The Thai Shopping Centre Association (TSCA) is promoting sustainable policies covering economic, environmental and social aspects to strengthen the economy.
"Shopping centres are a key player connecting other industries from upstream to downstream. We realise the importance in joining hands to create a strong sustainable ecosystem that benefits all sectors. Malls provide opportunities to entrepreneurs, farmers and communities," said Chanavat Uahwatanasakul, president of the TSCA.
The association agreed to support the country's net-zero goal, he said.
"This year, the TSCA issued a policy to encourage member shopping centres to join hands to raise the air-conditioning temperature by 1°C to help save energy and also encourage the public sector to support energy-saving," said Mr Chanavat.
"In waste management, we have joined hands with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration in the campaign: 'This shopping centre separates waste', starting with food waste management and ensuring that TSCA member shopping centres become a model for other large retail operators."
The TSCA plans to develop 18 new projects worth more than 152 billion baht by 2030, he said.
Association members operate 90 malls nationwide, accounting for a total area of 15 million square metres, or 50% of the sector in Thailand. TSCA members employ 220,000 people, including partner store employees, creating roughly 500,000 jobs in the industry, said Mr Chanavat.
Moreover, the association is encouraging its members to implement energy management measures. Its members have reduced energy consumption by 25 million units per year, which is equal to 113 million baht per year, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 12,527 tonnes of carbon dioxide, equivalent to planting more than 1.3 million trees, an area of roughly 7,000 rai, he said.
"If the entire industry works together, we can reduce energy consumption by 53 million units, equal to 238 million baht per year," said Mr Chanavat.
The association also supports the use of clean energy in the service sector by installing solar panels on roofs, with a total production capacity peak of 66 megawatts, 34% higher than the electricity production capacity of the Ubonrat Dam produced from a combination of hydro and solar power.
It is estimated that electricity produced by TSCA members' rooftop solar power systems stands at 86 million units, representing a total investment value of 1.7 billion baht.
The association consists of 12 shopping centre business operators, namely Central Pattana, The Mall Shopping Complex Co, Siam Piwat Co, Seacon Development, Rangsit Plaza Co, Platinum Group, MBK, Siam Future Development, Ally REIT Management Co, One Bangkok Co, Pacific Park Sriracha and Index Living Mall.