BANGKOK, The Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET) disseminates the
“ESG Impact Assessment Report: THSI 2021” highlighting listed companies in the
THSI list, with an aim to trigger all sectors’ awareness of the importance of
and promoting toward sustainable business operation and long-term competitive
advantage.
SET Senior Executive Vice President Soraphol Tulayasathien said that SET always
encourages listed companies to take into account the environmental, social and
governance (ESG) aspects in order to secure competitive edge and sustainable
growth, while taking care of the society and the environment on an ongoing
basis. At the same time, SET also promotes responsible investing among investors
so as to manage risks and increase opportunities for good returns in the long
run. Recently, the “ESG Impact Assessment Report: THSI 2021″has been launched
which the case studies of listed companies in the Thailand Sustainability
Investment (THSI) list from eight industry groups, specifically embracing ESG
issues in their business operations, are gathered and showcased positive and
tangible outcomes for all stakeholders.
Notably, this report will benefit listed companies, entrepreneurs, investors and
interested parties to embed ESG in their own business operations and in
investment decisions. Inclusively, this project is in line with the SET’s
vision: “To Make the Capital Market ‘Work’ for Everyone”.
“ESG Impact Assessment Report: THSI 2021” illustrates that listed companies can
integrate ESG issues into their business strategies. In 2021, listed companies
played an important role in reducing negative impact on the environment,
developing employees, suppliers, customers, communities and the society. In
addition, they have strengthened their good corporate governance to ensure
transparency and accountability in their business activities. The companies’
impact and outcome can be evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively as follows:
-Environmental aspect: using technologies to increase the efficiency of
machinery, consuming less energy, reducing waste and reusing resources, to
minimize negative impact and create positive outcomes. For example, reducing
consumption of fossil fuel by 6 million liters and electricity usage by 941
million kilowatt-hours, while using over 814 million kilowatt-hours of renewable
energy and 177.2 million cubic meters of the reused water, and cutting
greenhouse gas emissions by over 15 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent
via production with eco-efficiency and green loans.
-Social aspect: establishing and disclosing human rights policies focusing on
fair treatment and human rights due diligence. Developing workforce skills to
remain competitive in the digital era and prioritizing workplace safety and
health via zero accident campaigns and initiatives to promote good hygiene and
healthcare during the COVID-19 crisis. Community development projects have
improved the quality of life in communities and boosted community dwellers’
income by THB 250 million (approx. USD 7.23 million). Over 14,000 communities
benefited from various projects related to natural resource conservation, while
people with disabilities and vulnerable groups could make THB 10 million in
extra income.
-Governance and economic aspects: cultivating the culture of transparency and
accountability to counter fraud. A total of 111 listed companies joined the
Collective Action Coalition project against corruption. Placing importance on
ESG risk assessment to ensure the readiness to adapt and deal with the
cyberthreats, aging society, and climate change. In addition, improving
suppliers’ cash flow by offering shortened credit terms and developing suppliers
towards sustainable business operations.
Source: The Stock Exchange of Thailand