These priorities serve as the foundation of TBS2030, guiding us to deliver measurable impact in line with the UN SDGs
Biodiversity and Valuing Natural Capital
We strive to foster long-term vitality of land, flora, and fauna, as well as local communities, with minimal negative impact from our work. TBS is also committed to strengthened engagement with local stakeholders towards creating synergies and capacity-building. In particular, we focus on land and biodiversity stewardship over a number of key areas through our five-step conservation strategy. This strategy includes:
- Biodiversity status research;
- Spatial planning in conservation areas;
- Development of equipment and infrastructure;
- Management of living species and their habitats; and
- Education on conservation and encouraging participation from local communities.
Land Rehabilitation
TBS is committed to responsible land use and ecosystem restoration across all sectors — from mining and power plants to plantations, renewable energy, and waste management. Our long-term rehabilitation strategy aims to minimize impact and restore degraded areas.
We work closely with local communities, NGOs, and experts to align efforts with ecosystem needs. For example, biodiversity assessments near our power plants actively involve local stakeholders, combining science with local knowledge to build trust and stronger outcomes.
Our initiatives include concurrent mine reclamation, conservation set-asides in plantations, habitat creation around power plants, and strict adherence to ISPO standards to eliminate deforestation. In renewable energy, we prioritize low-impact sites, ensuring our growth supports both ecological resilience and community well-being.
Waste Disposal
TBS is committed to minimizing environmental impact through a 4R approach — reduce, reuse, repurpose, and recycle. Where disposal is unavoidable, we follow the highest safety and reporting standards to ensure transparency and accountability.
In mining and power operations, we manage overburden, Acid and Metalliferous Drainage (AMD), and Coal Combustion Products (CCPs) through best-practice storage, dust suppression, and drainage systems. Both of our power subsidiaries are pursuing permits to reuse CCPs and are working with partners to develop circular solutions. Hazardous waste is strictly managed by licensed third-party specialists.
Across our palm oil operations, we run zero-waste mills by recycling byproducts like PKS, fibers, and EFB into biomass energy that powers mills, estates, and worker housing. With the acquisition of AMES, Arah, and GAI, we are expanding into hazardous waste treatment, including medical waste management, strengthening our role in sustainable and responsible waste solutions.
Water Usage
An essential and irreplaceable resource, water plays a pivotal role in our operations. It is used to power our turbines, facilitate slurry pipelines, and irrigate agricultural lands. At TBS, we take on the task of water stewardship as a comprehensive list of actions, focusing not only on utilization but also on preserving overall quality for future generations. Our views and actions on water stewardship extend beyond our immediate operations, encompassing catchment areas in line with international standards. Effective management requires strong engagement with a broad range of stakeholders for catchment-based actions to mitigate risk. This further reflects our holistic commitment to responsible water management across our facilities and operations.
The key steps in managing our water stewardship include:
- Understanding our water catchment areas, baseline water conditions, and ecosystems;
- Identifying risks and opportunities in these reservoirs;
- Reducing our water footprint and implementing thorough water management practices;
- Monitoring compliance, setting targets, and adjusting practices for further improvement;
- Engaging various stakeholders and identifying key partners to accelerate water-related programs; and
- Ensuring transparency in our reporting.
Emissions and Climate Opportunities
Monitoring emissions is central to our TBS2030 commitment. By tracking greenhouse gases across all operations, particularly coal-fired power plants and mining, we can measure progress toward carbon neutrality. Our emissions are calculated using GHG Protocol standards and reported annually to the Indonesian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, ensuring transparency and continuous improvement.
Beyond monitoring, we are actively mitigating impacts on air quality through operational strategies at key sites. At the same time, we are developing a broader climate adaptation strategy that considers risks such as changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events. These measures are designed to protect our infrastructure and strengthen long-term resilience.
We also recognize the dual nature of the transition. While divesting from coal and complying with stricter regulations may create short-term financial risks, investments in renewables, EVs, and waste management position TBS as a leader in the low-carbon economy. These steps not only reduce climate risk but also create opportunities to attract environmentally conscious investors and stakeholders.
Greenhouse Gasses Emissions
As part of our journey toward carbon neutrality, TBS monitors, traces, and mitigates emissions to reduce impacts on climate, air quality, and public health. Our calculations follow the GHG Protocol and are reported annually to Indonesia’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources through APPLE-GATRIK. To strengthen transparency, we are enhancing monitoring systems across six key sites, using 2021–2022 data as baselines and 2023 for newer operations, ensuring accurate measurement and accountability in achieving TBS2030.
Climate Adaptation and Resilience
TBS is committed to reducing its environmental footprint by achieving ISO14001 certification, targeting higher PROPER ratings, monitoring resource use and emissions, and investing in cleaner technologies. Beyond emissions, we are advancing climate adaptation by assessing risks from extreme weather and sea level rise, ensuring resilience through proactive measures and infrastructure planning. While the low-carbon transition brings short-term financial and regulatory challenges, it also opens opportunities in renewables and EVs, strengthening our market position and reputation. TBS also advocates for stronger regulatory frameworks and industry–government collaboration to accelerate a just and sustainable future.
Air Pollution
TBS is reducing emissions that harm air quality and the ozone layer by replacing CFC-based equipment with hydrocarbon materials that have zero Ozone Depletion Potential. We remain committed to meeting regulatory standards by monitoring and managing key emissions such as NOx, SOx, particulates, mercury, and other pollutants from our power plants and waste incineration. Through regular testing and the adoption of improved technologies, we aim to minimize environmental and health impacts while advancing cleaner, more sustainable operations.
See how TBS builds a resilient workforce by aligning material priorities with UN SDGs
See how TBS strengthens partnerships and communities linked to UN SDGs
