Takeaways

• Centara announces major ESG progress, marking a 16-year commitment to responsible tourism and sustainable hotel operations.
• The group achieves full GSTC certification across all 42 properties and reports strong gains in emissions, water, and waste reduction.
• Centara strengthens community partnerships, workplace culture, and governance to support long-term, responsible growth.

Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced significant advancements in its sustainability journey, marking more than 16 years of commitment to responsible tourism and long-term environmental, social, and governance development. From its headquarters in Bangkok on 27 November 2025, the group reaffirmed its mission to elevate Thailand’s hospitality sector through sustainable tourism and innovative, responsible business practices.

Guided by its philosophy of warm Thai hospitality rooted in family values and environmental responsibility, Centara continues to embed environmental sustainability into operations and investment decisions. This vision is shaped by the C-E-N-T-A-R-A Sustainability Blueprint, a framework introduced to steer progress across seven priority areas and strengthen accountability across its global portfolio.

A 16-Year ESG Journey

Centara’s sustainability milestones reflect steady progress since 2009, starting with the adoption of the EarthCheck system and later joining Thailand’s Green Hotel certification program. Initiatives such as My Green Day, the removal of single-use plastics, and the P.O.P. plastic recycling campaign helped build momentum toward greener operations.

One of the group’s biggest achievements came in 2025, with all 42 properties worldwide earning full GSTC certification, a major global benchmark for sustainable hotel management.

Read More: How Accor Leverages CSRD Compliance to Lead in Sustainable Hospitality

Environmental Leadership

Centara’s ESG progress is particularly notable in emissions reduction and climate action. The company aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 40% by 2029 and has already achieved a 35% reduction, outperforming Thailand’s industry average by more than 50%.

Solar installation programs have further strengthened its low-carbon transition. Fourteen properties now operate solar systems, collectively producing 4,780 MWh of clean energy and cutting emissions by 2,970 tonnes of CO₂e. Advanced energy-efficiency systems, district cooling, and smart sensors are also being deployed across hotels.

Water-saving efforts delivered a 30.1% reduction in consumption, while more than 454,000 m³ of treated wastewater was reused for irrigation this year. In waste management, Centara reduced landfill waste by 24.5% and continued promoting a circular economy through upcycling projects that turn plastic bottles into lifestyle items for guests.

Social and Governance Milestones

Centara’s social initiatives focus on community upliftment, diversity, and employee well-being. Through its long-standing partnership with Scholars of Sustenance (SOS), hotels donate surplus food to vulnerable communities. The “One Hotel, One Product” program provides free retail space to local entrepreneurs, supporting over 6,000 community-made products.

On governance, the group maintains a five-star Corporate Governance rating and has secured THB 8.7 billion through sustainability-linked financing to further expand ESG efforts.

Also Read: ESG Voices: Integrating Sustainability Into Business

Leadership Outlook

“Business growth must go hand-in-hand with responsibility toward society, the environment, and the communities we serve,” said Thirayuth Chirathivat, CEO of Centara Hotels & Resorts. He highlighted that the company’s achievements demonstrate a lasting commitment to responsible growth and a more sustainable future for global travellers.

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Source: Travel Daily News