.◾️ Movement & Flexibility Exercises: Stretching muscles and joints enhances mobility, supporting smooth and confident movement throughout daily life.Dr. Pazit Levinger, a specialist at the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) in Australia, has studied exercise parks for older adults to promote daily movement, reduce fall risks, and improve both physical and mental well-being. Her Exercise Interventions Outdoors for Seniors in the Community (ENJOY) project found:◾️ Much lower fall risks: After a 12-week program with 12-month follow-up, the proportion of people who experienced a fall dropped from 51.8% to 31.4%, with overall falls down from 42 to 29.◾️ Improved strength, flexibility, and balance: After 18 weeks of exercise, participants showed better single-leg balance, stronger knees, increased walking distance in 2 minutes, and quicker sit-to-stand ability—resulting in lower fall risk and safer movement.◾️ Even older adults with dementia can benefit: After 12 weeks, participants could walk farther and faster without falling. They also reported feeling happier, more engaged, and experienced reduced social isolation.24 public parks in Melbourne and Victoria in Australia were upgraded into senior-friendly outdoor spaces in 2022 following this research. The Seniors Exercise Park program at the parks helps older adults stay active, enhance their muscles and balance, and reduce their fall risk. The parks also promote social interaction with group exercises and the fun of being outdoors, combating loneliness and encouraging regular exercise. The Forestias by MQDC supports active, healthy aging. The forest districted has built 2 senior exercise parks—on its Happy Lawn and in The Aspen Tree community—creating spaces for older adults to stay active and engaged.Content by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Sustainable Building Material Researcher Reference byPazit Levinger and etc, 2020. Guidance about age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment and associated strategies to maximise usability for older people. Health Promot J Austral. 2021;32:475–482.​Pazit Levinger et al. The Effect of the ENJOY Seniors Exercise Park Physical Activity Program on Falls in Older People in the Community: A Prospective Pre-Post Study Design. The journal of nutrition, health & aging, (2022) 26: 217–221 ​Pazit Levinger et al. Outdoor physical activity for older people-the senior exercise park: Current research, challenges and future directions. Health promotion journal of Australia, (2018) 1-7.​Levinger et al. Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY - results from the ENJOY program for independence in dementia: a feasibility pilot randomised controlled trial. BMC Geriatr. 2023 Jul 12;23(1):426.​

A Solution for Thermosetting Plastic Waste?

By RISC | 2 months ago

The environmental challenge of plastic waste involves not only conventional recycling but complex plastics that are far harder to manage.Water bottles, food containers, plastic packaging, and plastic bags are typically made of thermoplastics. These items can therefore be melted and reshaped when heated. But another category of plastic is an increasing environmental concern—thermosetting plastics.Thermosets are known for their strength and chemical resistance. Once cured by heat, they cannot be melted or reshaped. Instead, they harden permanently and will burn rather than soften. These properties make them ideal for heavy-duty applications such as car tires, polyurethane foams used in sofas and car seats, shoe soles, adhesives, epoxy coatings, or melamine dishware. Their durability, however, also makes thermosets extremely difficult to recycle. Most thermoset waste ends up in landfills or incinerators, contributing to long-term environmental damage.So how can we deal with thermosetting plastics?Vitrimerization turns thermosetting plastics into plastics with dynamic structures. These structures allow them to break and reform bonds through a chemical reaction known as transesterification under specific conditions. Plastics that undergo vitrimerization gain a combination of thermoplastic and thermoset properties. They can be melted and reshaped, while still retaining mechanical strength and resistance to heat, sunlight, and chemicals. These materials also possess self-healing capabilities because their bonds can break and reform under appropriate heating, allowing them to be reshaped, repaired, or reused multiple times (typically 3–5 times) without loss of performance. This makes vitrimerization a promising method to address the issue of thermoset plastic waste.Recycling athletic shoe soles or running shoes made from crosslinked ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam is a notable example. This type of foam is highly flexible, impact-resistant, durable, and non-compressible. Research shows that EVA thermosets can be converted into EVA vitrimer by grinding EVA scraps into micron-sized particles (<200 µm) and mixing them with catalysts such as zinc acetate (Zn acetate) and materials with hydroxyl groups (-OH), like polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). When this mixture is hot-pressed, a transesterification reaction occurs, transforming some of the crosslinks into dynamic bonds. Upon further molding, the plastic can be reshaped without adding more chemicals and retains its original properties. Unlike mechanical recycling, which typically degrades material quality, vitrimerized EVA maintains its mechanical integrity. The dynamic bonds can break and reform under heat, making it possible to recycle previously unrecyclable thermoset plastics into high-quality, high-value products.But vitrimerization still faces challenges. One significant hurdle is reducing thermoset plastic waste into micron-sized particles, especially with rubber materials that are tough and elastic. At room temperature, this grinding is difficult. Therefore, the rubber must be turned into a glass-like state—hard and brittle—making it easier to break down. This process requires extremely low temperatures, increasing production costs.Advancing this technology could pave the way for recycling more complex waste streams, such as electronic circuit boards, wind turbine blades, automotive and aerospace components, or insulation materials in solar panels. This would significantly reduce industrial and hazardous waste and promote sustainable end-of-life management for these products.Content by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Sustainable Building Material ResearcherReferences:Amin Jamei Oskouei et al. (2024). Vitrimerization of crosslinked poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate): the effect of catalysts. RSC Appl. Polym., 2024, 2, 905.Alireza Bandegi et al. (2023). Vitrimerization of crosslinked elastomers: a mechanochemical approach for recycling thermoset polymers. Mater. Adv., 2023, 4, 2648–2658.

Ready for the Rainy Season?

By RISC | 3 months ago

Since the official start of the rainy season, on 15 May, many provinces have experienced continuous rainfall. But have you ever wondered how the Meteorological Department decides this date? 3 criteria must be met: More than 60% of the upper part of Thailand must experience rainfall continuously for at least 3 days. The wind at about 1.5 km above the ground must shift to a southwesterly direction, bringing in moisture from the Andaman Sea to cover Thailand persistently. The wind at about 10 km above the ground must shift to an easterly direction. Rainfall, flooding, and droughts depend largely on the El Niño–La Niña phenomenon. The world is currently in a neutral phase of this cycle and Thailand's overall rainfall this year is expected to be slightly above average, spread widely across regions. But the rainy season raises the risk of illness and accidents and will likely last through October. The heaviest rainfall typically comes in August and September. To stay safe and healthy throughout this season, be prepared and be careful. Take an umbrella when you go out. Wear non-slip footwear. Avoid crowds to escape seasonal illnesses. And make sure your vehicle’s safe to drive in wet conditions. Let’s stay strong and safe through the rainy season. Story by Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISC

Interlacing Intertwining Coalescing through Contemporary Art for Biodiversity

By RISC | 3 months ago

RISC is thrilled to exhibit its textile creations in “Interlacing Intertwining Coalescing through Contemporary Art for Biodiversity” at the Isan Creative Festival 2025.This exhibition showcases artworks made with fibers upcycled from plastic waste. The project aims to raise environmental awareness and inspire conservation. Each piece features endangered or protected Thai animals with traditional regional patterns. This creative fusion blends heritage and local identity with contemporary artistic expression. ISAN CREATIVE FESTIVAL 202528 June – 6 July 2025, TCDC Khon Kaen, 2nd FloorFind out more: https://www.isancreativefestival.com/isancf2025Line: @isancfFacebook: isancreativefestivalInstagram: @isancreativefestival