MTEC-NSTDA and the Pollution Control Department (PCD) entered into an MOU to perform life cycle assessment on eco-friendly products and services. The signing ceremony was held on 11 March 2019 between MTEC Executive Director, Dr. Julathep Kajornchaiyakul and PCD Director General, Mr. Pralong Dumrongthai. This landmark collaboration will reinforce Thailand’s commitment to the green public procurement (GPP).
In conjunction with the MOU signing, a seminar was held to raise awareness and promote the implementation of GPP Plan. The seminar was well attended by representatives from relevant organizations, members of Thai Sustainable Consumption and Production Network (Thai SCP Network) and the private sector.
For over a decade, MTEC-NSTDA has accumulated its expertise in life cycle assessment (LCA) and established the National Life Cycle Inventory Database for public access since 2008. LCA methodology can be used to assess the environmental impacts and economic benefits of goods and services. This project therefore offers an opportunity for MTEC to use its expertise to support the Government’s GPP effort led by PCD.
PCD has been implementing the GPP Plan since 2008. The 1st GPP Plan (2008-2011), targeted at 170 central government agencies, was able to reduce 25,000 tons of CO2 eq and save 200 million baht in environmental protection cost based on 12 products. The 2nd GPP Plan (2013-2016) had 17 products and expanded the target groups to governmental departments, state enterprises, public organizations, universities and local administrative organizations. The 2nd Plan had a potential to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 11.3 million tons of CO2 eq and save 25 billion baht. The current GPP Plan (2017-2021) will expand the coverage to the private sector with 30 products and services. It is expected that the greenhouse gas emission will be reduced by 5-10% of that in the 2nd plan and save 25 billion baht in environmental protection cost.