Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited (CRC) is advancing towards becoming the first model retail organization for sustainability in Asia, committed to real and continuous action based on the concept of sustainable business operations in three dimensions: Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG). This has resulted in tangible positive outcomes for all sectors, leading to stability, prosperity, and sustainability.

Yann Phokthap, CEO of Central Retail Corporation Public Company Limited, stated that Central Retail reaffirms its organizational intent to be a Green & Sustainable Retailer, aiming to create sustainable change throughout the supply chain, reduce carbon emissions, and care for the environment while fostering a good lifestyle and economy for communities through the CRC ‘ReNEW’ strategy. The effective operational results in 2022 and the short-term goals for 2030 are as follows:

  1. Reduce Greenhouse Gases: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by utilizing renewable energy for 8% of total energy consumption through the installation of solar systems at 83 locations and electric charging stations at 58 locations, supporting 790 electric vehicles in shopping centers and department stores. This includes promoting the use of electric trucks for product transportation and installing over 217 energy-efficient refrigerators. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through renewable and clean energy by 50% by 2030.
  2. Navigate Society Well-Being: Creating a livable society by collaborating with partners to improve business operations, reducing costs, steps, and environmental impacts in logistics and product development to meet consumer satisfaction. Additionally, promoting diversity, equality, and reducing social disparities, such as employing over 412 people with disabilities, and supporting community products and sales channels, benefiting over 100,000 households and generating over 1.5 billion baht, with a target of 5.4 billion baht per year by 2030.
  3. Eco-friendly Product and Packaging: Promoting environmentally friendly products and packaging by expanding green stores selling eco-friendly products to over 60 locations, such as Healthiful and Tops Green, with a goal to increase to 200 locations. Additionally, supporting the use of eco-friendly packaging by 6% through the introduction of green products, organic products, vegan products, and others, aiming for 100%.
  4. Waste Management: Managing waste effectively, with 15% of waste being reused by converting waste into fertilizer or cooking gas to reduce landfill waste. This includes applying a circular economy through 3Rs, such as recycling plastic bottles in the 'No Waste Bottle' project into blankets for the needy, encouraging customers to bring their own bags, and campaigning for proper waste separation with all sectors. The goal is to increase waste reuse to 30%.

Central Retail recognizes the urgent environmental crisis that requires collective action, thus accelerating its mission towards Net Zero by aiming for zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through various intensive practices, including restoring ecosystems and increasing green spaces by planting forests, targeting 50,000 rai by 2030, investing in green innovations or technologies to combat global warming, and promoting the use of renewable and clean energy in various forms, such as transitioning low-carbon transportation to electric energy and providing electric vehicle charging stations.

“Central Retail is steadfast in its mission to drive the organization towards balance and sustainability, while delivering a quality society and environment for the long term to the nation,” Yann concluded.