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Published on April 7, 2008

Half of the world's forests were destroyed during the past 50 years, inducing dehydration and drought. Oil reserves will only last 41 years more.

Increasing greenhouse emissions have caused a 0.7 degree Celsius global temperature rise, melting glaciers and raising the sea level. Thousands of children die every day of poor hygiene, famine and dirty water. The damage is real.

Last year in Brussels, I joined the annual meeting of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD). Siam Cement Group is the first Thai company to become a member since 2000.

More than 150 chief executives from leading global companies gathered to focus on sustainable development (SD). Global issues were dealt with and guidelines on how businesses can help were agreed upon.

Under the SD framework, businesses will have to strive toward balancing social and environmental issues with economic factors. Businesses cannot demand profit at the expense of society and environment anymore. 

SCG has always followed the SD framework. We optimise 3Rs - Reduce, Reuse/Recycle, Replenish - rehabilitate our quarries, aim at zero waste for landfill, reduce energy consumption and CO2 emission, opt for eco-products and have more initiatives in the pipeline, while also generating economic value for shareholders.

SCG is committed to the sustainable progress of communities where it operates. That is why SCG grants scholarships to children in Vietnam and the Philippines. 

However, businesses should not employ SD as a marketing tool. The public watches and assesses us.

Ultimately, we believe that SD benefits all and is the only path to a sustainable future.

I earnestly encourage businesses to be SD key drivers. I believe that the business sector can leverage its people and financial resources to accelerate positive change.

We need to leave a sustainable legacy for the future generations.

Before another glacier melts, more rivers dry up, droughts spread and more species become extinct, we must start breaking the disastrous links now. SD is for everyone, and together, we can make a difference.

Kan Trakulhoon  is president of SCG. Follow his column on the first Monday of every  month.

The Nation