Water and Wastewater Management
Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Goals and Performance Highlights
Goals for 2030
Performance
Commitment, Challenge and Opportunity
The Company has demonstrated a clear commitment to water and wastewater management through environmental policies that encompass various aspects of its business operations, particularly the efficient and sustainable use of water. An example reflecting this commitment is the Supalai Grand Tower project, which reuses condensate water from the air conditioning system, both in split-type air conditioning units and for watering plants within the project area. This initiative not only reduces water consumption from natural sources but also serves as a model for resource management that considers long-term environmental impacts.
However, despite having policies and pilot projects that demonstrate this intention, expanding these approaches to other projects within the Company’s portfolio still faces limitations and challenges in multiple dimensions, including technical constraints, budget limitations, and the water infrastructure of each project, which may differ according to building characteristics and residents. Moreover, instilling a culture of water conservation and promoting waste segregation remains challenging, as it requires continuous communication, stakeholder engagement at the project level, and the development of effective monitoring tools and systems.
Despite these challenges, this context provides an opportunity for Supalai to elevate water management practices to become a best practice in the real estate sector. In particular, the development of innovations for water reuse, rainwater harvesting, or the installation of real-time water consumption monitoring systems can expand from pilot projects to more comprehensive systems in the future. These initiatives also serve as key tools in strengthening the company’s image as a real estate leader that adheres to sustainable development and responds to the needs of environmentally conscious consumers. Such actions align directly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6, which focuses on access to clean water, wastewater treatment, and integrated water management. Furthermore, if the Company can expand cooperation with government agencies or external organizations to bring in technology or funding to support water management at the project or surrounding community level, this would further empower the Company to drive its environmental strategy toward genuine sustainability.
Management and Strategic Approach
The Company places importance on sustainable water resource management, which must align with environmental governance principles (E) while simultaneously promoting the roles and behaviors of stakeholders (S) under a governance framework with clear and verifiable objectives (G). The strategic approaches and practical guidelines that can be implemented in each context are as follows.
Headquarters
Water Management
- Provide a water usage monitoring system for each areas of the building, such as office areas, restrooms, and cafeterias, to distinguish water consumption and set annual water reduction targets.
- Install water-saving devices such as sensor faucets, dual-flush toilets, and water-efficient spray heads.
- Collect and utilize rainwater (Rainwater Harvesting) for plant watering and landscape maintenance.
Wastewater Management
- Inspect the quality of wastewater from main usage points, such as restrooms and cafeterias, to ensure compliance with the Pollution Control Department’s standards before discharging it into the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration or local authorities.
- Promote the use of environmentally friendly products in cleaning processes to reduce chemicals in wastewater.
- Prepare quarterly wastewater quality monitoring reports and disclose them transparently in the ESG/One Report.
High-Rise Building Project
Water Management
- Design the building’s plumbing system to reuse condensate water from the air-conditioning system for watering plants or cleaning common areas.
- Support the reuse of rainwater for floor washing and landscaping, with a separate system from the tap water supply to prevent contamination.
- Install a real-time water usage measurement and display system for residents and the condominium juristic person to encourage participation in reducing water consumption.
Wastewater Management
- Provide an on-site wastewater treatment system within the project before discharging into public sewers, ensuring compliance with the quality standards set by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
- Study and assess the feasibility of installing a Greywater Recycling system (reusing water from showers and washbasins for toilets) for newly designed buildings.
- Report wastewater volume and quality in accordance with legal requirements, and include the reports in the One Report annually.
Low-Rise Project
Water Management
- Design a rainwater collection system from roofs and gutters for watering plants around the house, and encourage residents to install storage tanks or automated systems for their gardens.
- Install water storage tanks and an efficient water pressure control system to reduce water loss in the system.
- Prepare a water conservation guide for homebuyers and promote it through CSR activities within the community.
Wastewater Management
- Develop house designs to accommodate Greywater and Blackwater (toilet water) separation systems, preparing for in-house water recycling.
- Regularly inspect the wastewater treatment system from septic tanks or grease traps, and arrange for desludging of treatment tanks at appropriate intervals.
- Coordinate with local authorities to properly manage wastewater from common areas, such as clubhouses, playgrounds, or public activity spaces, in accordance with sanitation standards.
In addition, to ensure the company’s water and wastewater management is efficient and sustainable, preventing issues and/or complaints, the company has established a Water and Wastewater Management Strategy as follows.
Establishment of the ESG Water Taskforce
The Company is considering establishing the establishment of dedicated “Water & Wastewater Management” taskforce under the company’s ESG Committee, comprising representatives from all relevant departments. This taskforce will have the following main roles and responsibilities:
- Establish policies and standards for water usage and wastewater treatment for all types of projects.
- Monitor, inspect, and report quarterly performance.
- Coordinate with partners and contractors for the design and construction of sustainable water systems from the outset.
Integration into the Project Design and Development Process
- Green Building Standard: Require all new SUPALAI projects to meet design criteria that take water efficiency into account, such as using water-saving materials and equipment, the designing of rainwater harvesting systems, and implementing on-site wastewater treatment systems.
- Sustainable Procurement: Require that the procurement of materials and equipment related to plumbing, sanitation, and water treatment be environmentally certified products (e.g., Green Thai Industrial Standards or environmental labels).
Building Organizational Culture and Stakeholder Engagement
- Within the organization: Conduct a “Value Water” campaign for employees at the headquarters, together with practical training on water quality inspection and treatment systems.
- Residents: Provide a sustainable water use guidance and install informational signage in common areas to raise awareness, such as information on the volumeof water that the project is able to reuse each month.
- Surrounding community: Collaborate with local municipalities or community organizations to promote rainwater harvesting projects or small-scale wastewater treatment systems for shared use.
Technology & Innovation
- Develop a Monitoring & Control system connected to IoT to measure water consumption and quality in real time, with a dashboard to report results to management.
- Support research and development (R&D) on wastewater reuse, such as bio-filtration systems or the use of plants for water treatment (constructed wetlands) for low-rise projects.
- Implement Smart Metering systems for residents in high-rise buildings and housing estates, allowing them to view their water usage and compare it with the community average.
Transparency & Reporting
- Prepare Sustainability/One Reports disclosing quantitative and qualitative information on water and wastewater, such as total water consumption, water reuse volumes, and wastewater quality.
- Ensure data alignment with international standards, such as the GRI Standards (GRI 303: Water and Effluents), and support SDG 6 targets.
- Provide stakeholders, including residents, investors, and regulatory authorities, access to information through the company’s website or online reporting system.
Stakeholders Directly Impacted
Customers
Positive Impacts
- Reside in projects with safe water management systems, clean water quality, and reduced water costs through water-saving systems.
Expected Impacts / Risks
- If the water management system malfunctions or does not meet standards, it may result in water quality unsuitable for consumption and cause dissatisfaction among residents.
Employees
Positive Impacts
- Work in an environment that values environmental care and hygiene, fostering a sense of pride in the organization.
Expected Impacts / Risks
- If training and supporting measures are lacking, there may be increased workload or risks from exposure to contaminated wastewater.
Suppliers / Retailers
Positive Impacts
- Have opportunities to develop innovations with SUPALAI, such as water-saving technologies or advanced treatment systems, creating credibility and business opportunities.
Expected Impacts / Risks
- If the Company’s environmental standards become stricter, suppliers may face higher costs to comply with the requirements.
Shareholders / Investors
Positive Impacts
- Benefit from the Company’s positive image and sustainability, which help enhance investor confidence and long-term investment value.
Expected Impacts / Risks
- If water management does not meet standards, it may create legal and reputational risks and affect investment returns.
Community / Society
Positive Impacts
- Enjoy an improved environment, reduced impacts from wastewater, and access to projects that are socially responsible.
Expected Impacts / Risks
- If leaks occur or untreated wastewater is improperly discharged, it may impact health, the environment, and relationships with the community.
Government Agencies
Positive Impacts
- Receive cooperation from private organizations in supporting environmental policies and water resource conservation.
Expected Impacts / Risks
- If the Company fails to comply with water and wastewater regulations, it may affect law enforcement and create legal issues for the Company.
