Green Star Rating Results:
For more information on how these work click here
Overall Rating: ★★★★★ (5)

Energy Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - We built the resort in the first place to be energy efficient - with solar power, well ventilated, shaded and insulated rooms and fans in all the rooms as an alternative to air condition. We have put in efficient light bulbs and now all of our outdoor lighting is energy efficient. We have also planted trees to help cool down the area and this is already making a difference. We plan to generate energy from solar cells in the future.

We use a key card to switch off air conditioning in the rooms when guests go out. Our website, ebrochures and info in rooms emphasises conservation values and responsible travel.

Water Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - Our water comes from an underground well and we have a meter which indicates how much electricity we are using for the pump – so we can keep an eye on water consumption. To conserve water we have a grey water tank, our plantings in the garden are largely of shrubs and trees that don't require a lot of water, we are constantly trying to improve the soil condition and retention ability with bokashi compost made using EM (effective microorganisms.) We use the runoff from the swimming pool to water the garden and plantings of vetiver grass to leach the chlorine from the pool out of the water.

We treat the water in our septic tanks with EM and use it to water our flower gardens which are flourishing. We use EM with strong smelling Thai herbs such as galangal, citronella and neem as a non toxic form of pest control. We avoid dangerous cleaning products harmful to the environment and guests. We launder our sheets only every second day and dry outside in the air and sun.

Our electricity bills are very low – less than many single families have in Bangkok – and this is for the whole resort.

Disposal Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - We make compost out of biodegradable waste, separate out anything from our own and the guest’s rubbish that can be recycled such as metals, plastics, bottles and cans. The remaining rubbish, which is not much, we take to the landfill ourselves.

Toxic materials such as batteries are separated out and sold to recyclers. Our operation is fairly simple so do not generate too much waste. We serve our guests fresh meals on plates which we wash ourselves. The only products in the rooms are freshly cut flowers from our garden and soap.

We have an environmental policy which includes recycling and conservation of resources.

Eco-Active Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - We own the business and our eco policy is part of our core values as we are committed to preserving nature, bio diversity and protecting the environment. We have regular meetings with our staff about the importance of protecting the environment and although initially skeptical they have gradually come to accept and support this.

We place information about our eco activities on our website which covers topics such as caring for the environment and supporting the community. We also have this information in a book which is in every room for our guests. I write articles about this for various publications about the environment and nature conservation and have a Squidoo lens about being a green entrepreneur.

At considerable cost (and painful debts) we have bought land to protect a local wetlands area from development. We are supportive of other projects in the area such as the marine sanctuary in Kung Kraben bay - and have collaborated with a design company to design tee-shirts and plan to start up a website to help with the marine project’s educational efforts to raise awareness about the rare and endangered dugongs that visit the Kung Kraben bay.

We have conserved local plants on our land and planted many more local species of plants. We have recommended that the local council support the environment and that they provide nature walks etc for visitors - advice which they have adopted. We are promoting the area as an eco destination and creating a positive role model for others to follow. We are away from the seashore and because we provide a very pleasant and comfortable garden environment our guests mainly stay at the resort rather than putting pressure on the shoreline.

Protection Rating: ★★★★★ (5)
Staff Comment - We are on the advisory board to the local council and have many suggestions for entrepreneurial activities for local people. For example homestay in the fishing village, providing rental stalls for local vendors and foodstalls by the waterfront, setting aside public area for local festivals, enhancing (planting trees) and developing a mangrove area as a tourist attraction and providing an OTOP area (a government project to support t he development of local crafts) in the recreational area being developed.

We support the local schools with donations of computers and support performance arts events with contributions, taking visitors to see. We are still in the development phase and don't have many groups staying with us but in the future will pay local schools/performance groups to provide performances. Our staff are local and we provide sick leave, holidays, overtime, pay above the minimum wage and provide time off for family situations - such as bereavement, sick relatives, graduation ceremonies etc. We comply fully with the law and go beyond this by also helping out with loans when they get into difficulties, taking staff and occasionally their relatives to hospital. We also give staff free rice and often buy special food for them. We also give generous bonuses and special pay even to our casual staff.

I make an effort to meet with most of our foreign and expat guests and/or communicate with them via email. In a friendly informal way I seek feedback from them about their experience/service/facilities and introduce them to the local people and local customers and we have put many suggestions from guests into practice.

Contact Details

Name:
Faasai Resort and Spa
Address:
26/1 Moo 7,
Sanamchai,
Nayaiyarm,
Chanthaburi, 20000
Thailand
Telephone:
+66868892595 or +66813426234
Website:
www.faasai.com
E-mail:
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