Waste to "VALUE": Transforming Waste into Worth

By RISC | 17 hours ago

Thailand generated 19.8 million tons of industrial waste in 2023, 18.7 million non-hazardous and 1.1 million hazardous, according to the Department of Industrial Works.Most industrial waste comes from sugar production (38.8%), thermal power generation (14.3%), food and beverages (11.9%), steel (6.4%), ethanol (5.7%), along with other industries such as paper, automotive parts, chemicals, plastics, and textiles.Large volumes of waste are typically generated during industrial production—and the amount is increasing each year. Without proper management, such waste can have severe environmental impacts, including hazardous chemical contamination, microplastics in soil and water, and the spread of harmful pathogens.The Circular Economy focuses on reusing waste to reduce overall volume and sustainably transform it into valuable resources.This process starts with product design that minimizes resource use and reduces waste during production. It also includes considerations for end-of-life product management, such as using biodegradable, recyclable, or reusable materials. Importantly, by-products from manufacturing should not be treated as mere waste, but as valuable resources—offering opportunities to create added value, such as using them as raw materials for new products. This maximizes resource efficiency.One example is the production of carpet tiles from nylon fibers by Tarkett.Tarkett’s carpet tiles are designed to be disassembled: The carpet pile, made of nylon fibers, can be chemically recycled along with other production scraps and nylon waste (e.g., fishing nets, mesh, garments, and plastic parts) into new nylon fiber for producing new carpets. The backing layer, once separated, is shredded and reformed into new backing material for future carpet tiles. This thoughtful design and material selection significantly reduces waste, lowers environmental impact, adds value, and cuts disposal costs.Turning waste into new products through circular design not only reduces waste and environmental impact but also adds value—through materials engineered for recycling and efficient resource use at every step. The outcome is not only lower disposal costs, but also new business opportunities to develop sustainable products.If your organization or industry is looking to turn factory waste into value and build a sustainable circular economy, contact:RISC Line ID: risc_centerTel: 063-902-9346Email: risc_admin@dtgo.comStory by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISCReferences:National Statistical Office. Thailand Environmental Statistics 2024: https://www.nso.go.th/public/e-book/Indicators-Environment/Environment-Indicators-2567/Department of Industrial Works. Industrial Waste Summary 2023: https://api.diw.go.th/public/tableauPublic.jsp?name=A4&ms=1744165687192Tarkett. Climate and Circular Economy

How GIS Boosts Urban Well-Being

By RISC | 2 days ago

Over 58% of the global population already live in cities and 68% will likely do so by 2050, according to a UN report. As well as rising population, this urban expansion involves growing city boundaries. City growth could seem positive. But urbanization, without effective urban planning, can threaten well-being, from health to the environment and society. Geo-informatics technology (GIS), however, can give precise and accurate access to spatial data. Systematic collection and spatial analysis in area assessments, urban planning, and decision-making can promote better well-being: Health: GIS can help analyze accessibility to healthcare and the spatial distribution of medical facilities to fully meet the population’s needs. Environment: GIS supports analysis of access to green spaces, helping urban dwellers relax, exercise, and reduce their health risks. It also plays a role in disaster risk assessment—impacting both physical and mental health, quality of life, and financial stability. Furthermore, satellite imagery can be used to monitor air pollution that affects public health. Society: GIS can help identify areas with high crime risks, enabling planning strategies that reduce dangers and enhance safety for urban populations. In addition, geo-informatics technology helps monitor land-use changes through satellite imagery, which can be used to forecast urban growth trends. This contributes to more effective city and infrastructure planning—ensuring cities become inclusive spaces that promote the well-being of all residents. Story by Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISC References: https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/share-of-population-urban?time=latest#sources-and-processinghttps://unhabitat.org/programme/sustainable-development-goals-citieshttps://population.un.org/wup/assets/WUP2018-Report.pdfhttps://www.bot.or.th/th/research-and-publications/articles-and-publications/articles/regional-articles/reg-article-2023-10-09.htmlhttps://www.okmd.or.th/okmd-opportunity/urbanization/256/https://www.sdgmove.com/2021/01/25/sdg-updates-good-health-and-well-being/https://www.sdgmove.com/2023/02/23/disparities-in-thailand-healthcare-services/https://www.gistda.or.th/news_view.php?n_id=5935&lang=THhttps://www.gistda.or.th/news_view.php?n_id=7964&lang=THhttps://www.gistda.or.th/news_view.php?n_id=2450&lang=TH

Eye-Tracking Technology for Safer Cities

By RISC | 1 week ago

Eye tracking, which we looked at for neuromarketing (see https://bit.ly/40LGLjL), is popular in behavioral research, advertising, and digital media. It helps identify areas of interest or the most-viewed elements. This enables deeper insights than traditional surveys by understanding people’s automatic perception behaviors. The results are accurate and make it easier to further develop products.This technology is now being adopted across various fields—including city design.City design refers to planning and designing urban areas to balance space usage, infrastructure, environment, economy, and quality of life. The goal is to create cities that meet human needs, are livable, efficient, and sustainable. Urban design typically involves architects working in collaboration with engineers and government authorities.When traditional architectural approaches to city design are integrated with unexpected, cutting-edge technologies like eye-tracking systems, the results can be surprising. Let’s explore what that looks like.City design has started using this technology as a tool to improve wayfinding signage by analyzing visual attention. This helps enhance signage design—its colors, typefaces, and focal points of interest.A compelling example comes from a collaboration between the Institute for Transportation Development Policy (ITDP) and Chelsea in Suffolk City in Boston in the USA. The project aimed to draw more attention to bus stops. The city added brightly colored floral patterns to the area around the bus stops and seating. Eye-tracking technology was then used to monitor where people looked. The visual output below, with green-yellow-red highlights, indicates areas of the image that were viewed less to more frequently. As we can see, adding color and floral patterns around the bus stop successfully attracted more visual attention, helping people recognize and approach the stop more effectively.This is just one example of how behavioral science technology can be applied in conjunction with urban design. It shows how technology can be effectively leveraged in real-world applications. Curious about the next article? Stay tuned to this page!Story by Nattapat Tanjariyaporn, Senior Researcher in Brain Computer Interface, RISC​Reference byBiometrics + Bus Stops: What Eye Tracking + Facial Expression Analysis Reveal | The Genetics of Design

Emergency Preparedness: How to Survive Disasters

By RISC | 1 week ago

How can we be ready for disasters that could wreck our well-being as well as our homes?The recent earthquake from the movement of the Sagaing Fault between the Indian and Eurasian plates reached Thailand, harming buildings in Bangkok and its metropolitan area. These effects were exacerbated by long-distance seismic waves and soft soil, amplifying tremors into long-period waves.The extent of the damage suggests that Thailand has managed relatively well in terms of preparedness, according to experts. Many buildings have been designed and constructed to legal regulations, helping alleviate immediate concerns.But what if an earthquake has its epicenter in, or far nearer to, Thailand?Not only high-rises but also detached houses, townhouses, shophouses, office buildings, and commercial spaces might suffer extensive damage. Most buildings aren’t currently mandated by law to consider earthquake resistance in their design.The city’s public infrastructure could also come to a standstill. Roads and traffic systems could become unusable. Electricity and water supplies could be cut off. Telecommunications systems—including phone and internet—might collapse. Even a few hours of disruption to the metro system recently caused widespread chaos.Prevention and mitigation are the most effective ways to reduce risk. They include designing new buildings and reinforcing old ones to withstand seismic forces, incorporating fire prevention measures, and flood protection such as raising floor levels, installing flood barriers, or relocating machinery and MEP systems above flood levels.Since natural disasters can strike at any time, we must be prepared not only for earthquakes but also for floods, fires, wildfires, air pollution, chemical explosions, and more.What should we always carry or keep at home?Unlike countries like Japan and the U.S., Thailand has not yet been able to invest heavily in an Earthquake Early Warning System. Without early warnings, disaster preparedness and a clear evacuation plan become essential and urgent.Public buildings, which are responsible for the safety of many people, must be able to respond rapidly and communicate accurately and efficiently. Various agencies provide useful resources for planning and adaptation—such as emergency management handbooks for public buildings and office towers—published by the Building Resource Management Association.Residential homes should maintain readiness by keeping essential items in stock and rotating them regularly.- Drinking water is most critical with at least enough for 3 days (3 liters/person/day) and ideally up to 7 days depending on local conditions and the time needed for external aid or recovery.- Non-perishable food—canned or ready-to-eat meals that do not require cooking or electricity—should provide adequate nutrition, particularly protein.- Sanitation supplies, such as plastic bags for waste.- Emergency bags for each person, including pets, that can be quickly taken if evacuation to a shelter or safe zone becomes necessary.Beyond the initial preparations, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yusuke Toyoda from the College of Policy Science and the Institute of Disaster Mitigation for Urban Cultural Heritage at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, and a Researcher Alliance member of the Environmental Research Institute at Chulalongkorn University, offers critical insights from Japan’s disaster management experience—lessons Thailand has yet to fully integrate.Victims don’t only die during the disaster. If their mental and physical health deteriorates due to trauma and they are separated from their families or communities while relocated to limited shelters, the isolation may lead to delayed deaths—especially among the elderly. This highlights the need for temporary housing solutions that consider family and community ties to help prevent lonely deaths post-disaster. In short, mental and social preparedness is just as important as physical readiness.Another key point: Analysis from the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in Japan found that 34.9% of survivors saved themselves, 31.9% were saved by family members and 28.1% by friends or neighbors. Only 1.7% were rescued by official emergency teams. This data reinforces the critical importance of self-reliance during disasters. When a crisis hits, government response teams will already be stretched to their limits.All of this reinforces one message: We must strengthen structures, develop mitigation strategies, and create preparedness plans to survive emergencies. The best outcome is when we not only protect ourselves and our families but also become a source of support for our neighbors and community.Written by Saritorn Amorncharuchit, Assistant Director, RISC.Further reading:- Building Resource Management Association. Emergency Management Handbook for Office Buildings During Earthquakes – Tenant Access Protocol (March 30, 2025).https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dg9PEC5RDRy1gmXfL0gXPTGxx8EBpSWS/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawJcPRxleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHS8G5gyr_NOpaJLwf3MWXmQ289hIrwQRhjKSTndUE9WXcffIWtACD05OPg_aem_6GxVDRjM9gYhWaYn37w3AA​- Building Resource Management Association. Crisis Management Guide for Public Buildings During Earthquakes – For Building Management Teams (March 31, 2025).https://drive.google.com/file/d/16xpcz_ryvs7O_E4uHVtJSnLQjQxYeIge/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawJcPbdleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVjviq9mNJfqqVKtVu9sOaFK_GUhfKpJFaqPW7EkzLHCfkWGkfa7SSx4kw_aem_2kWtm_hbgkGP8pnkBO4USg​- Japan Fire Research Association. Report on the Investigation into the Fires Caused by the 1995 Southern Hyogo Prefecture Earthquake (November 30, 1996).- Japan Living Guide. Disaster Preparedness: Stockpiling and Emergency Food in Japan (January 29, 2024).https://www.japanlivingguide.com/expatinfo/emergencies/emergency-food/​

Earthquakes have occurred before, so why was there so much damage this time?

By RISC | 2 weeks ago

Bangkok might seem largely free from earthquakes. But the city experienced 35 quakes in the 30 years from 1995 to 2025, according to the Thai Meteorological Department:- 1995–2005: 7- 2006–2015: 17- 2016–2025: 13Most of these tremors were felt in high-rise buildings and were mild to moderate. But the most recent on 28 March was the first to be noticed across the city, causing tall buildings to sway. Buildings under construction also suffered damage. The rise in frequency and intensity makes the issue of earthquakes less remote.Why did this recent quake cause more damage? Bangkok isn’t on an active fault line or in a primary seismic risk zone. But it often experiences tremors from distant earthquakes for several geological reasons:1. Soft Soil: Much of Bangkok (as well as many central provinces) is on ancient sediment from the Chao Phraya River. Soft clay can reach depths of 10–30 meters. This type of soil can amplify seismic waves. When earthquake waves travel from distant locations and reach these soft soil layers, the energy can become amplified at certain frequencies—making tremors more perceptible, especially in tall buildings.2. Low-Frequency Earthquakes: Large, distant earthquakes tend to release low-frequency seismic waves, which can travel up to 1,000 kilometers without significantly losing energy. These low-frequency waves primarily affect tall buildings over 10 stories, while people at ground level might not feel much (as seen in the recent March 28 earthquake). The taller and more flexible a structure is, the more its natural frequency is likely to resonate with the earthquake waves—causing noticeable swaying.Even though tall buildings near the Chao Phraya River face greater risks due to the amplification of seismic waves in soft soil, these risks can be mitigated with proper structural design that adheres to relevant safety standards. You can explore design guidelines for seismic safety in this article (https://mqdc.link/4lfVStr) by Sarithorn Amorncharuchit, a key developer of wellness-focused building design standards under the Research & Innovation for Sustainability Center (RISC).Story by Napol Kieatkongmanee, Senior Sustainable Designer and TREES-A, Building Technology, Intelligent Systems, Innovative Solutions Specialist, and Ms. Sirapach Mangkang, Geographic Information System (GIS) specialist, RISCReferences:https://earthquake.tmd.go.th/document.htmlhttps://earthquake.tmd.go.th/documents/file/seismo-doc-1606435108.pdfhttps://op.mahidol.ac.th/rm/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/earthquake_140516.pdf

MQDC STANDARD for All Well-Being

By RISC | 3 weeks ago

A great home should enhance your life quality and ensure your well-being. A high-quality residence comes from a commitment to excellence and the highest standards.RISC and MQDC together created the “MQDC Standard” based on “sustainnovation” to enhance life for residents, communities, and all life with 3 focus areas:◾️ Energy & Ecology: Sustainable energy conservation and ecological systems under the concept of For All Well-Being. Buildings are designed and constructed with energy- and water-saving materials, along with high-efficiency, eco-friendly air conditioning systems to reduce greenhouse gases and minimize impact on surrounding communities. The design also promotes rich ecosystems and biodiversity.◾️ Health and Wellness: Prioritizing the health and safety of residents through natural ventilation combined with fresh air systems, use of non-toxic and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials to reduce health impacts, and thoughtful design of lighting, acoustics, and safety within buildings. MQDC’s FAHSI air-purification tower reduces PM2.5 and improve outdoor air quality.◾️ Senses & Happiness:Spaces foster positive emotions and sustainable happiness, grounded in behavioral and psychological research. Spaces are tailored for all users, with careful selection of materials, colors, and natural integration in design to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance happiness in every aspect of living.The MQDC Standard serves as a comprehensive quality assurance framework from design through to construction and operation. It helps all teams set, maintain, and check standards at every stage. Regular inspections by experts ensure quality.MQDC Standard: Structural Standards◾️ Structures are designed to withstand earthquakes according to Ministry of Interior regulations, based on site-specific characteristics—for instance, Samut Prakan’s soft soil might be impacted by distant earthquakes.◾️ High-strength concrete is used without fly ash to maintain superior compressive and tensile strength, with no compromise on material quality to save costs.◾️ Roads and building foundations are supported by deep piles to mitigate soil subsidence and reinforce overall structural strength.◾️ The connection between walls and the main structure is designed with flexibility, using materials that can accommodate both vertical and horizontal movement.◾️ Retaining walls use the pile wall system instead of sheet pile to reduce earth pressure directly on the structural walls, ensuring long-term stability.MQDC Standard: Design Standards◾️ Practical and safe design—for example, laminated safety glass is used for exterior window frames to prevent dangerous breakage.◾️ All piping systems are centralized in dedicated shafts, with no floor penetrations. In the event of an incident (e.g., water leakage due to an earthquake), damage is contained within a small area. PEX seamless pipes are used in critical locations for greater durability.◾️ Floor drains are installed in corridors, and slope adjustments are made near elevators to prevent unexpected flooding such as from pipe leaks.◾️ Swimming pools are safely designed with large drainage systems and are set back from buildings to prevent fall hazards. A 2-meter perimeter is reserved for easy maintenance of drainage systems.MQDC Standard: Construction Material Standards◾️ All materials must be certified by structural and civil engineers, Thai Industrial Standards (TIS), and relevant engineering councils.◾️ Architectural materials must comply with TIS or environmental standards such as TREES, WELL, and LEED.◾️ Installation must follow manufacturer guidelines—for instance, tile installation requires spacing to prevent warping, and bathroom wall materials must be installed correctly to prevent detachment.◾️ Construction Management (CM) teams inspect every installation step—for example, ceiling framing must follow design distances and use standard equipment for safety and durability.MQDC Standard: Testing Standards◾️ Structural materials must be tested according to international standards such as ACI, BSI, ASTM, or their equivalents.◾️ Other materials, such as windows, must pass performance tests for air, water, wind, sound, and thermal resistance based on EN, JIS, ASTM, ANSI standards.◾️ Wind tunnel testing is conducted on high-rise buildings to ensure resistance to wind and seismic forces.◾️ Full-scale (1:1) mock-ups are created to review actual installation procedures, test systems, and resolve issues before full construction, minimizing on-site errors.A 30-year warranty offers further peace of mind to residents, covering 4 key areas: building structure, rainproofing, plumbing & electrical systems, and doors & windows.MQDC Standard goes beyond materials and structure to cover health, safety, and quality of life in every dimension. Story by Dr. Jittapat Choruengwiwat, Senior Vice President of RISC

Resilience “Shock & Stress” Framework

By RISC | 4 weeks ago

The earthquake reminded us all how being prepared is vital for survival…Natural disasters are part of life and feature in RISC’s "Shock & Stress" Framework in the “Incident & Disaster” subcategory of its “Living & Infrastructure” category. RISC has developed a “Resilience Framework Toolkit” to raise awareness of risks and challenges in 3 key areas:• Nature & Environment• Living & Infrastructure• Society & EconomyThe “Resilience Framework Toolkit” can help you and your organization recognize, understand, and anticipate the impacts of global change. This insight can then guide planning and developing cities and real estate projects—ensuring we’re better prepared and more adaptable in all scenarios, whether at the building, community, or city level.Let’s explore how the “Resilience Framework Toolkit” can be applied from different perspectives. You can now get your own copy of the “Resilience Framework Toolkit”!✅ RISC LINE Official: @risc_center (Price: 600 THB per copy, including shipping)✅ DTGO CAMPUS:• Empty Cup, RISC Office (2nd floor)• Forget-Me-Not Shop (3rd floor) (https://maps.app.goo.gl/kGLM3YcccNysnMcW9)​Special offer! Get it for only 500 THB when you buy it in person.

Building Standards for Earthquake Safety

By RISC | 1 month ago

What Lessons Must We Learn from the Earthquake?Earthquakes are rare in Thailand but they’re still important for building structure…How much does structural integrity matter?Why guarantee structural strength when buildings seem to last a hundred years anyway?These questions got their answer on 28 March when the earthquake tested the skills of structural engineers and construction professionals.Design and structural calculation for complex buildings—especially large-scale and high-rise structures, religious buildings, and public-use facilities—are regulated under the Building Control Act B.E. 2522 (1979). These building must comply with earthquake resistance requirements, such as those specified in the Ministerial Regulation on Load, Resistance, and Durability of Buildings and Soils in Earthquake Resistance B.E. 2564 (2021), an updated version of the 2007 regulation, as well as the Ministry of Interior Announcement on Structural Design for Earthquake Resistance B.E. 2564 (2021).The earthquake caused damage ranging from minor to severe—even to recent buildings under the new regulations. Professionals in structural engineering and related disciplines should now re-evaluate standards, analyze deeper issues, and determine how new buildings should be designed going forward.Is the current legislation adequate? Or do we need to revise it? Can we check the effectiveness of building designs and structural calculations before construction using simulations, wind tunnel testing, or other evaluation tools?Should legal provisions set higher safety levels based on site-specific seismic risk assessments?What about residential housing—such as detached homes, townhouses, or shophouses—that are not subject to the structural regulations? How can they be made safer? The Land Allocation Act and the standard contracts for land and housing set a structural warranty—covering foundations, columns, beams, floors, roof structures, and load-bearing walls—for only 5 years from the date of ownership transfer. Should this also be reconsidered?Structural engineering isn’t the only factor affecting occupant safety. Architectural design, interior design, MEP systems, and building components all need thorough re-evaluation as well.As an organization committed to developing sustainable and healthy building design standards, RISC offers the following key earthquake-related design considerations:1. Glass panels – Should not fall when cracked or when the structure shifts. Laminated glass should be used for façades, doors, windows, and railings. Frameless glass doors, especially large ones, should be avoided in high-risk areas.2. Swimming pools – Infinity pools should have barriers at least 1.2 meters high or be set back at least 2 meters from the edge of buildings, to protect users and neighboring properties from accidental falls or overflowing water during emergencies.3. Interior walls – Often concealed by finishes or wallpaper, which may hide moisture, mold, or cracks, making it difficult to assess damage or water leakage.4. Heavy furniture and decorative items – Should be securely anchored to floors or walls. Cabinets should have locks or railings to prevent contents from falling. Items that may swing or shake, like light fixtures, air conditioners, or signage, must have strong anchoring systems.5. Automatic doors – Common in offices and malls, should be designed to remain open during emergencies and be tested regularly.6 Water pipes should not be embedded in structural components – Leaks can be difficult to detect and repair, especially after seismic events. Emergency drainage should be included in communal corridors, especially in condominiums, to prevent flooding of units or elevator machine rooms.7. Evacuation routes – Must be clearly defined, equipped with emergency lighting and signage, and regularly communicated and rehearsed with building occupants.8. Alarm systems and refuge areas – Essential for all buildings, particularly public buildings and high-rises. They provide temporary safe zones while waiting for rescue teams during emergencies.These are just a few examples of standards that could benefit a wider range of buildings. RISC remains committed to research and innovation to support the design and construction of safer, healthier homes and buildings—with the well-being of occupants as the top priority.This real-world test serves as a wake-up call for buildings that were unaffected, or those not yet designed with seismic survival in mind. If public awareness fades and no changes are made, this earthquake will not be the last lesson.Safety isn’t about luck, and standards can’t be negotiated—they must evolve and improve continuously.Story by Saritorn Amornjaruchit, Assistant Vice President of RISCFor more information, please visitMinisterial Regulation on Load Bearing, Resistance, and Durability of Buildings and Ground Supporting Structures Against Earthquakes (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/A/016/T_0013.PDF​Ministry of Interior Announcement on Structural Design and Calculation for Earthquake Resistance (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/E/275/T_0016.PDF​Emergency Medical Committee Announcement on Basic Life Support Standards Outside Medical Facilities (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/E/293/T_0057.PDF​Ministerial Regulation on Facilities in Buildings for Persons with Disabilities and the Elderly (No. 2) (2021): https://www.ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/DATA/PDF/2564/A/016/T_0019.PDF​Land Allocation Act (2000): ​https://download.asa.or.th/03media/04law/lsa/lsa43-upd02.pdf​Central Land Allocation Committee Announcement on Standard Form of Land Purchase Agreement (2002): ​https://www.dol.go.th/estate/DocLib18/scan0003.pdf​

How Biomass Ash Can Make Construction Greener

By RISC | 1 month ago

Did you know that each megawatt of electricity from biomass also generates 200-400 tons of ash?What is biomass ash and why does it matter?Biomass ash is waste from generating electricity with biomass. Different types of biomass produce varying amounts of ash, typically in the range 1-3%. The more electricity, the more ash.Thailand has 226 biomass power plants totaling 2,110 MW. These plants produce nearly 1 million tons of biomass ash each year. So how do we manage such an enormous amount of ash?Proper management of biomass ashBiomass ash is industrial waste and must be disposed of according to environmental regulations. Common disposal methods include sending it to landfill, using it in cement kilns, composting it for fertilizers and soil conditioners, and recycling it for other usesBut the large volume of biomass ash means high disposal costs. Managing 80,000–100,000 tons can cost 10-15 million baht. To reduce disposal costs and boost the value of biomass ash, research has explored uses in construction materials.Can biomass ash be used in cement?Cement is a key material in concrete production. In a hydration reaction it forms calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) that strengthens concrete. Replacing cement with biomass ash significantly affects the properties of concrete.Biomass ash mainly consists of calcium oxide (CaO) but has lower amounts of silica (SiO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), and iron oxide (Fe₂O₃), resulting in reduced hydration reactions. But SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and Fe₂O₃ can still undergo a pozzolanic reaction with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂), forming C-S-H. This reaction enhances the long-term compressive strength, sulfate resistance, and acid resistance of concrete while reducing efflorescence on concrete surfaces.Excessive biomass ash content, however, reduces concrete compressive strength. Biomass ash has smaller particles and is lighter than cement, making the resulting concrete lighter. Its high porosity and surface area also lead to greater water absorption, requiring an increase in water content during the mixing process.Appropriate uses and proportions of biomass ash in constructionThe properties of biomass ash significantly impact concrete performance, depending on its type, chemical composition, and quantity. Using biomass ash is most suitable for non-load-bearing applications, such as curbstones, pavement materials, garden decorations, and ventilation blocksThe recommended replacement ratio for cement is 10-30% by weight, but this depends on the type and quality of biomass ash, concrete composition, and mix proportions.Adding value to biomass ash productsTo compete in the market, biomass ash-based products should have unique features, whether in design, aesthetics, or special functions. This approach not only enhances product competitiveness but also contributes to a sustainable circular economy.Story by: Supunnapang Raksawong, Materials Researcher in Sustainable Building Material, RISCReferencesDepartment of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, Ministry of Energy (2025). Biomass Power Plant Location Map in Thailand.Kwancheewa Yongstar, Nuanan Kurakaew, Chukiat Chusakul, and Sunan Monkaew (2024). Development of Interlocking Bricks from Waste Rock Dust and Rubberwood Ash. RMUTP Journal of Science and Technology, Vol. 18, No. 1 (2024).Saroj Damrongsil (2007). Effects of Sugarcane Bagasse and Fly Ash Blended Cement on the Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concrete. KMUTT Journal of Research and Technology, Vol. 30, No. 3, July-September (2007).Ayobami A. B. (2021). Performance of Wood Bottom Ash in Cement-Based Applications and Comparison with Other Selected Ashes: Overview. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Vol. 166, 105351.

How to Choose Nature-Friendly Lighting

By RISC | 1 month ago

Light isn’t just what we use to see… It also regulates how we and wildlife live our lives each day.The light we see has a wavelength of 400-700 nanometers. But there are also invisible ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays.Sunlight is crucial factor for photosynthesis in plants, the foundation of the food chain. Light is used in technologies including medicine, communications, and transport.Alongside all these benefits, though, excessive or inappropriate light causes "light pollution", an environmental issue that’s often overlooked. This pollution can harm both us and the environment.Unnecessary light such as streetlights, lights from tall buildings, or billboards that shine all through the night can disrupt wildlife’s natural behavior. Creatures lose balance in their lives. Migratory birds fly off course. Sea turtles get disoriented by coastal lights. Many other wild creatures also need the dark to survive.To reduce the impact of light pollution on animals and the environment, we should choose appropriate lighting that won’t disturb the lifecycle and behavior of wildlife.Suitable lighting should have a correlated color temperature (CCT) of no more than 3000 Kelvin (K). The wavelength range should be about 600-700 nanometers, giving a warm white light. Light should have a clear direction, not spreading widely or shining to the sky or where animals live. We can also help reduce light pollution by turning off unnecessary lights. Don’t leave lights on during the night. Use timers to ensure lights are only on when needed. Proper use and management of light can help reduce light pollution and maintain the balance of nature, letting wildlife thrive in its natural habitats.Story by Kotchakorn Rattanama, Biodiversity Researcher, RISC