TCMA showcased the one-year progress of the ‘Saraburi Sandbox’ at COP29, uniting local and global stakeholders to accelerate joint actions by combining policy, technology, funding, and governance to enhance Thailand’s access to green funding towards achieving Net Zero 2050.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), revealed that this marks the organisation’s third consecutive year participating in COP, including COP29 hosted by the Republic of Azerbaijan from 11–22 November 2024 in Baku. The conference revolved around the theme In Solidarity for a Green World. Representing Thailand, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment highlighted key achievements at the Thailand Pavilion, focusing on climate policy, technology, action, and finance.
At COP29, TCMA, in collaboration with the Department of Climate Change and Environment (DCCE), the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), and UNIDO, shared lessons learned from the innovation ecosystem within the ‘Saraburi Sandbox.’ During the seminar ‘Saraburi Sandbox: Leading Thailand’s Pathway to a Low-Carbon City,’ held at both the Thailand and GCCA Pavilions, TCMA demonstrated its pivotal role in transitioning Thailand’s industrial sector to a sustainable and competitive low-carbon economy.
Over the past year, the ‘Saraburi Sandbox’ achieved significant milestones through a Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP), driven by TCMA, the Governor of Saraburi, and domestic and international agencies. Key successes include:
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Over 80% of construction projects in Saraburi now use hydraulic cement.
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The cement industry has increased its use of alternative fuels and renewable energy to 26%.
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A pilot project for cultivating energy crops, such as Napier grass, for use as alternative fuels in the cement industry.
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Installation of a solar carport with a renewable energy system at Saraburi City Hall.
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Community waste management initiatives led by local administrative organisations.
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Community forest projects to expand green areas across 38 locations.
The project has also attracted international collaboration. Princeton University studied the province’s renewable energy potential to guide future implementation plans, while GCCA facilitated global knowledge sharing and policy alignment to advance new projects. These initiatives are integral to implementing the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap and securing green funding for actionable projects.
“Having a clear plan, multi-sector cooperation, and the right partnerships—together with the vision of international organisations and actionable initiatives by local industries—is essential to driving change,” said Mr. Thomas Guillot, Chief Executive of GCCA. “What TCMA and Thai cement producers are doing is incredible and can inspire other countries. The ‘Saraburi Sandbox’ demonstrates TCMA’s pioneering role, and GCCA is proud to support these efforts with clear targets. UNIDO has further strengthened the initiative by connecting TCMA with critical funding sources.”
Dr. Chana emphasised the urgency of accelerating action: “The ‘Saraburi Sandbox’ has shown promising progress, but global peers are advancing rapidly. Thailand must accelerate multilateral collaboration across all sectors. Harmonising government policies, eliminating regulatory barriers to transitioning to a low-carbon economy, implementing low-carbon projects by the private sector, involving local communities, and gaining international support for low-carbon technologies and green funding will be critical to Thailand’s ability to achieve a sustainable and competitive low-carbon transition.”
