2024 Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) ESG Initiative

On March 7, 2024, at 9:30 a.m., the Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) held the 2024 Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) ESG Initiative Forum. The forum took place in Room 402 on the 4th floor of Hall 1 at the Nangang Exhibition Center. International bicycle associations such as WFSGI, CONEBI, CIE, EBMA, LEVA USA, and PeopleForBikes attended the event. Domestic organizations like TBA (Taiwan Bicycle Association), CHC (Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center), and the Taiwan External Trade Development Council also sent representatives to join the forum. Legislative Yuan Deputy Speaker Chiang Chi-chen and Minister Without Portfolio Yang Zhi-qing from the Ministry of Economic Affairs also attended. The forum attracted bicycle industry professionals from home and abroad to discuss the sustainable development of the bicycle industry in terms of ESG.

BAS's sustainability initiatives are promoted in eight major directions: carbon footprint verification, carbon emission reduction, circular economy, environmental protection, diversity and inclusion, ESG education and training, promotion of bicycle riding carbon credits, and alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Kevin Mayne, the CEO of CIE, sent a letter to BAS prior to the event, expressing his delight at the success of BAS's initiatives and his shared understanding that through the collaborative initiatives, the bicycle industry can reduce its carbon footprint. He hopes to work with BAS and other organizations to formulate relevant strategies that will benefit the entire bicycle industry, and join efforts to protect the planet.

With BAS's sustainability initiatives as the main focus, the forum invited international bicycle associations to sign a joint initiative for promoting ESG practices within the industry. During the event, BAS presented the overall sustainable development benefits it achieved in 2023, demonstrating that over 80% of its members have engaged in greenhouse gas inventories and actively took actions to reduce carbon emissions. BAS also proposed the concept of cycling carbon credits, emphasizing that "cyclists should have carbon rights," and calling on the government to promote cycling carbon credits to enhance the carbon reduction benefits of cycling.

During the event, through sharing by BAS member companies, discussions were held on how the bicycle industry can achieve sustainable development under the guidance of ESG principles. VP COMPONENTS CO., LTD. shared its experience in building a green and sustainable future, setting mid-term carbon reduction goals, following the SBTi's carbon reduction pathways and strategies, and presenting energy-saving cases as it moves towards carbon neutrality. VELO ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. shared its ESG projects for environmental protection and recycled materials, focusing on using recycled materials in products, material reduction and substitution, and plastic reduction in packaging, which helped lower the carbon footprint of its products.

On the issue of corporate social responsibility, discussions were held on how to promote community engagement, employee welfare, and social welfare, establishing a robust corporate social responsibility system. FRITZ JOU MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. shared its practical cases in the field of social responsibility, demonstrating the bicycle industry's commitment and contribution to society. In particular, the company has actively promoted educational philanthropy for children.

MERIDA INDUSTRY CO., LTD. shared the results of adopting an “air quality purification zone,” which can reduce 36.337 tons of CO2e emissions each year. The company also made relentless efforts in reducing plastic packaging, thereby reducing white pollution and carbon emissions. GIANT MANUFACTURING CO., LTD. brought forth its four-dimensional sustainability strategy, sharing its sustainability report from the perspectives of speed, depth, breadth, and warmth, allowing attendees to better understand the context of Giant's sustainability actions.

BAS Chairman Liu Yong-chang stated that he hopes this initiative forum will raise more awareness among members of the bicycle industry about sustainable development and inspire more companies to implement ESG practices, leading the bicycle industry towards a sustainable future. BAS will continue to actively promote sustainability-related projects, foster collaborative industry development, and provide more environmentally friendly and innovative choices for bicycle enthusiasts.

The successful holding of the 2024 Bicycling Alliance for Sustainability (BAS) ESG Initiative Forum not only injected new vitality into the bicycle industry, but also made more people aware of the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development. It is believed that with the joint efforts of BAS and related industries, bicycles will become a shining example of promoting ESG development, bringing positive impacts to society and the environment, and laying the foundation for Taiwan's carbon reduction efforts.