Green Leaf Programs
Green Leaf Programs was initiated at the end of 1997. Its prime objective is to help hotels improve their efficiency in saving energy, water and other resources. It focuses on facilitating the efficient use of energy and natural resources under the theme “Save Money, Save Environment.”
Prior to that, a network existed under an executive committee which began working in 1994 by conducting activities to boost awareness and knowledge about efficiently operating tourism businesses in ways that help preserve a quality environment, appreciate the value of energy and natural resources, and have minimum impact on the environment.
Hotels and tourism-related operators, government organisations, educational institutions and other private organisations were invited and encouraged to join the Green Hotel Fair & Seminar which were organised five times in Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Khon Kaen.
The TAT supported the programme by conducting 11 Green Mobile between 1995 - 1997 in Su-ngai Kolok, Hat Yai, Samui Island, Krabi, Cha-am, Rayong, Chiang Rai, Ubon Ratchathani, Mukdaharn, Phitsanulok and Nakhon Ratchasima. After the successful “Green Hotels Fair & Seminars”, attended by more than 1,000 hotels nationwide, a certification program called Green Leaf was created to institutionalise environmental best-practices for all hotels, as well as to promote the efforts of those who already contribute to the protection of environment via efficient management of energy, environmental and natural resources.
This was also designed to help lower operational costs and pass those cost-savings on to the customers, too. Indeed, the programme also encouraged participatory activities by customers in saving energy and natural resources saving.
The programs had the following objectives:
- To drive the hotel and tourism business in Thailand to develop operational standards and promote environmental quality.
- To develop environmental management standards in the hotel and tourism business. In accordance with the needs of the service users and the efficiency of technology.
- To promote the role and participation in environmental conservation in the hotel and tourism business.
- To develop guidelines for enhancing the potential of the hotel business and sustainable tourism.
Environmental benefits to membership
- More efficient use of natural resources and energy.
- Minimum use of toxic chemicals and maximum use of organic chemicals.
- Create energy and natural resources management systems, and effectively eliminate waste.
- Conduct business in ways that has minimal or zero impact on the environment.
- Create more awareness of the problems related to the environment and natural resources, and promote solutions and preventive measures.
Benefits to membership
- Direct reduction of operational costs
- Marketing opportunity
- Human resource development
- Publicity via the Green Hotel Directory Invitation to participate in various activities of the Green Leaf Foundation
