EEC Marks 50th Anniversary with "Re:Build" Initiative: Transforming Legacy Buildings to Cut Carbon by 50% for Net Zero 2050

Bangkok, Thailand – – To mark its golden jubilee, EEC Engineering Network, Thailand’s leading engineering consultancy firm, has launched a major strategic platform, “The NOVA Community x 50th EEC Anniversary.” The event, centered on the concept of “Re:Build – Transforming Old Buildings for a Carbon-Free World,” brought together policymakers, financiers, and technology experts to drive the Thai building sector toward the Thailand Net Zero Carbon 2050 goal. Celebrating five decades of expertise, EEC aims to navigate the industry through increasing pressure from climate change and impending environmental legislation. The forum emphasized that retrofitting existing structures is not only environmentally critical but economically vital.

Navigating the Climate Change Act: Challenges and Opportunities

A key highlight was the keynote address by Dr. Kittisak Prukkanone, Director of the Strategy and International Cooperation Division, Department of Climate Change and Environment. Speaking on “Re:Build Thailand – Challenges and Opportunities for Thai Buildings in the Era of the Climate Change Act,” he noted that the building sector accounts for 20.1% of Thailand’s final energy consumption and is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

The upcoming Climate Change Act will serve as the primary mechanism shifting buildings from mere resource consumers to active participants in climate solutions. This legal framework will support private sector investment aligned with Thailand’s 2050 Net Zero goal. Furthermore, the Thailand Taxonomy—a green classification system—will be a decisive factor for climate funds when providing financial support for building retrofits, green building development, and low-carbon technology investments.

"Buildings that adapt to environmental standards and ESG principles will gain a competitive edge, while those that fail to evolve will gradually lose economic opportunities," Dr. Kittisak emphasized.

50 Years of Engineering Excellence

Dr. Kecha Thirakomen, Chairman of the Executive Committee at EEC Engineering Network and Chairman of The NOVA Expo, highlighted the company's legacy. Over the past 50 years, EEC has served as a consultant for landmark projects including One Bangkok, Cloud 11, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), NEXTOPIA, BDMS network hospitals, and Hyperscale Data Centers.

“EEC’s strength lies in Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, and Indoor Air Quality,” Dr. Kecha said. Beyond project work, he emphasized EEC’s commitment to human capital development and knowledge sharing, which serves as the foundation for organizing The NOVA Expo—a platform designed to aggregate the most advanced construction and building upgrade technologies in Thailand.

Re:Build – The Strategic Solution for Bangkok

Data presented at the forum indicated that the building and construction sector is responsible for approximately 37% of global carbon emissions, largely from operational use. While demolishing and rebuilding generates massive "embodied carbon," the "Re:Build" approach—upgrading existing structures—can reduce energy use by 20–40%, and in some cases, over 50%, offering immediate carbon reduction.

With over 70% of buildings in Bangkok being older than 20 years—many located in prime areas near mass transit—retrofitting is identified as a crucial tool for simultaneous reduction in construction carbon, energy consumption, and commuting-related emissions.

Investing in the Future

Dr. Kecha outlined a practical roadmap for investment, noting that Thai buildings have high potential for carbon reduction through systems that offer clear returns on investment:

• Smart Building & Automation: Reduces total energy by 10–20%.

• Smart Air-Conditioning & HVAC Optimization: As these systems consume 40–60% of a building's energy, optimization can yield savings of 15–30%.

• Smart Water & Pumping Systems: Reduces energy, water usage, and wastewater.

The forum also highlighted a shift in market dynamics: as multinational corporations are required to report carbon emissions, the "carbon footprint" of a building has become a key criterion for leasing and valuation. Buildings that cannot prove their energy and carbon management efficiency face the risk of obsolescence.

Looking Ahead: The NOVA Expo 2026

Following the success of its community events, The NOVA Expo 2026 is scheduled to take place from June 3–5, 2026, at BITEC Hall 103–104. The expo promises to be a comprehensive showcase of "Re:Build" technologies and upgrade solutions, featuring free seminars and consultation services to help elevate Thai buildings toward a sustainable future.