With foreign investment flowing into Thailand, WHA Corporation Plc has not only seen revenue growth but also increased investment in environmentally friendly projects and a comprehensive work environment. This is considered a pillar of ensuring business sustainability.

"Focusing on ESG helps us strengthen risk management," said Jareeporn Jarukornsakul, chairwoman of the executive committee and group CEO of WHA Corporation Plc. The company operates in industrial estates, logistics, utilities and power, and digital platforms.

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) is not only a guideline for medium- and long-term strategic planning, but also a standard for evaluating the level of responsible and sustainable operations. WHA integrates ESG into its annual business plan, alongside revenue growth targets and risk control in environmental, financial, and human relations, especially for its employees.

Utilizing non-hazardous industrial waste as fuel for power generation not only optimizes resources for WHA but also significantly contributes to CO2 emission reduction goals. Photo: Bangkok Post

Utilizing non-hazardous industrial waste as fuel for power generation not only optimizes resources for WHA but also significantly contributes to CO2 emission reduction goals. Photo: Bangkok Post

WHA has launched a CO2 emission reduction campaign, aiming to optimize financial management and become a green logistics operator. One notable project involves providing environmentally friendly transportation and logistics services to customers in industrial zones.

Earlier this year, WHA announced plans to launch 1,700 rental vehicles, primarily electric vehicles (EVs). In Quarter I, over 330 EVs were leased by logistics companies, saving them over 600 million Baht in transportation costs. WHA aims to increase the number of rental vehicles to 20,000 by 2029, equivalent to a reduction of 280,000 tons of carbon dioxide (CO2e) annually.

This initiative is part of the smart mobility expansion strategy for Mobilix, which includes EV rental services, charging station solutions, and mobility management software. WHA is also committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

A power plant operated by Chonburi Clean Energy in Si Racha district, Chon Buri province, Thailand. Photo: Bangkok Post

A power plant operated by Chonburi Clean Energy in Si Racha district, Chon Buri province, Thailand. Photo: Bangkok Post

Alongside green logistics, WHA is accelerating its investment in solar energy through WHA Utilities and Power Plc (WHAUP). With the private power purchase agreement (PPA) model, customers require no initial investment. WHA installs and operates the solar panel systems, and customers only pay for electricity under long-term agreements.

WHA aims to increase total solar power capacity from 657 MW in 2024 to 1,200 MW in 2029, reducing CO2e emissions by 683,000 tons and generating over 5.6 billion Baht in revenue annually. Customers will also save approximately 1.86 billion Baht in electricity costs annually.

In addition, WHA develops floating solar power and solar-powered LED lighting in industrial zones, contributing to the reduction of direct (Scope 1) and indirect (Scope 2) emissions. "ESG also enhances access to capital. Banks and investors are increasingly considering climate risks when reviewing credit and investments," Jareeporn emphasized.

WHA applies the 3R policy – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – to eliminate landfill waste. WHAUP has co-invested in Chonburi Clean Energy (CCE), a power plant fueled by non-hazardous industrial waste. In 2023, CCE processed 120,913 tons of waste, producing 54,823 MWh of electricity.

The company also launched the WeCYCLE project in 2022 to improve waste sorting in its operating areas, transforming 68 tons of PET plastic bottles into school backpacks. To date, initiatives like CCE and WeCYCLE have helped eliminate 378 tons of CO2e with the participation of 126 companies.

Students display new backpacks made from PET plastic bottles. Photo: Bangkok Post

Students display new backpacks made from PET plastic bottles. Photo: Bangkok Post

People are a crucial element in risk management. WHA enhances employee benefits beyond legal standards, while focusing on occupational health and safety. Programs such as "WHA care," "WHAppy Friday," "Fit and Firm Balance," "Stretching Fit for Fun," and stress management help maintain employee morale and engagement.

"Caring for employees not only retains talent but also mitigates risks from toxic work environments, unfair wages and development opportunities," said Jareeporn. This is also the foundation for WHA to build long-term sustainability.

WHA Corporation Plc (WHA) is a leading Thai group in logistics and integrated industrial estate development, established in 2003. WHA's operations range from logistics and industrial estate infrastructure development to utilities, power, and digital services, with a presence in many Southeast Asian countries. In 2012, WHA was officially listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), marking a significant milestone in its expansion. By 2015, the group acquired Hemaraj Land And Development Plc (now WHA Industrial Development Plc), becoming the largest industrial estate developer in Thailand and solidifying its position in the region.

Hai My (Bangkok Post)