Authors: Dr. Aphisavadh Sirivadhanawaravachara
Abstract: The Thai hotel industry is an essential sector in Thailand’s economy, but it also has an impact on greenhouse gas emissions due to high energy consumption in construction processes like air conditioning, lighting, heating, and waste disposal. This study aims to investigate the ways and strategies that can be taken towards achieving net-zero emissions in Thailand’s hotel industry between 2030 and 2040, focusing on major tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. A heat model has been applied in this study to analyze emissions during the maintenance phase in the construction of hotel buildings. It has been found that there are differences in emissions in these regions due to dissimilarities in climate and structural conditions. Bangkok has lower emissions compared to Phuket and Chiang Mai. Technologies that can be applied in achieving net-zero emissions have also been identified in this study, including solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, heat pump, wind power, waste heat, and energy efficiency in building construction and operation. Strategic roadmaps have been proposed in achieving these technologies in the short term (2023-2025), medium term (2026-2030), and long term (2031-2040). These have been aligned with Thailand’s Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs). Moreover, the study has emphasized the significance of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms through key performance indicators like energy consumption, renewable energy, and waste. Despite these opportunities, there are challenges in achieving net-zero emissions, including financial, technological, and regulatory issues, particularly in small and medium-sized hotel enterprises. It has been concluded in this study that, with the application of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency, Thailand can move towards achieving sustainability in its hotel industry.
