Mr.Varawut Pongchinpak, President of Powerbuy Co., Ltd., under Central Retail, revealed: "Power Buy has recognized the importance of sustainability. In line with Central Retail's intention, we are committed to conducting and managing business under the principle of social responsibility. In parallel, we focus on sustainable organizational development under ESG guidelines to create a good quality of life, society, and environment. We consider the expectations of stakeholders, business partners, customers, and employees along the chain of operations and impacts on them. So, we highlight sustainable business strategies by adopting the concept of Two Powers as the critical organizational driver:
- Power of Green: World-Saving Mission
- Bye Bye E-Waste Project: Since the business involves electrical appliances and IT products, Power Buy introduced e-waste drop-off points at 40 stores countrywide to provide Thai people with a place to dispose of their e-waste. Power Buy has joined AIS to get rid of and recycle such waste properly under international standards. It has eliminated some e-waste, accounting for more than 60 million tons globally. Power Buy aims to be a Zero E-Waste organization.
- Solar Roof Project: Power Buy has increased clean energy consumption by installing solar panels on its warehouse roof. Replacing electrical energy with solar energy helped reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 300 tons per year and save electricity expenses in the warehouse by up to 20% per year. Furthermore, instead of wrapping product pallets with plastic film, Power Buy switched to nylon belts, a durable and reusable material. This action reduced plastic waste by up to 2.8 tons per year.
- E-Tax Invoice and E-Receipt Project: Power Buy has promoted eco-friendly behaviors among its customers to reduce paper use. It encouraged them to switch to e-tax invoices and e-receipts when purchasing Power Buy products through online platforms, websites, and applications.
- Power of Love: Good Life, Livable Society
- Trade-In for a Better Life Project: Power Buy delivered used electrical appliances donated by customers to the Phra Dabos Foundation and technical schools in each region of Thailand. These pieces would be used as teaching materials to develop students' skills. This project helped improve their learning, promote their careers, and create jobs to generate income for Thai people eventually. Then, the repaired appliances were sent to schools or communities in need.
- Provided educational technology: In the past, Power Buy had opportunities to enhance special children's quality of education. It provided tablets as technologically advanced teaching media, allowing these children and their teachers to access information and broaden their views. Power Buy strongly believes that planting good ideas among children will inspire sustainable learning, and they will grow into quality adults.
- Employed people with disabilities: Another key component to sustainable development is employees playing a crucial role in driving the organization. Power Buy, therefore, has a policy to hire people with disabilities to create equality in society and enhance Thai people's quality of life.
"All these missions will drive Power Buy to be a sustainable organization in a well-balanced ecosystem. Furthermore, we will work with all sectors to improve the quality of society and environment in the long run," concluded Mr. Varawut.
Source: Power Buy
