The InterContinental Phuket Resort has achieved a milestone by securing certification from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), marking it as the first InterContinental property in Thailand and the third within the IHG Hotels & Resorts portfolio in the nation to earn this esteemed recognition for sustainability. An independent audit by Control Union Certifications, a GSTC-accredited body, confirmed the certification, evaluating the resort’s efforts in areas such as management, socioeconomic impacts, cultural impacts, and environmental performance.
The resort’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its initiatives in conserving water and energy, minimizing food waste, supporting local sourcing, and protecting the ocean. Among these efforts, an Oklin Food Waste Composter stands out, capable of processing around 125 kilograms of food waste daily, significantly reducing waste volume by 80-90% within a day and transforming it into fertilizer. This process results in approximately 360 kilograms of fertilizer each month, benefitting local organizations, schools, gardens, and farms. Additionally, the resort employs AI-based food-waste monitoring to aid culinary teams in refining portion sizes and inventory practices.
Environmental efforts extend beyond the resort to Kamala Beach through the Proud Kamala program, which focuses on maintaining a three-kilometer stretch of coastline and minimizing waste in the marine environment. The resort collaborates with the Ocean For All Foundation on the “License to Clean” initiative, deploying a coastal-cleaning catamaran to gather waste from the waters around Kamala, which is then sorted for recycling, reuse, or disposal. Furthermore, the resort implements water conservation strategies, with about 80% of its landscape irrigation needs met through treated wastewater, supplemented by rainwater harvesting and other measures to decrease reliance on potable water.
Adding to its sustainability credentials, the resort is LEED Gold certified, featuring energy-efficient solutions such as LED lighting, motion sensors, lighting controls, and energy monitoring, which collectively aim to achieve approximately 25% energy savings. The resort also emphasizes local sourcing, engaging with more than 19 farmers and communities, including those in Phang Nga, some of whom utilize the fertilizer produced through the resort’s composting efforts, thereby establishing a sustainable cycle connecting food production and waste management.
At its Sipping Tiger venue, the resort collaborates with Chulalongkorn University and Kasetsart University to craft cocktails using locally sourced botanicals, incorporating ingredients that might otherwise go unused. According to General Manager Bjorn Courage, the GSTC certification provides independent validation of the resort’s sustainability practices and offers a framework for continuous enhancement of its environmental and community programs. The InterContinental Phuket Resort, located on Kamala Beach, features 221 rooms, suites, and villas, along with a range of dining and wellness facilities for its guests.
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