Thailand cuts 3.8 million tonnes of CO₂ through low-carbon cement, accelerating beyond NDC targets and advancing a collaborative Net Zero model

Thailand has surpassed its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) targets by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the large-scale deployment of low-carbon cement. Since 2019, the country has cut more than 3.8 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent by substituting traditional clinker-based cement with hydraulic cement, which contains less carbon-intensive materials. This achievement, announced at the "TCMA at 20: The Next Chapter to Net Zero" event, highlights Thailand’s ability to implement ambitious climate policies and deliver measurable environmental benefits. The milestone was reached through the Industrial Process and Product Use (IPPU) sector, specifically via the clinker substitution program. Hydraulic cement, now the dominant type of structural cement used throughout Thailand, plays a central role in this transition. By reducing the proportion of clinker, known for its high carbon footprint, in cement production, the country has managed to lower emissions while maintaining the quality and durability required for construction projects. The success of this initiative was celebrated during the TCMA event, where H.E. Mr. Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Industry, acknowledged the contributions of 34 implementing partners and six ministries that worked together to advance the policy. The minister emphasized that the achievement was a result of coordinated efforts across government, industry, academia, and professional organizations. He described the outcome as a demonstration of how collaboration can drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change. Mr. Surachai Nimla-or, Chairman of the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), added that the success of the clinker substitution program was due to sustained cooperation across multiple sectors. His comments underscored the importance of research and development, standardization, and market-driven strategies in promoting the adoption of low-carbon technologies. According to him, the cement industry continues to play a vital role in supporting Thailand’s transition to a more sustainable economic model. The transition to hydraulic cement has had a noticeable impact on emissions. In 2021 alone, the program reduced approximately 300,000 tonnes of CO₂, achieving results nine years earlier than initially planned. From 2022 to 2023, another 1 million tonnes of emissions were cut, bringing the total reduction to over 3.8 million tonnes since 2019. These figures reflect a consistent and growing trend of emissions decline, driven by both policy support and market demand for environmentally friendly building materials. The success of the initiative was made possible by the involvement of numerous stakeholders. Six ministries provided policy guidance and institutional backing, ensuring that the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks were in place to facilitate the transition. Additionally, 34 implementing partners, including companies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations, played critical roles in developing new technologies, setting industry standards, and promoting the use of hydraulic cement across different sectors. The widespread adoption of hydraulic cement has already transformed the construction landscape in Thailand. It is now commonly used in major infrastructure projects, public buildings, industrial complexes, and residential developments. This shift indicates a fundamental change in how the country approaches construction and urban development, prioritizing sustainability alongside functionality and cost-efficiency. Looking forward, officials believe the model developed in the cement sector can serve as a blueprint for other industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprints. Mr. Surachai suggested that similar collaborative approaches could be applied to sectors such as manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Furthermore, he expressed optimism about expanding the initiative regionally, potentially influencing neighboring countries to adopt comparable strategies. As Thailand moves closer to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, the success of the clinker substitution program stands as a clear example of how strategic planning, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration can lead to substantial environmental improvements. The continued use of hydraulic cement and the ongoing engagement of diverse stakeholders will likely shape the nation’s path toward a more sustainable future.