SALA Hospitality Group (SHG) is continually developing new environmental initiatives and procedures to minimise ecological impact at all of its seven luxury beach resorts and boutique accommodations across Thailand.

According to the recent year-end audit, SHG’s SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort alone has eliminated nearly 65,000 single-use plastic bottles, 53,000 plastic bags and 38,000 plastic straws so far. The sustainability movement will drive the group to further deplete their existing supplies and identify alternatives to single-use plastic in the brand-new 2019.

Situated in the northeast of Koh Samui, SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort leads the charge in the sustainability initiatives by replacing all single-use plastic usage with eco-friendly alternatives. Plastic straws are substituted with biodegradable straws made of cornstarch. Beyond straws, guests will also find glass bottled water in the minibar, rattan basket bins in the lobby and butter in glassware at the dining table — all single-use plastic is seamlessly swapped for either biodegradable or reusable options.

Recently certified as a ‘Green Hotel’ by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment and Department of Environmental Quality Promotion (DEQP), SALA Samui Choengmon Beach Resort further confirms SHG’s core values of sustainability, local sensibility and boutique luxury experiences.

Sustainability is at the heart of SALA Hospitality Group’s decisions and actions said Jon Ashenden, Vice President Hotel Operations. He explains that the green movement was a natural one as the properties are dotted on picturesque sites that are brimming with biodiversity and historical significance. “Guests choose to stay with SALA because of our striking design, range of quality food and most of all, our locations in pristine, natural environments," Ashenden added. "We have to do our best to protect it."

Committed to reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint, SHG has set sustainability guidelines for each of the group’s luxury resorts and distinct boutiques located in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Khao Yai, Ayutthaya, Koh Samui and Phuket. Energy conservation is one of the main focuses in 2019. Properties such as SALA Phuket and sala ayutthaya have already adopted energy-saving efficiencies such as inverter air-conditioning and LED lightings.

Waste management is easily one of the biggest challenges in hospitality, and SHG sees the group reducing waste in various ways. SALA Hospitality Group encourages suppliers to reduce packaging and switch to eco-friendly packaging, while inspiring guests and staff to embrace plastic-free amenities and strict recycling policies which are implemented at each of the properties. In the meanwhile, sala lanna Chiang Mai has spearheaded a leftover food waste management programme, where leftovers are either donated to non-profit organisations or processed for gardening and landscaping.

As one of the environmental leaders in the industry in Thailand, SALA Hospitality Group will continue to set new milestones and track its goals in reducing plastic waste and energy saving in operating efficiencies.