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Climate change has already happened and represents one of the greatest environmental, social and economic threats facing our planet. The fight against climate change has become one of today’s most challenging tasks. The European Union has committed to work constructively for a global agreement to control the phenomenon and is leading the way by taking ambitious action of its own. On 23 January 2008 the European Commission put forward a far-reaching package of proposals that will deliver on the European Union's ambitious commitments to fight climate change and promote renewable energy up to 2020 and beyond. In December 2008 the European Parliament and Council reached an agreement on the package that will help transform Europe into a low-carbon economy and increase its energy security. The EU is committed to reducing its overall emissions to at least 20% below 1990 levels by 2020, and is ready to scale up this reduction to as much as 30% under a new global climate change agreement when other developed countries make comparable efforts. It has also set itself the target of increasing the share of renewable energy use to 20% by 2020.

These efforts are also shared by Europe's private sectors who have designed and implemented initiatives to cut green house gas emissions, improve energy efficiency and increase use of renewable energy. Many European companies have their own environmental policies that play an important role in the fight against climate change. These efforts have far-reaching influence on internal operations as well as suppliers, both in and outside of the EU.


Objectives of the seminar

Recognising the importance of raising awareness about the EU’s green policies and those of the major EU multi-national companies among local businesses who are currently trading or aim to trade with them, the Delegation of the European Commission to Thailand in cooperation with, The Ministry of Commerce – Department of Foreign Trade, The Mission of Thailand to the European Communities and National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), are organising a public seminar to improve understanding of the EU’s climate change policies and its green public procurement approach as well as exchange views with relevant stakeholders about “green trends” of European businesses.

With the growing concern of the EU and its member countries for the protection of the environment, the Thai Business Sector needs to identify opportunities to meet the challenge of ever changing environmental policies. Taking advantage of such opportunities can create and add value to Thai products and services. The seminar will include a panel discussion, with both Thai and European companies, detailing the challenges and opportunities in running a “Green Business” as well as discussing environmental policies that may impact Thai suppliers to companies in the EU.


Why is Green business important?

Going Green is all the buzz these days. Many large corporations have their own “Green” policies and seem to out “Green” their competition. From small business to small manufacturing companies, any company can easily compete with big business when “Going Green”.

Business leaders today, are responding to growing concern about pollution. This will be a key success factor when doing business with European companies, with “Green” policies. The Thai Business sector can create and develop a competitive edge by being ahead of competition “Going Green”. “Green Business” as one of their key marketing strategies (part of the Corporate Social Responsibilities – CSR Concept). These companies encourage their suppliers and others in the industry to accept “Going Green” as a business practice. “Going Green” will create a good corporate image and build credibility for Thai business in international arena.


Who will benefit from “Green Business” seminar?

1. Government officials involved in managing Green concept and policy
2. Manufacturers, distributors, suppliers and exporters
3. Non-government organisations involved in the environment
4. Research and development centres involved in the environment
5. Certifying bodies
6. International organisations involved in the environment
7. Consumer associations