As companies continue to advance its operations and reach, they look at ways to try and make the output of their operations to be less damaging to the environment. Not only does this form part of the social responsibility strategies for many companies, it is also a way to become more cost effective whilst ensuring that they are aligned to industry trends that directly affect their customers and employees.

Whilst companies such as TESLA has been making headlines with its electric powered cars and solar cells, other initiatives such as water and wind powered energy has proven to be an efficient form of renewable energy generation, with the latter becoming cheaper to produce than that of traditional energy production from coal and gas in developed countries.

Thailand and other countries within the South East Asia region are also following such trends, both out of necessity due to carbon tax pressures, as well because many companies believe it to be the sustainable path to follow.

During #BIG16, the topic of renewable energy will be discussed, with a main focus on how the trend towards environmentally friendly energy generation would impact businesses in 2017. Some of the discussion points covered by the Panelists include:

• How is ASEAN focused on renewable energy and does it impact its approach on a practical level

• How can companies adopt renewable energy means as a way to increase its image in the eyes of its stakeholders

• What do companies need to do to become more “environmental” beyond the superficial level, and is taking such a stance actually good for business?