The Rise of Sustainable Living: How Consumers and Businesses are Shaping a Greener Future
Consumers are increasingly recognizing the power they wield through their purchasing decisions, particularly when it comes to creating sustainable homes and managing energy consumption. Across various sectors, from energy and construction to retail, businesses are responding with innovative solutions that make sustainable living more accessible, affordable, and impactful. This collaborative effort aims to accelerate the transition towards a greener, low-carbon future, driven by the collective actions of households, businesses, and policymakers.
Thailand's Ambitious Carbon Neutrality Goals
Thailand has set a target to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with a significant milestone of sourcing 50% of its energy from renewable sources by 2037. Achieving this ambitious goal requires widespread participation, with households playing a pivotal role. Every home represents a foundation for change, and the shift towards sustainability is no longer a matter of choice, but a necessity. It promises affordable energy and an improved quality of life for all.
The government recognizes the importance of aligning environmental and economic priorities to create shared value for consumers, businesses, and communities. To support household solar adoption, the government is focusing on enhancing safety standards, streamlining permit processes, offering tax incentives, and providing public education for both technicians and consumers.
The Growing Demand for Electricity and the Push for Solar Energy
Thailand's electricity consumption is on the rise, reaching 210 billion units in 2024, a 5.3% increase year-on-year. Peak demand soared to 36,792 megawatts in May, a 5.6% increase. Household electricity use experienced a significant jump, rising to 62 billion units, a 67% year-on-year increase. Projections indicate that total electricity consumption will reach 220 billion units this year.
To address this growing demand and promote clean energy, the government is actively encouraging household solar adoption through rooftop installation incentives. Energy authorities are also exploring the possibility of expanding power purchases from households, further incentivizing the widespread adoption of solar panels across the nation. The existing household solar scheme allows the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to purchase electricity at a set rate per unit through a long-term contract, aligning with the Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo) framework.
Private Sector Initiatives: Building a Sustainable Ecosystem
The private sector is playing a crucial role in building a sustainable ecosystem that supports Thailand's transition to a green economy. Businesses in housing-related sectors are particularly instrumental in driving this change, as they directly interact with consumers.
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Gulf: As a major player in energy and telecommunications, Gulf is committed to increasing renewable energy to over 40% of its total capacity by 2035 and achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Through its solar brand, the company aims to simplify the adoption of rooftop solar for households, ensuring trusted safety standards, certified installation, and real-time monitoring of electricity savings. Partnerships with other companies are expanding access to solar energy through convenient distribution channels and flexible financial solutions.
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SCG: This conglomerate is promoting sustainable living through its smart living concept, which integrates solar power, cooling, and air purification systems, all connected through a user-friendly app. The platform aims to enhance the quality of life while reducing carbon emissions. SCG has a long history of climate-focused solutions and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, guided by strong environmental, social, and governance principles. Their smart services even leverage artificial intelligence to recommend optimal times for energy-intensive activities, maximizing the use of rooftop solar energy.
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HomePro: As a leading home decor retailer, HomePro is actively advancing the green housing ecosystem through its "Trade-In" campaign. This program allows consumers to trade in old or unwanted household items for discounts on new purchases, facilitating responsible waste management and promoting circular product design. The company has collected a significant number of used appliances, which are then processed into new circular products. HomePro is also expanding its range of sustainable products and aims to generate a substantial portion of its total sales from these products by 2030.
Promoting Sustainable Consumption Through Financial Incentives
Financial institutions are also contributing to the sustainability movement by integrating it into their operations and offering incentives to consumers. By reducing carbon emissions through digital initiatives and promoting clean energy through targeted campaigns, these institutions are aligning with evolving consumer expectations and maximizing long-term social value.
These campaigns offer cardholders attractive benefits, such as installment plans, cashback, and exclusive deals on solar rooftops, energy-saving appliances, and home improvement products. These initiatives empower households to reduce their carbon footprint while enjoying long-term savings and an improved quality of life. As a result, spending on home and furniture categories is growing, with an increasing number of customers opting for sustainable options. The ultimate goal is to create a lasting positive impact, where energy-efficient homes enhance family well-being and contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon society.
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