Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa

 Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa Hotel Environment Policy

As a first class hotel operator, Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa Hotel recognizes that our operation has an effect on local, regional, country environment and the earth. As the result, the management is committed to continue improvement in environmental practice and pollution prevention.  Base on environmental regulations, laws, code of practice, hotel will set the minimum standard of environmental performance. 

Overview of the Strategy and Action Plan

1. A ‘Steering Group’ has been set up to lead activity on a range of objectives.  The steering group will develop and maintain activity on the action plan. The objectives and action plan will be communicated to all employees.
2. The Green Leaf Foundation criterion (audit and grading) has been established as the key framework for assessing performance and monitoring improvements. Employees and suppliers will be directly impacted and our customers will be encouraged to support initiatives.
3. The main focus is on reducing consumption and improving efficiency in our Energy and Waste management processes. Targets are set for reducing energy, waste and water consumption. These targets are treated as Key Performance Indicators when reviewing performance. 

Our approach is guided by a number of principles which all employees (hotel and support center) are required to support.

Principles

1. Senior management sets out the responsibility for environmental performance and develops and maintains an adequate system of management, measurement and improvement.
2. All actions comply with relevant regulations.
3. The business operations are regularly assessed for compliance with policy, performance and achievement of targets.
4. Employees are encouraged to work in environmentally responsible manner.
5. Suppliers and Contract Company are encouraged to operate in an environmentally responsible manner.
6. Where appropriate, we will encourage support from customers by providing them with products and services that are environmentally responsible in use.
7. Customers are made aware of all environmental policies in the specific areas where they are in direct contact.
8. The company discusses and reviews action plan progress and performance against targets on regular basis across all levels of the organization.

Key Elements

Management System / Communication

● Activity is lead by the Group of 5 employees-representing all levels of management including General Manager acting as the committee coordinator and having responsibility for managing the work of committee.

● 4 nominated Green Coordinators (a member of the hotel management team) who supports the hotel GM in the implementation of initiatives, and the delivery of hotel based activity aimed at achieving targeted improvements.

● The Green Leaf Grading system will be used as a basis for setting improvement targets, and measuring progress across all areas covered by the policy. Tables will be published showing and based on scores plans.

● Employee encouragement is critical to success of this policy and the sharing of best practice and successes.

● Hotel notice board and internal tools will be used as way for communication.

Energy Consumption

●  Mechanical and Electrical maintenance contracts schedule placing responsibilities on the contractor and employee to identify the equipment operating at low efficiency, and to advise of further measures that may reduce energy consumption. (Preventive Maintenance contracts schedule are in place for all major plant and critical operating equipment.) Contractor performance is reviewed regularly.

● Additional audits are conducted by external providers eg EGAT to specify opportunities to reduce consumption, and to improve process.

● Electrical fittings and consumables are purchased with regard to ‘efficiency’

Water

●  Improvement will be delivered through awareness programs, flow restriction technology, excess capacity reduction and infrastructure maintenance.

Waste Management

●  Targets will be set for the reduction of our landfill waste output and for the increased use of recycling where commercially viable.

●  The use of print paper and ink will be reduced through the continued development of our IT infrastructure and improved staff awareness.

Suppliers

●  Suppliers are encouraged to have a valid and active environmental policy. When dealing with our suppliers, we are increasingly including elements of sustainability and environmental awareness.

Transport

● Staffs are encouraged to use hotel transport whenever possible.

● Regular maintenance of hotel vehicles will be operated as schedule for efficiency. 

Culture/ Awareness

●  The Executive Team are committed to the implementation of this policy and will give full backing to all those authorized to carry it out.

●  Employee involvement in environmental matters is encouraged at all levels and we will be promoted though training, communication and the on-going reappraisal of our working routines.

●  Support local community and participation in environmental development program are included.

●  Adhere to safety regulation and adopt best viable practice.