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Individuals can influence eco-friendly practices by making conscious purchasing decisions, particularly regarding household items and energy consumption.

Top companies in the energy, construction, and retail sectors are implementing advancements that enhance the feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and effectiveness of eco-friendly living.

To speed up this shift, Krungthai Card (KTC), government bodies, and private collaborators initiated the forum “Power from Home, Power for the Future,” an effort designed to encourage the use of clean energy in Thai homes.

Backed by Gulf Development, Siam Cement Group (SCG), and Home Product Center (HomePro), this initiative demonstrates how families, companies, and government officials can collaborate to create a more sustainable, low-emission future.

Solar power

During the panel discussion, Charuwan Phipatana-phuttapanta, a senior professional scientist and head of the monitoring and evaluation group at the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency, highlighted Thailand’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, with renewable energy anticipated to account for 50% of the nation’s energy supply by 2037.

“Participation in the household is essential — each home serves as a base for transformation,” she stated.

Environmental responsibility is no longer a choice, but a necessity. It involves accessible energy and an improved standard of living.

Ms. Charuwan stated that government energy policy should balance environmental and economic goals, generating mutual benefits for consumers, companies, and local areas.

The government is dedicated to promoting the use of solar energy in homes by improving safety regulations, simplifying approval procedures, granting tax benefits, and delivering awareness programs for both professionals and users, she mentioned.

As per the Energy Policy and Planning Office (Eppo), Thailand’s electricity usage amounted to 210 billion units in 2024, marking a 5.3% rise compared to the previous year, while peak demand peaked at 36,792 megawatts in May, an increase of 5.6%.

Home energy consumption increased significantly to 62 billion units, representing a 67% rise compared to the previous year.

Ms. Charuwan estimated that total electricity usage will amount to 220 billion units this year.

As demand increases, the government remains committed to encouraging home solar usage by offering incentives for rooftop installations.

Energy regulators are also exploring the possibility of buying more electricity from homes as part of initiatives to boost the use of renewable energy and speed up the deployment of solar panels across the country.

Under the 2022 home solar initiative, the government permits the Metropolitan Electricity Authority to buy power at 2.20 baht per unit via a 10-year agreement, in accordance with the Eppo structure.

Green housing

Various industries in the private sector are collaborating to create a sustainable environment that aids Thailand’s shift towards a green economy, especially those businesses involved in housing, which have direct ties to consumers.

The Gulf, Thailand’s top energy company in terms of market capitalization and also a leading telecommunications provider and pioneer in renewable energy, is aiding the nation’s shift towards a sustainable economy by encouraging the use of solar power.

The organization established a goal to raise renewable energy to over 40% of its overall capacity by 2035, and to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

In alignment with this dedication, Gulf introduced GULF1 and launched its solar brand One Sunday to increase availability of solar energy, stated Amnuayporn Prakobnoppakao, executive vice-president for solar business.

She mentioned that the program offers a straightforward plan to make rooftop solar a “easy choice” for families — providing reliable safety guidelines, approved installation, and real-time tracking of energy cost savings.

“On a Sunday, it’s not just a solar energy solution — it makes each day at home feel like a Sunday or a family day, free from concerns about increasing electricity bills,” said Ms. Amnuayporn.

To increase availability, GULF1 collaborated with Advanced Info Service (AIS) for distribution via AIS stores across the country, and with KTC to provide adaptable financial options that make solar rooftops both feasible and economical.

She mentioned that Gulf is dedicated to providing secure, dependable, and cost-effective solar energy for Thai homes.

SCG, a different Thai business group, is promoting eco-friendly lifestyles via its Onnex label within the smart living framework.

Krirk Yimpronpipatpon, the director of smart living at SCG Living and Housing Solution, mentioned that the Onnex platform combines solar energy, cooling, and air purification systems, all linked via the Smart Living Plus app to create homes that are environmentally friendly and technologically advanced.

The Onnex platform transcends technological boundaries, improving the living standards of Thai families and lowering carbon emissions, he mentioned.

SCG has been a leader in climate-related innovations, as Mr Krirk mentioned during the discussion, beginning several decades ago with the launch of heat-reducing corrugated roofing materials.

“With smart services powered by artificial intelligence on Onnex, the app can also suggest the ideal time to iron clothes — when solar energy from rooftop panels is accessible,” he mentioned.

Sustainability has moved beyond being a luxury, and is now a new financial structure for contemporary homes, according to Mr. Krirk.

Systems that consume less energy not only reduce power costs, but also improve the quality of indoor air and overall comfort.

SCG has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, following robust environmental, social, and governance standards.

Waste trade-in

Residential sector relies heavily on home products and furniture, with HomePro, the nation’s top home decoration store, being essential in promoting sustainable housing.

Rakpong Aroonwatdhana, the senior vice-president of investor relations, strategy, and sustainability at HomePro, emphasized the company’s “Trade-In” initiative as a key component of its environmental commitment.

Via the program, customers can return old or unused household items — like damaged electronic devices or furniture — and get reductions on new buys. This effort not only simplifies the process for families to get rid of large waste, but also minimizes the ecological footprint throughout the supply chain by encouraging circular product development, adoption of clean energy, and proper waste handling.

“For numerous customers, managing bulky discarded items like refrigerators or couches can be challenging. Our Trade-In initiative aids in waste management and promotes environmental sustainability,” stated Mr Rakpong.

The initiative has gathered over 300,000 used devices, which are transformed into new circular goods. In the future, HomePro intends to increase its eco-friendly product selection by adding more than 8,000 new items and hopes to achieve 20% of overall sales from sustainable products by 2030.

By linking producers and buyers, the company acts as a mediator in the circular economy for homes, he mentioned.

Sustainable consumption

Nattasit Soontranu, who leads credit card marketing at KTC, mentioned that the company’s dedication to incorporating eco-friendly practices throughout its activities matches changing customer demands, while also enhancing long-term societal benefits.

KTC has cut more than 110,000 kilograms of carbon emissions — equal to planting over 12,000 trees — by implementing measures like completely digital shareholder meetings and using electronic applications, e-statements, and online payments, he mentioned.

The firm is also developing a clean energy environment via its “Save You, Save the World” initiative, stated Mr Nattasit.

The initiative provides cardholders with 0% installment options, cashback rewards, and special offers on solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, and home renovation items, enabling families to reduce their environmental impact while benefiting from lasting savings and enhanced living standards.

Consequently, the usage of KTC credit cards for home and furniture purchases has consistently increased over the years, as more customers opt for eco-friendly choices.

“Alongside monthly savings, the main objective is to generate long-term beneficial effects — where energy-efficient homes improve family health and support a sustainable, low-carbon community,” he stated.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).