Wasco Launches Vendor Sustainability Programme To Advance Climate And Human Rights Goals

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- Global energy and bioenergy solutions provider Wasco Bhd today launched the Wasco Sustainable Transformation Enablement Programme (STEP), designed to strengthen vendor capabilities as part of its broader sustainability strategy.

In a statement, Wasco said the initiative will focus on carbon accountability, human rights transparency and vendor capacity building.

“STEP was launched in conjunction with Wasco’s inaugural 2025 Sustainability Day, which brought together more than 200 participants. Nearly 100 of them were in person, with the rest joining virtually from Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Australia,” the statement read.

The first STEP pilot is currently being implemented in collaboration with logistics partner Mestika Rimba Transport & Agency Sdn Bhd, to provide targeted guidance on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting, responsible procurement and human rights compliance in line with evolving disclosure standards.

Wasco views Scope 3 emissions, namely indirect emissions across its value chain, as a critical next step in advancing its climate strategy.

“Wasco’s approach to sustainability centres on practical empowerment and shared responsibility, enabling vendors to build their preparedness ahead of impending regulatory requirements,” the company said.

Meanwhile, Chief Sustainability Officer Ariesza Noor said the STEP initiative paves the way for vendors to grow alongside the company by strengthening carbon transparency, promoting ethical labour practices, and fostering long-term resilience.

“This marks a significant step forward—not just for Wasco, but also for our vendor partners who share our commitment to responsible growth. The value chain of the future depends on what we build today,” she said. 

The one-day programme featured keynote presentations by regional experts and sustainability leaders, including UN Global Compact Network Malaysia and Brunei (UNGCMYB) programme lead Tan Zhi Ying and Bursa Malaysia vice president of Indices and Sustainable Business Yow Thin Thin.

Wasco is listed on the FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia and FTSE4Good Bursa Malaysia Syariah indices and is a signatory to UNGCMYB.

Its broader sustainability initiatives include the Wasco Forest reforestation project and the region’s first sustainability-linked loan tied to verified emissions reduction targets.

-- BERNAMA