Social
“Zero Burn Community Model” Project
HIGHLIGHT
- The PM 2.5 and global warming problems resulting from the burning of agricultural by-products have intensified in recent years, and so have the issues of seasonal wildfires and smog in Lampang.
- SCG’s energy and environmental management policy has set a net zero emission target for its cement production process, in line with the government’s policy to promote the use of renewable energy in place of fossil fuels.
- At present, the Siam Cement (Lampang) Co., Ltd. uses a total of 96,000 tons of renewable fuels per year in place of rice husk, hay, corn husk, and wood chips, accounting for 16% of all its fuel consumption. The target for 2022 is to increase the use of renewable fuels to 144,000 tons/year or 24% of total fuel consumption.
Forest fires and smog in Lampang recur every year in January to April. The incident affects the condition of forests, wildlife, the health of the locals, transportation system, and the economy of the province. Forest fires are caused by farmers burning agricultural waste to prepare farmland or to search for non-timber forest products. To solve such problems, an energy and environmental management policy is set to reduce carbon dioxide (Net Zero Emission) and to promote renewable energy instead of fossil fuels. The policy leads to “Zero Burn Community Model” project with the cooperation of the government sector, the private sector as shown in the picture below.
The problem at the project site
Forest fires and smog in Lampang occur every year starting in January and tending to spread out extensively in March to April. The incident affects the condition of forests, wildlife, the health of the locals, transportation system, and the economy of the province. Forest fires are caused by farmers burning agricultural waste to prepare farmland or to search for non-timber forest products. Forest fires are mainly caused by farmers burning agricultural waste to prepare farmland or to search for non-timber forest products. The Siam Cement (Lampang) Co., Ltd. has an energy and environmental management policy to reduce carbon dioxide (Net Zero Emission) from the cement production process.
In addition, the government promotes renewable energy instead of fossil fuels such as biomass fuels from agricultural waste in open areas and forest areas. The project will expand to Chiang Mai and Phayao as well. With such vision, the project “Burning Less Model Community” was initiated with the cooperation of the government sector, the private sector.
Expected achievements
- Reduce the burning in open area by 7,075 rai.
- Eight “Zero Burn Community Model” were created and serve as a role model for communities in other areas.
- Reduce effects on health
- Strengthen the community and bring income to the community.
- Promote government policies.
Currently, The Siam Cement (Lampang) Co., Ltd. uses a total amount of 96,000 tons/year of alternative fuels namely rice husk, rice straw, corn husks, wood chips, RDF or 16% of total fuels consumed. In 2022, the company aims to use 144,000 tons/year of alternative fuels or 24% of total fuels consumed.
