PTT joins battle against PM2.5 pollution

PTT director Chansin Treenuchagron noted in a press release on Thursday (February 6) that the Pollution Control Department has attributed the hazardous levels of particulate matter in the air mainly to people burning waste and cropland debris (25-38 per cent) – but also to incomplete combustion in vehicle engines (21-29 per cent), as well as construction (15-21 per cent).

Chansin said PTT, which makes and sells unleaded fuels, has long supported clean energy, developing alternatives such as natural gas, gasohol and biodiesel.
It encourages the use of B10 biodiesel in Euro 4-standard trucks rather than B7, a switch that it says reduces PM2.5 by 3.5 per cent.
PTT is now urging operators of public transport services to use B20 biodiesel.
It also plans to expand its network of charging station for electric vehicles to 77 petrol stations this year and 300 stations by 2024, Chanson said. 
And it will have a waste-to-energy plant operating by 2021, equipped with anti-pollution technology capable of eliminating 95 per cent of the particulate dust created.
“The small-particle dust problem needs attention from all sectors,” Chansin said. “Everyone can be part of the solution, from the root of the problem if they stop burning in open areas to using high-quality fuel and ensuring engines are well maintained. 
“PTT is offering free 30-item car check-ups until the end of February and is at the same time planting trees as part of its ‘Plants for Change’ campaign.”
Noting that a single tree can absorb 1.5 kilogram of airborne pollutants in a year, he said PTT has thus far planted a million rai of saplings and has established the Green Education Centre, Wangchan Forest Learning Centre and Sirinart Rajini Ecosystem Learning Centre.