UNDP x GSB

SDGs station

Improper waste management not only causes environmental problems at the local and national level, but also contributes to global issues, particularly the problem of climate change that is becoming more serious as waste is one of significant factors of greenhouse gas emissions.

Community Waste Bank Prototype Project (SDGs Station) is a joint initiative between the Government Savings Bank, Cargill Thailand Co., and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The project implemented by the Surat Thani Rajaphat University aims to develop SDGs Prototype Station that incorporates an integrated waste management combining environmental science, community engagement, behavior change, digital technology, and economic incentives to create positive and multidimensional impacts toward sustainable development goals. The integrated strategy of community-based waste management for this project serves as a waste bank that will play a role as a learning center and Thailand’s first SDGs Prototype Station that has the potential to expand its impact to other areas as well.

Objectives

1. To create sustainable waste management.
2. To develop a waste bank for community or SDGs Prototype Station.
3. To promote the implementation according to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Project’s implementation site: Surat Thani Rajaphat University, Muang District, Surat Thani Province

Surat Thani Province is one of the nine pilot provinces to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as specified by the National Economic and Social Development Board, emphasizing the implementation of the SDGs localization. Therefore, the United Nations Development Programme, as SDGs Integrator for promotion of sustainable development goals, chose Surat Thani Province as the implementation site for the national goals.

SDGs Station Management System

1. Universities, students, individuals /communities
2. Administrative Unit + Student Volunteers
3. Data recording
        IT
   • Waste data registered and recorded by each person participating in the project.
   • Turning waste data into various types of data, such as the amount of reduced greenhouse gas emissions and recycling quantities, to be displayed on a dashboard.
4. Points + Lucky draw
   Incentive rewards
5. Reports
   Group leader, contributor/supporter
   Recycling plant or junk shop
   Organic waste processing station

According to Vitai Ratanakorn, GSB President and CEO, the community waste bank prototype project initiated by UNDP in the form of an SDG Station complies with the Bank’s policy driving its mission in response to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, sustainable and responsible banking in support of the SDGs. In addition, GSB believes that the waste bank project will serve as a good start towards creating a sustainable, community-based solution on waste management where the Bank is engaged in community development, with grassroots communities as a priority group. The station’s innovative management process in creating value-added waste will enhance cooperation and raise awareness within the community, while serving as a role model that can be replicated in other parts of the country.