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Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
Action Plan on Global Warming Mitigation 2007 - 2012
Executive Summary
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Message Form Governor
Global warming, driven by the rising of Greenhouse Gas in the Earth’s atmosphere, is now a highly concerned issue as it could cause many changes at the global scale, especially climate pattern, which may threaten livelihood and wellbeing of many sectors at the local scale. Activities in Bangkok Metropolitan, which is a large city, cause high greenhouse gases emission each year, and the emission is expected to increase in the future if there would be no initiatives toward GHG emission reduction. Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, being aware of the global warming crisis and the necessity to take initial action to be part of the global effort in mitigating the problem, has prepared the Action Plan on Global Warming Mitigation 2007 – 2012, which comprises of 5 initiatives: 1) Expand the Mass Transit Rail System within Bangkok Metropolitan Area; 2) Promote the Use of Renewable Energy; 3) Improve Building Electricity Consumption Efficiency; 4) Improve Solid Waste Management and Wastewater Treatment Efficiency; and 5) Expand Park Area. This action plan aims at GHG emission reduction by at least 15% of the total GHG emission anticipated in the year 2012 under business-as-usual projection. In order to achieve this goal, full support from the people of Bangkok as well as every sector is required for the successful implementation of the activities under the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s action plan. The preparation of this action plan received opinions and suggestions from the people of Bangkok, which were put together and refined into plan by number of interdisciplinary experts. In the name of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, I’m thankful for the people of Bangkok and agencies who jointly aware of the seriousness of the global warming problem for their cooperation in the preparation of this action plan and also the willingness to jointly mitigate the global warming in the future.
Mr. Apirak Kosayodhin
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Abbreviations
GHG = Greenhouse gas
p.a. = per annum
GWh = Gigawatt hour
Co2 = Carbon dioxide
ha = Hectare
BAU = Business as Usual
OTP = Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning
eBUM = Extended Bangkok Urban Model
MRTA = The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand
BRT = Bus Rapid Transit
CNG = Compressed Natural Gases
Kg Co2/liter = Kilogram Carbon dioxide per Liter
ECON = ECON Centre for Economic Analysis
CDM = Clean Development Mechanism
DANIDA = The Danish International Development Assistance
ERM = The Environment Resources Management
MT/Y = Million Tons per Year
3Rs concept = Reduce / Reuse / Recycle
IPCC = Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
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Contents:
Page:
Background
GHG Emissions Inventory
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Declaration of Cooperation on Alleviating
Global Warming Problems – An initial initiative for global warming mitigation
Initiative 1: Expand mass transit and improve traffic system
Action plan 1: Expand the mass transit rail system within the Bangkok
metropolitan area
Action plan 2: Improve public bus system
Action plan 3: Improve traffic system
Initiative 2: Promote the use of renewable energy
Action plan 1: Promote the use of biofuels
Initiative 3: Improve building electricity consumption efficiency
Action plan 1: Improve building energy consumption efficiency
Action plan 2: Electricity conservation campaign for Bangkokians.
Initiative 4: Improve solid waste management and wastewater treatment
efficiency
Action plan 1: Increase efficiency in solid waste management
Action plan 2: Increase efficiency in wastewater treatment
Initiative 5: Expand park area
Action plan 1: Plant trees in the Bangkok metropolitan area
Action plan 2: Plant trees in the neighboring province areas
Summary
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Background:
According to the Fourth Assessment Report by the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change,
continued greenhouse gas emissions at or above current rates will cause further warming and induce
many changes in the global climate system during the 21st century that would very likely be larger
than those observed during the 20th century. Global warming is now recognized as a serious threat to
human civilization.
Even though Thailand is not bound to international commitments to reduce greenhouse gasses (GHG)
emissions, such as mandated for developed countries in the Kyoto Protocol under United Nations
Framework on Convention for Climate Change, The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration believes it
nonetheless must begin to take action to reduce its contribution to the global warming problem. GHG
emission levels from the Bangkok metropolitan area are relatively high when compared to other large
cities even those in developed countries. (See Table 1) Therefore, the Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration is initiating its own Action Plan to reduce GHG emissions from the city and to take part
in the global effort to mitigate global warming problems.
Table 1: Comparison of GHG emission of Bangkok and other major cities
City Estimated CO2 emission
(million ton p.a.)
Estimated population (million)
Estimated CO2 emission per capita (ton per capita p.a.)
San Diego1
13 2.9 4.5
Tokyo2
71 12.4 5.7
London3
44 7.5 5.9 Bangkok
4 42.65 6.0 7.1
New York5
58 8.2 7.1
Toronto6
24 2.5 9.6
San Franscisco7
8 0.7 11.4
Source:
1. City of San Diego (2005). City of San Diego Climate Protection Action Plan, 77 pp. 2. Tokyo Metropolitan Government (2007). Tokyo Climate Change Strategy – A Basic Policy for the 10-Year Project for
a Carbon Minus Tokyo. 25 pp. 3. Greater London Authority (2007). Action Today to Protect Tomorrow – The Mayor’s Climate Change Action Plan, 196
pp. 4. Estimated in this report 5. City of New York (2007). Inventory of New York City Greenhouse Gas Emissions, 65 pp. 6. Toronto Environment Office (2007). Climate Change, Clean Air And Sustainable Energy Action Plan: Moving From
Framework To Action Phase 1 Highlights, 16 pp. 7. San Francisco Department of the Environment (2004). Climate Action Plan: Local Actions to Reduce Greenhouse
Gas Emissions For San Francisco, 140 pp.
GHG Emissions Inventory:
The Bangkok Metropolitan area, being Thailand’s major center for socio-economic activities,
consumes approximately 29,200 GWh of electricity annually, which is equivalent to 14.86 million tons
of CO2 emissions. Additionally, transportation in Bangkok is dominated by the use of CO2-producing
vehicles. The Department of Energy Business, Ministry of Energy, estimates that Bangkok’s
transportation sector consumes approximately 28 million litters of gasoline per day, which is equivalent
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to approximately 21.18 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. Combined, energy and transportation
are responsible for 84% of Bangkok’s GHG emissions.
Methane from solid waste landfill and wastewater is another source of GHG emissions in Bangkok,
estimated at 1.13 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually or 3 percent of total emissions. The
remaining 13 percent of Bangkok’s GHG emissions, from miscellaneous sources such as rice fields,
canals, etc., totals 5.58 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually. (See Table 2)
Table 2: GHG emission in Bangkok by sectors
Sector CO2 emission (million ton p.a.)
%
Electricity 14.86 34
Transportation 21.18 50
Waste 1.13 3
Other sources 5.58 13
Total 42.75 100
As of 2007, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration manages approximately 1,900 ha of park area,
including at least 3 million trees. These trees, together with trees on private land, should be able to
absorb CO2 on the order of 0.1 million tons per year. This equates to net GHG emissions in Bangkok
of 42.65 million tons of CO2 equivalent per year.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, well aware of the city’s high GHG emissions from various
activities, has taken initial steps to pioneer for Thailand strategies that address future GHG emissions.
The activities laid out in this Action Plan consists of 5 initiatives targeted at reducing Bangkok’s total
GHG emission in the year 2012 by 15% below business as usual (BAU) projections.
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Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Declaration of Cooperation on Alleviating
Global Warming Problems – An initial initiative for global warming mitigation:
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s initial action to address the need for long term global
warming mitigation strategies involved hosting a meeting with organizations and agencies from both
the private and public sectors to set guidelines for collaboration on addressing global warming
problems.
On 9 May 2007 at the United Nation’s Building in Bangkok, 36 organizations jointly signed the
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Declaration of Cooperation on Alleviating Global Warming
Problems. The declaration highlighted 5 strategies to mitigate global warming:
1. Reduce energy consumption and maximize efficiencies in resource utilization in all activities to
minimize global impacts;
2. Promote and support all sectors and stakeholders to jointly reduce GHG emissions;
3. Promote the sufficiency economy lifestyle to prepare for, and adapt to, global warming;
4. Promote and support activities that lead to GHG absorption;
5. Promote and support activities that continuously work to mitigate global warming by building
public awareness and knowledge.
Following the declaration’s signing, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration organized campaigning
events on the 9th day of each month to raise popular awareness among Bangkokians of global
warming concerns, and how they can take part in reducing the city’s GHG emissions.
• 9 May 2007, “Stop! Warming-up Bangkok”: a campaign to encourage the people of Bangkok
along 5 major roads to turn-off electric lights for 15 minutes from 19:00-19:15hrs. This activity
reduced CO2 emission by 143 tons.
• 9 June 2007, “Using Compact Fluorescent Lamps”: a campaign to encourage the people of
Bangkok to change their incandescent light bulbs to energy-saving, compact fluorescent
bulbs. A pilot action was organized at one of Bangkok’s major marketplaces, where 1,100 light
bulbs were changed. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to replicate this at 192
other Bangkok marketplaces, switching more than 44,000 bulbs. This activity will result in the
reduction of 8,000 tons of CO2 annually.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Declaration of Cooperation on Alleviating Global Warming Problems.
(Scan)
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• 9 July 2007, “Stopping Engines While Parking”: a campaign to encourage passenger car
drivers to turn off their engine when parked. If 5.5 million drivers in Bangkok turn off their
automobile engines for 5 minutes each day, CO2 emission will be reduced by 260,975 tons
annually.
• 9 and 12 August 2007, “Planting Trees”: a campaign to encourage the people of Bangkok to
plant trees on Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday. On that day, the Governor of Bangkok, Mr.
Apirak Kosayodhin, planted the 3,000,000th tree in Bangkok. When fully grown, these trees will
absorb 27,000 tons CO2 annually.
• 9 September 2007, “Using Cloth Bags in Place of Plastic”: a campaign to encourage the
people of Bangkok to use reusable cloth bags when shopping, instead of accepting single-use
plastic bags from vendors.
• 9 October 2007, “Reduce Garbage”: a campaign to encourage the people of Bangkok to be
mindful of their consumption and the solid waste it generates, and also to separate solid waste
for ease of recycling. Additionally, the campaign also encourages the appropriate disposal of
household hazardous waste.
This Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Declaration of Cooperation on Alleviating Global Warming
Problems has led to the establishment of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Action Plan on
Global Warming Mitigation. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration drafted an initial plan for public
comments, which were collected through interviews as well as through Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration’s website. Academics and experts from various disciplines then used the information
collected to analyze the draft plan’s appropriateness, feasibility and potential effectiveness toward
reducing GHG emissions. This final Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Action Plan on Global
Warming Mitigation contains 5 initiatives:
• Initiative 1: Expand mass transit and improve traffic systems
• Initiative 2: Promote the use of renewable energy
• Initiative 3: Improve electricity consumption efficiency
• Initiative 4: Improve solid waste management and waste water treatment efficiency
• Initiative 5: Expand park areas
The Action Plan is aimed at bringing about, over the next five years, a 15 percent reduction in
Bangkok's GHG emissions below currently projected 2012 emission levels.
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Initiative 1: Expand mass transit and improve traffic system
Traffic problem in Bangkok tremendously affect people’s well being, causing both physical and mental
stress. Environmental impacts from Bangkok traffic are also significant, with GHG emissions in the
form of CO2 of approximately 21.18 million tons per year. Simulations by the Office of Transport and
Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), Ministry of Transport, using the Extended Bangkok Urban Model
(eBUM), estimate that Bangkok’s transportation sector’s CO2 emissions could exceed 25 millions tons
per year in 2012.
Objective: Reduce CO2 emission from vehicle traffic
Action plan 1: Expand the mass transit rail system within the Bangkok metropolitan area
Aims to encourage passenger car drivers to utilize public transportation.
• Activity 1: Support the implementation of mass transit rail systems in the Bangkok
metropolitan area
The cabinet has approved an expansion plan for Bangkok’s mass transit railway network, both
subterranean and overland, throughout city and its surrounding areas. The cabinet decision on
7 November 2006 prioritized four projects. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will
accelerate the implementation of those projects for which it is directly responsible, and will
provide full support to those projects under the jurisdiction of other agencies.
• The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is responsible for the extension of the mass
transit system operated by Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited:
Taksin – Petchkasem and Onnut – Samutprakan section, and the Green Line: Mor
Chit – Sapan Mai section.
• The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is responsible for the Blue Line:
Hua Lamphong - Bang Kae section and Bang Sue -Tha Phra section.
• The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), is also responsible for the
Purple Line: Bang Yai – Bang Sue
• The State Railway of Thailand is responsible for the Red Line: Bang Sue – Rangsit
section and Bang Sue – Makkasan – Hua Mak section.
• Other supporting activities:
• Develop more park & ride facilities to support passenger car drivers’ use of mass
transit when traveling to the inner city area.
• Build more bike lanes to encourage greater use of bicycles.
• Implement and promote a common ticket system for public transit users in Bangkok.
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Action plan 2: Improve public bus system
Aims to encourage passenger car drivers to utilize public transportation.
• Activity 2.1: Implement a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT)
This BRT is an alternative bus system, which gives busses priority and a dedicate lane on city
streets. Its deployment will be coordinated to facilitate connections with other mass transit
systems. The pilot route, Chongnontri – Rajapruck section, will be operational in 2008. An
additional four routes are scheduled for implementation by 2012.
• Mor Chit – Government Center
• Don Muang – Minburi – Suvanabhumi Airport
• Minburi – Sri Nakarin Road – Soi Barring
• Bangna – Suvanabhumi Airport
• Activity 2.2: Support improvements to the existing public bus system
• Restructure bus routes to increase efficiency and to facilitate passenger connections
with other mass transit systems.
• Grant privileges to bus routes.
• Improve bus conditions, e.g. air conditioning, seat comfort, service quality, etc.
Action plan 3: Improve traffic system
Increase the efficiency of Bangkok’s traffic system by improving the road network, including
constructing flyover bridge and underpass tunnels in order to reduce congestion and emissions.
• Activity 3.1: Improve the road network
On 23 February 2004 the decision of Commission for the Management of Road Traffic 1/2547,
was announced with objective to help increase the efficiency of Bangkok’s road traffic system.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will implement the road network improvements in
the areas under its responsibility. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will also cooperate
with the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, the Department of Highways
and the Department of Rural Roads in the implementation of road network improvements
under their responsibility.
• Other supporting activities:
• Improve waterway transportation with more routes and piers, possibly jointly implemented
with the Marine Department, Ministry of Transport.
• Include environmental fee surcharges into Bangkok’s gasoline pricing structure, possibly
with collaboration with the Ministry of Energy.
• Improve pedestrian walkways.
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Targeted GHG reduction achievement:
Assessments of the potential effectiveness of these strategies were based on simulations using the
eBUM mathematical model. The results, derived through estimates of reduced motor vehicle fuel
consumption, and consequently, CO2 emissions, were as follows:
Activity Target CO2 emission reduction (million ton p.a.)
Action Plan 1 Activity 1: Support the implementation of mass transit rail systems in the Bangkok Metropolitan area.
2.4
Action Plan 2 Activity 2.1: Implement a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT).
0.19
Activity 2.2: Support improvements to the existing public bus system
1.24
Activity 3.1: Improve the road network 1.7
Total 5.53
Action plan under consideration: Zone Pricing
By defining a zone within central Bangkok for implementing a pricing scheme, or “Bangkok Central
License”, an important step could be taken toward limiting the number of cars commuting into the
inner city area. This action would lead to a significant reduction of CO2 emission. However, this is a
delicate issue necessitating a more detailed feasibility study.
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Initiative 2: Promote the use of renewable energy
Renewable energy, such as biofuels, is considered a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Biofuels and other forms of renewable energy aim to be carbon neutral. This means that the carbon
released during the use of the fuel, e.g. through combustion to power transport or to generate
electricity, is reabsorbed and balanced by the carbon absorbed by new plant growth. These plants are
then harvested to make the next batch of fuel. Carbon neutral fuels lead to no net increases in
atmospheric CO2 levels, meaning global warming need not worsen.
According to the Department of Energy Business, Ministry of Energy, Bangkok fuel consumption is as
follows: (See Table 3)
Table 3: Fuel consumption in Bangkok by type
Fuel Average 2003-2007 (million liters p.a.)
Gasohol 91 52.8
Gasohol 95 448.7
Gasoline 91 1,524.1
Gasoline 95 893.6
Bio-diesel 3.5
Diesel 6,278.9
Diesel B 5 51.1
Liquefied gases (ton) 927,622
This level of fuel consumption in Bangkok generates CO2 emission rates as high as 21.18 million tons
annually. As Bangkok’s use of biofuels is still very low, significant potential exists to expand their use
with more aggressive promotion through a public campaign. While biofuels’ policy is under the
responsibility of the Ministry of Energy, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration shall support a
campaign to encourage Bangkokians to increase their biofuels consumption in the near future.
Objective: The action plan and activities under this initiative aim to increase the proportion of
biofuels usage
Action plan 1: Promote the use of biofuels
• Activity 1: Promote the use of gasohol
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In 2007, Bangkok’s use of gasohol (E10) was less than 20% of total gasoline consumption;
consumption, however, has been rising steadily the past few years. It is anticipated that with a
sustained marketing campaign the use of gasohol could increase to 50% of Bangkok’s total
gasoline consumption in 2012, which could be as high as 1,350 million liters annually. The
biomass portion in gasohol could help to reduce net GHG emission. Promotion of the new E20
gasohol could generate even greater benefits.
• Activity 2: Promote the use bio-diesel
Diesel fuel is responsible for 2/3 of total CO2 emission from fuel consumption in Bangkok. The
use of bio-diesel in Bangkok is very low, just 1% of Bangkok’s total diesel fuel consumption.
Increasing bio-diesel use should therefore be one of the main targets in the effort to reduce
GHG emissions in the energy sector. Under a strong and continuous campaign, the use of
bio-diesel can be significantly increased in the near future. However, the portion of biomass in
bio-diesel is still variable and consumer acceptance remains low. This plan aims to increase
biomasses share of diesel fuel consumption to 2.5% in 2012. Total diesel fuel use at that time
is estimated to be no less than 6 billion liters per year according to the Department of Energy
Business. Therefore, the 150 million liters portion anticipated to be bio-diesel in 2012 will
contribute significantly to net reductions in GHG emission.
• Other supporting activities:
• Campaign for use of low carbon emission petroleum fuel – use of liquefied gas, e.g. CNG.
• Bangkok Metropolitan Administration facilitating the buying and collecting of used cooking
oil for refining bio-diesel.
Target GHG reduction achievement:
Assessments of the effectiveness of these activities relied on data from the Energy Information
Administration, U.S. Department of Energy, (http://www.eia.doe.gov/oiaf/1605/coefficients.html), which
estimates CO2 emissions from each type of fuel as follows;
• Diesel fuel = 2.261 kg CO2 / liter
• Gasoline = 1.976 kg CO2 / liter
Activity GHG reduction - CO2 equivalent
(million tons p.a.)
Activity 1: Promote the use of gasohol 0.27
Activity 2: Promote the use bio-diesel 0.34
Total 0.61
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Action plan under consideration: Biomass Power Plant
There are upwards of 30 million trees in the Bangkok area, a number that is expected to rise over the
next 5 years. These trees require periodic maintenance, producing 150,000 – 240,000 tons of biomass
annually that is suitable for energy production. Small-scale power plants could utilize this biomass to
help compensate for fossil fuel usage. This action could be implemented under the Clean
Development Mechanism scheme, but first a more detailed feasibility study is required.
Initiative 3: Improve building electricity consumption efficiency
Electric power consumption in public building as well as private household in Bangkok is estimated at
approximately 29,200 GWh per year, which is primarily used for air conditioning and lighting. This level
of consumption generates approximately 14.86 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. The GHG
emission from this sector could grow up to 16 million tons per year by the end of 2012 if no efforts are
undertaken to control electricity consumption. (See Figure 1) A campaign by the Bangkok Metropolitan
Administration targeted at less electricity consumption, however, will directly reduce future GHG
emission. This plan’s five-year estimate of the effectiveness of such electricity conservation measures
are derived from the Energy Conservation Measures Guidance for New Buildings Code by the Energy
Policy and Planning Office, Ministry of Energy.
Objective: The action plans and activities under this initiative aim to reduce electricity usage in
Bangkok
Action plan 1: Improve building energy consumption efficiency
• Activity 1.1: Improve energy efficiency of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s buildings.
Upgrade the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s buildings to be more energy efficient by
applying electricity conservation measures outlined in the Energy Policy and Planning Office,
Ministry of Energy’s, New Building Code. This would help reduce electricity consumption by 16
GWh per year.
• Activity 1.2: Promote and support the implementation of energy conservation schemes in
privately owned buildings.
This activity aims to encourage medium to large size new buildings to incorporate energy
conservation scheme in their design, and to encourage the implementation of new efficiency
measures in 10% of existing, large-scale buildings consistent with the Energy Policy and
Planning Office, Ministry of Energy’s New Building Code. This would help reduce electricity
consumption by 821 GWh per annum.
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Action plan 2: Electricity conservation campaign for Bangkokians
• Activity 2.1: Campaign for efficient use of electrical appliance
This campaign aims to increase awareness among private homes and small enterprise
owners to the importance of being more careful in their use of electrical appliances, especially
to use them only on an as-needed basis. This would help reduce electricity consumption by
1,370 GWh per year.
• Activity 2.2: Campaign for reduced use of air-conditioning
This campaign aims to encourage public building managers and private household owners to
set air conditioning systems to higher temperatures. It will be stressed that air conditioning
should only be used on an as-needed basis, and that electric fans should occasionally be
used as an alternative to air conditioning. This would help reduce electricity consumption by
797 GWh per year.
• Activity 2.3: Support energy efficiency labeling of, and proper maintenance schemes for,
electrical appliance
By encouraging Bangkokians to use energy-saving appliance and adhere to appropriate
maintenance schedules, electricity consumption would be reduced by 872 GWh per year.
• Activity 2.4: Promote the use of energy-saving appliances
By encouraging Bangkokians to use energy-saving appliance e.g. electrical appliance with 1
Watt power consumption in stand-by mode, this would help reduce electricity consumption by
265 GWh per year.
• Activity 2.5: Promote the use of energy-saving light bulbs
By encouraging Bangkokian to use energy-saving light bulbs, electricity consumption would be
reduced by 250 GWh per year.
Target GHG emission reduction
GHG reduction estimates are based on the figure of 0.509 Kg CO2 per 1 KWh of electricity savings as
contained in the Study on Electricity Sector Baselines in Thailand: Final Report Submitted to ECON
Centre for Economic Analysis under DANIDA contract on Capacity Building for CDM in Thailand,
ERM-Siam 2005. 14 pp.
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Activity Target energy saving
(GWh p.a.)
GHG reduction - CO2 equivalent (million tons p.a.)
Action Plan 1 Activity 1.1: Improve energy efficiency in all BMA buildings
16
0.01
Activity 1.2: Support the implementation of energy conservation scheme in privately owned buildings
821
0.42
Action Plan 2 Activity 2.1: Campaign for efficient use of electrical appliances
1,370
0.7
Activity 2.2: Campaign for reduced use of air-conditioning systems
797 0.41
Activity 2.3: Support energy efficiency labeling of, and proper maintenance scheme for, electrical appliances
872 0.44
Activity 2.4: Promote the use of energy-saving appliances 265 0.14
Activity 2.5: Promote the use of energy-saving light bulbs 250 0.13
Total 4,391 2.25
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
CO2 Emission (MT/Y)
Figure 1: GHG emission from Bangkok’s electricity consumption under business-as-usual (BAU)
projection compares to emission resulting from the implementation of this Action Plan
GHG emission in the future under
the implementation of activities in
this initiative.
GHG emission in the future
under business-as-usual
projection
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Initiative 4: Improve solid waste management and wastewater treatment
efficiency
Solid waste and wastewater contribute to GHG emissions through the release of methane during the
decomposition process of organic matter. Higher efficiency in solid waste and wastewater
management will lead to reductions in methane emission.
Objective: The action plans and activities under this initiative aim to increase efficiencies in
solid waste management and waste water treatment
Action plan 1: Increase efficiency in solid waste management
This action plan will base on the 3Rs concept – Reduce / Reuse / Recycle
• Activity 1.1: Improve efficiency in organic waste management
The solid waste in Bangkok that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is primarily managed by
landfill method. The total amount of waste has been steady at approximately 8,300 tons per
days over the past 3 years and expects to maintain this level over the next 5 years. The
organic waste accounted for about 50%, which would release methane while decomposing for
approximately 3 years. This activity would aim on the campaign for Bangkokian to sort solid
waste prior to discard, which target mainly on organic waste, such as food scraps or food
waste disposal from markets, restaurants as well as households. It will be encouraged that the
organic portion of solid waste be used to make fertilizer at fertilizer production plant, which
may require the production capacity expansion. However, the methane from the fertilizer
production process must be eliminated, which is technically feasible under the current design
of the fertilizer production plant. This activity aims to achieve a 15% reduction in solid waste,
from total of 8,300 tons per day to 7,000 tons per day, with target specifically on the organic
waste.
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Annual GHG emission (tons CO2 equivalent)
940,000
960,000
980,000
1,000,000
1,020,000
1,040,000
1,060,000
1,080,000
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Figure 2: GHG reduction from the expanding in organic waste management capacity1
• Activity 1.2: Support solid wastes reuse and recycling
Campaign for solid waste sorting for ease of reuse and recycling. For the time being, the solid
waste that has potential to be recycle especially paper, plastic and metal, is as high as one-
third of total solid waste that Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has to manage each day.
However, low percentage of these solid wastes is collected for recycle once they reach the
landfill site. Better sorting at source and higher efficiency in collecting these wastes will lead to
higher percentage of reuse and recycling. This activity aims at increasing of recycling of
paper, metal and plastic by 10% from current figure, which will lead to the indirect GHG
emission from the manufacturing process of these materials.
Action plan 2: Increase efficiency in wastewater treatment
• Activity 2.1: Increase wastewater treatment capacity
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is planning to construct additional wastewater
treatment plants which will increase treatment capacity from 1 million m3 to 1.8 million m
3 per
day, which will help to reduce methane emissions by 0.05 million tons CO2 equivalent.
• Activity 2.2: Reduce household wastewater
Campaign for Bangkokians not to dump organic matter, e.g. cooking oil, food, etc. into
drainage systems. This activity aims to reduce wastewater in Bangkok by 10%.
1 Based on First Decay Model as explained in 2006 IPCC Guidelines for National Greenhouse Gas
Inventory.
Methane emission in CO2 equivalent
based on business as usual projection
Methane emission in CO2 equivalent under Activity 1.1
implementation
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Target GHG emission reduction
Action plan under consideration: Waste-to-Energy Project
Waste-to-Energy project is one method to eliminate greenhouse gasses associated with solid waste
disposal. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is considering a plan for a large-scale waste-to-
energy project. This would help to reduce those GHG emissions caused by decomposing organic
waste in landfills. However, the careful selection of the proper technology is critical in order to avoid
generating other unwanted pollutants. Further study into the feasibility of such a plant is now
underway.
Activity Target GHG reduction (million tons CO2 equivalent)
Action Plan 1 Activity 1.1: Improve efficiency in organic waste management
0.1
Activity 1.2: Support solid wastes reuse and recycling. 0.28
Action Plan 2 Activity 2.1 Increase wastewater treatment capacity.
0.05
Activity 2.2 Reduce household wastewater. 0.03
Total 0.46
��ก��: with a capacity of up to 3,000 tons per day
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Initiative 5: Expand park area
Trees absorb CO2 through the photosynthesis process, causing CO2 to be stored in their wood fiber.
On average as much as 9 kg of CO2 per tree per year can be absorbed. Increasing the number of
trees in parks and in other areas in Bangkok is a direct response to the need for global warming
mitigation. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has been well aware of the significant role that
parks and trees can play, thus works continuously to expand park areas in the city.
Objective: The action plans and activities under this initiative aim to increase the number of
trees for CO2 absorption
Action plan 1: Plant trees in the Bangkok metropolitan area
• Activity 1.1: Plant trees in those public areas under the jurisdiction of the Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has planted 3 million trees in public areas within the
Bangkok metropolitan area, including: roadsides, canal banks, mangrove areas in the city’s
outskirts and at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration schools. In addition, the Bangkok
Metropolitan Administration will implement a maintenance plan for these and other existing
trees. Furthermore, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has plans for new public parks,
and aims to plant an additional 3 million trees throughout Bangkok by the end of 2012.
• Activity 1.2: Campaign and support tree planting on private land in Bangkok
Encourage and support other government agencies, schools, temples and private households
to plant more trees. This activity aims to plant an additional 24.75 million trees by the end of
2012.
Action plan 2: Plant trees in the neighboring province areas
• Activity 2.1: Plant trees in the neighboring provinces around Bangkok
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will co-operate with neighboring provincial
administrations and the private sector to plant trees in the areas adjacent to Bangkok. This
activity aims to pant 60 million additional trees by the end of 2012.
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Target GHG emission reduction
Activity Target CO2 absorption (million tons p.a.)
Action Plan 1 Activity 1.1: Plant trees in the area under the jurisdiction of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration
0.14
Activity 1.2: Campaign and support tree planting on private land in Bangkok.
0.32
Action Plan 2 Activity 2.1: Plant trees in neighboring province areas.
0.54
Total 1.0
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Summary:
GHG emissions in Bangkok will increase significantly if the current socio-economic conditions are
maintained per business-as-usual (BAU) assumptions. It is expected that future net GHG emission in
Bangkok could grow from 42.65 million tons CO2 equivalent per year now, to as high as 48.69 million
tons CO2 equivalent by the year 2012. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s target is to reduce
future GHG emission by at least 15% through the implementation of activities under the preceding 5
initiatives. These actions, if implement properly, would yield total net GHG emissions in the year 2012
of 38.94 million tons CO2 equivalent, approximately 20% below BAU projections and better than
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s targets prior to the development of this Action Plan. (See
Figure 3 and Table 4)
30.0
35.0
40.0
45.0
50.0
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Figure 3: Reduction in Bangkok’s future GHG emission under the 5-year Action Plan
GHG emission in the future under
business-as-usual projection
GHG emission in the future under
the implementation of activities in
this 5-year Action Plan
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Table 4: Comparison of GHG emission in the future under different scenarios against current GHG
emission condition
Year 2007 Year 2012
Sector Current GHG emission (CO2 equivalent – million
tons)
Future GHG emission under Business-as-usual
scenario (CO2 equivalent – million
tons)
Future GHG emission under BMA Action Plan
implementation (CO2 equivalent – million
tons)
Transportation 21.18 25.30 19.77
Biofuels energy (reduced GHG)
(-0.61)
Electricity 14.86 16 13.75
Waste / Waste water 1.13 1.13 0.95
Waste recycle (reduced GHG)
(-0.28)
Others (estimate 15% of total GHG emission from other sectors)
5.58 6.36 6.36
Green area (reduced GHG) (-0.10) (-0.10) (-1.00)
Total 42.65 48.69 38.94
As the city’s top GHG emitter, the transportation sector will be the most important sector to contribute
to reductions in Bangkok’s future GHG emissions. This Action Plan intends to take advantage of the
Transportation sector’s potential for significant emissions’ reductions by implementing an expanded
and improved mass transit system that draws drivers out of their cars, developing a more efficient road
network that reduces the length of time vehicles spend on Bangkok’s roads, and initiating a campaign
to support the increased use of bio-fuels. Electricity consumption represents another major sector that
will play a key role in Bangkok’s global warming mitigation plan. To be successful, the implementation
of this Action Plan on Global Warming Mitigation by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will
require full support from every stakeholder, particularly the people of Bangkok.