| SUSTAINABILITY |
ThaiBev initiated the Water Sustainability Assessment (WSA) for both surface water and groundwater, beginning with Sura Bangyikhan Co., Ltd. Pathum Thani Province in 2017, and Beer Thip Brewery (1991) Co., Ltd. Phra Nakorn Si Ayutthaya Province in 2018. The objective was to conduct an in-depth assessment of present and future water risks covering the following four areas:
Satellite imagery is used to study watershed topography,
water flow direction, drainage, slope patterns, and trends
of water usage during the past ten years. This allows ThaiBev
to create a comprehensive risk mitigation strategy that is
appropriate for local conditions. It also allows the company
to assess sustainability and implement water management
plans for maximum efficiency in each production area.
Plans are made for water stewardship, both in terms of
quality and quantity, as ThaiBev aims to become a leader
in water management practices in the beverage industry.
In 2019-2020, ThaiBev plans to conduct water sustainability
assessments in five more factories to cover all of its business
groups, and will expand this activity to cover all factories
to ensure a sustainable business operation.
A water footprint consists of consumption data for both direct and indirect water usage for production and services throughout the supply chain. ThaiBev uses water footprint calculations to assess its water use and discharge rates, enabling the company to set water management policies to maximize the efficient use of water resources. ThaiBev is always looking for ways to reduce its water footprint by applying the 3Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle. The company considers its environmental impact, and attempts to reduce the risk of water shortages that can have a direct impact on its business. ThaiBev collaborates with its suppliers to better manage the use of water to ensure greater sustainability throughout the supply chain.
ThaiBev has consistently implemented water management projects
with all of its internal and external stakeholders with the goal of
preserving upstream forests. The company has collaborated with
local communities to conserve water resources and protect
ecosystems through the following projects:
The ThaiBev community development team, along with employee volunteers, worked on a water retention project to support community agriculture in Na Suan Sub-district, Sri Sawat District, Kanchanaburi Province. The project helps communities retain water by digging wells in areas prone to flooding and waterlogging. These function as a water catchment area. This project is designed to reduce the problem of water erosion on hillsides, and retain soil moisture for community farming. It is part of an organic agriculture program that ThaiBev sponsors, to ensure the most efficient use of water for the community. A group of speakers from Nong Nok Kaeo Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) in Lao Khwan District, Kanchanaburi Province, provided advice on the best well system practices and water storage procedures for the area, a demonstration of how academic knowledge can complement local knowledge to help manage water sustainability.
ThaiBev collaborates with communities and stakeholders involved in water use and water resource conservation, and supports local communities’ fair and equitable access to water resources. In 2019, ThaiBev implemented social and water conservation programs in six provinces across the country: namely, vetiver grass planting in Phetchaburi Province, mangrove planting in Samut Sakhon Province, constructing water retention ponds for agricultural use in Kanchanaburi Province, planting mulberry trees and constructing houses to raise silkworms in Khon Kaen Province, planting mangroves and installing bamboo sticks as a tidal erosion barrier in Chanthaburi Province and building check dams in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
ThaiBev partnered with Wat Phuet Nimit School, Wat Lat Sai School, and Wat Kudi Prasit School in Pathum Thani and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Provinces to improve the school drinking water system. Water quality is monitored on a regular basis by collecting water samples and analyzing them at the factory’s laboratory, a facility certified by the Department of Industrial Works. The project also provides basic training about maintenance and cleaning of the water filtration system so that students always have clean, hygienic drinking water that meets quality standards. Students can also apply this knowledge at home. ThaiBev plans to extend this project to all schools in the areas surrounding the factory.
The spirit product group collaborated with Nakhon Chai Sri Sub-District Municipality in Nakhon Pathom Province and the local community to organize an activity called the “Weed and Water Hyacinth Removal in Public Canal Project.” This project encouraged communities to participate in addressing environmental pollution problems by removing weeds and water hyacinths in public canals in the Nakhon Chai Sri Sub-District. The project raised awareness in the community about the value of the environment, how to better protect and manage natural resources, and the importance of cleanliness.
The Grand Royal Group (GRG) has launched a “Clean Water” project with the aim of improving the quality of life and wellbeing
of residents in the Yangon, Mandalay, and Irrawaddy River areas,
many of whom still lack access to clean and hygienic drinking
water. This project can help avoid the problem of clean water
shortages during a crisis or disaster.
The GRG partnered with local authorities to build wells and water
tanks for local consumption and utilization. A committee was
established to maintain the projects and to educate local residents
on the topic of “water treatment methods in disaster situations.”
From April 2016 to September 2019, the GRG constructed
eight wells, 16 water tanks, and five wastewater treatment
facilities, serving more than 40,000 people and 6,000 households
throughout Myanmar. According to a report, the project
helped provide clean water to nine villages and one township
in Yangon and Mandalay, and was able to reduce the health
problems of 840 people caused by unclean water sources.
Effective water management in 2019 resulted in the reduction, reuse, and recycling of water in the following ways:
