DEVELOPMENT OF SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION INDICATORS FOR INDUSTRIAL SECTOR ACCORDING TO CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRINCIPLES IN THAILAND

Abstract

The aim of this research is to (1) investigate sustainable consumption and production indicators for industries as well as examine the difficulties and limitations in using these indicators for the Eco-Factory program under the Federation of Thai Industries; and (2) develop sustainable consumption and production indicators for Thai industries based on the Sustainable Consumption and Production Roadmap 2017-2037 and circular economy principles which are part of Thailand’s long-term strategic plan under the national industrial development goals based on the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economy Model. At present, there appears to be no academic study of the Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) indicators for sustainable development at the micro level for industry in Thailand. This research focused on stakeholder involvement in developing indicators through surveys, in-depth interview, focus group meeting, seminar and workshop. The study results include a final version of SCP indicators (26 sets of indicators, 60 sub-indicators) consisting of 4 dimensions including environmental, social, economic and good governance dimensions. Recommendations for implementation of indicators are: (1) initiate pilot project to support practical implementation in the industrial sectors based on the industrial types including upstream, midstream, and downstream industries; (2) conduct a periodic review of the indicators, such as every 3 years, by entrepreneurs and other sectors, and there should be standards, evaluation and certification based on the circular economy standard of Thai Industrial Standard Institute (TISI); and (3) support information dissemination and workshops during as part of the first step to promote the readiness of industries interested in the implementation of and support for sustainability reporting resulting from the indicator implementation, as well as create a collaborative network between industries.

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