Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang: Sustainability Elite in Cambodia

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang

Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, a luxurious retreat located in the heart of Siem Reap, Cambodia, is a testament to sustainable hospitality. Designed to reflect the charm of a traditional Khmer village, this eco-conscious resort seamlessly blends authenticity with modern luxury. Phum Baitang's commitment to environmental stewardship is underscored by its Green Globe certification, a prestigious recognition awarded to hotels that meet the highest standards of sustainability. Through responsible practices, the hotel has reach a certification score of 91%, placing it as an elite sustainable tourism business globally.

General Manager Giulio D'Alberto said, “ I am proud of my teams achievements since our inception with Green Globe. Through our collective efforts, we are increasingly recognizing the significance of conserving our resources, knowing that they can be given a second life. These sustainability practices are not only embraced within our workplace but are also being extended to our team members families. I firmly believe that our commitment to sustainability will have an impact and contribute to Cambodia's efforts to improve sustainability.

Leading the way in waste management innovations
At Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang, waste management innovations are at the forefront of their commitment to sustainability. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by Cambodia's limited recycling resources, they have intensified efforts since obtaining their initial Green Globe certification.

By the end of 2023, significant progress was achieved in reducing their reliance on single-use plastics throughout the resort. Notably, guest rooms are now entirely free of plastic. Although a small amount still enters the resort through external sources such as guests or suppliers, the hotel ensures responsible disposal. Their successes are clear evidence of the efforts: 100% recycling rate for glass and aluminum cans, amounting to an impressive 603kg. These recycled materials are creatively repurposed, serving as both as construction materials and contributing to the creation of new cans. Embracing sustainability at every turn, innovative methods have been adopted for repurposing paper waste within offices. Over 1150 kilograms of paper have been repurposed as notepads before undergoing transformation into fresh paper at local facilities.

Moreover, the composting program has diverted a notable 13.688 kg of food waste. This compost sustains both employees' animals and the lush organic garden, embodying a circular approach to waste management. Additionally strengthening the hotel’s eco-initiatives, all cooking oil waste, totaling 110kg, is converted into in-house biofuel in collaboration with local energy providers.

Guided by a passion for progress, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang remains committed to seeking innovative solutions to minimize their environmental footprint and foster positive impacts on both the community and the planet.

Organic Garden
Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang possesses a wonderful garden. Here, a rich variety of vegetables and herbs, from eggplants to sweet basil, mint, lemongrass and many more are nurtured to perfection, enhancing the culinary experiences of cooking classes and supplying the hotel’s restaurants and spa with fresh, organic produce. They also grow their our own rice in 42 rice paddies, which is served directly in the restaurants and staff canteen, as well as presented to guests as a unique, local organic gift from Cambodia. With four crops annually, guests are welcomed to engage in both planting and harvesting, immersing themselves fully in a cherished sustainable ethos. Overall, the organic garden and paddies yield an impressive total of 8 tons of vegetables and rice annually, embodying the commitment to sustainability and community engagement.

In 2023, the hotel expanded vegetarian and vegan options by 20%, ensuring a culinary experience for all guests. Additionally, they upheld their dedication to supporting local producers, with 70% of food sourced locally and 100% from local suppliers. The efforts of the organic garden were particularly fruitful, with a total of 7652 kg of organic vegetables and rice produced. Moreover, through three harvests including the donation of one ton of rice to a local orphanage, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang continued to extend their positive impact beyond the resort, fostering a sense of community and generosity.

Empowering Education
Located in Kok Thnot, Siem Reap, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang actively addresses educational challenges by undertaking projects to repair school buildings and consistently supplying essential resources such as study materials to benefit over 504 students in the area. The success of these initiatives, including the establishment of two orphanages to support underprivileged children is building a promising future, and made possible through the generous contributions of guests and the Zannier Foundation. In 2023, guest donations totalled $5,462, which has been utilized to provide schooling materials and develop a new football and volleyball pitches with related accessories, as well as install solar lamps for the courtyard. The in-house engineering team played a crucial role in constructing the pitch, thereby optimizing the impact of donations. Guests are regularly updated via email and are warmly thanked for their contributions.

Through responsible practices, such as minimizing waste, conserving energy, and supporting local communities, Zannier Hotels Phum Baitang not only offers an unparalleled guest experience but also contributes to the preservation of the natural and cultural heritage of Cambodia.

For more information:

Camille Wille
QUALITY ASSURANCE EXECUTIVE
M. +32 (0) 478 77 84 75
Jozef Plateaustraat 33, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
cwille@zannier.com
www.zannierhotels.com