Daily Digest for

Thailand’s Stock Exchange (SET) has received approval from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its Net Zero 2050 target. SET is the fourth stock exchange globally to have its short and long-term targets certified, following Bursa Malaysia, Nasdaq, and Deutsche BÖrse Group. The short-term target is a 42% reduction by 2030, and the long-term target is a 90% reduction by 2050. This certification covers all three scopes of greenhouse gas emissions, including direct emissions, indirect emissions from energy use, and other indirect emissions across the value chain. SET plans to increase electric vehicle usage, improve energy efficiency in buildings, and develop green procurement strategies to achieve these goals.

Research has shown a methodology for converting waste A4 paper into a calcium carbonate/biochar nanocomposite (CCBN) through hydrothermal treatment and calcination. The end product, CCBN-400, is characterized as a high-efficiency nanocatalyst, which has shown effectiveness in activating PMS for treating antibiotics wastewater. The tests indicated a significant reduction in the bio-toxicity of tetracycline to wheat seeds after treatment with the CCBN-400/PMS system, emphasizing its potential in water decontamination.

Singapore’s Ambassador for Climate Action has advised businesses to accelerate their climate transition efforts in light of tightening regulatory requirements and increased market demand for sustainability. The country is targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and plans to raise the carbon tax while importing low-carbon electricity to cover one-third of its energy needs by 2035. New rules will compel listed companies to report under International Sustainability Standards Board guidelines starting in 2025, with larger firms required to report Scope 3 emissions from 2026. In 2023, nearly 6,000 firms disclosed climate transition strategies, a figure expected to grow as sustainability becomes paramount.

The UK Government has announced a £600 million investment to train up to 60,000 skilled construction workers by 2029. This funding will support the establishment of 10 new Technical Excellence Colleges and additional training places, aimed at addressing the skills shortages in the construction sector. The investment will help build 1.5 million homes and enhance Britain’s infrastructure by providing resources for training placements, foundation apprenticeships, and expanding Skills Bootcamps.