SCG grips ESG 4 Plus to untangle crises for a sustainable world

SCG declares to forward operations alongside relieving global warming, mitigating resource scarcity, and easing social inequality.

The Board of Directors of SCG declares the ESG 4 Plus with the goal of bringing a better world

The ESG 4 Plus target is raised to “Set Net-Zero – Go Green – Reduce Inequality – Embrace Collaboration”. An estimated initial investment of THB70 billion is injected to enhance the production process and propel low-carbon businesses to achieve the 20 per cent reduction target of greenhouse gas emission by 2030.

Moreover, deep technology is in place to accomplish net-zero emission by 2050 while the absorption of 5 million tonnes of CO2 shall be achieved by planting 3 million rai of forest plantation and building 130,000 check dam projects. Also, SCG is pushing eco-friendly innovation by two folds with solutions such as the SCG Green Choice, CPAC Green Solution, SCG Green Polymer, and recyclable-100 per cent degradable packaging.

To tackle inequality, SCG aims to create market-demanded jobs for 20,000 workers while declaring partnership with various sectors, striving to hand over a better world to the next generation, all of which while harnessing good governance operations.

Roongrote Rangsiyopash, presidentand CEO, SCG, discussed colossal crises of the world such as the volatile climate from the global temperature rising 1.2 degrees Celsius, the scarcity of natural resources for the increasing 9.6 billion population, and excess waste. And expanded social inequality by the COVID-19 with 205 million unemployment expected in 2022, intense inflation, and students risking exiting their education midway.

SCG believes in the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) framework as the internationally acclaimed business operation standard. It aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Bio-Circular Green Economy (BCG Economy) model by the government.

Roongrote elaborated that, “SCG adopts the sustainable development practice which is core for the operations with responsibility for the society, community, and environment. Today, SCG, entering its 109th year, elevates the sustainable development notion to the ESG 4 Plus with '1. Set Net-Zero, 2. Go Green, 3. Reduce Inequality, 4. Embrace Collaboration, plus harnessing good governance.”

Pathway 1: Set net-zero

SCG is determined to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This is implemented by increasing low-carbon energy use such as the biomass from agricultural waste and RDF in cement production, using excess hot air energy from the production process and solar power, as well as investing in deep technology such as with electric vehicles (EV), AI supervisory for energy analytics, and Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS).

Additionally, plans are underway to curb global warming by planting 3 million rai of trees and 30,000 rai of mangroves to assist with 5 million tonnes of CO2 absorption, with expected expansion to the ASEAN countries. Moreover, there will be 130,000 check dam projects to restore the watershed forests and expansion of the sustainable water management communities to 50 provinces in Thailand.

Pathway 2: Go green

SCG is dedicated to eco-friendly innovation so consumers can take part in easing greenhouse gas emissions and reducing resource consumption in line with the circular economy notion. The target is set to increase the proportion of the SCG Green Choice label products by two folds from 32 to 67 per cent by 2030. Some products include the SCG hybrid structural cement and SCG solar roof solutions. In addition, SCG Cleanergy was established for services involving power solutions from renewable energy, both solar and wind power, for Thailand and abroad.

CPAC Green Solution contributes by speeding construction and reducing construction waste while SCG Green Polymer, an innovative eco-friendly polymer, optimises resource usage under circular economy guidelines. This answers to businesses and consumers who care for the environment. As for SCGP’s packaging, they provide fully recyclable, reusable, and degradable packaging.

In the Net-zero and Go Green pathway, SCG has dedicated the initially investment of THB70 billion to enhance the production process and develop low-carbon businesses to achieve the net-zero greenhouse gas emission target by 2030.

Pathway 3: Reduce inequality

To mitigate social inequalities, SCG is helping to reskill and upskill the communities where it operates and SMEs to meet market demands. By 2025, projects will continue to reach 20,000 skilled workforces. Examples are training truck drivers by the SCG Skills Development School and developing home renovation handymen with Q-Chang. Other skills development programmes include processing goods and creating sales from e-commerce and offline channels under the “strong communities'' project.

Additionally, scholarships are granted to nurse assistants, dental assistants, and elderly’s caregivers, via the Learn to Earn programme by SCG Foundation. Also, the agricultural groups are assisted by providing know-how on efficient agriculture via the Kubota Smart Farming project. Additionally, during the pandemic, SMEs are supported for sales on the NocNoc.com and Prompt Plus platforms at no additional costs while wholesalers and main contractors are given credit via the Siam Siason platform.

Pathway 4: Embrace collaboration

SCG is determined to drive ESG with collaborations at the national, ASEAN, and international level. Examples include projects with the Thailand Post and Government Pharmaceutical Organization in the “reBOX post” programme to recycle paper boxes and joining with PPP Plastic for plastic waste to be recycled, setting a model for plastic waste management. There are also partnerships with Unilever to turn household plastic waste into high-quality recycled plastics for bottles.

Additionally, SCG joins with the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) regarding the Recarbonation: CO2 sink that can reduce emission and capture greenhouse gas into the concrete of industrial cement. Recently, SCG, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hosted the Green Meeting at the APEC 2022 and the ASEAN Summit. This is the preparation for the ESG Symposium in Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia, a move to invite stakeholders in ASEAN to drive ESG together.

Plus: Harnessing good governance

SCG has continuously directed the organisation towards the ESG 4 Plus concept with good governance as operations remain to be fair, transparent, and accountable. Moreover, it focuses to convey the values to the employees, generations after generations, building on the corporate culture.

“SCG and our employees are part of this world. From now on, the ESG 4 Plus is the core mission that we strive to achieve, by integrating the knowledge, expertise, and experience, along with innovation and technology. This shall alleviate the crises and sustain the society, under the ESG umbrella. Nevertheless, SCG cannot untangle the crises alone, we urge every sector to jointly care for a better world, to pass on to the next generations. Let’s begin together, for us, for a sustainable world," Roongrote concluded.

Roongrote Rangsiyopash, president and CEO, SCG, spoke about colossal crises of the world and ESG standards used in SCG's business operations to resolve them for a more sustainable future

Thammasak Sethaudom, vice president of Finance and Investment and director of Finance of SCG introduced the new business of SCG, SCG Cleanergy

Yuttana Jiamtragan, SCG's vice president of Corporate Administration, spoke about the management's commitment to ESG

Tanawong Areerachakul, president of SCG Chemicals, discussed SCG Chemicals' efforts to be part of the force against climate change

Wichan Jitpukdee, CEO of SCGP (SCG's packaging industry), discussed the initiatives SCGP is undertaking to help the community

Nithi Patarachoke, president of Cement-Building Materials Business, SCG presented green building solutions