The Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), in collaboration with the Thai and Canadian governments, UNIDO, and the Global Cement and Concrete Association (GCCA), has launched the ‘SARABURI SANDBOX,’ a groundbreaking low-carbon pilot project to advance sustainability in the cement and concrete industry. Supported by a green fund from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), this initiative is Thailand’s first regional prototype for reducing carbon emissions in its largest cement production hub.
Dr. Chana Poomee, Chairman of TCMA, highlighted the cement industry’s vital role in Thailand’s economy, contributing 7.7% of the GDP and underpinning infrastructure, industrial, and residential development. With a vision to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050, TCMA unveiled its comprehensive roadmap at COP27 in 2022. The Saraburi Sandbox exemplifies this commitment by integrating Public-Private-People Partnership (PPP) to foster green technologies, sustainable innovations, and multi-sector collaboration.
The first year of the pilot project has accelerated carbon reduction through cross-sectoral cooperation, access to cutting-edge technologies via green funding, and robust government policy support. Key stakeholders include TCMA members, international organisations like UNIDO, and policymakers working together to align with Thailand’s NDC Roadmap for carbon neutrality.
Dr. Chana expressed gratitude to the Thai and Canadian governments for their policy support and green fund contributions. “The pilot project not only reinforces Thailand’s commitment to the NDC but also sets a model for global knowledge sharing across industries, including ASEAN and beyond,” he noted.
The Saraburi Sandbox represents a critical step toward a sustainable future, showcasing how Thailand’s cement industry is aligning economic progress with environmental responsibility to lead the region in green transformation.
