The tropical paradise, which is nestled among 23 acres of landscaped gardens and coconut groves and with a 300-metre-long stretch of private sandy beach, recently received a certificate from the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation, which confirms that it operates in a completely efficient manner, slashing the amount of carbon it emits and successfully offsetting the rest.
Santiburi operates a comprehensive environmental programme comprising waste water treatment, energy saving, waste management, organic gardening and recycling, according to a Friday release. It also substitutes chemicals, plastics and other harmful products with green alternatives, including a natural salt cleaning system for its private pool villas.
The resort also trains its team in all areas of “eco-friendly” operations and works with responsible local suppliers that share its values.
Guests are encouraged to play a role; they can decide how often their towels and bed linen should be changed and participate in community activities such as beach cleaning. The resort supports many important local community initiatives, including a conscientious elephant sanctuary.
The certification programme was created in collaboration with VGreen, Kasetsart University’s environmental research programme. The accolade was presented to Santiburi in a ceremony held in Bangkok on September 19. In total, more than 300 organisations were honoured for their outstanding contributions to greenhouse gas management.
“We are thrilled to have been certified as a carbon-neutral resort. The entire team at Santiburi has been working towards this status for many years by undertaking a series of important initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, lower our energy usage and preserve our ecosystem,” Sabine Lamberts, Santiburi’s general manager, said. “This award is a recognition of their efforts. I am confident that our guests will be delighted to know that their stay is in perfect harmony with Koh Samui’s fragile island ecosystem.”
Prior to receiving the certificate, Lamberts took part in a seminar to educate other hoteliers on successful ways to reduce greenhouse gases and plastics.