Sustainability Tourism at Kalima Resort and Spa, Phuket

Kalima Resort and Spa, Phuket is continually working to improve the impact we have on people and places.

Our approach to sustainable tourism is guided by a long-term commitment to climate action, biodiversity protection, and responsible resource management. We strive to ensure that our operations create positive, measurable outcomes for the environment, local communities, and future generations.

As part of this commitment, in 2023 we set a long-term target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy, water, and waste by 30% by the end of 2030, using 2023 as our baseline year. This target provides a clear framework for continuous improvement and transparent performance tracking.

We are pleased to report that as of 31 December 2024, the resort achieved a total reduction of 310,850 kgCO₂e, representing a 7.35% decrease, with total emissions reduced to 3,918,150 kgCO₂e, compared to the 2023 baseline of 4,229,000 kgCO₂e.

Building on this progress, 2025 marked a significant further improvement in our emissions performance. Total greenhouse gas emissions for the year decreased to 3,716,980 kgCO₂e, representing a 5.13% reduction compared to 2024, and an overall 12.11% reduction compared to the 2023 baseline year.

Based on this positive trajectory, Kalima Resort and Spa, Phuket has set a target to achieve a further 3% reduction by the end of 2026, while continuing to strengthen energy efficiency measures, expand renewable energy adoption, enhance water conservation initiatives, and improve waste reduction and circularity practices.

Through transparent reporting, clearly defined targets, and ongoing operational improvements, Kalima Resort and Spa, Phuket remains committed to advancing responsible tourism and contributing meaningfully to global climate action and sustainable hospitality.

Energy Conservation Initiatives

To promote energy efficiency, the hotel has implemented the following measures across guest rooms and operational areas:

• Key Card Energy Control: Only one key card is issued per room to minimize unnecessary energy consumption when guests are not present.
• Temperature Settings: Air conditioning units in all guest rooms and offices are set at a standard temperature of 26°C to ensure energy efficiency.
• Preventive Maintenance: Comprehensive preventive maintenance is conducted twice annually for all air conditioning units, including both Condensing Units (CDUs) and Fan Coil Units (FCUs).
• Quarterly Filter Cleaning: Air conditioning filters are cleaned and inspected every three months to maintain optimal performance and air quality.
• LED Lighting: All light bulbs throughout the property have been replaced with LED energy-saving models.
• Office Energy Reduction: Air conditioning systems in office areas are turned off during the morning hours and lunch breaks to conserve energy.
• Motion Sensors in Wardrobes: Motion sensors have been installed in wardrobe lighting within all guest rooms to eliminate unnecessary power usage.
• Rechargeable Flashlights: Traditional single-use battery torches in guest rooms have been replaced with rechargeable models.
• Balcony Door Sensors: Sensors have been installed on balcony doors in all guest rooms, which automatically switch off the air conditioning when doors are left open.
• Guest Engagement Activities: Outdoor guest activities are organized to encourage guest participation and reduce electricity usage in rooms during the day.
• Energy-Efficient Appliances: All electrical appliances installed are equipped with energy-saving features.
• Timed Landscape Lighting: Timers have been installed for all landscape lighting systems to ensure lights operate only when necessary.
• Solar Street Lighting: Solar-powered street lights have been installed throughout the property to further reduce electricity consumption.
• Energy Conservation Awareness: the hotel has placed energy conservation signage in all guest rooms, as well as in all staff office areas, to promote awareness and encourage responsible usage of electricity resources throughout the property.

Renewable Energy

The hotel successfully completed the installation of solar panels in two phases—Phase 1 in January 2024 and Phase 2 in September 2024. Throughout the year 2024, the solar energy system generated a total of 139,726.50 kWh of renewable electricity, averaging 11,643.90 kWh per month. This accounts for 3.65% of the hotel's total electricity consumption and contributed to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 69,849.28 kgCO2e in 2024.

Building on this success, solar energy performance further improved in 2025, generating a total of 160,863.20 kWh, with an increased monthly average of 13,405.27 kWh. This enhancement contributed to an estimated 80,415.51 kgCO₂e reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for the year, demonstrating a clear year-on-year improvement in both energy efficiency and environmental impact

Water Resource Management

Kalima Resort & Spa, Phuket utilizes a natural raw water reservoir located in the mountainous area near the resort, with the primary source being rainwater. This approach significantly reduces reliance on the municipal water supply, helping to conserve Phuket’s limited public water resources. By leveraging naturally sourced rainwater, the hotel promotes responsible water management and supports long-term sustainability efforts in the region.

Water Saving Campaign

 As part of our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, the hotel launched a water-saving campaign which included the installation of informative signage in all guest rooms as well as in all staff office areas, to promote awareness and encourage responsible usage of water resources throughout the property.

The hotel has implemented a towel reuse campaign by placing signage in all guest rooms, encouraging guests to hang their towels if they do not wish to have them replaced. Additionally, signage is provided for guests to place on the bed should they require a change of bed linens. This initiative aims to reduce the consumption of energy, water, and chemical detergents as part of our ongoing sustainability efforts.

We regularly monitor all water meters and inspect water pipelines to promptly detect and address any potential leaks, ensuring timely maintenance and minimizing water loss.

The hotel utilizes treated wastewater for the irrigation of all landscaped areas throughout the resort, as well as for cleaning pavements, as part of its commitment to responsible and sustainable water management practices. This treated water is sourced from the hotel’s on-site wastewater treatment system and is further used for plant irrigation within the property, reinforcing our dedication to effective water reuse and long-term environmental.

In addition, automatic water taps have been installed in all public restrooms to reduce water wastage, and a centralized water meter has been installed in the main building for improved water usage monitoring and control.

Waste Management

Single-Use Plastic Reduction Initiatives

As part of our ongoing sustainability commitment, the hotel has systematically transitioned from single-use plastics to refillable and reusable alternatives across all operations. A key milestone of this transition was the replacement of plastic water bottles with reusable glass bottles in guest rooms and outlets. As a result, plastic bottle consumption was reduced by 140,620 bottles in 2023, increased to 179,722 bottles in 2024 during the full rollout phase, and further optimized in 2025 with an additional reduction of 139,968 bottles as refillable systems became fully embedded into daily operations.

All in-room bathroom amenities—including shampoo, conditioner, bath gel, and body lotion—have been replaced with refillable dispensers. This initiative led to a reduction of 112,480 small plastic amenity bottles in 2023 and 113,000 bottles in 2024. In 2025, the reduction amounted to 83,727 bottles, reflecting stabilized consumption following the successful full conversion to refillable systems.

To further minimize plastic waste, the hotel redesigned guest room trash bins to reduce reliance on plastic garbage bags. This improvement resulted in a reduction of 112,600 plastic bags in 2023 and 111,000 bags in 2024. In 2025, plastic bag usage was further reduced to 34,000 bags as improved waste segregation behavior and operational efficiency took effect.

In addition, the hotel has replaced paper boxes used for welcome desserts with reusable glass containers, reducing paper waste by approximately 21,600 boxes annually. Plastic laundry bags in all guest rooms have been replaced with reusable homemade cloth laundry bags, while hand dryers have been installed in all public restrooms to reduce the consumption of hand tissue paper.

Filtered drinking water refill stations have been installed in designated public areas for both guests and staff, providing a convenient and sustainable alternative to single-use bottled water. To reinforce behavior change, the hotel has also distributed insulated reusable tumblers to all staff members, as well as to travel agents and suppliers, encouraging the long-term adoption of reusable containers.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate measurable progress in reducing single-use plastics while embedding sustainable practices into everyday hotel operations, supporting both environmental responsibility and guest experience enhancement through 2025 and beyond.

Waste Segregation and Reduction Efforts

The hotel has implemented a comprehensive waste segregation system, categorizing waste into food waste, general waste, recyclable waste, and hazardous waste to ensure proper handling and disposal. Through continuous improvement of segregation practices and staff engagement, overall waste management efficiency has steadily improved. When comparing data from 2023 to 2024, the total waste volume was reduced by 1,162.70 kilograms, and further reductions were achieved in 2025 through enhanced recycling and organic waste diversion initiatives.

Based on guest occupancy, the average waste generated per guest decreased from 1.12 kg in 2023 to 1.09 kg in 2024, and further to 1.06 kg in 2025. This represents a cumulative reduction of 5.36% compared with the base year, reflecting more responsible consumption patterns and more effective waste control measures across hotel operations.

In addition, the hotel collaborates with FRYCYCLE under the “Phuket Grease to Green” initiative to manage used cooking oil responsibly by converting it into Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). In 2024, a total of 1,050 kilograms of used cooking oil was collected, resulting in an estimated reduction of 137.55 kgCO₂e in greenhouse gas emissions. Building on this success, collection increased to 2,224.5 kilograms in 2025, achieving an estimated emissions reduction of 291.55 kgCO₂e. This initiative supports circular economy principles while contributing directly to the reduction of indirect carbon emissions associated with aviation fuel.

These waste segregation and reduction efforts demonstrate the hotel’s ongoing commitment to minimizing environmental impact through structured systems, strategic partnerships, and continuous performance improvement through 2025 and beyond.

Organic Waste Upcycling and Textile Reuse Initiatives

The hotel has implemented an organic waste upcycling initiative through the production of EM (Effective Microorganisms) solution using fruit peels, particularly pineapple peels generated from kitchen operations. With an average utilization of approximately 18 kilograms per week, this initiative successfully diverted 936 kilograms of organic waste from disposal in 2024. Building on this progress, organic waste reused for EM production increased to 1,044 kilograms in 2025, further strengthening on-site waste reduction and resource recovery efforts. The EM solution produced is applied across various hotel operations, including gardening, wastewater management support, and odor control, contributing to a more circular and environmentally responsible operational model.

In parallel, the hotel has implemented textile reuse initiatives to extend the lifecycle of materials and reduce disposal volumes. Damaged, worn, or unused fabric items—such as linens, uniforms, and decorative textiles—have been repurposed into reusable cleaning cloths for internal housekeeping and engineering operations. Selected textile materials have also been creatively transformed into decorative artificial stones used within hotel landscaping and design features, reducing the need for new decorative materials. In addition, surplus fabric items have been donated to the Soi Dog Foundation to support their animal welfare activities, reinforcing the hotel’s commitment to social responsibility alongside environmental sustainability.

These initiatives demonstrate the hotel’s integrated approach to organic waste management and material reuse, supporting circular economy principles while delivering measurable environmental and social benefits through 2025 and beyond.

Paper Reduction and Community Support Initiatives

The hotel has adopted paper reuse practices across all offices to minimize paper waste and promote resource efficiency.

To further reduce paper consumption, the hotel has introduced HandiGo, a digital application designed for guest use throughout their stay. This platform replaces printed materials such as menus, hotel directories, and promotional content, significantly decreasing the need for printed paper.

In support of community welfare, the hotel also collects aluminum pull-tabs from all outlets and staff. These are donated to Vachira Phuket Hospital to support the production of prosthetic legs for those in need.

Awards and Certifications

• Green Health Hotel Certification, awarded by the Department of Health, in recognition of the hotel's commitment to health and hygiene standards.
• 5-Star Accommodation Standard for Tourism (Resort Category), granted by the Department of Tourism, acknowledging excellence in hospitality and service quality.
• Green Hotel Certification – Gold Level, presented by the Department of Climate Change and Environment, for outstanding environmental management practices.
• Environmentally Friendly Tourism Accommodation 2024 (Green Premium), awarded by the Department of Tourism, recognizing advanced eco-friendly operations.
• Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating (STGs STAR) – 5 Star, conferred by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, for exemplary performance in sustainable tourism development.
• Travelife Gold Certification, awarded for Accommodation Sustainability and certified by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), acknowledging compliance with international sustainability standards.

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, we have set ambitious targets for 2026. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption by 2%, water consumption by 2%, and total waste generation by 5% compared to 2025 levels.

We recognize that further efforts are required to make meaningful progress, and in 2026, we will implement a range of new initiatives across our operations to support the achievement of these goals. We strongly encourage our valued guests, staff, visitors and stakeholders to actively support these efforts by observing the water and energy-saving reminders placed throughout the property and by participating in our waste reduction initiatives.

In addition, we will enhance our local procurement practices by increasing sourcing from local suppliers in 2026, thereby contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions within the Phuket region. The hotel also classifies and gives priority to suppliers that demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental responsibility, including those with recognized environmental certifications. As part of our ongoing sustainability efforts, we aim to increase the number of such environmentally certified suppliers by 10% in 2026.

 One of the initiatives carried out on an ongoing basis is the donation of unused clothing to the Soi Dog Foundation, which has been implemented since 2023 and continued through 2024 & 2025. This initiative supports the care and rehabilitation of stray and abused animals in the area. In 2026, the resort plans to expand the impact of this program by inviting our guests to participate in the donation process, encouraging shared responsibility and compassion within the wider community.

Each year, our focus remains on supporting meaningful community projects, particularly through our participation in Thailand’s National Children’s Day, held annually on the second Saturday of January. As part of this initiative, we provide food, beverages, and educational scholarships to children at Kalim Primary School, Ban Sai Nam Yen Primary School, and the Phuket Special Aid School for children with disabilities. If you would like to contribute to these impactful initiatives, please contact our Reception Desk for further information.

In addition to supporting youth development, we actively collaborate with local communities in beach clean-up activities, mangrove forest restoration, and tree planting projects, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of Phuket’s natural environment.

Public health support remains another key area of focus. In 2024, Kalima Resort & Spa, Phuket donated THB 2,000,000 to Vachira Phuket Hospital to support the construction of a radiotherapy treatment center. Building on this commitment, in 2025 the resort further extended its support through a donation toward the construction of an operating room at Chalong Hospital, helping to strengthen healthcare capacity for the local population.

Throughout 2025, the resort continues to expand its community engagement efforts across social, cultural, and environmental dimensions. These include donating educational supplies to Phuket Sunshine Village Foundation, Koh Sirey, supporting the Kalim–Patong Surfing Contest to promote community-based tourism and the local economy, contributing to a sea turtle conservation project focused on rehabilitation, research, breeding, and release back into the natural environment, and supporting the Sheetducation Project, which transforms used bed linens into school uniforms. Through this initiative, 300 school uniforms were donated to schools on Koh Sirey.

Kalima Resort and Spa Phuket is committed to respecting and protecting human rights. We believe that everyone should be treated fairly and with respect. As part of this commitment, we regularly train our staff about preventing discrimination. We are also committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people. We have a policy of always reporting suspected instances of child exploitation and abuse to the police. We encourage our guests, staff, visitors and stakeholder to report their own concerns about child exploitation and abuse to the local police by calling 191 or reporting directly to the Patong Police Station located at 68 Sainamyen Road, Patong Beach, Kathu District, Phuket or office telephone number of +66 76 342769.

As local tradition and culture are integral components of sustainable tourism, we believe that active participation in key cultural and environmental events—such as the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and Phuket Sea Turtle Conservation Day—plays a vital role in promoting Phuket as a sustainable tourism destination for global travelers. We are committed to including these festivals as part of our annual plan. In addition, we aim to support local artisans, feature regional cuisine, collaborate with cultural conservation initiatives, and promote awareness among guests and staff through meaningful cultural experiences and education. These efforts not only enrich our guests’ experiences but also contribute to the preservation of Phuket’s unique heritage and the empowerment of the local community.

We kindly request the cooperation of all stakeholders in adhering to these policies, as your support is essential in enhancing our commitment and potential to achieve sustainable tourism excellence.

Kalima Resort & Spa, Phuket welcomes feedback from our guests, community and staff about the work we are doing to improve our environmental and social impacts, including suggestions about how we can improve. Please email your comments or ideas to [email protected]

Management Team

Kalima Resort & Spa, Phuket.