#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/pr-news/40019587

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The Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment of Thailand and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH organised the regional knowledge exchange titled “Reduce! – From More to Better – Circular Economy for Sustainable Products in Southeast Asia (SEA)”.

The conference aims to encourage the debate on Product Lifetime Extension (PLE), a cornerstone of the Circular Economy. It will contribute to the development of scientifically based strategies for optimising PLE framework conditions from environmental, economic and social perspectives.

The Asean Vision 2020 defines the goal of a “clean and green” community of states with established mechanisms for environmental protection, sustainable use of natural resources and high quality of life for their populations.

Integrating PLE in current sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policies in Asean offers promising contributions to its Vision 2020, as well as to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

SDG12 specifically focuses on ensuring SCP patterns as solutions for improving natural resource use, emphasising the role of standards and consumer information to drive transformation. 

In his keynote address, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment of Thailand, Pinsak Surasawadi said:  “To respond to today’s economic and environmental challenges, Thailand has adjusted its socio-economic development model to one that can capitalise on the country’s strength in biological and cultural diversity to create effective and more localised value chains for high-end products and services”. 

He also introduced the Bio-Circular and Green Economy model (BCG Model), saying: “The BCG Model is Thailand’s way forward in the next decade. Especially with regard to the natural resource-based security, we are aiming at increasing resource utilisation efficiency throughout the entire value chain; systematically reducing waste production to safeguard the country’s resource base and minimise impacts on the environment; reducing resource consumption by two-thirds of the current rate;  reducing waste by 16.5 million tons; as well as combatting climate change by focusing on the primary target groups of plastic, ICT products, garment or textiles industries as well as the construction sector.”

Ulf Jaekel, former head of Division of SCP and Product-related Environmental Protection of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV) said in his welcoming address: “The European Green Deal and its Sustainable Product Initiative is Germany’s guiding policy. In Germany we have developed a Circular Economy Roadmap and a Circular Economy Action Plan, outlining a range of important reforms, including consolidation of consumer information tools, such as the Blue Angel eco-label, strengthening market transparency through digital passports, supporting Circular Business Models, regulatory tools such as mandatory eco-design, and many more. Ultimately our goal is to depart from More and develop Better products.”

He further illustrated some visions of the Circular Economy (CE), saying: “In the old days, a company would produce a product, sell it and that product would disappear from its responsibility. (…) Soon, they will sell you the mobility, not the car itself. The important aspect here is that the ownership of the car will remain in the company with the interest to maximise efficiency during the entire lifecycle.” 

Finally, he emphasised the economic opportunities of the CE. “In a circular economy, companies can reduce their costs, and they can sell more services. The global market for sustainable products and services is estimated to be worth more than $2 trillion a year. Let us go back to the example of the car, especially critical for Germany’s manufacturing industry: hydrogen and battery production offers huge investment opportunities. Further developing circular business models for critical materials, such are rare-earths often used in such technologies, offer a wide range of business opportunities and new green jobs.”

During the Conference, the new GIZ Scaling SCP project was launched.

This project is adding another stone to the long-lasting support of the German Government to Thailand, underling the 160 years friendship of between the countries.

Scaling SCP is implemented in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines with the objective to reduce dangerous greenhouse gas emissions.

The project focus is on developing ambitious green standards for products and services, for example for ACs and Data Centers. Such greener products will be certified by the Thai Green Label to inform consumers, and the government will procure these to support market penetration.

Circular Economy product criteria play a critical role to reduce emissions from products and extend their lifetime.

This conference is a part of Scaling SCP, SCP Outreach, and the Collaborative Actions for Single-Use Plastic Prevention in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA) projects under the support of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).

These projects support 8 Countries in Southeast Asia to improve and develop Sustainable Consumption and Production policy frameworks, promote eco-labelling and Sustainable Public Procurement and reduce single-use plastic consumption.

Published : August 31, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/pr-news/40019586

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The EV trend is undeniably growing in Thailand, as more and more people are seeking out electric vehicles. Although Thailand’s EV infrastructure is expanding to cover most areas, EVs are still new to many Thais, leaving them intrigued and concerned about potential problems when using EVs.

GWM, the Global Intelligent Technology Company and xEV leader, would like to share simple and practical recommendations for dealing with any issues that may arise when driving an electric car, in order to make every driver feel more confident every time they start their beloved EV.
 

Running out of power while driving an EV: Easy way to find an EV charging station

On the go, if drivers notice that the battery is running out of power and that the vehicle may die soon, it is now easier than ever to find a nearby charging point due to the infrastructure provided by both the public and private sector, which is helping push the electric vehicle ecosystem in Thailand to be more accessible by increasing the number of EV charging stations to cover a much wider area.

Users can use Google Maps to search for relevant keywords (e.g. EV charging, EV charging stations, or EV charger) or download apps that help locate charging stations.

Some apps can check the availability, monitor the real-time charging status, as well as reserve a charging queue place in advance, such as EVolt, EA Anywhere, PlugShare, MEA EV, EV Station PluZ, PEA VOLTA, GO TO-U, and G-Charge, which comforts drivers by collecting charging station locations across Thailand and combines them into one app.

By the end of August, the GWM app will cover 65% of the charging station network, and this will increase to 85% by the end of this year.

All GWM G-Charge Supercharging Stations are equipped with high-power DC charging units, starting at 120 kW, to serve all brands of electric vehicles.

The fast, safe, and highly available EV charging stations ensure 24/7 operation of the charging points by using the GWM app, where users can search for charging stations and reserve a timeslot for charging.

However, the best way to prevent battery drainage to a low level along the way is to plan your route and charge in advance to avoid any negative surprises during the journey.

Getting into an accident or engine malfunctioning on the road: How to get help?

The first thing to do when facing the unexpected, whether the car dies or breaks down on the road, is to remember to follow these critical steps: turn on the emergency warning lights to alert other commuters that your car is having trouble.

After that, try to turn off the engine and wait for about 20 minutes and restart the engine, or reset the vehicle’s system and start the engine again.

If the situation still does not improve, call the relevant agencies such as the police at 191, highway police at 1193, emergency ambulance hotline at 1669, or the emergency roadside assistance service, etc.

For those who have car insurance, you can call the car insurance company right away.

GWM also has technology installed in every vehicle that helps the driver to easily operate in the event of an unexpected incident by having an SOS button to call for emergency assistance in the case of any accident involving injured passengers.

Another button activates customer service, which provides 24/7 roadside assistance with an expert technician on hand to assist and arrive at the scene within 30 minutes for emergencies and 45 minutes for a trailer lift operation.

Moreover, customers can contact the GWM Contact Center via the GWM app or call directly at 02-668-8888 and press 1 for emergency service, giving the full name, contact number, and body number (VIN), which is the unique identification code of each vehicle.

This will help staff work to find information more conveniently and quickly. However, in the event of a traffic accident, please contact your insurance company to coordinate further assistance.

With renewable energy vehicles that are powered by electricity and have a working mechanism and innovative technology that is not similar to a combustion car, many people are concerned that if their electric vehicle has a problem or its systems malfunction, who should they turn to?

It could be mentioned that many car garages today are well prepared for EVs as they send their mechanics and technicians to learn more about EV systems.

However, if you need more confidence, you can report the damage to the service centre of the purchased electric vehicle.

GWM has many GWM Partner Stores across the country and is ready to take care of customers with an experienced and well-trained team.

Moreover, GWM provides a complete manual with the purchased car, in which drivers can look for EV driving techniques and information with detailed explanations to help drivers become accustomed to car features before driving.

Driving EVs through floods: Is it really safe?

It is quite a common crisis for internal combustion engine drivers in Thailand to face a car stall in the rainy season because the ventilation or cooling systems of the internal combustion engine are connected to the exterior, which puts the engine at risk when there is a flood.

By contrast, the EV engine (including the motor, battery, and charging system) is designed to be in a closed and secure area, preventing it from being exposed to water and having lower risk in a flood.

When driving over floodwaters, EV drivers should keep in mind that the flood level should be less than 30 centimetres high, or at the level of the footpath, or halfway up the wheel.

It is advisable to stop driving if the flood extends above the car door sill, as water might leak into the vehicle and halt or damage the system.

Because all components of EVs are powered by electricity, drivers must be cautious not to allow water to enter the vehicle, as this may cause damage to the electric wire, battery system, motor system, gears, or engine control unit, despite the fact that these components are thoroughly waterproof sealed.

As the battery is one of the crucial components of EVs, it is tested for IP Rating (Ingress Protection), which is the standard for preventing solids and liquids from entering inside the car, causing electricity leakage if the car is underwater.

The standard for electric vehicles generally is IP67, which guarantees to prevent damage from flooding up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

The ORA Good Cat uses batteries that meet IP67 standards, are waterproof, and can prevent damage from flooding up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.

It also remains completely dustproof and can drive through 40 cm of high floodwater. That means drivers can rest assured that floods won’t cause damage to the EV battery.

However, there is a risk of water leakage into the battery components, especially for salt water, which can erode substances and may damage lithium batteries.

It is therefore advised to avoid driving EVs in high levels of water for a long period of time to prevent the damage it may cause.

It is advised that after driving through floods, you apply the brakes repeatedly for 5-10 minutes to push water from the brake pads. If water gets inside the car, dry it off by exposing it to the sun and opening the hood and doors. Alternatively, drivers can take their vehicle to a service shop to have it fully inspected.

Charging an EV: How it works and what to do when it doesn’t work

In the early period of using electric vehicles, there was a lot of confusion about how to charge and the location of the charging port – which the driver would get used to after using the vehicle for a while.

If the charger is unable to connect to power when it’s plugged in, it may be that the charger plug is not properly connected.

The simple solution is to unlock the vehicle and re-insert the charger firmly in place. Then press the vehicle lock and press ‘Recharge’ in the app to complete the process.

For example, the ORA Good Cat doesn’t have a button to unplug the charging port, so the owner has to unlock the vehicle first and then pull it out.

There are several reasons a charging port might get stuck, and each is as frustrating as another; it could be due to incorrect communication between the vehicle and the standard vehicle charger – such as the vehicle stopping the charging itself before the timer expires.

Therefore, it is recommended to unlock three times to cut off the electrical system, then the vehicle’s charging port can be unplugged.

However, if the charging port still gets stuck, the driver can press the ‘Emergency’ or ‘Off Breaker’ main button to cut off the power on the charger side. After that, the charger can be unplugged.

As a last resort, if following the initial steps, the charger still cannot be unplugged, call the electric vehicle charging service provider’s call center for emergency assistance and describe the problem for technical troubleshooting.

Most charging stations clearly post a toll-free customer service number. Even if they can’t provide an easy fix, it is essential for the charging company to know that there was a problem with their equipment.

A couple of things to know about charging: if a driver wants to stop charging, especially at a public charging station, it is necessary to press ‘stop charging’ on the app first so that the vehicle system connects with the charging kiosk to stop the power supply.

However, users can stop charging immediately when charging their EV at home.

Maintaining and servicing an electric vehicle: Everything you need to know

Even though electric vehicles may not require as much maintenance as internal combustion engine vehicles and consist of fewer parts and equipment than conventional cars, a periodic maintenance check is something that every user must pay attention to.

Checking the mileage accordingly will help extend the life of the electric vehicle and provide worry-free driving. The service center will inspect the operation and any possible malfunction with the motor, battery, charging system, cooling system, radiator, gear, lighting system or tires.

Most electric vehicles are scheduled to have a periodic check with a service center every 12 months or 15,000 kilometers (whichever comes first).

The ORA Good Cat, the 100% electric vehicle from GWM, comes with a 5-year or 75,000-kilometer warranty, which covers both a specialized technician and consumable parts. (For Premiere Deal consumers, the 12 Volt battery, wiper blades, and brake pads are not covered.)

Consumers can use their vehicle with peace of mind and worry-free driving every time.

In addition, GWM also offers Mobile Service, an off-site car check-up service following the periodic maintenance table, using a fully-equipped vehicle and a specialized technician team.

It also includes Pick Up And Delivery On Demand, a service to pick up a vehicle for maintenance (depending on distance) at a standard GWM service center and deliver it back at the appointed location after the service is finished.

The service can also be requested two business days in advance through the GWM app, Partner Store – which covers many areas, or the GWM Contact Center (02-668-8888).

After-sales service for 5 years. Conditions as designated by the company.

Published : August 31, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/pr-news/40019582

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The 7th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network Symposium (APGN) 2022 is scheduled for September 4–11, 2022 at Songkhla Rajabhat University, Satun Campus.

Unesco Global Geoparks covers four districts in Satun, comprising Mueang Satun, La-Ngu, Thung Wa, and Manang, as well as other key landmarks in the province.

This year’s geoparks networking conference will be held in person under the theme “Unesco Global Geoparks Building Sustainable Communities” to foster collaboration and engagement with a shared goal to achieve geographical sustainability.

The 7th APGN 2022 in Satun features representatives from the Unesco Global Geoparks Council, GGN Executive Board, APGN Advisory Committees, APGN Committees, APGN members from countries in Asia-Pacific, members of geoparks network in Thailand, tourism communities in designated geoparks, and delegates from relevant organizations in the public and private sectors and education institutions, totaling more than 1,000 participants.

Pongboon Pongthong, Director General of the Department of Mineral Resources, said the objective of the 7th APGN 2022 is to enhance engagement among members of the geoparks network in order to move forward geographical development frameworks initiated under the Unesco Global Geoparks Network in Asia-Pacific as well as strengthening collaboration with other geoparks in other countries globally, including geoparks network in Thailand.

The ability to host the symposium serves as an efficiency assessment benchmark for a renewal of the status of the geoparks network in Satun.

In addition, it aims to promote tourist destinations, natural beauty at geoparks and marine excursions in the province.

Thai and foreign participants will be able to recognize the unique identities of communities in geoparks such as art and culture, local wisdom and tradition, and a distinctive way of life. 

Satun governor Ekkarat Leesen said Satun stands ready to host the 7th APGN 2022 with standard infrastructure, conference facilities, venues, and accommodations in place to welcome participants from Asia-Pacific.

They will experience the uniqueness of Thai hospitality and the beauty of Thai-style amicability.

Furthermore, there are sideline activities that will be concurrently held as part of APGN such as Geofair, Intangible Heritage Exhibition, exhibition booths featuring a range of unique products made in global geoparks as well as a lineup of local products. Participants will be guided to discover 3 GeoTrails for Mid – Excursion.

Satun is being developed under the concept “Ecotourism, Geoparks, Economic Prosperity, Livable Society, Sustainable Peace, Gateway to Asean”.

It focuses on sustainable economic development to create value-added by reinforcing the province’s unique selling propositions such as the geoparks network, ecotourism, agricultural products, and geographical advantage as an Asean gateway.

Satun is committed to becoming an advocated geopark sustainable tourism destination to help revitalize the tourism industry in the region for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Published : August 31, 2022

#SootinClaimon.Com : ขอบคุณแหล่งข้อมูล : หนังสือพิมพ์ The Nation.

https://www.nationthailand.com/business/pr-news/40019569

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Firmenich, the world’s largest privately-owned fragrance and taste company, has announced it has been recognized for its exemplary leadership in Diversity & Inclusion, winning the Cercle Suisse des Administratrices Grandes Entreprises Award 2022.

The Cercle Suisse des Administratrices is an association that promotes diversity and competencies within governance bodies – Board of Directors and management in Switzerland. It was created to give more visibility to the many women playing a senior role on management teams and boards of directors and its awards are widely considered the most prestigious in the diversity arena in Switzerland.

The judges applauded Firmenich’s inclusive culture, the strong representation of women across senior leadership roles, the absence of gender pay gaps, and its equitable recruitment, training and mentoring programs.

Firmenich was selected as a finalist out of 36 companies and received the award during a ceremony held at the Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne.

“I am very proud that Firmenich received the 2022 Grandes Entreprises Award from Cercle Suisse des Administratrices,” said Mieke Van de Capelle, Chief Human Resources Officer, Firmenich. “This award recognizes our ongoing efforts in embedding equality across our leadership and senior roles worldwide, as well as across the wider organization. We continue to set the standard for excellence as the best place to work in our industry. While I am very proud of this achievement, we recognize this is a journey. Therefore, we are constantly focusing on new frontiers with targeted actions that go beyond gender. By embracing the power of inclusion, we continue to be a leading creative powerhouse.”

“Firmenich was selected out of 36 companies and the Jury was particularly appreciative of the voluntary and long-standing commitments of this family-owned global company. The progress and results of its diversity and inclusion programs and the policies across all levels of its organization and its Board of Directors, are among the defining elements that were taken into consideration by the Jury,” said Dominique Faesch, Présidente du Prix 2022, Cercle Suisse des Administratrices.

Since 2018, Firmenich has raised women’s representation in leadership roles to 46% and eliminated gender pay gaps. According to the UN, women earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn for work of equal value. Firmenich has also expanded flexible working opportunities worldwide, made recruitment and promotion practices more diversity-focused, created diversity and inclusion training and mentoring programs, and enhanced equal representation at all levels including critical pathways to senior management. Since 2020, 50% of Firmenich’s Executive Committee are women.

In addition to achieving gender equality, Firmenich is also focused on raising the bar with targeted action beyond gender. This is about embracing the power of inclusion of minority groups, securing effective representation and engagement of people with different abilities, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and sexual orientations.

Building on its achievements, Firmenich’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy sets ambitious 2030 people goals, including commitments to human rights, ethnic pay equity, creating 5,000 job opportunities for youth and continuing to raise the representation of differently-abled people in its workforce to 10%.

This Award is one of many milestones along Firmenich’s journey to be the most inclusive player in its industry and the world of work. Firmenich was the 7th company in the world and 1st in its industry to be globally certified as a gender-equal employer by EDGE; the Group was recognized as a Diversity & Inclusion leader with the Responsible Business Award by Ethical Corporation; Firmenich’s CEO joined the Valuable 500 movement to put disability inclusion on their leadership agenda, and Firmenich was one the first four companies in French-speaking Switzerland to receive the Swiss LGBTI* label.

The Cercle Suisse des Administratrices Awards 2022 showcased companies leading in gender equality and women leadership.

Published : August 31, 2022