Thailand is currently experiencing its worst drought and water shortage in two decades, expected to negatively impact national economic growth by roughly 0.6-0.8 per cent.
14 of the country’s 76 provinces and much farmland have become incredibly dry and locals are struggling to overcome the challenges that these unusual climatic conditions pose.
Working towards the continual improvement of sustainability within the hospitality industry, Centara has just enlarged its regular programme of water conservation, currently practiced across its entire portfolio of properties.
A commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility has been the hotel chain’s corporate policy since 2008, conceived with the goal of preserving Thailand’s environment through the consistent application of ecologically-sensitive practices.
The company’s integrated water management programme has been in place for a number of years, ensuring that Centara is able to respond swiftly to deteriorating water levels.
Given the current situation in Thailand, each Centara property will be dramatically stepping up water conservation efforts.
Recycling of waste and rain water for landscaping will reach 100% per cent in Hua Hin, Phuket, Samui, Krabi; while for city hotels a new type of water tower cooling system has been acquired in order to save over 50 percent on current levels of fresh water consumption.
Additionally, cold water from air-conditioning and freezer units is being re-used; an approach that allowed one property to save over 300 kl of water annually. Low-flow regulators have also been installed on all taps and shower-heads, which will mean a saving of 2-3 litres per minute.
City hotels and all newly-opened Centara properties have installed the latest ‘sensor taps’ with short timer-set ups plus a new type of water-saving shower and sanitary ware.
Centara has also renewed its focus on reusing towels and linen, with an emphasis on informing guests to participate in the programme. It is vital to educate the guests about the current drought situation and to ask for their help in reducing water consumption.
Overall, the company is aiming to reduce water consumption by 15 per cent per guest per night at each of its Thai properties during 2016.
“It is our hope that our increased attention to water consumption will assist with the preservation of Thailand’s natural environment, as well as helping to alleviate the current drought conditions,” said David Good, Vice President of Operations at Centara Hotels & Resorts. “Our teams monitor current water consumption in order to prevent loss in our existing water and for all our new hotel developments we ensure to design the proper waste water recycling system and rain water harvesting. We also continue to seek possible technologies that would allow us to be most effective in our water saving and other sustainability efforts.”
“We invite our guests and employees to implement water saving initiatives at home,” shares Sunyata Jedcharoenruk, Operations Manager - Environment & Sustainability at Centara Hotels & Resorts. “We have a few easy tips that everyone can use while staying at one of our properties or at home.”
Water saving tips
· Sing one less song in the shower to reduce shower time.
Try to average only 4-5 minutes in the shower when possible. Every minute you are in the shower (using a conventional shower head) about 5 gallons of water is used.
· Shut off the water when it is not needed.
When you are brushing your teeth, washing your face, or scrubbing your hands, turn the water off when it is not being used.
· Opt for a shower instead of a bath.
Having a bath or even a long shower uses about 4 times more water than a 5-minute shower.
· Invest in energy and water efficient appliances.
You will not only reduce water and energy use but will also save money in the long term.
· Run a full dishwasher.
Running a less than full dishwasher does not only waste water but energy too.
Find out more about Centara at www.CentaraHotelsResorts.com
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