Circular Economy
EGAT places great importance on efficient resource utilization, waste reduction, and avoiding operations that negatively impact the environment. To achieve this, EGAT has adopted circular economy principles across the organization, covering material sourcing, production, usage, and waste management. This approach aligns with Thailand’s National Strategy (2018–2037) and supports the country’s Carbon Neutrality policy by promoting resource optimization, maximizing material value through circulation, and fostering organizational growth toward a sustainable future.
As part of this commitment, EGAT has developed an operational plan to become a Circular Economy Organization, with a defined framework for implementation from 2021 to 2030.
Key Principles of the Circular Economy
Definition of Circular Economy
Circular economy refers to a concept focused on planning and designing systems to maximize the efficient use of finite natural resources. It emphasizes preserving and creating value within the system by extending the lifespan of materials and products, maintaining a continuous resource circulation loop within a closed system, eliminating waste disposal, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The circular economy system is considered one of the models within the Bio-Circular-Green economic model (BCG), which aims to support sustainable development.
Key Principles of the Circular Economy System
EGAT Circular Economy Implementation
In 2021, EGAT conducted a study to assess the organization’s potential for establishing a circular economy system. This included evaluating EGAT’s environmental performance using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. Data was collected from representative areas covering all types of business operations to understand the current practices. EGAT also explored the feasibility of potential pilot projects and developed an EGAT Circular Economy Strategic Plan. These efforts were made to transform EGAT into a circular economy organization, aiming for sustainable development in accordance with the Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations – guide (TCAS 2-2562).
In 2022, EGAT announced the Circular Economy Policy to be implemented organization-wide. Pilot projects were initiated across all business units under the EGAT circular economy strategic plan. To support this effort, EGAT established two working groups: one to drive the circular economy system and another to oversee pilot projects. These groups were tasked with advancing implementation in line with strategic objectives and ensuring the achievement of defined targets. Additionally, EGAT developed operational guidelines based on circular economy principles in accordance with the Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations – guide (TCAS 2-2562), aiming to become a circular economy organization by 2023.
In 2023, EGAT officially transitioned into a circular economy organization by implementing circular economy policy and operational guidelines across the entire organization. Circular economy pilot projects were actively monitored across all business units to ensure alignment with the policy and strategic objectives outlined in the circular economy strategic plan.
From 2024 onward, EGAT has planned to enhance the implementation of circular economy projects by improving resource efficiency, reducing waste to zero landfill, and elevating operations toward sustainability through innovation.
Implementation According to TCAS 2-2562 Standard
EGAT has integrated the Circular Economy Organization Action Plan into EGAT strategic planning for 2021–2030, with the goal of becoming a circular economy organization by 2023. Based on the evaluation criteria outlined in the Circular Economy Assessment Guidebook by the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM), EGAT achieved a score of 800 points or higher.
In 2022, EGAT collaborated with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) to collect operational data and assess the effectiveness of circular economy practices across all business units. This data was then used to evaluate EGAT’s overall performance in applying circular economy principles.
In 2023, EGAT, in collaboration with the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), conducted an organizational assessment of EGAT circular economy implementation performance. The evaluation followed the criteria outlined in the Circular Economy Assessment Guidebook (2nd revised edition, 2021), issued by the Department of Primary Industries and Mines (DPIM). This framework is based on the Thai Conformity Assessment Standard: Framework for implementing the principles of the circular economy in organizations – guide (TCAS 2-2562), which references the British Standard BS 8001:2017 – Framework for Implementing the Principles of the Circular Economy in Organizations – Guide. EGAT achieved a score of 815 out of 1,000 points. Following the assessment, the 2023 Circular Economy Performance Evaluation Report and the EGAT Circular Economy Organization: Guidebook were developed to support continued implementation.
Since 2024, EGAT has continuously applied circular economy principles and improved organizational operations in accordance with TCAS 2-2562.
Circular Economy Projects
To support the policy and strategic objectives outlined in EGAT circular economy strategic plan, EGAT launched eight pilot projects in 2022, covering all eight business units. Starting from 2024 onward, EGAT plans to further enhance the implementation of circular economy initiatives by improving resource efficiency, reducing waste sent to landfills and incineration, and advancing sustainability through innovation.
