Thailand's leading hotel operator Centara Hotels & Resorts has been awarded Thailand Sustainability Investment (THSI) status for the fourth consecutive year by the Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET).
The annual THSI designation aims to recognise companies for their efforts towards sustainability across environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects, while meeting investors' increasing demands.
Thirayuth Chirathivat, chief executive of Centara Hotels and Resorts, is pleased with the recognition.
He said it affirms the company's long-held commitment to adopting sustainable practices, operational innovations and supply chain management efficiencies.
"At Centara, we have a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to sustainability for the sake of future generations," said Mr Thirayuth.
"Strong sustainability principles not only preserve and protect the environment that supports us, but we also believe they drive innovation and improve our competitiveness, all the while creating long-term benefits for our stakeholders, guests, and for the communities where we operate."
Centara also expects to reach its financial goals while following good governance business practices, he said.
Centara EarthCare achieved GSTC-Recognised Standard status from the Global Sustainable Tourism Council earlier this year, making Centara Hotels & Resorts the first Asian hospitality group to incorporate the GSTC criteria in its internal sustainability standard.
To create a greener future for Thailand, Centara plans to reduce energy and water usage by 20% within 10 years, as well as a significant reduction of waste and greenhouse gas emissions.
By 2025, Centara aims to have 100% of its properties certified as sustainable by accredited certification bodies, a key element of its long-term sustainability objectives.
Centara earned the THSI designation for the first time in 2018.
This year, the SET selected Centara as one of 124 listed companies that incorporate a high level of ESG practices to support sustainability.
SET president Pakorn Peetathawatchai said this year's THSI companies have successfully overcome challenges brought by the pandemic.
Mr Pakorn attributed this achievement to their strong management foundation and sound sustainability strategies.
