ขับเคลื่อนเมืองต้นแบบอุตสาหกรรมเชิงนิเวศตามแนวคิด BCG สู่การพัฒนาที่ยั่งยืน…เมืองน่าอยู่คู่อุตสาหกรรมDriving Eco-Industrial Model Cities Based on the BCG Concept Towards Sustainable Development… Livable Cities Coexisting with Industry

The industrial sector remains highly significant to the economy. However, if the production processes impact the ecosystem or the environment, as well as the well-being of surrounding communities, issues of conflict and social unacceptance will increasingly arise, thereby affecting investment and continuous growth in the industrial sector.

The challenge today is that the industrial sector must adapt to ensure its survival and coexistence with communities in a harmonious and constructive manner, while collaboratively creating value in the form of environmental-friendly development/improvement of production processes and services.

..

Today, let us consider the issues of PM 2.5 dust or the phenomenon of greenhouse gases that surround us. Many might perceive these issues as distant and therefore do not pay much attention or feel any significant concern. Some may question, “Does it really concern us?”

Currently, Thailand is at risk of losing its competitiveness on the global stage due to both internal and external factors that diminish the country's competitive capabilities (Global Competitiveness Rankings Reflecting Challenges for Thai Businesses). Whether it be the capabilities of the manufacturing sectors, trade, services, and including entrepreneurs and personnel in organizations.

Therefore, understanding and delving deeply into the concepts and principles of sustainable development is essential for all relevant sectors to apply and comply with the changing development directives. If development takes into account the economy, society, and environment simultaneously and in a balanced manner without favoring one side over the other, it would indeed be very beneficial.

..

Operating businesses or enterprises that are environmentally friendly is the solution to maintaining peaceful coexistence between establishments/factories and the community and society. It also reflects corporate social responsibility.

However, the government has provided a strategic framework, as well as plans and performance indicators for developing the country sustainably based on the BCG concept. We, as practitioners and part of the economic driving force, should also play a role in responsibly caring for communities and society to achieve sustainability in the ecosystem.

Currently, the driving force to elevate the quality of the environment and the quality of life for people in communities and society under the operation of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is divided as follows:

1. Development of Eco-Industrial Towns consists of spatial development that connects the industrial sector with various agencies to create a good industrial community economy, while maintaining the environment and the quality of life for the community and society, aimed at achieving “Livable Cities Coexisting with Industry”, where communities and industries can coexist with mutual trust, which is currently implemented in 39 provinces across 54 areas.

The dimensions of Eco-Industrial Town development comprise 5 dimensions: physical, economic, environmental, social, and management. In promoting the development of Eco-Industrial Towns, there must be at least 40 model cities of “Livable Cities Coexisting with Industry”, divided into three phases:

• Phase 1: 15 provinces, 18 areas including Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Rayong, Chachoengsao, Prachinburi, Chonburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Ratchaburi, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Surat Thani, and Songkhla.

• Phase 2: Special economic zone areas in 4 provinces including Mukdahan, Sa Kaeo, Tak, and Trat.

• Phase 3: 20 provinces including Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi, Suphanburi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Phet, Nakhon Sawan, Chumphon, Lampang, Lamphun, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phuket, Phitsanulok, Buriram, Udon Thani, Ubon Ratchathani, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Krabi, and Lopburi.

Examples of activities initiated to serve as model blueprints in recent times include:

• The BCG - Eco Industrial Town in “Rayong-Chonburi” aims to connect and promote activities in agriculture, tourism, and industry.

• Ecological tourism activities in Rayong that connect industry, tourism, and agriculture.

2. Development of Eco Factories is part of promoting the establishment of Eco-Industrial Towns. The Institute of Water and Environment for Sustainability under FTI has been promoting the establishment of Eco Factories since 2014, aiming to encourage and support industrial factory operators to evaluate the performance of their Environmental Management Systems (EMS) throughout the life cycle perspective by enhancing production efficiency, utilizing resources efficiently, and achieving green productivity as much as possible, thereby earning recognition from the surrounding communities. This allows for the uplifting of environmental quality and quality of life for people in the community through mutual cooperation and interdependence.

Currently, there are a total of 380 establishments that have been certified as Eco Factories.

..

BCG Economic Model aims towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) alongside development through alteration and promotion for establishments/factories across the nation to focus on environmentally friendly operations and unwavering continuous development, ultimately achieving certification as Green Industry status, categorized into 5 levels:

Level 1: Green Commitment refers to demonstrating commitment through policies, goals, and action plans aimed at reducing environmental impacts, with thorough internal communication within the organization.

Level 2: Green Activity refers to undertaking activities in accordance with the set policies, goals, and action plans to concretely reduce environmental impacts and achieve the commitments established.

Level 3: Green System refers to systematic environmental management, including monitoring, evaluating, and reviewing for continuous development or receiving recognized environmental awards, or certification of standards related to resource conservation and environmental protection.

Level 4: Green Culture refers to the shared consciousness among everyone in the organization to conserve and maintain a good environment and collaborate on all operational aspects to be environmentally friendly, making these initiatives a part of the organizational culture.

Level 5: Green Network refers to extending the scope of being a Green Industry from within the organization to the outside, throughout the supply chain, by supporting partners and collaborators to become Green Industries as well.

Each level serves as an indicator of the environmental friendliness performance of industrial factories. Furthermore, it is also a starting point for elevating and driving the quality of life for everyone.

..

Successfully developing industrial economies alongside minimizing environmental impacts necessitates cooperation from all stakeholders, including time and readiness across all sectors, to achieve sustainable development.

However, any development aiming for sustainability will only hold meaning if we all recognize that this is one and the same issue!