The spotlight shines bright on Thailand as the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) unveils yet another leap forward with their ambitious initiative, the “Saraburi Sandbox Low Carbon City”. As part of the World Economic Forum’s esteemed “Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative”, this project marks Thailand’s first, ASEAN’s third, and the world’s 21st industrial cluster to join this transformative movement. The project is a testament to TCMA’s pioneering efforts in championing sustainable practices and accelerating the shift towards low-carbon cities.
Steering the helm of this groundbreaking venture is Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of the TCMA. He elaborates that the “Saraburi Sandbox Low Carbon City” initiative, officially launched on the 15th of August, 2023, operates under a dynamic public-private-people partnership (PPP) model. At its core is the Governor of Saraburi Province, with robust support from TCMA, the Federation of Thai Industries-Saraburi Province, seven pivotal ministries, and a coalition of over 21 local organizations and civic bodies. Their concerted efforts have catapulted the project to global acclaim, celebrating its novel ecosystem approach aimed at slashing carbon footprints.
The “Saraburi Sandbox” initiative has captured international applause for its trailblazing capability to cultivate a thriving innovation ecosystem. By fusing the talents and resources of public, private, and civil sectors, the project races towards establishing a low-carbon società. Among its standout achievements is the nationwide transition to hydraulic cement—a low-carbon alternative—heralding the end of traditional high-carbon cement production by 2025. This push towards cleaner energy in the cement industry is accompanied by a strategic adoption of alternative fuels, including biomass, solar power, and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The initiative also champions grid modernization and leads pivotal research in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technology. These strides are showcased at international climate forums, notably the COP summits.
In tandem with these initiatives, the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA) has showered their support, bestowing TCMA the prestigious honor of co-hosting the GCCA CEO Gathering and Leader Conference in 2024. The event witnessed a congregation of top-tier cement and concrete manufacturers from across the globe, aligning their efforts to curb carbon emissions. Adding to the momentum, Thailand has secured over 200 million baht in Green Fund assistance from Canada, empowering the Thai cement and concrete sectors in their ambitious journey towards Net Zero by 2050.
Excitement hit the rooftop during Climate Week New York City 2024, when “Saraburi Sandbox” was heralded as the latest inductee into the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative. This inclusion marks Thailand’s premier industrial cluster, ASEAN’s third, and the 21st globally, aligning proactively with the global community’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) on greenhouse gas mitigation.
Dr. Chana expressed immense pride, “Being selected by the World Economic Forum’s Transitioning Industrial Clusters Initiative bolsters Saraburi Province’s march towards becoming a premier low-carbon city. It’s a resounding endorsement of TCMA and its affiliates’ potential to synergize with other industrial clusters. Backed by governmental support, our trajectory towards a green energy transformation will fortify Thailand’s economic resilience and foster win-win scenarios through technology, policy, cooperation, and strategic financing, enriched by global partners’ best practices.” This statement came following his insightful presentation at the Partnership in Focus forum during the High-Level Ministerial/CEO Roundtable alongside the Summit of the Future.
Positioned as an area-based implementation, “Saraburi Sandbox” elevates Saraburi Province to the exemplar pedestal in Thailand’s greenhouse gas reduction framework. Following the meticulous 3C framework—Communication, Collaborative Action, Conclusion step-by-step—it aligns perfectly with Thailand’s NDC Roadmap aimed at net-zero carbon footprints. TCMA strides hand-in-hand with government, private sector stalwarts, and civic partners across five critical sectors: Industrial Processes and Product Use (IPPU), Energy, Waste, Agriculture, and Land Use, Land Use Change, and Forestry (LULUCF). These prototype projects illuminate action pathways, exposing areas ripe for enhancement and offering blueprints for replicable success stories across other provinces.
Wow, what a tremendous initiative! It’s amazing to see Southeast Asia stepping up in the fight against climate change. Saraburi leading the charge is pretty inspiring.
I get the ambition, but how effective will this really be? Industry always finds ways to skirt around real change to maintain profits.
True, but with so many stakeholders involved, it’ll be hard for any single entity to impede progress. Plus, international pressure helps.
Honestly, more investment in newer tech is key. This whole transition thing is not just about rules; tech makes it happen faster.
I’m really worried about how this might disrupt local communities. Do people living in these areas actually get a say?
From what I understand, the ‘public-private-people partnership’ should ideally mean they do. But historically, these promises sometimes fall short.
Exactly! We’ve got to ensure that these voices aren’t overshadowed by big corporations.
Why isn’t hydraulic cement more popular already? Seems like a no-brainer with its environmental benefits.
Cost usually. Repurposing entire production lines is expensive. Traditional cement is just easier in the short term.
Short-sightedness is the bane of innovation! Secure more funds for this, and it’s win-win long-term.
It’s incredible how corporate entities are now starting to take their social responsibilities more seriously. True change starts at the top!
Are they really starting to change, or is this just another PR exercise to make them look good? Skeptical as ever.
Fair doubt, but public pressure can only increase from here. Agreed, time will tell.
Gotta say, the strategic adoption of alternative fuels is a game changer for the cement industry.
Does anyone else wonder what ‘Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage’ even looks like in practice? Sounds sci-fi to me.
It’s real! CCUS tech is already at work, capturing emissions and converting them into usable forms like construction material, or even fuels.
Amazing that they’ll stop making high-carbon cement by 2025. Why did it take so long to switch to greener tech, though?
Evolution of tech is slow, sadly. Plus, switching production lines is expensive. But we’re getting there—better late than never.
Really hope other industries can follow suit soon. Our planet can’t wait forever.
This kind of progressive collaboration is what every country should aim for. Truly sets a high bar for sustainability efforts globally.
Or it’s just setting the bar so high that others won’t even try to reach it. Could jinx the cause instead.
Look at this as Thailand claiming its space on the world stage with this bold move. A new era for economic resilience?
Reading this, all I hear is big words. How many everyday people are really going to see or feel these changes?
Dr. Chana’s enthusiasm is palpable. Leadership matters in tackling such global issues—hope others follow his example.
Smart move with getting financial backing from Canada. Shows how international alliances can benefit local projects.
But isn’t the real challenge ensuring these projects stick to their goals and don’t deviate?
Saraburi as a low-carbon city is an exciting prospect! Would love to visit once it’s fully operational.
The step-by-step communication framework is key! Great dissemination equals fewer misunderstandings.