
As of 2024, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) has made significant progress in its sustainability efforts, moving up to the 4th place in Corporate Knights' list of the 100 most sustainable companies, compared to the 9th place in 2023. This remarkable achievement further solidifies THSRC's position as a leader in sustainable practices within the business world. The company's commitment to environmental preservation and its continuous efforts towards a more ambitious ESG vision have contributed to this rise in its sustainability ranking. It has the distinction of being the highest ranked Asian sustainable company for 2024 and 2023. The company has earned praise for its commitment to environmental preservation. It has been included in the FTSE4Good TIP Taiwan ESG Index every year since 2018. As of the year 2021, the company had also been ranked in the top 5% of listed companies in the Corporate Governance Evaluation System for five consecutive years. They also won the "Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Award" (TCSA).
In addition to its sustainability achievements, Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation stands out with an impressive CEO to Average Worker compensation ratio of 11:1, as per the latest sustainability report. This low ratio reflects the company's commitment to fair and inclusive compensation practices, addressing concerns about income inequality. THSRC's approach aligns with its broader sustainability goals, emphasising not only environmental but also social responsibility. This balanced compensation model sets a positive example for companies, showcasing a commitment to creating equitable workplaces in the pursuit of a more sustainable and socially responsible business landscape.
Since it was founded 23 years ago, THSRC has not only grown steadily, but it has also kept to its corporate vision of "being the platform for advancement and enjoyment." This is followed by its five core values of "discipline, integrity, efficiency, innovation, and understanding,". THSRC has been inspired to keep working toward an even more ambitious ESG vision by the positive feedback it has received from a variety of stakeholders.
THSRC's sustainable development initiatives continue to focus on the 4Ts – transportation, technology, Taiwan, and touch. The company's dedication to improving operational safety, service quality, and job creation is evident in its comprehensive approach to sustainability across various aspects of its operations.
The Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation operating route is 350 kilometers, passing through 11 counties and cities in the west and 76 townships. When construction began in 1998, the $513 billion project was the largest privately owned rail system in the world. Since operations began in January 2007, trains have averaged 186 miles per hour while maintaining a 99% on-time record with zero accidents.
Its exceptional sustainability ranking is due to the following initiatives and best practices:
Greenhouse Gas Emissions:
Total greenhouse gas emissions were 281,696.73 metric tons.
THRC received a "carbon reduction label" for having achieved their carbon reduction commitment of reducing by more than 3% within three years" (by 4.92% in practice).
It also estimates that it saved 585,360 pieces of paper, 70 trees, and lowered carbon emissions by 840 kg.
The company started the plan to replace LED devices and a plan to run trains in a way that saves energy in order to "constantly improve the way trains use energy." From the start of the promotion in November 2013 until the end of 2021, 11,793 MWh of energy and 6,146 metric tons of CO2 equivalent will be saved.
In the meantime, between 2017 and 2021, it put in place energy-saving measures that saved about 826,000 kWh of electricity. That's the same as preventing the release of about 152.78 tons of CO2 equivalents into the atmosphere.
Energy Generation:
The four depots and six stations together made 10,543.24 Mwh of solar power every year.
Recycling:
With a recycling rate of approximately 27.1%, the amount of waste recycled reached 1,613.104 metric tons. To put that in perspective the global recycling rate is less than 20%.
Water Usage:
The Taiwan High Speed Rail system is also water-aware. The water-saving rate in 2021 reached 17.17%, considerably higher than the water-saving rate in 2020 (5.34%), during the COVID pandemic.
The company cut water use per customer by 17.17% compared to 2021, and the rate at which electricity is conserved per passenger served increased by 12.380% annually on average.
Additionally, "(the company) reduces water consumption by regulating the water output of faucets and planting sprinkler irrigation," which is a great way to help the environment and save money.
The Company's report states that it has installed treatment plants for wastewater at designated stations and depots. It states that the total volume of water discharged in 2021 was 27.97 million litres.
Waste treatment:
Waste is sent to the incinerator if recycling efforts are unsuccessful. According to the reports submitted, the total amount of waste treated in 2021 was 5,947.35 metric tons, and 1,613.104 metric tons of waste were recycled.
The business is dedicated to cutting down on waste in all of its supply chains. Subcontractors must clean up after themselves and properly dispose of any trash they create.
It helps keep wastewater treatment facilities in good shape and brings them up to date. It also improves and monitors the use of coagulants, precipitants, disinfectants, and water quality.
Pollution:
In 2021, there were no cases of contract violations or spills of oil, fuel, chemicals, or garbage.
Supply Chain:
THRC says, "We actively implement the idea of green procurement and are committed to improving the overall supply chain's sustainable performance." It also says, "We supervise each contractor's implementation of waste treatment measures by doing on-site audits."
Since promoting localisation in 2007, the company has worked with 127 domestic manufacturers to create 1,207 pieces of high-speed railway maintenance materials.
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation is setting the standard for sustainable transportation in Asia and beyond. Its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, generating renewable energy, conserving water, recycling waste, and promoting green procurement shows that sustainable practices can be incorporated into every aspect of a business. By ranking fourth on Corporate Knights' list of the 100 most sustainable companies in 2024, THSRC has shown that sustainability is not just an idealistic goal but a practical and profitable business model.
THSRC's dedication to sustainability and social responsibility sets it apart and makes it a role model for other companies to follow. If you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest news and updates from Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation, be sure to subscribe to their newsletters and social media channels. You'll get the latest information on their sustainability initiatives, technological innovations, and future plans. Read their latest sustainability report here. By supporting companies like THSRC, you can help create a more sustainable future for all. When travelling in Taiwan, THSRC is the perfect choice for a sustainable and eco-friendly journey. We can only hope that more Mass Transport Companies across the world look to follow in the footsteps of THRC.
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