Title: Sustainability assessment of the petrochemical and energy sectors in Thailand: global implications

Authors: Chavatip Chindavijak; Kongkiti Phusavat; Pekka Kess

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand ' Faculty of Engineering, Kasetsart University, Bangkok, Thailand ' Department of Industrial Engineering and Management, University of Oulu, Finland

Abstract: This paper analyses the status quo for both sustainability reporting, and its use as one element of the system for sustainability performance measurement in the petrochemical, oil and refinery, and energy manufacturing sectors in Thailand. This paper's aim is to evaluate the comprehensiveness of sustainability information generated at the plant level as well as the capability of the manufacturers to report sustainability indicators in compliance with Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). This paper will contribute to sustainability/sustainable development by assessing all 84 GRI performance indicators (G 3.1). Following a literary review of common definitions and principles, evaluation criteria for analysing sustainability reports were then proposed. Content analysis of 41 sustainability reports was made in an effort to assess the current state of sustainability reporting. Emphasis was placed on the status of existing reporting methods within three dimensions: economic, environmental, and social. The findings helped form the conclusion that the manufacturers were able to fully report on only 50% of the findings, utilising currently required indicators.

Keywords: sustainability assessment; sustainability indicators; sustainability reporting; social responsibility reporting; petrochemicals; oil industry; oil refineries; energy manufacturing; Thailand; sustainability performance measurement; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSE.2016.077418

International Journal of Sustainable Economy, 2016 Vol.8 No.3, pp.252 - 269

Received: 09 May 2015
Accepted: 05 Mar 2016
Published online: 29 Jun 2016 *

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