Chiva-Som International Health Resorts Co., Ltd. remains committed to the preservation of our planet Earth and proactively involved in conserving our precious natural resources. Several initiatives, policies and practices are in place to sustain our organisation and grow into the future with an environmentally responsible and ethical approach. New and innovative green initiatives are constantly being explored throughout the resort and we seek eco-friendly alternatives wherever possible including energy saving and natural resource conservation practices, building design, cleaning products and waste minimisation. Annual benchmarking via Green Globe 21 indicators and continual process improvement assist Chiva-Som in achieving international “best practice” performance on all levels of operation. Corporate Social Responsibility is paramount in developing our staff members and their families while reaching out with social welfare and education programmes in the local community.

I.  Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Through environmental stewardship we aim to continually decrease our greenhouse gas emissions to approach carbon neutrality by engaging in alternative energy, renewable energy and carbon offsetting programmes.

II.  Energy Efficiency, Conservation and Management

It is our collective mission to decrease the usage and dependency on non-renewable fossil fuels and electricity through energy-saving technologies and practices.

III.  Management of Freshwater Resources

We shall strive to minimise freshwater consumption and continue to implement water-saving practices and innovative technologies throughout the resort. Rainfall is harvested within the perimeter of the resort and our policy to increasingly minimise water discharge from our boundaries safeguards external water sources from pollution.

IV.  Ecosystem Conservation and Management

With human activity at the heart of our organisation, our approach to ecosystem conservation and management is to preserve and optimise its use without damaging it. The resort was designed adapting to the existing biodiversity and contour of the natural terrain and carefully built with minimal impact on the ecosystem. By propagating indigenous species of living resources, the lush natural setting was achieved providing sustainable use in an equitable way.

V.  Management of Social and Cultural Issues

It is our core value to partner with state agencies in nurturing the environment and thus give back to the community the benefits derived from it by spearheading social, cultural and environmental activities in the name of  Preserve Hua Hin Group. An altruistic collaboration by Chiva-Som, local businesses, state agencies and dedicated volunteers in the Hua Hin municipality, PHHG is a multi-faceted effort to preserve the beauty and protect the natural environs of the local community, which has sponsored events such as outdoor concerts, marathons, art exhibitions and other activities since 2004. The proceeds generated through donations and sponsorship are directed toward the funding and promotion of environmental awareness, education and preservation activities.

VI.  Land Use Planning and Management

Efficiently planned on only seven acres of property, multi-level holistic health facilities, accommodation buildings and restaurants are located within short refreshing walks through lush tropical gardens. The resort was designed by blending aspects of traditional Thai architecture with natural diversity in a welcoming atmosphere while a large lake with waterfalls and tall trees accentuate serenity. We always analyse any potential impact before considering internal construction or modification.

VII.  Air Quality Protection and Noise Control

Located beachfront with the fresh sea breeze, we continually strive to maintain Chiva-Som as a sanctuary free from the distractions of the outside world and avoid any noise-producing devices. The resort is smoke-free and internal acoustic privacy is achieved via sound-barring perimeter walls and natural hedges. The use of mobile phones and personal computers is not permitted in public areas of the resort.

VIII.  Waste Water Management

Through resource recovery practices, waste water is collected and purified onsite in a multi-stage treatment process consisting of carbon and sand filtration. This water is then re-used for landscape irrigation and maintaining resort lake levels. 

IX.  Waste Minimisation, Reuse and Recycling

The resort operates on a virtually waste-free continuum and it is our policy is to reduce, reuse and recycle. All used materials are recycled through a continuous loop rendering them usable in a different form.  Plastic, glass, metal, wood and paper products are separated and delivered to a recycling facility and perishable food items are distributed to the local livestock producers for animal feed. Plant waste from maintaining the landscape is collected and converted into nutrient-rich compost for existing plants.

X.  Storage and Use of Environmentally Harmful Substances

As Chiva-Som is committed to achieving excellence in providing a healthy and safe environment, it is our policy to comply with all applicable health, safety and environmental protection laws, regulations and requirements and all activities are conducted in a manner that ensures the protection of staff, guests and the environment. Eco-friendly products are continually sought to replace potentially hazardous substances.

XI.  Community Well-being

As corporate and community environmental and social sustainability are interwoven, Chiva-Som shall continually work toward improving the health, well-being and livelihood of the community by focusing on social welfare programmes, hiring local staff with ongoing human resource development, and purchasing local fresh food, products and services whenever possible.

XII.  Continuing Sustainability Education

We shall continue communicating to our staff and guests the objectives and practices of our Policy on Environmental & Social Sustainability to increase awareness and collectively carry forward our intentions, and encourage our suppliers to adapt their practices to meet our goals.

This policy will be reviewed semi-annually to ensure and optimise continual process improvement and adherence to environmental and sustainability objectives.

Krip Rojanastien

Chairman

Chiva-Som International Health Resorts Co., Ltd.