A kick-off event took place on 20 August 2024 in Mueang District, Saraburi Province, marking the launch of a project aimed at developing a model for agricultural and municipal waste management to foster a low-carbon society in Saraburi. The event featured a welcome address by Ms. Kanchanittha Eksaengsri, Chief of Saraburi Provincial Office for Local Administration, an opening speech by Dr. Chutima Eamchochawalit, Governor of Thailand Institute of Scientific and Technological Research (TISTR), and a policy address by Dr. Siriporn Pittayasophon, Senior Strategist and Acting President of NXPO.
Ms. Kanchanittha highlighted that Saraburi has 109 local administrative organizations, each managing different types of waste, including municipal, agricultural, and industrial waste. Through extensive collaboration with partner organizations, this project will establish an effective waste management model for each local administrative organization to adopt, adapt and implement in their communities, driving Saraburi towards becoming a low-carbon city.
Dr. Chutima underscored that this project exemplifies significant collaboration among multiple stakeholders to address agricultural and municipal waste management and utilization. Through the Saraburi Sandbox initiative—a comprehensive public-private partnership—this project will not only help Saraburi achieve a low-carbon society but also create jobs and improve the quality of life for local communities.
Dr. Siriporn emphasized NXPO’s key role in driving the Saraburi Sandbox initiative, dating back to the formation of the Decarbonization Consortium in 2022, following Thailand’s pledge to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2065. As a key partner in the “PPP-Saraburi Sandbox: A Low Carbon City” initiative, NXPO collaborates with Saraburi Province, the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), 21 other agencies, and 7 ministries. This initiative has also gained international recognition through its introduction at COP27 and COP28. NXPO is focused on leveraging higher education, science, technology, innovation, and international collaboration to drive progress in the Saraburi Sandbox. To support the net-zero emissions goal, NXPO is conducting a study on carbon-to-methanol conversion, advancing the Saraburi Sandbox, fostering innovation, and connecting with international technology and financial mechanisms. Additionally, in collaboration with TISTR, NXPO is establishing a digital platform to develop waste management innovations based on circular economy principles. This platform aims to maximize resource efficiency, reduce the consumption of new natural resources, and upcycle waste materials, thereby adding value, generating income for communities, and reducing waste disposal costs.
This initiative positions Saraburi as a model for agricultural and municipal waste management, promoting innovations that lead to efficient resource use, waste reduction, and value creation from waste materials with contributions from policymakers, research institutions, businesses, industries, and community participation. This platform has the potential to be expanded and applied to other regions, further advancing the circular economy.
Photo credit: TISTR
