CEAT collaborated with FIDIC to host the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023, themed ‘Engineering towards Net Zero,’ aimed at achieving net zero emissions in Thailand by 2065. The Governor of Bangkok attended the event’s opening, which welcomed over 200 participants from 20 countries.
What is Net Zero? How important is it? How can Thailand reduce greenhouse gas emissions to “zero” by 2065 ? What innovations are Thailand and other countries using to reduce greenhouse gas emissions? If we cannot reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or in the next 27 years, would Bangkok be submerged?
Hosted by the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand (CEAT), the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023 centered on the theme ‘Engineering towards Net Zero,’ took place from November 26 to 28 at the Millennium Hilton Bangkok.
This international gathering brought together engineering experts from the construction industry in Thailand and abroad, including government representatives and environmental stakeholders. Discussions revolved around the challenges, opportunities, and successful initiatives in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. These discussions are pivotal in shaping campaigns to achieve net zero emissions by 2065.
Over 200 participants hailing from 20 different countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Japan, Korea, China, among others, contributed to the discussions.
The official press conference and opening ceremony occurred on Monday, November 27, 2023, at the Grand Ballroom of the Millennium Hilton Hotel, Bangkok.
Several Thai government representatives, including Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok; Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich, Secretary General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning; Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, the President of the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand; Mr. Sudhir Dhawan, the President of FIDIC Asia – Pacific, India; Dr. Widhoon Chiamchittrong, the Advisor of the Consulting Engineers Association of Thailand; and Mr. Niwat Thanpitinan, the Chairman of the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023, were present.
The seminar covered five critical topics: 1) Building Design emphasizing low-carbon buildings 2) Energy Solutions 3) Transportation and Logistics focusing on low-carbon transportation 4) Urban & Rural Development encompassing urban planning, community development 5) Water Supply & Sanitation, and lastly, Special Session introducing the Group of Young engineers with Green Hearts (FIDIC Future Leaders).
Topics included innovative approaches such as ‘Innovations for Green Buildings towards Net Zero’ by SCG (Thailand) Co., Ltd., ‘Wastewater Treatment towards Net Zero’ by Thammasorn Energy And Environmental Management Co., Ltd., Thailand, and ‘Are EVs really helping Thailand reach Net Zero?’ by Amita Technology (Thailand) Co., Ltd., among others.
Additionally, lessons from various countries were shared, such as Suwon, South Korea, which achieved carbon neutrality through community collaboration, Net Zero buildings from Malaysia, guidelines for reducing carbon in buildings by Vietnam, zero-waste construction by Indonesia, water power by India, renewable energy by the Philippines, indigenous technology by Sri Lanka, Net Zero management by Nepal and Net Zero Standards in Singapore, among others.
Mr. Niwat Thanpitinan, the Chairman of the FIDIC Asia Pacific Conference 2023, mentioned, “Representing over 20 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, FIDIC ASIA PACIFIC chose Thailand to host this event. The topic of Net Zero requires cooperation from various sectors, and Thailand’s proactive stance in this matter is evident. CEAT play a pivotal role in designing and managing projects, and it’s our responsibility to raise awareness among project owners about the benefits of green buildings for their projects and the world.”
Mr. Chawalit Chantararat, the President of CEAT, highlighted, “Greenhouse gases, including carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, result from human activities and persist in the atmosphere for extended periods, ranging from 200 to 450 years.
Currently, the atmosphere contains an alarming 411 parts per million (PPM) of accumulated greenhouse gases. Should this level rise to 475 PPM, it will pose a grave threat to life on Earth. According to a United Nations study, if greenhouse gas emissions are not drastically reduced by 2050 or in the next 27 years, sea levels in the Gulf of Thailand could surge by 70 centimeters, potentially submerging Bangkok.”
Dr. Chadchart Sittipunt, the Governor of Bangkok, emphasized, “Making Net Zero a reality, not just a slogan, is imperative. While the 30-year roadmap to achieving net zero emissions may seem distant, Bangkok has set a short-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 3% per year.
Collaboration within the engineering sectors is crucial to achieving this. We must view these efforts not as costs but as business opportunities. Additionally, Bangkok plans to initiate campaigns to reduce energy consumption in buildings, promote sustainable transportation, manage waste effectively, and encourage the use of energy-saving LED light bulbs.”
Dr. Phirun Saiyasitpanich Secretary-General, Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, added, “Thailand aims not only for Net Zero by 2065 but also sets a short-term goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30-40% by 2030. The government encourages the adoption of alternative energy sources, promotes electric trains for intercity commuting, emphasizes public rail transportation, and advocates for water-efficient practices in the agricultural sector.
The seminar offered valuable insights and lessons from various countries in the Asia-Pacific region that could be applied in Thailand.”
The event also included a Business Matching activity to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote Thailand’s Soft Power, highlighted by the Low Carbon Loy Krathong Festival along the Chao Phraya River. Furthermore, discussions focused on the future and challenges faced by FIDIC, the global representative organization of the International Consulting Engineers Association, comprising over one million engineering professionals and 40,000 companies from more than 100 countries worldwide, in leading its members toward achieving the Net Zero goal.”
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