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.
Interested persons can download the case studies of sustainable businesses in the "ESG Impact Assessment Report: THSI 2021" at www.setsustainability.com.