SCG, in collaboration with public, private, and public sectors, is developing the “Saraburi Sandbox,” Thailand’s first low-carbon city model. Utilizing a “5+1” approach, the initiative aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 5 million tons by 2027, serving as a “living lab” for nationwide replication. This ambitious project is set to tackle climate change, foster sustainable growth, attract green investment, and propel Thailand towards its Net Zero commitments.
Bangkok, Thailand – As the global challenge of climate change intensifies, Thailand has firmly committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, targeting Carbon Neutrality by 2050 and Net Zero GHG Emissions by 2065. A pivotal initiative driving this national agenda is the “Saraburi Sandbox,” a groundbreaking project spearheaded by SCG (Siam Cement Group), one of Thailand’s largest industrial conglomerates, in partnership with governmental bodies, private enterprises, and the local community in Saraburi province. This initiative aims to establish Thailand’s premier low-carbon city model, functioning as a “living laboratory” for applying green technologies and innovations in a real-world context before scaling up to other regions.
During a special lecture at INTERCEM Asia 2025 on May 7, 2025, Mr. Charoenchai Chaliewkriengkrai, Bio-Circular Business Director at SCG Cement and Green Solutions Business and President of The Saraburi Federation of Industries, provided a comprehensive overview of the Saraburi Sandbox’s progress and vision. He underscored the urgent need for a transition to a low-carbon economy and highlighted the crucial role of the industrial sector, particularly the cement industry, in leading this transformation.
“The Saraburi Sandbox project is not merely about one company or one industry; it’s about transforming an entire province to pioneer a low-carbon city model,” stated Mr. Charoenchai. This aligns with Saraburi’s status as the heart of Thailand’s cement industry, accounting for 80% of the nation’s total production capacity, and consequently, its position as the second-highest carbon-emitting province after Bangkok. Thus, the transformation of Saraburi holds immense significance for Thailand’s national climate goals.
The Saraburi Sandbox has set an ambitious target: to reduce the province’s greenhouse gas emissions by 5 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO2eq) by 2027, from a 2019 baseline of approximately 22.1 million tons. Notably, two-thirds of these emissions originate from the cement industry and industrial processes (IPPU), presenting a substantial challenge that necessitates a multi-stakeholder approach.
At the core of this initiative is the “5+1 Strategy,” which aligns with Thailand’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC). The five primary pillars are: 1. Energy Transition, focusing on clean and renewable energy adoption; 2. Waste to Value, transforming waste into resources or alternative energy based on circular economy principles; 3. IPPU (Green Industry & Green Products), specifically decarbonizing the cement industry; 4. Low-Carbon Agriculture, reducing emissions from the agricultural sector; and 5. Green Spaces, expanding green areas to enhance carbon sequestration.
The distinguishing “+1” element is the “Integration of Responsibility & Oversight” through the “Quadruple P” collaboration model. This signifies a robust partnership between the Public sector, Private sector, People (local communities), and potentially Philanthropic organizations, ensuring genuine participation and inclusive development, with the local community at the heart of sustainable progress.
Over the past two years, the Saraburi Sandbox has launched and implemented numerous projects across 38 locations, encompassing 17 main initiatives throughout the province, demonstrating a firm commitment to tangible results. For instance, in the energy sector, flagship projects include the “Solar Floating” initiative at Khlong Phraeo Lake, with an 8 MWp potential, in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), and the “Solar Carport” at the Saraburi Provincial Government Center, generating 412.8 kW and abating 301 tons of CO2 annually.
In the crucial cement industry (IPPU), there’s a strong push for “Hydraulic Cement,” a low-carbon alternative, which now accounts for 80-90% of cement usage in Saraburi and is slated to become a mandatory standard by April 2025. Furthermore, the Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA), a key partner, has joined the Thailand Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage Alliance (TCCA) to advance CCUS technology in the country.
Waste management initiatives have adopted a “Regenerative Model,” featuring a pilot “Zero Waste School Community” program in 13 schools, promoting food waste management for fertilizer and biogas production, Refuse-Derived Fuel (RDF) production, and waste banks.
Low-carbon agriculture efforts include promoting “Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD)” rice cultivation, which reduces methane emissions by 40% and water consumption by over a third, alongside cultivating “Energy Crops” like Napier grass to mitigate PM2.5 pollution from agricultural burning and provide biomass fuel for the cement industry.
Finally, green space expansion is being driven by the “Forests for the Future” program, conserving 38 community forests spanning over 6,000 acres, and promoting “Sustainable Community-Based Ecotourism” like the “Saraburi Grand Moment” initiative, aiming to generate income for local communities and secure carbon credits from forest conservation.
Mr. Charoenchai emphasized four key drivers for the project’s success: enabling Policy to remove bottlenecks, Finance, particularly green financing mechanisms, appropriate Technology for decarbonization, and robust Governance fostering cross-sectoral collaboration. Saraburi province has established multiple working groups led by the Provincial Governor, with support from global partners such as the World Economic Forum (which has recognized Saraburi Sandbox as Thailand’s first industrial cluster in its “Transitioning Industrial Clusters” initiative), Princeton University, UNIDO, WBCSD, IFC, and the Green Climate Fund.
“We don’t see this merely as a provincial project; we envision the Saraburi Sandbox as a ‘living laboratory,’ a model that can be replicated in other provinces nationwide to help Thailand achieve its climate goals more rapidly,” Mr. Charoenchai concluded.
The findings, challenges, and recommendations stemming from the Saraburi Sandbox project are compiled annually into a “White Paper” presented to the Prime Minister and Cabinet at the SCG ESG Symposium. This mechanism aims to influence policy changes and drive Thailand’s transformation into a genuine low-carbon society. The success of the Saraburi Sandbox will not only positively impact Saraburi’s environment and economy but will also send a clear signal of Thailand’s readiness to attract green investment and lead sustainable development in the ASEAN region.
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