Zero Carbon Resorts – Building Energy Autonomous Resorts Creating Appropriate Technology Solutions
Zero Carbon Resorts (ZCR) towards sustainable tourism in Thailand and Philippines

The first ZCR project started in 2009. The 4-year project was meant to trigger a switch from fossil fuel to the use of renewable energy sources at SME companies in the tourism industry such as hotels, resorts and restaurants located in the Philippines. With the help of RECP measures and the introduction of green technologies, the carbon foot print of the tourism industry was significantly reduced. 500 SME beneficiaries from the tourism sector received company audits, recommendations and support during the implementation. The total achieved savings reached over 5 million Euro annually. Furthermore, a Zero Energy demonstration building was built with bamboo and other renewable and local materials. It also showcased a number of energy efficient technologies. 

The second phase of the Zero Carbon Resorts started in 2014 and it is aiming at creating an up-scaled impact in the tourism sector in Thailand and the Philippines, with a target reach of over 1000 SME companies. Additionally, a Green hotel rating system for the Philippines was developed in close collaboration with the Department of Tourism (DOT). The project was accomplished in 2018. 

As the lead, GrAT was in charge of designing and implementing the project and to guide the partner organisations. An award winning Zero Energy demonstration building was designed and built using Appropriate Technology and locally available materials, under the principles of sustainable building. capacity building of local engineers, entrepreneurs, governmental officers and architects was carried out. 

2009–14; ASSIST – Asia Society for Social Improvement and Sustainable Transformation; PCSD – Palawan Council for Sustainable Development; CIEMAT – Centro de Investigaciones Energeticas
2014 – 18; PCSD – Palawan Council for Sustainable Development; GLF – Green leaf foundation; CIEMAT – Centro de Investigaciones Energeticas; HPPF – Healthy Public Policy Foundation

EU EuropeAid; SWITCH Asia https://zerocarbonresorts.eu/