EGAT and EEI invite Thais to trade in their old A/C for new ones for green technology development and safety of the world
12 October 2023EGAT joined forces with EEI and affiliate networks to pilot the proper disposal of air-conditioner waste and refrigerants in order to participate in environmental conservation. The campaign “Trade in the Old for the New” was launched to give a discount of 1,000 Baht to customers who purchase a new air-conditioner and trade in their old ones to be disposed of properly. It is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 1,000 tons and help Thailand achieve Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Emissions sustainably.
On October 10, 2023, Mr. Tawatchai Sumranwanich, Assistant Governor – Power Plant Planning of the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), as the Chief Executive Officer of the EGAT Cooling Innovation Fund (CIF), presided over the commencement of the Proper Management of Air Conditioner Waste and Refrigerants Promotion Project under the CIF as well as gave a special speech on “The Importance of the Refrigerant Industry in Driving Thailand toward Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Emissions.” Mr. Narat Rujirat, Executive Director of the Electrical and Electronics Institute (EEI), along with representatives from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (Public Organization), Chulalongkorn University, Silpakorn University, Khon Kaen University, and Home Product Center Public Company Limited also joined the event held at Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel in Nonthaburi Province.
Mr. Tawatchai Sumranwanich, EGAT Assistant Governor – Power Plant Planning, stated that Thailand is considered the main hub of the air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturing industry; therefore, the country is moving toward green technology by using natural refrigerant that is eco-friendly and supported by the CIF. EGAT, EEI, and affiliate networks have collaborated to drive the Proper Management of Air Conditioner Waste and Refrigerants Promotion Project by piloting the process of collecting, disassembling, and disposing expired air conditioners properly from beginning to end according to the Circular Economy. “Trade in the Old for the New” is a campaign in which the public can receive 1,000 Baht discount per every purchase of an air-conditioner by simply trading in an old air-conditioner for the technician to disassemble and dispose of properly. This campaign will be piloted at HomePro Department Store, namely Future Park Rangsit, Pracha Chuen, and Ratchaphruek branches totaling 375 privileges from October 10, 2023 onwards, or until there are no more privileges left. It is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,000 tCO2e which will help Thailand achieve Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Emissions in the future.
Moreover, EGAT has modified the Energy-saving Label No.5 to include environmental conditions for air-conditioning and refrigeration, such as designs that consider material circulation or eco-friendly refrigerant, and the process of manufacturing, transporting, and waste disposal that are up to standard. The official usage of the new label will begin on January 1, 2024.
Mr. Narat Rujirat, EEI Executive Director, added that the Proper Management of Air Conditioner Waste and Refrigerants Promotion Project creates participation and encourages all sectors to be aware of the importance of managing air conditioner waste and refrigerants properly and efficiently in accordance with the draft of the Electrical Appliances and Electronic Equipment Waste Management Act which will be enforced in the future. The campaign will also help drive Thailand to develop a system to safely manage dangerous product waste, reduce environmental impact, and solve the electronic waste problem sustainably. Meanwhile, EEI is ready to be a part of supporting and solving environmental problems for the society and the public.