Sustainable supply chain practices in the development projects of bangladesh rural electrification board

Abstract

Bangladesh Rural Electrification Board has been established as a vital government institution to help improve the quality of life of the vast rural multitudes and accomplish continuous advancement to their socio-economic conditions through the supply of stable and reliable electric power to the rural areas of the country as well as to fulfill the constitutional right of the people to have electricity. BREB provides electricity services in 61 districts out of 64 and already has achieved 100% electrification connecting 34.77 million consumers with the installation of 1,299 substations of capacity 17,470 MVA and erecting 5 lakh 82 thousand km of distribution lines till June, 2023 by implementing development projects and also by their operational works. Now BREB is focusing on quality, reliability & un-interruption to be with national sustainability goals. Most of the substations are non-attended outdoor types. Primarily when electrification programs were initiated throughout the country, the power demand was very low. So, polemounted substations with small capacity were built. Some of them were totally of wooden structures of poles & cross-arms. With age, these wooden structured substations are in vulnerable condition due to damage to poles and cross arms as these get fired or worn-out causing power interruptions very often. In addition, it has become impossible to meet the increased power demand of the customers from these substations. Besides that, there are some substations in the industrial or economic zones, although those are not wooden structured due to the aged condition of the components of substations these are very less efficient and unreliable in managing the industrial demands of those areas, though at present the country has sufficient Power generation capacity. As these substations are non-attendant, they are also at risk of accidents. Therefore, BREB has planned to rehabilitate these substations with upgradation and modernization with a multidisciplinary approach, concerned with simultaneously 7 improving REB' social, economic, and environmental performance through a big sustainable supply chain practices to ensure the best quality of electricity to 34.77 million consumers. To support the country’s economic growth and demand, it will need an uninterrupted, reliable, sustainable, and quality electricity supply. To ensure these BREB already has been implemented, implementing and planning for some projects. BREB will be able to provide this facility to accelerate the activities. These activities will be a manifestation of BREB’s effort to cooperate with the Government to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within 2030 which will ensure “(Goal-07)-affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all” in elevating Bangladesh into a Developed country within 2041. For performing the national goals and accounting for the SDG targets, a sustainable supply chain practice (SSCP) entails incorporating socially and environmentally conscious practices into all phases of the product's (electrical goods, construction works, and consulting services) life cycle. A sustainable supply chain is significant because it raises an organization's, company's, or society's level of sustainability. Eco-friendly supply chains, green technology, and other ethical company procedures and economic development are all important components of sustainability. Sustainable services and government practices have a knock-on effect, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the need for fossil fuels among individuals and communities. A better standard of life is the result of all of this. To do this, a robust, sustainable supply chain was developed by the BREB and is still being practiced in their development works. To prepare this report, some of the BREB officials like Directors, Executive Engineers, and Project Directors are being contacted who are directly working at the field level. From them, the recent sustainable supply chain practices that have been done in the development projects are being discussed. Data on both ongoing and finished projects are being used in this report. 8 The BREB officials have shared their previous and present experiences of the development tasks. From their views, to effectively implement sustainable policies, it is essential to have a thorough understanding and accurate perception of sustainability throughout the entire supply chain practices. In essence, sustainability can be regarded as a crucial strategic consideration through a strategic smooth supply chain practice. To successfully address this concern in practical settings, it is essential to have a well-structured strategy, and a proficient workforce, as well as foster the right organizational behavior, culture, and standpoint. In this report the sustainable supply chain practices (SSCP) followed by the BREB in two development projects (One is completed and another one is ongoing) are discussed briefly in the “Chapter-4 Findings: Sustainable Supply Chain Practices in BREB”. BREB is adopting and implementing Sustainable Conceptual Design Practices, Carbon Footprint and Emissions Reduction Practice, Renewable Energy Practices, Environmental, Social, Health & Safety Practices & Sustainable Procurement Practices in their development projects for supplying uninterrupt, reliable & affordable electricity to the consumers. Every step of practicing SSCP in the BREB’s developed and developing tasks are in line with the implementation that are and will be ensured.