[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Saeng-hye] BAT Korea announced on the 25th that, as part of the group's ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) strategy, it will collaborate with LS Electric to introduce eco-friendly solar power facilities at its Sacheon plant in Gyeongnam.
BAT Korea plans to install and operate solar power modules in six zones totaling 16,000㎡, including parts of the factory building and parking lot, as part of the Sacheon plant solar power project. Construction of the solar power facilities will begin in March next year, with plans to install fixed rooftop solar panels and solar panel structures in the parking lot.
BAT Korea expects a significant carbon reduction effect from the operation of the solar power facilities at the Sacheon plant. Once completed and fully operational, the solar power facilities at the Sacheon plant will be able to produce up to 1,435 kW of electricity, which corresponds to an annual reduction of approximately 781 tons of carbon dioxide emissions. This is equivalent to planting 55,784 pine trees or saving 1,930 drums of oil from thermal power plants.
Kang Seung-ho, Executive Director of BAT Korea Sacheon Plant, said, “We initiated the solar power facility installation project to realize the ESG strategy presented by the BAT Group. BAT Korea Sacheon Plant will strengthen investments in eco-friendly facilities to reduce the environmental impact of product manufacturing and achieve a ‘better tomorrow.’”
BAT Group, which announced its ESG strategy earlier this year, has been selected as a DJSI (Dow Jones Sustainability Index) World company for 19 consecutive years as of the 2020 evaluation. BAT Group is the only company in the tobacco industry selected as a DJSI World company this year. Additionally, it achieved the highest industry scores in 13 out of 23 evaluation categories and received perfect scores in 7 categories, officially recognizing it as one of the best companies practicing ESG management.
In line with the group’s strategy, BAT Korea is investing in eco-friendly production, including introducing solar power facilities at the Sacheon plant in Gyeongnam and recycling factory wastewater. Furthermore, it is conducting various activities based on its ESG strategy, such as the BAT Do Dream contest for nurturing future talent, support projects for single mothers’ independence and career development, and support programs for vulnerable local communities.
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