While Chiva-Som is world renowned as Asia’s first luxury health resort, it is also well known in the local community for its ongoing commitment and holistic approach to CSR. Combined with environmental stewardship and continual focus on reducing the ecological footprint of the operation, this dedication is paramount in developing staff members and their families while reaching out with community development, social welfare and education programs in Hua Hin, Thailand.
As the Sustainable Development Coordinator for Chiva-Som International Health Resorts, Brian Anderson will share how Chiva Som's CSR strategy helps to sustain economic prosperity as well as nurture a healthy, safe and vibrant community. He will also talk about the Preserve Hua Hin Group, Chiva-Som’s environmental preservation organization that organizes social events such as “climate positive”, carbon neutral concerts, marathons, reforestation projects and beach clean-ups to promote environmental preservation and awareness and increase social interaction in the local community.
2. Message from Our Chairman
Dear Friends,
At Chiva-Som we are truly holistic in our
approach to wellness, and we provide a
sanctuary for our guests to rest, relax,
rejuvenate and focus on their lifelong goals of
improved health and longevity. Since opening
the Resort in 1995, we‟ve embraced the
importance of corporate social responsibility by
treating our staff as family, and continually
search and implement sustainable alternatives to
reduce the environmental impact resulting from Krip Rojanastien
our operation. And our collective commitment to
local community development activities is the
direct result of our staff‟s altruistic volunteerism
to improve the Hua Hin Municipality as well as
Chairman & CEO
the Kingdom of Thailand.
4. UN Global Compact
• Signatory
• 8,000 in 135 countries
• Global Reporting Index GRI
• Caring For Climate Initiative (341)
• CEO Water Mandate (80)
5. UN Global Compact
• Largest Voluntary Initiative
• Sustainable Business Models
• Human Rights
• Labor
• Environment
• Anti-Corruption
6. Environmental Stewardship
Operational Efficiency and Compliance
Strictly adhering to our Policy on Environmental & Social Sustainability, Chiva-Som
remains committed to the preservation of our planet Earth and proactively involved
in conserving our precious natural resources. The Resort maintains the prestigious
Earthcheck Green Globe Certification recognising our commitment to operating at
the world‟s highest environmental standard.
7. Chiva-Som LILACS
Lowering the Impact of Luxury Accommodation for Sustainability
The Resort has several initiatives, policies and practices in place for energy
efficiency and conservation, waste water treatment and reuse, fresh water
conservation, waste minimisation and recycling, and eco-friendly product
usage. Waste water and rainfall are collected and processed through tertiary
treatment and reused to maintain the Resort lake level and irrigate the lush,
green landscape. Three hundred square meters of solar water heating panels
are used to preheat the water in the Resort and our swimming pools are
sanitised using the healthier choice of the sodium chloride system.
8. Energy Efficiency & LEED
Mitigating Climate Change through Responsible Business Practices
Chiva-Som is engaging with the Clinton Climate Initiative‟s Energy
Efficiency Building Retrofit Program to replace chiller cooling systems with
state of the art technology, and low electricity consuming LED lighting is
being installed throughout the Resort. The estimated electricity reduction is
26% with a related 20% decrease in the Resort‟s carbon footprint.
Preparation is currently underway for LEED Certification (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) as an existing facility and operation
through the US Green Building Council.
9. Organic Sustenance
Producing Healthy Food for Good Nutrition
Along with growing many of our own fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers
without the use of harmful chemicals, the Chiva-Som Organic Farm follows
simple practices such as composting organic waste from the Resort to produce
nutrient-rich fertiliser. The fresh produce is used in our spa cuisine as well as
some organic spa treatments. Locally produced perishable products and
services are continually sought after to help boost the home economy and
reduce carbon emissions resulting from long-distance transportation.
10. Clean, Healthy Food
Providing the Most Nutritious Cuisine without Compromise
To ensure that we always provide the cleanest, healthiest meals for our
guests and staff, Chiva-Som is modifying and developing food processing
systems in preparation for the internationally-recognised Hazard Analysis and
Critical Control Point Certification (HACCP).
11. Waste Reduction
Two Tangible Items: Waste and Carbon Emissions
We realise that just about everything we do has an impact on the environment,
and in the hospitality industry, waste and carbon emissions are considered
tangible products. Our Resource Conservation & Recovery Programme is our
ongoing commitment to saving energy and water, and recycling and reusing
waste materials to minimise any amount sent to landfill. Renewable energy
systems are constantly being explored to decrease our reliance on non-renewable
fossil fuels and reduce the carbon footprint of our operation and related activities.
To save electricity and related carbon emissions, our staff follow the simple
practice of switching off lights, air conditioning and other electrical appliances
when not in use. To reduce plastic waste and the ecological footprint of potable
water delivery and consumption, reverse osmosis water purification systems are
installed and complimentary stainless steel vacuum bottles are provided for all
guests to use during their stay at Chiva-Som, and take home and use for many
years. Low-flow taps and showers are installed throughout the Resort to conserve
fresh water and minimise any wastage. Our policy of changing bed linens and
bath towels every three days is offered to guests to conserve water and reduce
laundry service. Fruit and vegetable peels are converted into compost and food
scraps are delivered to the local farm for animal fodder.
12. Preserve Hua Hin Group
Environmental Preservation and Community Wellness With
focus to reduce the ecological footprint of the city of Hua Hin‟s growing
population, Chiva-Som formed the Preserve Hua Hin Group (PHHG) as a
community development organisation in 2004. PHHG organises events such as
outdoor concerts, marathons, reforestation projects and beach clean-ups to
promote environmental awareness and preservation, and to increase social
interaction in the local community. PHHG continues to build momentum and
collective support to assist the municipality in nurturing a healthy, safe and
vibrant community and sustain Hua Hin into the future with a socially responsible
and environmentally conscious approach.
13. Mangrove Ecosystem Education
Educating Today‟s Youth for a Sustainable Future
The Preserve Hua Hin Group and Chiva-Som organize the annual Mangrove
Ecosystem Study Camps to help students gain first-hand knowledge of the
mangrove ecosystem and other environmental issues including climate change and
environmental degradation caused by human activity and commercial
development. Recognized as Junior Ambassadors, the students learn about the
symbiotic relationship between plants, animals and water to help them understand
both the stability and fragility of the ecosystem, and develop respect for nature.
14. Concert for Sustainability
“Climate Positive” Concert to Combat Climate Change
The annual “I Love Hua Hin” Concert is set up as a Carbon Neutral, “Climate
Positive” event to raise awareness in the fight against runaway climate
change and environmental degradation, and to raise funds for PHHG‟s
preservation initiatives. The carbon dioxide emissions generated from the
event and related activities are offset by a carbon credit donation of 76
metric tonnes and our ongoing reforestation projects elevate the concert to
Climate Positive status.
15. Heavy Half Marathon & Fun Run
Community Challenge for Good Health and Longevity
The annual Preserve Hua Hin Heavy Half Marathon & Fun Run has taken
place every spring since 2004 and attracts over 1,000 runners from Thailand
as well as from around the world. This year a Rock‟n‟Roll Charity Concert
and Pasta Party was also held the night before the race to raise funds for the
development of a Mangrove Ecosystem Education Center and reforestation
project at Wat Khao Krai Lart temple in Hua Hin.
16. Teamwork for Sustainability
Mangrove Reforestation Project with Preserve Hua Hin Group
As one of our initiatives to help mitigate runaway climate change, the
Chiva-Som Family with Preserve Hua Hin Group planted 300 mangrove trees
on April 25, 2012 to restore the Wat Khao Krai Lart temple mangrove area in
Khao Takiab, Hua Hin. The Chiva-Som Mangrove Reforestation Project is
registered in the Earth Day Network‟s “A Billion Acts of Green” campaign.
17. Social Welfare
Taking Care for a Sustainable Organisation
Annual medical check-ups are given to all of our staff along with medical and
dental insurance to ensure good health, and many of us volunteer to donate
blood for the Thai Red Cross. A company-assisted Provident Fund is offered to
augment personal savings.
18. Higher Education in Wellness
Holistic Professionals Developing Their Abilities
Chiva-Som regularly supports our therapists for specialised education at various
training centres to develop their knowledge and skills to provide innovative wellness
treatments and therapies. The Resort sent eight medical and holistic therapists to
study Nutrition and Herbal Remedies for 18 months at the Australasian College of
Natural Therapies to enhance their personal advisory skills and create individualised
wellness programmes specifically tailored to meet our guests‟ needs.
19. Life Skills Development
Internal Training for Personal Growth
The Human Resource Development team provides continuing education programs
for life skills development including language training in English, Russian, Japanese,
Chinese and Thai, Train the Trainer, guest contact skills, healthy cooking classes,
microbiological testing, Thai herbal remedies and holistic therapies, yoga, massage
and stretching, computer technology, tax knowledge and financial planning
management, driving safety, photography, environmental preservation and
sustainable development.
20. Awards of Excellence
Recognising Ongoing Dedication and Commitment
Every month Chiva-Som holds an Awards of Excellence ceremony to recognise
individual staff members for their superior service and good team-working efforts.
On the same day the Resort hosts a birthday party to celebrate the birthdays of all
staff members whose birthdays take place in that month. Chiva-Som staff formed
their own house band called the „Om Yim‟ Band that performs at all the parties and
outdoor concerts as well.
21. New Generations
Supporting Our Students‟ Success
Our student scholarship programme provides tuition assistance for Chiva-
Som family members‟ children who have proven themselves to be in high
academic standing, and the Resort hosts an additional party for the staff‟s
children the day after Thai National Children‟s Day.
22. Symbiotic Development
Educating Students for a Sustainable Future
Throughout the year we provide working internships for university students in
the areas of accounting, engineering, finance, food & beverage, housekeeping,
human resources, information technology, kitchen, organic farming,
purchasing, sales & marketing, spa management and sustainable development.
During the internship, the students gain practical hands-on experience for
employment at Chiva-Som or other businesses in the industry.
23. Support for the Underprivileged
Social Welfare through Local Outreach
The Chiva-Som Social Welfare Programme reaches out to the local schools
with donations of luncheons, staple food and cleaning products, toys, shoes,
clothing and other items to help them meet their day-to-day needs.
24. Community Well-being
Empowering Youth for Good Health and Longevity
The Chiva-Som Health Education & Awareness Programme regularly visits local
schools to teach the students the importance of leading a health-conscious life.
Our fitness trainers lead the groups and introduce them to new physical fitness
exercises and our physiotherapists conduct aerobic dances sessions.
25. Early Health Education
Empowering Youth for Good Health and Longevity
The Chiva-Som culinary artists volunteer to teach students about the
importance of good nutrition and our nursing staff explain the necessity of
daily personal hygiene and adolescent development. By reaching the students
at an early age, we aim to instill memorable experiences and the concepts of
healthy lifestyles for physical development and longevity.
26. Environmental Awareness
Alternative Environmental Training in the Classroom
For students majoring in hospitality and tourism management, our Sustainable
Development Coordinator regularly visits universities, conferences and forums
to give presentations on corporate social responsibility, green accommodation
management, ecological and carbon footprints, environmental issues and
community well-being.
27. Chiva-Som International Health Resort
Head Office: 11th Floor, Modern Town Building Hua Hin Office: 73/4 Petchkasem Road,
87/104 Sukhumvit 63, Bangkok 10110, Thailand Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan 77110, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2711 6900-12 Fax: +66 (0) 2381 5852 Tel: +66 (0) 3253 6536 Fax: +66 (0) 3251 1154
Email: enquiries@chivasom.com Email: reservation@chivasom.com
Proud recipient of:
„Best Overseas Health & Wellness Property‟ for 6 consecutive years
„Top 10 Best Overseas Resort‟, Luxury Travel Magazine 2012 Gold List
„Ranked 2nd - Destination Spa (World)‟ Travel + Leisure India & South Asia‟s Readers‟ Choice-India‟s Best Awards 2012
„Top Ten Best Cooking Classes‟,„Top Ten Best Cuisine‟ and „Top Ten Best Medical Spa‟
SpaFinder Readers' Choice Crystal Award 2011
„Ranked 2nd - Destination Spa‟ Conde Nast Traveller Readers' Awards 2011
„Top 5 Best Overseas Spa Retreat‟ and „The World's Top 25 Spas‟
Conde Nast Traveller Readers‟ Spa Awards 2011
Chiva-Som has consistently ranked in the „Top 5 Best Overseas Destination Spa‟
Conde Nast Traveller Readers Travel Awards every year since 1999