Making Sustainability the Core Competitiveness and DNA of CTCI

— Joanne Ho, Chief Sustainability Officer at CTCI

CTCI Group is an international turnkey engineering group that is ranked number one in Taiwan and among the top 100 globally. For a number of years now, CTCI has been recognized for its outstanding ESG performance, making it a role model for the engineering industry. Over the years, CTCI has been committed to sustainable development in the engineering industry, accumulating extensive experience and achievements in various fields such as solar energy, water, wind, electricity, and transportation. It can be said that CTCI is closely related to the daily lives of the public. From the field of water resources, including the domestic wastewater and industrial wastewater treatment, as well as water reclamation, to the field of renewable energy, including energy-from-waste plants, biomass energy plants, and solar power plants, as well as the transportation field, supporting green transportation, such as metro and light rail, we act as an invisible force behind the promotion of green living.

In the face of the recent global sustainability trend, CTCI believes that economic growth should consider both environmental sustainability and social inclusiveness. Therefore, we are committed to integrating the concept of sustainability into our corporate culture and establishing the goal of making sustainability the core competitiveness and DNA of the company. We have formulated the strategy of using our core business as the driving framework, connecting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and major issues, while strengthening and promoting the three aspects of corporate governance (G), social participation (S), and environmental protection (E), in order to achieve the vision of being a Guardian of Sustainable Earth.

This article will share the recent sustainability efforts of CTCI and our future developmental path, including the establishment of the Group’s net-zero pathway, implementation of the “Dingli Green Water Vitality” biodiversity program, participation in the COP28 United Nations Climate Change Conference, and promotion of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplace.

Establishing a Net-Zero Pathway for the Group: Engaging with Suppliers in Joint Stride toward Net Zero

CTCI has set carbon reduction targets based on the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) 1.5°C pathway standard. Using 2022 as the baseline year, the company aims to achieve a 45% reduction by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2050. These targets align with and exceed those of the Taiwan Pathway to Net-Zero Emissions set by the National Development Council (NDC) (24% reduction by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050).

In the realm of greenhouse gas emissions, CTCI has developed a clear decarbonization strategy, which includes: a short-term decarbonization plan for Scope 1 (direct emissions from the company) and Scope 2 (indirect emissions from the company’s energy use). The short-term plan consists of three levels focusing on green technologies, digitalization, and CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage) technology research and the promotion of renewable energy use; and a long-term decarbonization plan that involves energy storage technologies, the use of decarbonized energy sources, and the application of CCUS technology. As for the more challenging Scope 3 (indirect emissions generated by the company), CTCI’s carbon emissions from procurement of raw materials (Category 1 - purchase of products and services) account for nearly 95%. The company has established the CTCI Supplier Net Zero Alliance, with a total of 172 companies joining. Through this alliance, CTCI will leverage its influence as a big company actively provide comprehensive resources to suppliers, including audits, energy conservation, and renewable energy in order to accelerate the decarbonization of the supply chain and establish a low-carbon supply chain. This will enable the provision of lower-carbon and environmentally friendly engineering services to clients. Continuing with a new business model, coupled with on-site audits, we have been assisting manufacturers in conducting greenhouse gas inventories. As of 2023, we have provided guidance to 112 companies.

In the future, CTCI will continue to review the net-zero efforts and actions of its subsidiaries, track carbon reduction goals and progress, and strive to have the greatest sustainable impact. We will collaborate with suppliers and stakeholders to reduce carbon emissions, with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Biodiversity Project of CTCI: “Green Water Vitality,” Urban Explorers Survey Results Sharing Session

Confronted by the global water shortage issue in recent years, CTCI, as an engineering company, has been continuously investing in the research, development, and application of water treatment and water reclamation technology. CTCI has been assisting the government and industries in creating a “second water source” to meet the water demand, allowing a single droplet of water to be reused multiple times. This initiative not only takes economic development into consideration but also achieves a concrete circular economy. 

Recently, the importance of biodiversity conservation has come to be viewed as an integral part of global sustainability. Based on the rich achievements in the field of water resources, CTCI has launched the “Green Water Vitality” biodiversity project, incorporating its concern for biodiversity issues. From the group’s headquarters building to global operational locations and project execution, ecological conservation is emphasized in the design, procurement, and construction stages, aiming to achieve biodiversity goals.

Additionally, CTCI has set a goal to achieve No Net Loss (NNL) and meet the Zero Deforestation standard for its operating locations by 2030. By 2050, the aim is for operating locations to attain a Net Positive Impact (NPI), and for the value chain to achieve NNL and comply with the Zero Deforestation standard. Furthermore, the company participates in external initiatives such as signing the “Business for Nature-Make it Mandatory” statement from Business for Nature, demonstrating our commitment to safeguarding biodiversity and aiming to reverse the trend of nature loss by 2030.

In addition to the aforementioned actions and commitments, CTCI also actively expands its influence through the organization of events. For example, collaborating with Zhishan Green Park to organize the “Urban Explorers” Biodiversity Collaboration Project and Ecological Survey Results Sharing Session, enhancing public awareness of biodiversity; as well as the annual environmental action “Protecting Wetland Biodiversity, Creating a Sustainable Future Together,” inviting suppliers to assist in maintaining wetland functions at Guandu Nature Park.

CTCI's Debut as Observer at COP28 Climate Conference

The CTCI Education Foundation, established by CTCI, has made contributions to sustainability for many years. Its effort has been recognized by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and has become the 11th NGO observer from Taiwan. It was also invited to participate in COP28, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, held at Expo City, Dubai. In addition to participating as an observer, the foundation was further invited by Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs to participate in the “Taiwan’s Experience in Green Economic Development” forum held at the Palau National Pavilion, with the Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) delivering a speech titled “CTCI Group’s Path to Sustainability and Net Zero.” Through such actions, we are sharing with the world how CTCI is working together with owners and suppliers to achieve a sustainable future through the integration of global resources, promotion of green technology and innovation, and the implementation of sustainable practices in core business operations.

Subsequently, the Group’s Chief Sustainability Officer was invited by the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy to share the climate action experience of COP28 with the general public. This included on-site commitments and actions, as well as the latest trends in various issues, along with explanations of how CTCI is not only implementing actions, but also making practical efforts in all three dimensions of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). Finally, the CSO shared the inspiring slogans observed at COP28 and summarized them with the personal insights of “Speed Up,” “New Technology,” and “Systemic Change”. In the future, CTCI will continue to focus on its core business of green engineering and innovative technologies, while forging strategic partnerships, in order to lead systemic change.

Creating a Happy Workplace and Working Towards Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion (DEI)

CTCI is an international conglomerate with employees from 20 different nationalities. CTCI is committed to implementing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DEI) workplace system, actively assisting colleagues in establishing a work-life balance and creating a happy workplace. Relevant actions include: establishing a Group Health Care Platform to take care of employees’ health and extending the Employee Assistance Program to their dependents, organizing multicultural events, implementing flexible working hours, and providing benefits that exceed legal requirements. Furthermore, CTCI’s occupational safety and health management is at the forefront of the international engineering industry, creating a safe and secure workplace and a friendly and healthy working environment. Our aim is to provide our colleagues with excellent care within the CTCI family.

Furthermore, CTCI actively extends its influence to external organizations, including participation in public construction, industry-academia cooperation, academic incentives, volunteer participation, and support for charitable organizations. At the same time, it integrates the power of the CTCI Education Foundation and the local community, connecting the philanthropic networks and platforms both inside and outside the company, with the aim of bringing positive changes to society. These efforts include social care, support for charitable organizations, green consumption, promotion of local culture and ecological issues, volunteer engagement, and the promotion of sustainable engineering education.

Focusing on the Future: ESG Engagement of All Members as a Guardian of Sustainable Earth

As the leading engineering conglomerate in Taiwan and one of the top 100 globally, CTCI strives to adhere to international sustainability standards and benchmarks, continuously setting an example and aiming to lead the industry in sustainable practices. Recent notable achievements include: being selected as a component stock of the Dow Jones Sustainability Emerging Markets Index for nine consecutive years, ranking first in the global construction and engineering industry; being in the top 1% of S&P Global’s 2023 Sustainability Yearbook; receiving the national-level highest honor for sustainability, the National Sustainable Development Award; three listed companies under the group consistently ranking in the top 5% of the Corporate Governance Evaluation; winning the Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards (TCSA) for seven consecutive years, including the Taiwan Top 10 Sustainable Exemplary Companies Award, Platinum Award for Sustainability Reporting, and Performance Leader Awards in the five categories of Climate, Circular Economy, Sustainable Supply Chain, Innovative Growth, and Transparency and Integrity; receiving the Global Corporate Sustainability Awards’ (GCSA) Best Practice Award - Outstanding Practice; and winning the comprehensive performance first prize in the CommonWealth ESG Corporate Sustainability Awards and the Friendly Family Workplace Award from CommonWealth Parenting.

In the future, CTCI will continue to expand its sustainable impact through progressive ESG strategies and planning. For example, in terms of governance (G), we engage with stakeholders to focus on 11 major issues, linking our sustainable development goals to company’s KPIs, examining climate risks as well as opportunities, and disclosing them in the TCFD report and climate and natural risk items. In terms of the environment (E), we continue to promote performance growth through three aspects of green engineering and will complete a greenhouse gas inventory for the entire group, set reduction targets and green energy plans for each location, carry out further tasks of the CTCI Supplier Net Zero Alliance, and continue to implement the “Green Water Vitality” project. In terms of society (S), we are creating a diverse, equal, and inclusive workplace, promoting welfare that exceeds legal requirements, and issuing volunteer passports to encourage social participation. By means of the aforementioned actions, we strive to realize CTCI’s ESG vision of being a Guardian of Sustainable Earth.