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ESG

Energy and Waste Management

Energy Conservation and Carbon Reduction

THSRC has established an “Energy Conservation Project Team” to systematically manage energy use efficiency and promote energy conservation measures HSR stations and maintenance depots. The team convenes “Energy Conservation Meetings” every quarter regularly to track the implementation of such measures and review the quarterly electricity consumption.

Notes:
1. THSRC used the Energy Product Unit Heating Value Table as specified in the 2016 Energy Statistics Handbook published by the Bureau of Energy, the heating value of 1 liter of diesel fuel for motor vehicles is 7,800 Kcal/L, and the heating value of diesel fuel is 8,400 Kcal/L, which is 4.187KJ per Kcal; 1 KWh= 0.0036GJ.
2. Due to the expiration of the company vehicle leasing contract in 2020, the Company switched to another leasing agency for diesel engine company vehicles since 2020, resulting in an increase in diesel fuel consumption in 2021.
3. Solar power generation facilities at four maintenance depots of Wuri, Yanchao, Zuoying, and Liujia were installed on the rooftop area of these maintenance depots rented by operators in the electric power industry. Electric power generated by such equipment was sold to Taiwan Power Company, so there was no data of green power consumption. As there is no renewable energy equipment installed at the headquarters office, there was no data of green power consumption, either.

Percentage of Energy Use in 2022

Notes:
1. THSRC used the 2029~2021 National Electric Power Emission Factor published by the Bureau of Energy and calculated emissions in 2022 using emission factors in 2021. As the calculation of electric power emission in 2021 was updated in 2022, so the data was different from that in THSRC's 2020 and 2021 Sustainability Reports.
2. Emission factors for gasoline and diesel fuel were corresponding factors from Version 6.0.4 (June 2019) of the Greenhouse Gas Emission Factor Management Table published by the Environmental Protection Administration.
3. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) was taken from the fourth assessment report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
4. Greenhouse gas emissions were compiled using the operational control method.
5. The types of greenhouse gases emitted included sulfur dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, fluorocarbon, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride.
6. The scope of inspection in 2020 and 2021 covers electricity consumption and gasoline/diesel fuel consumption in THSR trains, as well as at HSR stations [including electricity consumption in public areas shared with TRA (at Nangang, Taipei, and Banqiao stations) and Taoyuan OMC Building but excluding commercial areas/parking lots], depots, and THSRC's headquarters office.
7. The scope of the inspection in 2022 covers the entire company, namely 12 stations, 5 depots, THSRC's headquarters, Taoyuan OMC Building and main line (train and trackside equipment).
8. The greenhouse gas emissions in 2022 have been verified by ISO 14064-1:2018 in September 2023.

Low-Carbon Trains, Green Stations

Building Low-Carbon Trains

THSRC utilizes the industrial benefits of low-carbon transportation to offer passengers environmentally friendly, fast, and convenient transportation services while effectively mitigating the environmental impact of operations. The average electricity consumption per passenger served at THSR stations and bases has decreased from 2.25 kWh in 2008, with a yearly decrease of 0.73 kWh. However, in 2022, the electricity consumption per passenger at THSR stations and bases increased to 1.35 kWh and 0.34 kWh, respectively. Nevertheless, this still represents a significant reduction from 1.66 kWh at THSR stations and 0.43 kWh at the bases in 2021. When calculated in terms of the passenger-kilometer carried by THSRC in 2022, the Company was able to reduce CO2e by 775,059 metric tons compared to smaller passenger cars. This reduction is equivalent to the carbon uptake of 1,922 Da-An Forest Parks.

  • "Carbon Footprint label of High Speed Rail Transportation Services" and "Carbon Footprint of Passenger Transportation Between Stations" verification certificate and label.
  • In 2020, we applied to the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) for an extension and were awarded a renewed carbon footprint label, which valid until December 16, 2025. As we have achieved our carbon reduction commitment of reduction by more than 3% within three years (by 4.92% in practice), we were awarded a "Carbon Reduction Label.”

In order to continuously improve the energy use efficiency of trains, THSRC has introduced the LED device replacement plan and the energy-saving train operation plan. The former one has been promoted from November 2013 to the end of 2021, saving 13,326 MWh of electricity cumulatively and reducing CO2e by 6,926 metric tons. The latter one continues to promote energy-saving plans through the “Train Energy Conservation Team,” which has been promoted from 2010 to 2021, reducing approximately 318,174 MWh of electricity and CO2e by 166,604 metric tons.

Notes:
1. THSRC used the 2010-2020 National Electric Power Emission Factor published by the Bureau of Energy and calculated emissions in 2021 using emission factors in 2020.
2. Only electricity consumption in train operation was included. Electricity consumption for lighting and airconditioners on trains was not included.
3. The original annual carbon savings in 2020 as compared to those in 2010 were 17,629 metric tons, which was adjusted to 17,387 metric tons in the recalculation due to the adjustment of the 2020 emission factors.
4. In 2021, due to COVID-19, trains were reduced from May to November. In addition, due to the landslide incident on the Miaoli section in August, the speed limit of trains was implemented, resulting in a decrease in the energysaving benefits of train driving in that year.

Promoting Green Stations

THSRC has implemented energy-saving projects at five maintenance depots and 12 stations, and has established a comprehensive energy efficiency improvement plan to develop zero-carbon emission green stations. HSR stations are designed with a sustainable environment concept that includes "ecology, energy conservation, waste reduction, and health." Several energy-saving measures are implemented to suit the geographical environment of each station, reducing the load on building materials and air conditioning. The maintenance depots prioritize energy reduction planning, with the continued implementation of four major energy-saving schemes and several improvement measures for existing equipment.

Note: This is a “planned electricity consumption reduction measure” during the summer months (June to September), which means that Taipower provides tariff incentives, and the Company evaluates its own operating nature and applies for a contract for measures to reduce electricity consumption. During periods of high load on the power system or power supply difficulties, Taipower can guide users to reduce or suspend part of the electricity consumption to improve the system load.

In response to the global trend of sustainable energy transition and in line with the renewable energy policy promoted by the government, THSRC has built solar power generation facilities at maintenance depots and stations. In 2022, the annual solar power generation reached 10,543.24 MWh. The total power generation of the four maintenance depots was 8.172.08 MWh, and the power generated was all sold to Taipower; the total power generation of the six HSR stations was 2,371.16 MWh, of which 166.027 MWh was used by the HSR station, and the rest was sold to Taipower.

Solar Power Generation at Four THSR Maintenance Depots

Notes:
1. Solar installation capacity and power generation were added at the detention ponds in 2020.
2. Solar installation capacity and power generation at the detention ponds and car/scooter parking spaces were added in 2020.

Solar Power Generation at Six HSR Stations

Optimization of Sustainable Operations

THSRC not only actively implements low-carbon measures related to transportation services but also promotes energy-saving measures in its operations. The Company aims to achieve the goal of energy conservation and environmental protection through various measures, such as switching off lights during lunch breaks, regulating room temperature to 26 degrees, and replacing traditional lamps with LED.

Headquarters

  • In 2022, the savings of about 31,000 kWh of electricity are equivalent to reducing emissions by about 16 metric tons of CO2e.
  • The complete substitution of LED lighting in the headquarters between August 2019 and December 2022 will result in a total electricity savings of 260,000 kWh and a reduction in emissions of roughly 136 metric tons of CO2e.
  • In 2022, approximately 49,622 electronic documents were utilized, resulting in the conservation of approximately 594,464 sheets of paper, 71 trees, and a reduction of 852 kilograms of carbon emissions.

Taoyuan Operation Management Center

  • In 2022, the complete replacement of LED lamps and lanterns in offices and public areas will result in a total energy savings of 27,000 kWh. This is equivalent to a reduction of approximately 14 metric tons of CO2e emissions.
  • From January 2020 to December 2022, the implementation of energy-saving measures will save a total of 46,000 kWh of electricity consumption, equivalent to a reduction of 24 metric tons of CO2e.

Note: Based on a reduction of 12 sheets of paper per electronic document and 5 grams of A4 paper per sheet, the switch to electronic documents will save about 2.97 metric tons of paper in 2022; according to the information provided by the Environmental Quality Protection Foundation, one metric ton of paper requires cutting down 24 trees of 12 meters in height and 15 to 20 centimeters in diameter; one tree absorbs about 12 kg of CO2e per year (http://.www.eqpf.org/sf/3-1.html)

With the increasing consumer awareness of sustainability, THSRC is also offering a low-carbon and convenient riding experience to its customers through a range of ticketing services. The relevant performances for 2022 are outlined below:

  • Overall, THSRC has successfully reduced the cumulative number of magnetic/paper tickets used by passengers by 51.44 million pieces. In 2022 alone, the number of magnetic/paper tickets used by passengers decreased by 5.375 million pieces, demonstrating the effectiveness of THSRC's efforts to promote the use of periodic/multi-ride tickets.
  • Due to the implementation of cellphone-based tickets, the total number of magnetic and paper tickets used by passengers has decreased by over 72.04 million. In 2022, there was a reduction of 14.87 million magnetic and paper tickets used by passengers.
  • The cumulative number of passengers utilizing co-branded credit cards for non-reserved seat service has surpassed 13.12 million individuals. In 2022, the total number of magnetic/paper tickets used by passengers decreased by 1.35 million.

THSRC has implemented three major strategies, namely water conservation, use reduction, and recycle and reuse. Meanwhile, established an Energy Conservation Project Team to hold quarterly review meetings to examine the progress of implementation and actively practice water resource management. In 2022, the water conservation rate reached 11.764%, which is an improvement from 2021 and continues to meet the goal of reducing water consumption.

In 2022, THSRC used the water resources management tool of the World Resources Institute (WRI) for risk assessment. THSRC's water intake source is in the fifth range of 2.6-3.0 in a medium-to-low stress region. THSRC stations, maintenance depots, and THSRC's headquarters use tap water as the source of water rather than groundwater.

Regarding wastewater management, THSRC has set up wastewater treatment plants at various maintenance depots and Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, and Tainan Stations. Professionals with wastewater treatment licenses will classify and treat the sewage to meet the standards for effluents (Note). The remaining stations directly discharge sewage into sewers with sewage treatment fees paid regularly. Moreover, environmental management audits performed, THSRC complies with the “Water Pollution Prevention and Control Measures Plan,” and the requirements of environmental laws and regulations. The total water discharge in 2022 was 27.60 million liters, and a report was filed on the quality and quantity of effluents from the sewage treatment plants as scheduled.

Note: The effluent standard complies with the effluent standard limit of the “specially polluted sewer system in other designated areas or places” specified under the Water Pollution Control Act, which includes water temperature < 35° C (October to April) < 38 ° C (May to September), pH value between 6.0 and 9.0, oil and fat <10 mg/L, suspended solids <30 mg/L, chemical oxygen demand <100 mg/L, biochemical oxygen demand <30 mg/L, ammonia and Escherichia coli).

The recycling of THSRC's waste, including the resources generated from train maintenance operations and transportation services, as well as the recycling, clean-up, and disposal of and general industrial waste and waste at all HSR maintenance depots and stations are all processed by qualified licensed operators. Non-recyclable general industrial waste is ultimately disposed in incinerators. THSRC also manages the contractors through a contract mechanism to facilitate supervision of their compliance with relevant waste regulations. In 2022, the total amount of waste treated as per the reports filed was 4,854.508 metric tons, and 1,452.223 metric tons of waste was recycled, with a recycling rate of approximately 23.0%. The recyclables are classified into waste paper, waste plastic, scrap iron and others (including scrap copper, scrap aluminum, waste lighting sources, waste lead storage batteries, and waste glass containers, etc.), covered by 24.2%, 6.7%, 58.5% and 10.6%, respectively. In 2022, no breach of contract occurred, and no leakage of oil, fuel, chemical substances, or waste occurred.

THSRC is committed to reducing the amount of waste and increasing the rate of waste recycling year by year. THSRC not only urges the implementation of internal waste management, but also actively encourages suppliers to take actions. In our contracts with contractors, we require them to properly clean and dispose of the waste generated. Furthermore, the awareness-increasing session in meetings on interface agreements and work meetings with contractors, we supervise each contractor's implementation of waste treatment measures through on-site audits.

In 2022, THSRC invested approximately NT$69 million in wastewater and waste treatment. The primary projects focused on enhancing the wastewater treatment plant management at Taichung Station. These projects included equipment maintenance and upgrades, equipment expansion and repairs, coagulants, precipitants, and disinfectants, water quality inspections, commissioning of sludge collection and disposal, and outsourcing of waste collection and disposal. Additionally, THSRC installed grease traps in Taoyuan, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Tainan to effectively separate oil and water from waste oil and sewage generated by station merchants during operations, thereby reducing the environmental impact.

  Stations Maintenance Depots Stations and Maintenance Depots
Unit: metric tons Amount of Waste (metric tons) Amount of Resources Recycled (metric tons) Amount of Waste (metric tons) Amount of Resources Recycled (metric tons) Amount of Resources and Waste Recycled (metric tons) Total Amount of Waste (metric tons) Resource and Waste Recycling Rate
2020 4,735.55 3,162.20 551.59 872.58 4,034.78 9,321.92 43.3%
2021 3,891.98 495.29 442.27 117.82 1,613.10 5,947.35 27.1%
2022 4,288.59 621.99 565.92 830.23 1,452.22 6,306.73 23.0%

Note: In 2020, old air conditioners were replaced with more energy-efficient ones at the stations. Due to the large tonnage of old air conditioners, the weight of resources recycled increased, thereby increasing the recycling rate of resources and waste.

Note:
1. The waste from the headquarters is processed by the building management unit altogether, and the waste from trains is included in that from stations or maintenance depots for processing altogether, so the relevant data has been included in this table.
2. “Hazardous industrial waste” is nickel-cadmium batteries.