Bangkok, Thailand, October 31, 2023 – The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) partnered with the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) to host the inaugural meeting of the Asia Low Carbon Buildings Transition (ALCBT) project.

The primary objectives of this inaugural meeting were twofold. First, it aimed to introduce the ALCBT project and outline the formation of the Project Steering Committee to the relevant agencies which sets the overall direction, strategic advice, and guidance for project implementation. Second, it aimed to collect valuable feedback and recommendations from these agencies to finalize the prospective members of the Project Steering Committee.

“This initiative is critical for substantially reducing sectoral greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and advancing Thailand’s transition towards low-carbon buildings (LCB),” Ms. Apiradee Thammanomai, Director of Strategy and Planning Division, DEDE said. “It will accelerate the achievement of these goals by mobilizing financing for LCB and addressing systemic and technical barriers such as complex building codes and lack of frameworks for the financing industry,” Ms. Apiradee Thammanomai added Project interventions involve developing planning, technical, and institutional tools, as well as building capacities for integrating LCB into various public and private institutions.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Tero Tapio Raassina, GGGI Country Representative, underscored three critical concepts for the meeting. “Energy efficiency serves as the cornerstone of this project and that energy efficiency in buildings plays a pivotal role in reducing GHG emissions in Thailand,” Mr. Tero said. “Also, Energy Services Companies (ESCOs) are key enablers, and their involvement is crucial and innovative finance mechanisms are needed to facilitate ESCOs’ access to the necessary funding,” he further stated.

As the meeting concluded, the next steps involve consolidating the feedback and recommendations provided by the participating entities. GGGI and DEDE will collaborate closely to finalize the Project Steering Committee and outline a clear roadmap for the project’s implementation. Both GGGI and DEDE encouraged all partners present to collaborate closely as the project progresses.

About GGGI: The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a leading international organization dedicated to promoting economic growth that is environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. GGGI works with governments, businesses, and communities to help them build a strong, resilient, and green economy.

About DEDE: The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) is a department of Thailand’s Energy Ministry. It is responsible for driving Thailand’s move to renewable energy production while reducing the nation’s overall energy consumption.