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This paper is the inaugural attempt to investigate the herding behavior of firms in the context of environmental orientation to achieve the UN SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) in the ASEAN region. Insights from the previous literature infer that peer effect is visibly seen in firms across various fields, especially amongst their CSR and ESG performance. Using data from the Thai listed firms, we document strong evidence of peer effects concerning environmental performance and its dimensions (emission reduction, product innovation, and resource reduction). The targeted time frame for the current study is from 2009 to 2019 for which we analyze the firms listed on the Thailand Stock Exchange (SET). Moreover, the results of our study support the fact that mimicking behavior is one of the common behaviors that is followed by the majority of the firms keeping in view their varied purposes which include enhancing their market reputation, increasing profits, attracting shareholders and investors and most importantly raising their sustainability standing. Thus, overall our study highlights the main perspective that peer effects and herding behavior a common practices amongst firms concerning their environmental policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Evidence suggests that manufacturing companies have tried to address the current environmental challenges derived from their operations by implementing various operational environmental sustainability approaches, including green manufacturing (GM), cleaner production (CP), green lean (GL), green supply chain management (GSCM), reverse logistics (RLs) and circular economy (CE). However, although their adoption is well documented in developed nations and few other countries, very little has been done to understand such phenomenon in a rapid developing country such as Thailand. This paper aims at filling this gap by providing light into some fundamental issues regarding the implementation of these approaches in the manufacturing sector of Thailand. A survey-based exploratory research was carried out based on 287 Thai manufacturing companies. The data was analysed using a combination of descriptive and inferential statics. The study revealed that a large amount of investment capacity, and proper training & knowledge are needed to fully implement the studied operational approaches. This resulted in some of the weakest elements of Thai manufacturing firms and hence the main barriers to their implementation. The study also showed that Thai manufacturing firms consider the impact on the environment and benefits from adopting these operational approaches as company's policy and own initiative, environmental awareness, and cost saving from conservation of energy as the main reasons for adopting the studied operational approaches. Finally, the findings also indicate that Thai manufacturing firms tend to implement them because of internal factors and that they lack of motivation from external factors and involvement from other stakeholders. The paper extends the current limited knowledge on the deployment of operational environmental sustainability approaches in Asia, and its results can be beneficial for organisations that aim at effectively adopting them to improve their operation's sustainability. Highlights • Evidence of the implementation of sustainability approaches in Thailand is limited. • Paper provides light into fundamental issues regarding their adoption. • 287 Thai manufacturing companies participated in this survey-based exploratory study. • Study reveals degree of implementation, main drivers and barriers of the studied approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic food contributes to environmental sustainability and is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, although it is generally more expensive than conventionally produced food. Rather different sets of values and motivations are driving consumers' purchase intentions in mature compared with emerging organic food markets. To inquire about similarities and differences in consumers' motives our qualitative, comparative study employs a series of in-depth interviews with organic-food-store clients in Germany and Thailand from February to May 2021. The analysis applied means-end chain (MEC) theory to map the mental decision-making processes. Results were interpreted and compared referring to the Schwartz Theory of Basic Human Value (STV). The findings show a rather similar values base of both samples in terms of the relevance of 'quality of personal life' and 'personal well-being'. Substantial differences emerged in the Germans high emphasis on the values 'health of environment' and 'social responsibility' which were absent in Thailand, while Thais put great importance on the 'responsibility for family'. Focusing on the five most important values in each country, we conclude a more personal-focused value system in Thailand, respectively a rather social-focused one in Germany. This paper contributes to the literature as it is one of the few qualitative studies on organic food purchase intention using MEC and STV and the first one conducted in Thailand. The findings provide valuable insights for producers and marketers to better address German and Thai consumers' needs to influence their purchase intention towards organic food consumption. • Germans have a more social-focused value system when buying organics. • Thais have a more personal-focused value system when buying organics. • Similar values base: 'quality of personal life' and 'personal well-being'. • Germans emphasize 'health of environment' and 'social responsibility'. • Thais prioritize 'responsibility for family'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poorly managed plastic waste ends largely in the environment. For example, visible plastic waste causes pollution in the ocean, and Thailand is ranked sixth in the world for plastic waste generation in the ocean. This study was conducted to monitor and assess plastic waste management following the launch of the 'Thailand Roadmap on Plastic Waste Management (2018–2030)'. The CIPPI model and an impact assessment were used for this purpose. Seventy-three individuals from Thailand's central and local governments were selected to study the plastic bag roadmap. Further, 2378 Thai people and foreign tourists were surveyed about their plastic bag-using behaviours, and thirteen stakeholders were selected for interviews. This study found that the input and output factors were moderate, equalling (x ‾ = 2. 67 , SD = 1.24) and (x ‾ = 3. 07 , SD = 1.20), respectively. Similarly, the process factors were low (x ‾ = 2. 17 , SD 1.29). With respect to outcomes and effects, plastic bag use exhibited a decreasing trend, from 39,983 to 49,816 million bags (−67.03%–83.52%) with a total economic value of 5340–10,408 million baht/year. Carbon dioxide (CO 2) emissions also decreased, at 63,173–78,809-million-kilogram CO 2 eq/year. In conclusion, plastic waste management requires cooperation on the part of all sectors. However, it is important for the government to take responsibility for monitoring, assessing, and improving plans to promote consumption and production sustainability following Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To move towards sustainability, finding sustainable ways of using rice husk ash for a large rice producing country like Thailand is essential. This review seeks to find sustainability characteristics of the uses of rice husk ash from power plants. It also reviews how rice husk ash is produced from different power generation technologies. Characteristics of rice husk ash are affected by different factors such as sources, preparation methods and combustion technologies. Different forms of rice husk ash, amorphous and crystalline, suit different applications. Ash from moving grate technology is suggested for use as adsorbent while that from fluidized bed is suggested for use as filler in polymeric composites and in the synthesis of innovative ceramic compounds. The ash from suspension fired technology is suggested for use in the construction industry and zeolite production. In addition to technical viability, using rice husk ash to substitute conventional products helps gain both environmental and economic benefits. Despite claiming sustainable applications of rice husk ash, many research papers report only technical performances of the products. This paper draws out sustainability characteristics of different rice husk ash applications using the “triple bottom line” framework. Potential reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, cost saving and employment generation of rice husk ash use options have been investigated. Results from the review suggest that using the ash to replace charcoal is the most sustainable option when comparing with other alternatives such as Portland cement, commercial silica and lime. This option could help to reduce GHG up to 1005 kg CO 2eq /t product, to save cost up to 8000 THB/t product, as well as to help generate employment for about 5 person-years/M THB spent in the sector. However, to make the sustainability assessment more comprehensive, other sustainability indicators such as fossil fuel depletion, human toxicity, ecotoxicity, particulate matter formation, total net profit (TNP), total value added (TVA), and incomes of workers are also needed to be considered in future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental water requirement is important for a river or a watershed to maintain the ecosystem functions and services. Thus, it needs to be an essential component in water demand calculations for maintaining water resources. This study proposes to explicitly account the environmental water as a part of water withdrawal in the withdrawal to availability ratio of the water stress index. A revised equation is formulated and calibrated using Thailand as an example. This incorporation allows flexibility in changing different amounts and setting different priorities of environmental water requirement based on a local context. The results obtained are satisfactory for explaining the actual stress situation incorporating environmental water requirement. The method and approach proposed in this paper can also be applied to other countries based on their priorities for water allocation to various water demand sectors. This paper is proposed as a step towards developing a sustainable tool for assessing the impact on freshwater resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To promote their public image, a growing number of companies have adopted corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects that benefit various social interests. As such, it is imperative to audit the social, environmental, and economic dimensions of CSR projects for their sustainable development. This paper presents an assessment of three CSR projects undertaken by the energy industry (renewable energy) and commercial sector (plastic waste recycling) in Thailand to transition towards the circular economy (CE) business model. A set of CE indicators were selected from the World Business Council for Sustainable Development: WBCSD 2018 European Commission 2018, and British Standard Institution 2017 and compared with the sustainability indicators listed in the ISO 26000:2010 (referenced in the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): G4 Guidelines). These indicators were established to assess the readiness of companies to implement sustainable CSR projects. The assessment results showed that the CSR projects in the case study were conducive to the CE model, as most of the CE concepts evaluated by the performance indicators were already in place. This study aimed to support the implementation of CSR projects that contribute to adopting a CE business model and determine key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and monitor CSR projects in terms of their CE concepts. The sustainability KPIs proposed in this study can serve as a set of guidelines to drive CE strategy adoption and allow for the identification of sustainable CSR projects that can simultaneously offer more value creation and satisfaction for all stakeholders, including society and the companies, while reducing environmental impacts. This paper integrates CSR into a CE approach that results in business sustainability and contributes to Sustainability Development Goal (SDG) targets. [Display omitted] • KPIs were adopted for the comprehensive assessment of CSR projects. • CSR projects of renewable energy and plastic waste were evaluated in their ability to CE concepts. • The KPIs can identify sustainable level and contribute to CE and SDG targets of businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the impact of a carbon tax on household demand can be relevant in terms of securing public acceptance of a carbon tax and clarifying the implications for policy design. This paper aims to fill a gap in the academic literature by simulating carbon tax scenarios and estimating distributional effects of the tax on household welfare, income inequality, and poverty rates based on household consumption in Thailand. The study employs a microsimulation model incorporating the economy-wide effects of the tax on prices and consumers' behavioral responses to changes in prices. The results indicate that a carbon tax is progressive in Thailand under revenue-recycling scenarios by expanding social transfer programs. When carbon tax revenues are recycled through pensions for elderly people, the carbon tax could reduce the poverty rate and improve the welfare of households in the lowest quintile. The results imply that the distributional impacts of environmental taxes could result in favorable outcomes for income inequality and poverty reduction in developing countries. • Residential energy demand is price-inelastic. • Transport fuels are luxurious for low-income households. • High-income households are more responsive to changes in energy prices. • Carbon tax is progressive when revenues are recycled through increasing social transfer programs. • Carbon tax reduces the poverty rate under a pension scenario. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses the challenges in applying Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) in the Thai sugar industry sector. A case study of an S-LCA of sugar in Nakhon Ratchasima province was undertaken following the UNEP/SETAC guidelines for S-LCA of products. Qualitative evaluation was made to assess an extent to which S-LCA is applicable for the Thai sugar industry sector. Based on the results from this study, the main challenges in applying S-LCA in the Thai sugar industry sector are diversity of scope of study and reference flow choices, difficulty in data collection and data quality, limited choices of social subcategories and indicators to assess social impact at product level for some stakeholder groups and absence of established interpretation approach. Though findings are derived for the sugar industry, many of them could also be applied to other systems. The main social issues that need urgent attention are problems such as cane trash burning that affects local health and safety, low wages, land and water rights. Appropriate ways to conduct S-LCA for Thai sugar industry have been suggested. In addition, it was suggested that the S-LCA of Thai sugar industry should be conducted at provincial level scope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last few years, edible insect species have been heralded as an environmentally sustainable solution to current and future food crises. However, the few existing studies that aim to evaluate the environmental performance of insect farming systems are extremely limited in scope. This paper presents the first case of a life cycle assessment (LCA) performed on an existing production system of Gryllus bimaculatus De Geer (field cricket) and Acheta domesticus (house cricket) production in north-eastern Thailand and compares it with broiler production in the same region. The system boundaries of the production system considered the entire production cycle of edible crickets as well as processing. The study included two functional units (1 kg of edible mass and 1 kg of protein in edible mass). Irrespective of the functional unit, larger impacts were associated with broiler production. Major hotspots for cricket and broiler production were related to the production soybean meal and maize grain for feed. A scaled-up cricket farming system which was considered as a possible 'future' scenario demonstrated a reduction in overall environmental impacts when compared to current cricket production and industrial broiler production. While scaled-up cricket farming showed fewer overall environmental impacts, intensified systems could potentially have reduced socioeconomic impacts on rural areas in Thailand. Improvement options could be adopted by undertaking further research into the formulation of local feeds and acquiring improved knowledge about cricket nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High upfront costs are a critical barrier for investments in clean infrastructure technologies in developing countries. This paper uses a case study of Thailand's electricity sector to create realistic estimates for the relative contributions of local and global technological learning to reducing these cost in the future and discusses implications of such learnings for international climate policy. For six renewable electricity technologies, we derive estimates for the share of locally and globally sourced goods and services, and analyze the effects of local and global learning during the implementation of Thailand's renewable energy targets for 2021. Our results suggest that, in aggregate, the largest potential for cost reduction lies in local learning. This finding lends quantitative support to the argument that the conditions enabling local learning, such as a skilled workforce, a stable regulatory framework, and the establishment of sustainable business models, have a more significant impact on cost of renewable energy in developing countries than global technology learning curves. The recent shift of international support under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change towards country-specific technology support is therefore promising. However, our results also show that the relative importance of local and global learning differs significantly between technologies, and is determined by technology and country characteristics. This suggests that international support need to consider both the global perspective and local context and framework conditions in order to reap the full benefits of technological learning across the wide range of clean technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The localisation of clean-tech industries allows developing countries to align their economic growth aspirations with efforts to reduce the associated environmental impacts. A key issue in this regard is the development of technological capabilities at local firms in these countries. Although much research has been conducted on this topic, we currently have only limited understanding of how the learning mechanisms that these so-called latecomer firms engage in change as they deepen their capability stocks. In the present paper, we offer insights into this issue by means of a comparative analysis of nine technology-supplying firms in the Thai industry for industrial-scale biogas systems over a period of about twenty years. Our results suggest that there are indeed shifts in the relative importance of different types of learning mechanisms as firms deepen their capabilities. The paper finds that such shifts tend to follow a co-evolutionary pattern involving shifts within and across learning mechanisms that involve different sources of knowledge. Based on our analysis, we provide examples of how decision-makers can adopt targeted interventions for the support of clean-tech firms and industries that are at particular levels of development. • Structured micro-level study of technological capability building at nine firms. • Sheds light on heterogeneity in capability trajectories and learning activities. • Highlights changes within and across sources of learning as capability stocks grow. • Discusses policy support mechanisms for firms at different stages of development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing concern over the dependency on fossil fuel has prompted the cost of energy supply to the high extent. Widespread application of fossil fuel in transportation and electricity generation has steadily declined the fossil fuel supply along with the provoked environmental pollution. Strict environmental concern, depletion and price hike of fossil fuel has driven scientific study for the search of alternative fuels. To address the difficulties of fossil fuel, alternative fuels could be a fruitful substitute for global emission reduction. Where biodiesel makes itself as one of the best available resources due to its vast applicability in diesel engine. Among other biodiesels, palm biodiesel has proved itself as a most dominating biofuel due to its highest contribution worldwide (35%), minimum price (660 USD/ton), maximum oil content (5000 kg oil/ha), and production yield (4.2 MT/ha). The worldwide palm oil market progressively growing and it is expected to reach a market value of US$92.84 billion in 2021. The aim of this paper is to address different aspects of palm biodiesel for the potential solution of future renewable fuel. This paper describes a detailed review on palm biodiesel as a notable alternative in respect to the economy, environment, and efficiency. A thorough production process, properties, advantages, disadvantages, and the global economy of palm biodiesel are discussed. This article also deals with the sustainability, social, and environmental impact of leading palm oil producers like Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand. In this article, diesel engine combustion using palm biodiesel and its effect on engine efficiency and environmental pollution (due to engine emissions) are also reviewed. The scope of the present study relies on the brief description of the development and challenges of palm biodiesel feedstock for the continuation in the coming future. Image 1 • Biodiesel as an alternative fuel and its global impacts. • Worldwide economic and social aspects of palm oil biodiesel. • Effects of different operating parameters on palm biodiesel production process. • Current trends of Palm biodiesel: Malaysian, Indonesian and Thailand perspective. • Different metallic/non-metallic additives on engine combustion, performance and emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This paper presents the use of waste mud from ceramic tile production as the main component in paving blocks. Compressive strength values of the blocks were compared with the standard value as prescribed by the Thailand Industrial Standard. The waste mud was first characterized using XRD, XRF, SEM, Laser diffraction particle size analyzer and sieve analysis. Paving blocks were subsequently prepared by mixing the waste mud with Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and compacted using a hydraulic press. Water was added to the cement–mud mix to assist compaction and to strengthen the blocks by hydration of OPC. Effects of water and cement content, immersion in water, as well as compaction pressure on compressive strength were subsequently studied. Increasing compaction pressure and also immersion in water for 5min every 24h were found to enhance densification and thus compressive strength of the test samples. The blocks containing 15wt% cement required a long curing period of up to 28 days for their compressive strength to reach the standard requirement while the compressive strength of the blocks containing 25–30wt% cement exceeded the standard requirement after curing for only 7 days. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The public transportation system in Bangkok, Thailand relies on environmentally costly diesel buses that contribute daily to Bangkok's air quality problem. Two potential improvements to this highly polluting public transportation system are the implementation of electric or compressed natural gas buses. This paper analyzes the life-cycle environmental impacts using the ReCiPe life cycle impact assessment method (in Global warming, kg CO 2 -eq, Stratospheric ozone depletion, kg CFC-11-eq, etc.), technical feasibility of implementation, and financial cost of implementing each bus type in Bangkok by calculating these metrics for a single bus and then scaling them to a fleet of that bus type. The entire life cycle of the buses as well as electric bus charging infrastructure is considered. It was found that shifting from diesel to electric or compressed natural gas buses would present a 54–55% or 37–41% decrease in overall damage to human and ecosystem health, an 88% or 80% decrease in resource depletion, and a 48% or 60% decrease in lifetime costs. If the entire diesel bus fleet in Bangkok of 14,127 buses is converted to electric or compressed natural gas buses, the reduction of fine particle (PM 2.5) transportation emissions would be approximately 21% and 18%. Of compressed natural gas and electric buses, compressed natural gas buses are the less expensive alternative, while electric buses cause less damage to the ecosystem, human health, and resource depletion. As the environmental impacts of electric buses depend on the regional electricity grid, electric buses also have the potential to further reduce environmental impacts with cleaner electricity production. • Bangkok air pollution significantly caused by transportation is a problem. • Electric buses are better than CNG or diesel ones for environment and human health. • CNG buses would be an improvement over diesel, fiscally and environmentally. • PM2.5 emitted by diesel buses can be significantly reduced by alternative fuel use. • Cleaner energy production is crucial for the success of an electric bus fleet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research investigates the environmental impacts and economic benefits of six molasses-based ethanol production schemes using open lagoon or upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) wastewater management system in Thailand (schemes A–F). The aim is to determine the most environmentally and economically favorable scheme in terms of the environmental cost, payback period, and cost savings, using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Schemes A and B use open lagoon for treating wastewater from ethanol production. The ethanol production of scheme A relies on steam and electricity from a sugar mill on the premises, and scheme B is a stand-alone ethanol plant that purchases steam and electricity from external sources. Schemes C – F use UASB technology. In scheme C, the ethanol plant acquire power from a sugar mill on the premises, and biogas from UASB is used for electricity generation. In scheme D, the stand-alone ethanol plant utilizes both biogas and natural gas in combined heat and power system, while in scheme E, biogas and natural gas are used for steam production while electricity is acquired from external sources. In scheme F, a stand-alone ethanol plant uses biogas for electricity generation and purchases steam. The results indicate that the overall environmental cost of open lagoon is greater than that of UASB. Scheme C has the lowest environmental impacts and environmental cost. The payback period of scheme E is the shortest (2.19 years), and the ethanol production costs after payback period decrease by 3.11, 0.24, and 2.92 Thai baht per liter ethanol under schemes C, E, and F. Scheme C is the most environmentally and economically favorable scheme, given the highest AHP weighted score of 0.354. Since the country's ethanol production is expected to increase to 9 million liters per day by 2021, scheme C should be adopted to make use of molasses and mitigate the environmental impacts. • This paper studies costs and benefits of UASB of molasses ethanol production schemes. • Global warming (fossil) is the dominant contributor to the environmental cost. • The shortest payback period (economic benefit) is 2.19 years, followed by 4.93 years. • The most environmentally and economically favorable scheme ranks second for payback. • The most favorable scheme however receives the highest weighted performance score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of institutional quality on growth-emissions nexus in a panel of three East Asian countries over the period from 1990 to 2016. We also incorporated energy consumption and trade openness as important indicators in the model to avoid variable bias. The results of unit root tests show that the variables are stationary at first difference. The panel cointegration test confirmed that all the variables are cointegrated. We employed Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares methods to estimate the long-run effects of explanatory variables on economic growth. The main findings are: (i) a positive significant interaction variable between carbon emission and institutional quality indicates that efficient and impartial domestic institutions are very important to increase economic growth and decrease carbon emissions, simultaneously. (ii) Institutional quality, energy use and trade openness stimulate economic growth. (iii) The VECM granger causality test results show that there is a one-way causality runs from institutional quality to economic growth, carbon emission and energy consumption, from trade openness to carbon emissions in both short-run and long-run, from energy use to trade openness, from energy use to carbon emission in both short-run and long-run. Moreover, feedback effect is present between economic growth and carbon emission, and between economic growth and energy use in both short-run and long-run. It is therefore, necessary to regulate and strengthen the role and effectiveness of local institutions with the aim of lowering carbon emissions in the course of economic development. Image 1 • Impartial and effective domestic institutions are very important to reduce carbon emissions in the course of economic growth. • Energy consumption and trade openness do contribute to enhance economic growth. • Feedback effect is present between economic growth, carbon emissions and energy consumption in both short run and long run. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Sustainable Development Goals are a set of 17 wide ranging goals that articulates the desired outcome of sustainable development. The private sector is a key factor in achieving these goals through actions of corporate sustainability. However, there is a paucity of research regarding the application of Sustainable Development Goals at the firm level and it remains unclear how the private sector can operationalise and achieve the goals through corporate sustainability. While every Sustainable Development Goal is deemed of equal importance, it is up to individual firms to interpret and prioritise their implementation. Using a case study approach, this paper identified the specific goals considered by Japanese manufacturing multinational enterprises as a priority when establishing or significantly expanding operations in developing countries. The methodology employed allowed the retrospective analysis of corporate sustainability data through a Sustainable Development Goal lens. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were carried out with 58 respondents from 16 sample firms operating in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The results show the multinational enterprises in the sample focus on a particular set of Sustainable Development Goals when establishing, or significantly expanding, subsidiary operations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. The findings show policy makers in the host countries should ensure Sustainable Development Goals such as education and strong institutions are in place to attract multinational enterprises to their shores. Other stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations and the community were also seen to influence the prioritisation of certain goals considered by firms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]