Green Building Professional Roles: Driving Thailand’s Net Zero Roadmap

Chakrapan Pawangkarat

Vice Chairman, Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI)

Head of Property and Asset Management, JLL Thailand

26 March 2025

As Thailand accelerates its journey toward achieving net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2065, with an interim goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, the building sector stands at the forefront of this transformative effort. Buildings are significant contributors to energy consumption and GHG emissions in Thailand, making their decarbonization a critical pillar of the nation’s climate strategy. At the Thai Green Building Institute (TGBI), we recognize that green building professionals play an indispensable role in driving this transition. We are proud to highlight how these professionals are shaping a sustainable future for Thailand through their expertise and leadership.

The Urgency of Net Zero in Thailand’s Building Sector

Thailand’s commitment to net zero aligns with global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The building sector, encompassing construction, operation, and eventual decommissioning, is a key emitter due to energy-intensive processes, reliance on carbon-heavy materials, and inefficient operational practices. With urbanization on the rise and a growing demand for infrastructure, the need to adopt sustainable building practices has never been more pressing. The Thai government’s Long-Term Low Greenhouse Gas Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) underscores this, emphasizing renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and innovative design as pathways to decarbonization.

At TGBI, we’ve long championed the Thai Rating of Energy and Environmental Sustainability (TREES), a certification tailored to Thailand’s unique context. TREES guides the design, construction, and operation of buildings to minimize environmental impact, making it a vital tool in the net zero roadmap. However, the success of such initiatives hinges on the expertise and leadership of green building professionals who bridge the gap between policy ambition and practical implementation.

Key Roles of Green Building Professionals

Green building professionals—architects, engineers, project managers, sustainability consultants, and facility operators—are the backbone of Thailand’s net zero transition in the built environment. Their roles are multifaceted, requiring technical expertise, innovative thinking, and collaboration across sectors. Below are the critical contributions they make to drive companies and organizations toward net zero:

1. Strategic Planning and Roadmap Development

   
   

   Green building professionals collaborate with corporate leaders to integrate net zero goals into organizational strategies. They assess current building portfolios, identify emission hotspots, and develop phased decarbonization plans. By aligning these plans with Thailand’s national targets and international frameworks like the Paris Agreement, they ensure that companies remain competitive in a low-carbon economy.

   
   

2. Design and Innovation

   
   

   Architects and engineers lead the charge in designing net zero buildings that prioritize energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and low-carbon materials. Passive design strategies—such as natural ventilation and daylight optimization—reduce operational energy demand, while innovations like solar panels and green roofs harness Thailand’s abundant renewable resources. Professionals also advocate for circularity, promoting the reuse of materials to minimize embodied carbon.

   
   

3. Energy Efficiency Optimization

   
   

   A significant portion of building emissions stems from operational energy use. Sustainability consultants and mechanical engineers work to retrofit existing structures with energy-saving technologies, such as high-efficiency HVAC systems, smart lighting, and insulation upgrades. By conducting energy audits and leveraging TREES benchmarks, they help organizations slash energy consumption and transition away from fossil fuels.

   
   

4. Carbon Accounting and Certification

   
   

   Measuring and managing carbon footprints is essential for net zero progress. Green building professionals employ tools like life cycle assessments (LCA) to quantify emissions from construction through operation. They guide companies toward TREES certification or international standards like LEED, providing a credible framework to track and reduce emissions while enhancing market value.

   
   

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Capacity Building

   
   

   Achieving net zero requires buy-in from all stakeholders—developers, tenants, policymakers, and communities. Professionals act as educators, raising awareness about the benefits of green buildings, from cost savings to improved occupant health. Through workshops, training sessions, and partnerships with TGBI, they build the capacity of organizations to adopt sustainable practices at scale.

   
   

6. Policy Advocacy and Collaboration

   
   

   Green building experts serve as liaisons between the private sector and government, advocating for incentives like tax breaks or subsidies for net zero projects. They also foster public-private partnerships to accelerate the adoption of clean energy solutions, such as solar-powered commercial complexes or district cooling systems, which are particularly suited to Thailand’s tropical climate.

Empowering Thailand’s Net Zero Future

The impact of green building professionals extends beyond individual projects—they are catalysts for systemic change. By embedding sustainability into corporate DNA, they help companies reduce operational costs, enhance resilience to climate risks, and meet growing consumer demand for eco-friendly spaces. For instance, a net zero office building not only cuts emissions but also attracts tenants willing to pay a premium for green credentials, boosting asset value.

At TGBI, we are committed to supporting these professionals through resources, training, and recognition. Our TREES framework evolves to reflect net zero priorities, incorporating metrics for renewable energy adoption and carbon sequestration. We also collaborate with industry leaders to showcase success stories—such as energy-efficient malls or zero-carbon schools—that inspire broader adoption.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While the path to net zero is clear, challenges remain. High upfront costs for green technologies, limited access to low-carbon materials, and a shortage of skilled professionals can hinder progress. However, these obstacles present opportunities. Government incentives, private sector investment, and expanded training programs can bridge these gaps. Green building professionals are uniquely positioned to lead this charge, turning challenges into drivers of innovation.

Conclusion

Thailand’s net zero roadmap is a bold vision that demands action today for a thriving tomorrow. Green building professionals are the linchpin in this effort, transforming how companies and organizations design, build, and operate in the built environment. At TGBI, we call on all stakeholders—businesses, policymakers, and communities—to empower these professionals with the tools, resources, and support they need. Together, we can construct a future where every building in Thailand contributes to a sustainable, net zero world. The time to act is now—our planet and our people depend on it.

Acknowledgement:

"This article was generated with the assistance of Grok, an AI tool, and subsequently reviewed and edited by the author."