S-Lab (Sustainability Lab)

Introduction to ESG & Sustainability. Benefits of Sustainability Programs with ESG

Exploring the ESG Pillars

Understanding Materiality in ESG

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Course Key Concepts :

This hands-on learning experience pairs graduate students and some high performing undergraduates with business partners (which include small, medium, and large companies) to work on real sustainability projects. It offers practical, real-world application of sustainability principles and fosters collaboration between students and industry partners. The secondary function of the S-Lab is to support the convening of business leaders, academics, technical experts, sustainability professionals, and professionals to focus on knowledge sharing, research, innovative practices, and actionable steps. The aim is to help these stakeholders meet evolving sustainability demands that are linked to risk management, business growth, and company and asset value.

Course Duration :

Semester long course (16 weeks)

Target Audience :

Graduate students and small, medium, and large corporations

Learning Objectives

Tentative Time Table for the Course

Sec.	Time	Topic	Materials & Activities	Evaluation	Evaluation
		Course structure: 16 week semester-long sustainability project work for an organization seeking to address real business sustainability challenges. Students will work as part of a team and with the oversight of a business representative, STC faculty, and as needed additional sustainability & ESG expertise. At the conclusion of the S-Lab project period, the student groups will conduct a presentation to business partners and STC faculty on their findings and recommendations.	Course Introduction and program structure Certificate of Completion STC Students: 6 Credit Hours

Course :

S-Lab Concept

Duration :

Semester-long projects (16 weeks)

Staff :

STC Faculty, Company Representatives, Sustainability Experts

S-Lab Objectives:

Siam Technology College’s (STC) Sustainability Lab or S-Lab officially began planning in February 2023 and its inaugural cohorts are scheduled for launch in mid 2024. The S-Lab is not a new concept as its used by other university’s and business partners in Europe and the U.S. However, it is unique to SE Asia.

Through partnering graduate students and some high performing undergraduates with business partners, which can include small, medium, and large companies, the S-Lab fosters experiential learning through action by solving real sustainability challenges faced by businesses in today’s world.

As an example: a group of engineering and hospitality students team up with the sustainability team of a hotel in the hospitality and leisure industry. The S-Lab project could focus on a pressing business problem associated with poor water conservation and management. S-lab team recommendations might lead to reduced water usage, reduced cost of water, and a better water management plan. The students get the hands-on learning experience and the business valuable solutions.

Mutual benefit is achieved by giving the students hands-on learning and associated college credit and the business the added support towards improving their business operational and financial pratices, managing risks, and ultimately creating long-term value through the research and recommended solutions that come out of the S-Lab collaborations. The S-Lab also contributes to the sustainable development of society, businesses improvements, and workforce development.

Each sustainability project is jointly coordinated by company representatives, STC technical and business faculty, and ESG and Sustainability experts. Students are given the opportunity to express interest in a project and will be matched based on area of study, professional development, and project needs. The size of each student project team can range from 3 to 7.

The students and each business then engage in a semester-long effort consisting of research, meetings, data collection, onsite visits. Company representatives, STC faculty, and ESG/Sustainability experts provide support and resources to the S-Lab team to develop an assessment, findings, and recommended solutions for the targeted sustainability problems being faced by the business.

Each company that participates in the S-Lab will be expected to sign a MOU with STC. Further, the business will need to assign a primary representative to assist in project scoping and to work with the student teams and faculty. Access to available information, tools, data, and relevant stakeholders are also required by the company representative. and society. This is in our view is a win-win-win.

The S-Lab provides a number of benefits to both the student and partner business: a) Students learning and talents are shaped through real-world sustainability challenges preparing them to add increased value in the workforce. b) S-Lab teams bring an objective and outside perspective to each organization’s strategy and decision-making. c) S-Lab teams contribute short-term capacity to each partner company conducting research and analysis that will be additive to efforts to address ESG risks and opportunities. d) S-Lab projects resource organizations with insights, rigor, and recommended action plans that enhance sustainability initiatives.

The S-Lab is a good fit for those companies and students interested to learn through action on sustainability challenges that can help a company, the environment,

S-Lab Initial Timeline (subject to change) :

Here are other strategic considerations for Siam Technology College's S-Lab

The S-lab must develop strong partnerships: Siam Technology College’s S-Lab should focus on building strong partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies in Thailand and SE Asia that are working on sustainability initiatives. These partnerships should provide opportunities for students to work on real-world sustainability projects that address pressing issues in the region.
S-Lab should seek to incorporate Thai culture and sustainability Practices: To differentiate the program and make it unique, the curriculum should incorporate elements of Thai culture and sustainability practices. For example, the program could focus on promoting issues that are local but applicable globally like organic agriculture, reducing plastic waste, and other sustainable practices that are specific to Thailand.
Hire Experienced and Qualified Faculty: Siam Technology College is recruiting experienced and qualified faculty members who have expertise in sustainability and business. The faculty should be able to provide students with high-quality instruction and mentorship, and should be able to guide students in their project work.
Provide Academic Credit and incentives: Siam Technology College’s S-Lab will provide academic credit and other forms of professional development to students and professionals who participate in the program. This will ensure that the program attracts high-quality students who are committed to sustainability.
Seek Sponsorships and Donations: To support the program’s operations, STC should seek sponsorships and donations from businesses and organizations in Thailand once the S-Lab matures and is demonstrating effectiveness. This will also help to build relationships with potential project partners.
Emphasize Sustainability in Southeast Asia: To prepare students and learners for careers in sustainability in the region, the program will emphasize the importance of sustainable business practices in Southeast Asia. This could include topics such as environmental and social issues specific to the region, cultural practices and norms, and regulations and policies related to sustainability.
Evaluate and Improve: STC’s S-Lab should regularly evaluate the program’s effectiveness and make improvements based on feedback from students, faculty, and project partners. This will ensure that the program continues to provide high-quality education and prepares students for careers in sustainability.

A secondary function of the S-Lab is to support the convening of business leaders, academics, technical experts, sustainability professionals, and professionals to focus on knowledge sharing, research, innovative practices, and actionable steps. The aimed is to help these stakeholders meet evolving sustainability demands that are linked to risk management, business growth, and company and asset value.