Eco-conscious travellers to Thailand can now check the carbon footprint of various hotels by visiting the CF-Hotels website. Launched by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in 2024, the CF-Hotels comparison program is part of a wider effort by TAT to foster environmentally responsible business practices and encourage sustainable behaviour among travellers.
The CF-Hotels website is the result of a partnership between TAT and Chiang Mai University’s Energy, Economic and Ecological Management Research Unit. The innovative online platform is designed to help hotels of all sizes measure and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The project is carried out under the guidelines of the Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organisation.
(Photo: Paradee Facebook page)
CF-Hotels program
CF-Hotels provides hotels with practical tools to track and minimise the total amount of greenhouse gases they contribute to the atmosphere. The free, user-friendly platform serves as a 24/7 virtual consultant for tourism operators and responsible travellers. By simplifying the process of calculating and managing carbon footprints, CF-Hotels makes it easier for the hospitality sector to actively support Thailand’s transition toward more sustainable tourism.
Our objective is to get hotels to focus on climate action
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool
TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool said, “Building an environmental inventory database is still new to the Thai tourism industry. The aim is to promote credibility and demonstrate the sincerity of hotels with eco-friendly operations. The information provided on the CF-Hotels platform reflects business operations as truthfully as possible and aims to reduce so-called greenwashing through environmental activities. Our objective is to get hotels to focus on climate action.”
(Photo: Red Ginger Chic Resort Facebook page)
Advantages for hotels
Measure carbon footprint
The online platform was developed to help hotels and lodging operators build a comprehensive database of their environmental inventory. This includes energy, water, waste, and greenhouse gas emissions to allow an accurate calculation of their carbon footprint.
By doing so, hotels gain a clear picture of how their operations impact the environment, as well as valuable insights into the effectiveness of their sustainability practices. The platform also allows operators to analyse this data to identify opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving efficiency, cutting energy costs, and ultimately enhancing revenue through smarter resource management.
Certification
In addition, the data collected can be used to strengthen applications for STAR (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating) certification and the prestigious Thailand Tourism Awards, which recognise commitment to sustainable tourism practices. The reports generated by the platform can also be used to support certifications issued by international agencies such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and Travelife Sustainability.
(Image: Tourism Authority of Thailand)
Easy to use
The CF-Hotels platform is easy for hoteliers to use and requires no expertise. Speaking about how hotels use the program, Associate Professor Dr Sate Sampattagul from Chiang Mai University said, “CF-Hotels operates like a health check-up. Users start by filling out a form to provide all the relevant information. The form is easy to understand and asks for simple data such as units of electricity used, quantity of wastewater produced, and other factors. Using this information, the platform calculates the hotel’s carbon footprint. The hotel operators can then use the information available on the website to compare other hotels. This way, you will know exactly how much carbon your hotel emits.”
“It’s as simple as making an income-and-expenses account. Once you have tried it for the first time, it becomes very easy,” said the professor, who led the team that developed the platform.
Another key advantage of CF-Hotels is its accessibility. Hotels of any size, from small boutique properties to large resorts, can begin using the platform immediately after registration. Data confidentiality is strictly safeguarded. Only summarised results are displayed within the system, ensuring that sensitive information remains secure. Competing hotels cannot access or view one another’s data, as all records are fully protected.
(Photo: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort Facebook page)
Advantages for travellers
Travellers to Thailand can be a part of this push for more responsible travel by choosing to stay in any of these hotels where possible.
Currently, more than 200 hotels across Thailand are part of the CF-Hotels network, showcasing the industry’s growing commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism. More hotels across Thailand are being encouraged to join the platform.
Check the carbon footprint of Thai hotels here:
https://cf-hotels.com/
