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PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero)'s Sustainable Agro-Industry Journey

Jun. 7 2024

Amidst the sprawling fields and bustling operations, there are heralds of sustainability shining bright in the vibrant tapestry of agro-industry amidst the sprawling fields and bustling operations. PT Perkebunan Nusantara III (Persero), better known as PTPN III, emerges as a luminary in this landscape, casting a brilliant light on the path towards environmental stewardship. Bimo Yudo Kristanto, Assistant Vice President of ESG & Sustainability at PTPN III, invites us into their world, where commitment to sustainability isn't just a choice but a way of life. Through collaboration with Bureau Veritas Indonesia, PTPN III unveils a saga of innovation, resilience, and unwavering dedication to greener practices.

PTPN III, a key player in Indonesia's agro-business and agro-industry sectors, is renowned for its resource optimisation and adherence to principles of good corporate governance. Embedded within its ethos is a strong commitment to environmental sustainability, which is evident in its policies aimed at monitoring and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through innovative strategies.

However, the path to sustainability presents its own set of challenges. PTPN III encountered hurdles during the GHG verification, particularly in consolidating data from various sources amidst their transition from paper to paperless operations. Nevertheless, their determination remains steadfast as they work towards a more efficient process.

Bimo Yudo Kristanto notes, "The transition to a paperless system is crucial to ensure data accuracy and streamline our verification processes. It’s a significant step forward in our sustainability journey."

PTPN III partnered with Bureau Veritas Indonesia to pursue sustainability for ISO 14064-1. The service provided a structured approach to measuring and managing greenhouse gas emissions, empowering PTPN III to accurately assess its carbon footprint and implement effective mitigation strategies. The verification showcased its commitment to environmental responsibility and enhanced its competitive position in the global market. This collaboration highlights the pivotal role of verification services in fostering sustainable practices and driving environmental stewardship within companies. 

PTPN III chose Bureau Veritas because the training on greenhouse gas (GHG) was done in a way that was easy to understand, which impressed them. Furthermore, Bureau Veritas repeatedly showed itself as a significant participant in the carbon trading program at their seminars. 

In their pursuit of sustainability, PTPN III partnered with Bureau Veritas Indonesia to pursue ISO 14064-1 Greenhouse Gas Verification. This collaboration, which commenced in October 2021 and was completed in December 2023, provided a structured approach to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions, enabling PTPN III to assess its carbon footprint and implement effective mitigation strategies accurately. The verification underscores their commitment to environmental responsibility and strengthens their competitive standing in the global market. This collaboration highlights the pivotal role of verification services in fostering sustainable practices and driving environmental stewardship within companies.

The impact of GHG verification extends beyond regulatory compliance for PTPN III. It serves as a cornerstone in their efforts to align with governmental regulations, particularly Presidential Regulation 98 of 2021 on Nilai Ekonomi Karbon. Through its collaboration with Bureau Veritas Indonesia, PTPN III positions itself as a pioneer in emission calculations among state-owned enterprises, enhancing operational efficiency and market perception. Positive feedback from stakeholders and recognition from government bodies further affirm their commitment to sustainability.

Bimo Yudo Kristanto emphasises, "Through rigorous verification, we can align with national regulations and set a benchmark in emission calculations for state-owned enterprises. This enhances our compliance and strengthens our commitment to sustainability."

PTPN III is not content with keeping their success to themselves; they are eager to share insights with other companies considering a similar path. Their message is clear: adopting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles leads to a more balanced operational and business development approach. Their advice to fellow companies is straightforward yet impactful: take action now, assess emissions, and initiate necessary sustainability strategies.

This success story isn't just about PTPN III; it calls all plantation companies to embrace sustainability practices. As custodians of nature, their responsibility transcends mere profit margins, aiming to preserve the environment for future generations. This ethos resonates with Bureau Veritas' commitment to shaping a better world through meaningful collaborations and sustainable practices.