Dow programme to promote industrial sustainability

The industrial sector, which contributes nearly half of Thailand's gross domestic product, is at risk. Sustainability can't be achieved if some members violate rules.

Seeing the importance of this issue, Dow Chemical Thailand is extending its support to ensure sustainability of the sector. In partnership with the Thailand Environment Institute Foundation and the Department of Industrial Promotion of the Ministry of Industry, it has launched the "Sustainable Environment Management and Pollution Prevention Training Programme" for industries.

The programme, which took place from February 1-3, was the first "train the trainer" initiative that targets educating representatives from the private and public sectors to become potential trainers in each industrial target group. The instructors at this training course include specialists from leading universities and organisations who will share their knowledge in achieving sustainable development for industries through the use of an innovative concept called "Lean Management for Environment".

Set up to help expand knowledge on effective environmental management and sustainable pollution prevention to wider communities, the programme will consistently run from February to November 2012. Its aim is to provide free training courses on "cleaner production" for academics and all personnel relevant to environmental, health, and safety industries, including various manufacturers, reaching more than 2,000 people by the end of this year.

"At Dow, we always create the highest awareness on environmentally friendly operations for the industrial sectors. We are committed to bringing our global experience and sharing our best practices to help other industrial entrepreneurs gain more effective and more systematic approaches to environmental management and pollution prevention," said Vorapong Vorasuntharosoth, Government Affairs Leader for Southeast Asia/Australia/New Zealand Region, Dow Chemical Thailand.

To him, creating sustainable development for the whole industry sector is aligned with Dow's 2015 sustainability goal.

Vuttichai Tangam, director of Bureau of Target Industries Development, echoed that this proactive and important project for the long-term development of environmental management in Thailand's industry sector is also aligned with the Industry Ministry's Green Industry Policy. The policy is aimed at encouraging industrial entrepreneurs to move towards five green-industry levels: Green Commitment (first level), Green Activity (second level), Green System (third level), Green Culture (fourth level), and Green Network (fifth level)".

To Qwanruedee Chotichanathawewong, president of the Thailand Environment Institute, a co-developer of training curriculum, the institute has a number of specialists and network partners who can provide indepth knowledge on cleaner production for industries. She has also invited all relevant personnel to join this training programme to help promote the Thai industry as "a genuine green industry and help turn our country around to eventually become a low-carbon society".