Utility company to plant 74,000 trees nationwide to mark 74th anniversary
MY Brighter Green is Tenaga Nasional Berhad’s environmental stewardship programme which aims to support biodiversity and help local communities.
TNB will plant about 74,000 trees of six different mangrove and landscape species which can help absorb more than 2.96 million kg of carbon dioxide at 39 locations this year at TNB premises, Cahaya resorts and TNB power plants nationwide.
In commemoration of its 74th anniversary on Sept 1, TNB will kick start the initiative by planting 2,907 trees at 14 locations. The implementation will run in three phases from September to December.
Positive social impact
TNB’s sustainability initiative aims to contribute towards climate and security, in addition to being part of the Group’s ESG initiatives.
TNB has continued to prioritise efforts in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy sources, and enhancing energy efficiency across our operations.
By investing in cleaner technologies and adopting innovative practices, TNB is actively mitigating the impacts of climate change and fostering a greener future.
“We embrace the belief that sustainability is a collective endeavour that thrives on collaboration and partnerships which is crucial in driving meaningful change.
“We are dedicated to creating positive social impact in the communities we serve,” says TNB.
Through various corporate social responsibility initiatives, TNB has been actively supporting education, healthcare, and community development programmes.
“We understand the importance of empowering local communities and fostering inclusive growth, and we are proud to be making a difference in people’s lives.”
Since 2009, TNB has planted 67,500 trees of various species.
“TNB hopes to scale up this impact by encouraging other companies to join us,” says the utility company.
The trees to be planted are Bakau Minyak and Bakau Kurap (mangrove species) and Gapis, Kasai, Rambutan and Bucida (landscape/fruit tree species).
Mangrove trees are widely acknowledged for their capability to sequester substantial carbon emissions.
They have their own circular ecosystem with a multiplier effect in conserving the environment and cultivating more sub-ecosystems.
This is also in addition to sustaining community livelihoods and wildlife.
A healthy and established mangrove ecosystem supports habitats that are critical to preserving rich biodiversity and provide environmental protection against land erosion, for example.
They also offer socio-economic and commercial benefits including fisheries, timber and tourism.
“Sustainability, climate change and environmental degradation have become major concerns over the past decade,” says TNB.
“To mitigate the impact on the environment, people’s lives and livelihoods, and to build greater community resilience, actions and adjustments are required from all of us.
“As a leader in energy transition, we are cognizant of the need to incorporate ESG considerations into our activities and operations, so that we help direct resources that will build environmental and economic resiliency.
“Initiatives such as this one with Malaysian Nature Society and Yayasan Hijau Malaysia make our sustainability journey more holistic and over time yield tangible results that rehabilitate and conserve the environment and contribute towards the overall sustainability of the environment and socio-economic conditions for the surrounding communities.
“Whilst much more needs to be done, this is a starting point in the journey to achieve our carbon neutral ambitions and helping to achieve the right balance between people, the planet, and the bottom line.
“We are committed to minimising our environmental impacts and addressing climate change risks and opportunities towards achieving net zero by 2050.”
Volunteerism
TNB is bringing in volunteers from its workforce, Malaysian Nature Society, Yayasan Hijau Malaysia and local communities in the project.
Volunteerism plays an important role in the community development efforts of TNB employees – from the creation of social and economic value to the promotion of proactive environmental conservation as evidenced by tree-planting activities through the My Brighter Green programme.
“This generosity of time, effort, and spirit forms the core principles of TNB employees and elevates our outreach programmes for the local communities in which we operate into enduring, steadfast partnerships with them,” says TNB.
Source – The Star