ONYX Hospitality' New ESG Framework Boosts Asian Sustainability

29 April, 2023

Thailand-based ONYX Hospitality Group is reinforcing its commitment towards sustainability with an overhaul of its existing corporate social responsibility offering. 

The leading Asian hospitality provider has introduced a new framework from which it aims to organise all of its environmental, social and governance initiatives. The new framework will also align with the global framework of United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). 

A key initiative under the framework is an exclusive partnership with ESF (Environmental and Social Foundation) and WWF (World Wildlife Fund). This project will rollout environmental education to students in local schools via a mobile interactive exhibition in eight key destinations throughout Thailand, over a period of 10 months. Each location will aim to reach 250 students over a 3-day period.  The course will cover four key themes: Climate Change, Endangered Species, Waste Management and Sustainable Food Systems. The project press launch will take place at Foreign Correspondents Club in early May with a launch event to be organised at Amari Watergate Bangkok on 5 June 2023 (World Environment Day).  

Mr Yuthachai Charanchitta, CEO of ONYX Hospitality Group commented: 

“We understand that our guests are using different criteria for selecting where they stay, alongside comfort and convenience, they are also looking to reduce the impact of their travel footprint. This is why we are introducing a framework to help our hotels develop initiatives and best practices in the world of ESG. We recognise the importance of this, in order to meet the needs of our guests, whilst also ensuring future generations are able to enjoy the same travel privileges. Small changes can make a big difference, which is why being ‘sustainably conscious’ is now a core message across all our properties.” 

The new framework sits under four pillars, which are linked to the company name: 

“O” Opportunity – identifying and supporting underprivileged individuals / organisations such as orphanages and care homes for the elderly. The goal is to provide necessary support e.g. meals, monetary donation, scholarships, in-kind donations and more.  

“N” Nature – promote environmental awareness and invoke a team responsibility for waste management, pollution control, local flora and fauna, and the protection of endangered species.  

As part of ONYX’s efforts towards conserving water and energy across its properties – regular monitoring is part of ongoing operational practices with measures in place including motion sensors in rooms to reduce use air conditioning and light usage whenever unoccupied.  As well as in-room measures to reduce water use.  

In an effort to reduce single-use plastic waste, ONYX has introduced bio-degradable bathroom amenities for its guests as well as the reduction of paper-product in guest rooms through digitalisation, minimising the need for printed materials.  

“Y” Youth – Aiming to inspire future generations of hoteliers, by providing educational support and hands-on learning experiences. The company has reinforced its initiative to hire and develop local talent, including partnering with local universities to engage, develop and retain young talent entering the workforce. The group currently works with Chiang Mai Rajabhat University and Mae Fah Luang University in Chiang Rai. Through these associations, they aim to create a centre of research to create synergies and drive innovation in the industry. These partnerships allow ONYX Hospitality Group to co-create an educational centre for hospitality excellence and offer unprecedented opportunities to students.