Jakarta. PT Chandra Asri Pacific Tbk (Chandra Asri Group) is actively pursuing initiatives to improve energy and water efficiency as part of its commitment to sustainability, targeting a 9% reduction in water usage and a 31.89% decrease in emissions by 2030.

Edi Riva'i, the company’s Legal, External Affairs & Circular Economy Director, shared these goals during the BNI Investor Daily Summit 2024 at JCC Senayan in Central Jakarta on Tuesday.

“Our focus at Chandra Asri Group will be on reducing energy consumption rather than merely its essence,” Edi said.

The company plans to cut water usage intensity by 9% from its 2023 baseline by 2030. Additionally, it aims to lower emissions by 31.89% from peak levels in 2030 through various strategies, including improving energy efficiency, developing green business initiatives, and implementing nature-based solutions as part of its sustainability and climate change mitigation efforts.

Edi elaborated on an energy efficiency initiative already underway, which involves utilizing solar energy. The conversion of solar energy into electricity through solar panels has yielded encouraging results. “Our efforts have positively impacted both efficiency and sustainability,” he noted.

Chandra Asri Group has also pioneered a key product: asphalt made from a mixture of plastic waste, promoting the circular economy in Indonesia. Drawing from research by the Public Works and Housing Ministry in 2017, the company incorporates shredded HDPE plastic bags into its asphalt. Trial results have shown that this formulation enhances road quality. “Our flagship product is plastic asphalt, with 120 kilometers already laid down, effectively managing at least 1,000 tons of low-value plastic waste,” he added.

The company is committed to managing low-value plastic waste, such as plastic bags, to foster environmental benefits. Through the use of plastic asphalt, Chandra Asri Group aims to bolster the economy and create jobs.

Edi also highlighted the “SAGARA” initiative, which focuses on collecting waste from coastal areas. This low-value waste is converted into fuel, branded as PLUSRI, which serves as a substitute for kerosene and gasoline.

The coastal waste management program, implemented by Chandra Asri Group for three years, has produced over 1,000 liters of PLUSRI, demonstrating a significant positive impact on the environment.