Taking the LEED at SCG headquarters

 

 

 

The certificate, issued by the US Green Building Council (USGBC), is known around the world as the first such rating system. Since its inception in 1988, the USGBC has grown to encompass more than 7,000 projects in 30 countries including the United States.

 

In Thailand, Siam Cement Group (SCG) is aiming to win a certificate for its corporate headquarters in Bang Sue. The headquarters consists of several buildings, both small and large, that are of historical significance to the firm, including a cement kiln’s old chimney and old factory sites that have been converted into office buildings. Notably, all of these buildings have been around for at least 25 years.

 

According to a source from the company, SCG has invested Bt20 million in new systems to meet the gold level of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design for Existing Building: Operations & Maintenance (LEED EB: OM). More work is necessary to achieve the platinum rating, which could require another Bt115 million.

 

Cholathorn Dumrongsak, director of the Centre of Excellence and Sustainability Development and chairman of the SCG Green Building Committee, said this project derives from the company’s commitment to environmentally friendly business operations, which require it to preserve nature and improve ecosystems. Awareness and accountability for the environment is in the DNA of all SCG employees, he said.

 

"We apply this in everything from production, products, and services to our work process. Whatever can be done to preserve the environment, we’ll do it. This includes the improvement of our 25-year-old corporate headquarters in Bang Sue to meet the LEED standard, which is a world-recognised certificate," he said.

 

The SCG Green Building Committee was established to be responsible for preparing Green Building brochures, facilitating open houses for visitors, and sharing SCG’s know-how and experience with visitors with the aim of expanding awareness among the general public.

 

The project was initiated to show the public that even old buildings can be made into energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings and that their inhabitants can have a better quality of life.

 

The buildings at SCG headquarters have been continuously improved, becoming the first Thai buildings to be certified with a Gold Label (Outstanding) award in 2009 by the Energy Ministry. It also received the Thailand Energy Award in the retrofitted building category, and was the first runner-up in that category at the Asean Best Practice for Energy Efficient Building Awards in the past year.

 

Having set the goal of attaining the LEED EB: OM platinum level, SCG has undertaken a number of actions.

 

1. Sustainable Site: reducing the environmental impact of the use of the building.

 

• Campaigning to reduce the use of private cars by encouraging car pooling and the use of public transportation, such as the subway system, which has a station right in front of the headquarters, in order to help reduce vehicular pollution.

 

• Banning the use of hazardous chemicals by specifying the types of chemicals and pesticides/insecticides that can be used inside and outside the building, and educating the responsible division to raise awareness about these chemicals.

 

• Reducing heat transfers into the buildings; reducing energy consumption in the cooling systems; using high-performance glazing systems; increasing green space within the area to 25 per cent; designating rainwater-retention areas for plant watering; using porous block to reduce storm-water runoff and potential flooding; reducing the heat-island effect by using innovative Cool Plus ceramic tiles and paving blocks that absorb less heat; and preventing solar radiation from penetrating the building.

 

2. Water Efficiency: using required sanitaryware to ensure the occupants’ comfort and achieve a 35-per-cent reduction of standard water usage. Wastewater is also treated and used for plant watering within the headquarters area.

 

3. Energy Efficiency: improving the cooling systems; using efficient lighting equipment; installing Cerafino Solar Tiles on the parking lot roof, which converts solar energy into electricity; and cooperating with SCG staff to turn off lights and switch off computers when not in use.

 

4. Resource Efficiency: adopting a Green Procurement policy for any purchase or use of products and services and assisting business partners throughout the supply chain to manage their operations and activities to be more environmentally friendly. Waste streams are also managed by type right from the source to facilitate recycling as much as possible.

 

5. Enhance Quality of Life and Happiness: managing parameters such as chemical usage, smoking, temperature, humidity and carbon dioxide levels in the buildings to reduce impacts on inhabitants. Office areas are designed based on ergonomic principles, thereby reducing the risk of workplace injury.

 

Cholathorn admitted that the financial benefits of this project are not directly comparable to benefits from investment in the production process.

 

"Still, the benefits are enormous in terms of environmental and ecological conservation. Aside from that, it’s a matter of pride among all who work in these buildings to vow to be part of environmental conservation efforts. Positive recognition leads to endless improvement in other areas," he said.