Hotels using a property management system have implemented changes using the reporting tools available from popular PMSs to benchmark utility use and provide setpoints for temperature adjustments.

Other technical improvements that can be implemented on an operational level are the use of LED lighting, as well as implementing high-efficiency water fixtures to control the use of water or using 2 out of 4 lifts available.

Asking guests to place a sign on the bed to change the sheets or hang towels back up are ways housekeeping can avoid over washing.

Many hotels have implemented recycling in guest rooms, common areas, reusable food service materials and have made newspapers available in common areas rather than delivering to each individual room.

Even key cards are being made from paper, wood or bioplastic, but until then, most hotels re-use their current plastic key cards, instead of throwing them away.

Hotels have also implemented the use of reusable glass water bottles by having filtered water stations and some give guests a reusable water bottle instead of using bottles.

Hotel restaurants are taking sustainable initiatives to their restaurants, choosing to promote the use of local, organic food in their meal choices. As well as promoting the careful and curated choice of ingredients at the hotel’s restaurant.

Some hotels are isolated so have to ensure provisions are delivered on time and regularly, but to help reduce the need for regular deliveries, careful planning and stock control are important.

There is without a doubt a shift towards sustainably-sourced ingredients that also help contribute to the local economy of where the hotel is located as guests are eating fresh and local foods.

Where some ingredients are not available, many hotels have started to grow their own and offer a farm to table offering.

Hotels have chosen to put soap and shampoo dispensers that are refillable instead of miniature amenities, which create excessive waste.

Ordering local and in bulk helps with reducing the impact and removing additional extras in the room like combs, toothbrushes, cotton buds etc are all now on request in some hotels.

In terms of cleaning products, many hotels are choosing to shift away from abrasive cleaning products and are moving towards organic or natural cleaners that are less harmful to both housekeeping and to the environment.

Water use in a hotel equates to about 24 percent of total utility expenses. Bathroom fixtures, laundry, landscaping, and kitchens are the areas where the most water is used.

Hotels have implemented regular water tracking and low-flow toilets, as well as putting in efficient faucets and shower heads.

Hotels can have guests forgo daily towel and bed linen changes, which helps to reduce the energy and water necessary for laundry.

Hotels are tracking energy use, having digital thermostats in guests rooms, and have LED light bulbs throughout the properties.

Another popular way of contributing to energy conservation is a one-switch system for lights so that lights don’t get left on accidentally, as well as the installation of solar panels to power water heating.

The best and most well used method is empowering guests to take action. Close balcony doors when the air conditioning is on, use a key card to activate power in the room so everything is turned off when they leave the room and encouraging the use of sustainable means of transportation to get to the hotel by giving discounts for shared transfers, providing information about public transport options or by having electric chargers for cars.

When it comes to renovating a hotel, everyone thinks the items in the rooms and throughout the hotel are brand new.

Many hotels consider options available in the 2nd hand market. Superior hotels might not be wanting a 42inch TV anymore as they are wanting to upgrade to something larger, however another hotel would warmly welcome the old TV to upgrade their room offerings.

Furniture is also easily modified and upgraded to be given a fresh look and feel.

When removing items from the hotel which are no longer needed, they are offered to local schools, charities and temples.

Millions of people flock to Thailand's beaches every year, but this puts a strain on its beautiful coast

One area which isn’t spoken about much is where the hotel team collectively get together once a month to walk along the stretch of Beach the hotel sit on for a mass clean up.

It’s businesses like these that are spearheading Thailand’s future towards a cleaner, more sustainable coastline.

Beach clean-ups and events take place throughout the year and guests take part too and are encouraged to ask about the clean up programme during their trip so they can also help make a difference on Thailand’s coastline.