Recognising the global challenge of reducing carbon footprints while ensuring sustainable business development, Kobelco South East Asia, a regional headquarters of KOBELCO Group in Southeast Asia, South Asia and Oceania, specialising in steel material supply, has been at the forefront of innovation and iron-based advancements to address environmental concerns. These efforts, aligned with social needs and core business capabilities, have established a solid foundation for climate change solutions, particularly in capital-intensive industries often overlooked for non-profit purposes.
"Carbon neutrality by 2050 poses tremendous challenges for countries worldwide, especially heavy industrial nations like Japan, Thailand, the USA, and many others. KOBELCO, through Kobe Steel Ltd. in Japan, embraces the concept of sustainability and is strategically focusing on contributing to a green society as one of our Materiality Issues," stated Akihiko Endo, Managing Director of Kobelco South East Asia Co., Ltd.
An emerging social issue highlighted by the United Nations' Global Compact Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is Life Below Water. Kobelco South East Asia (KSEA) aims to promote marine biodiversity to preserve the oceanic ecosystem, which is increasingly at risk due to rising ocean temperatures caused by human-induced climate change and ocean pollution.
The ocean has absorbed over 90% of the excess heat in the climate system, resulting in marine heatwaves and threatening the survival of marine life. Without a balanced underwater ecosystem, achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 would be an ineffective endeavour.
"One of our CSR activity highlights was the KSEA Sea Turtles preservation event at the Phuket Marine Biological Center on June 16th, 2023. This successful marine restoration project is expected to mitigate rising ocean temperatures and promote natural reproduction. Twenty KSEA staff members and their families joined this volunteer event, contributing to turtle habitat preservation in Phuket. At the centre, we cleaned turtle shells, fed the turtles, and donated a refrigerator for turtle food storage and gelatine for make turtle food aiming to support their growth and overall well-being," explained the spokesperson.
Marine preservation has become a significant focus for KSEA, as the country is surrounded by the ocean and faces increasing concerns about plastic waste and other environmental hazards. Phuket, known for its turquoise oceanic territory, has experienced similar disruptions to its underwater ecosystem due to tourism and extensive business development.
"The alarming damage to our seas has awakened our staff's eagerness to contribute more to nature. The steel industry, including our staff and the world, acknowledges that it is one of the leading contributors to global CO2 emissions through the iron blast furnace process. It is crucial for our employees to realise that even small actions can make a positive or negative impact on the world. By conducting CSR programs within our group, we foster an appreciation for nature and strengthen teamwork, ultimately driving our business towards success," emphasised the spokesperson.
Since the establishment of the KOBELCO Group in 1905 and its presence in Thailand since 1968, the company has continuously developed innovative products and technologies to bring about positive changes. This includes lightweight materials like high-strength steel and aluminium in vehicles and electric vehicles, aimed at reducing CO2 emissions.
"With the support of our industrial partners, customers, and the government, our business is thriving with a focus on sustainability, benefiting both our company and the national economy. Our contribution through CSR programs, whether related to the environment or providing support to underprivileged communities, is a key driver for global change. Furthermore, it helps cultivate an employee mindset that values their surroundings, contributing to the overall progress of our business," concluded the Managing Director of Kobelco South East Asia Co., Ltd.