InterContinental Phuket Resort has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), marking it as the first InterContinental property in Thailand and the third IHG Hotels & Resorts property in the country to earn this prestigious recognition for sustainability. The certification process was rigorously evaluated by Control Union Certifications, a body accredited by the GSTC, focusing on four critical areas: sustainable management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental performance.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident through various initiatives aimed at conserving water and energy, reducing food waste, sourcing locally, protecting the ocean, and engaging with the local community in Phuket. A notable example is the resort’s use of an Oklin Food Waste Composter, capable of processing approximately 125 kilograms of food waste daily, reducing waste volume by up to 90% within 24 hours, and producing around 360 kilograms of fertilizer each month. This fertilizer benefits local organizations, schools, gardens, and farms. Additionally, an AI-based food-waste monitoring system helps culinary teams minimize waste by adjusting portion sizes and managing inventory efficiently.
Environmental efforts extend to Kamala Beach through the Proud Kamala initiative, which aims to maintain a three-kilometer stretch of coastline and prevent waste from entering the marine environment. The resort supports the Ocean For All Foundation’s “License to Clean” initiative, employing a coastal-cleaning catamaran to collect and sort waste for recycling, reuse, or disposal. Water conservation is also prioritized, with 80% of the resort’s landscape irrigation needs met by treated wastewater, supplemented by rainwater harvesting and other measures to reduce reliance on potable water.
The resort boasts a LEED Gold certification, underscoring its energy efficiency through measures such as LED lighting, motion sensors, lighting controls, and energy monitoring, designed to achieve approximately 25% energy savings. Local sourcing is another integral part of the resort’s sustainability strategy, collaborating with over 19 farmers and communities across Thailand, including those in Phang Nga. These farms often utilize the fertilizer produced from the resort’s food-waste composting process, creating a sustainable loop connecting food production, waste management, and dining operations.
InterContinental Phuket Resort is also involved in innovative collaborations, such as working with Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University on creating cocktails using locally sourced botanicals, some of which might otherwise go unused. General Manager Bjorn Courage emphasized that the GSTC certification not only validates the resort’s existing sustainability practices but also provides a framework for future enhancements in environmental and community programs. Located on Kamala Beach, the resort offers 221 rooms, suites, and villas, alongside various dining, wellness, and recreational amenities.
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