'Living Sustainably' is no longer a buzzword or a 'nice to do' if you can afford it. Governments, business leaders, and people worldwide are coming to grips with the impact of climate change. At COP26, 2021, Thailand pledged to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
The building and construction industry is responsible for approx 40% of carbon emissions. In March 2021, Thailand's Building Energy Code (BEC) came into effect. Before this time, efforts within the industry were voluntary, driven by corporate social conscience and changing buyer expectations.
The BEC goes some way to addressing the issues, mandating minimum requirements for new and renovated buildings greater than 2,000 sqm. Construction and design regulations include building insulation, roofing, lighting, air conditioning, hot water production and renewable energies. A degree of flexibility is permitted to allow one component to offset another.
As consumers become increasingly informed, sustainable tourism and eco-friendly living are rapidly gaining priority. Millennials particularly recognise the need to drastically reduce their impact on the environment. They also understand more of the financial benefits of green buildings, costing as much as 40% less in the longer term.
But are these high-level initiatives actually trickling down into today's real estate market? Let's review three examples of sustainable projects in Thailand.
Serene Condominium, Phuket
This highly acclaimed sustainable property won 'Best Sustainable Eco Design' and 'Best Boutique Developer Phuket' as bestowed at the Dot Property Thailand Awards 2020. They also received a Highly Commended in the Best Green Development section of the Thailand Property Awards 2020. This EIA-approved project was developed by Serene Innovations and Developments and is due for completion in 2023.
Impressive environmentally-friendly features include:
- Water Efficiency - with rain and grey water collection, treatment, and reuse in swimming pools, gardens, and toilets.
- Energy and Atmosphere - heat absorbing and reflecting glass reducing 35-50% heat, blackout curtains and sheers, highest efficiency LED light bulbs, solar panels on the roof, EV charging stations.
- Site and Sustainability - Over 30% of the area surrounding the project is green, plus planting on walls, rooftops, and interior. For each 1 million THB in sales, Serene
- Developments donates 1,000 THB to the Thailand Environment Institute, TEI.
- Materials and Resources - natural stone veneer on exterior walls is water, heat and sunlight resistant, Green Board using recycled materials, TEXCA and CERA Precast Walls.
The Serene Condominium Phuket is an eight-story complex in Choeng Thale, boasting three swimming pools, a rooftop restaurant and pool bar, a fitness centre, an underground carpark, laundry service, Wi-Fi and shuttle bus service. The 28 sqm corner-situated one-bedroom studio condo we feature has delightful mountain views.
ECOndo, Bang Saray
Sisaran Development's chosen location of Bang Sare in the Bang Saray region of Chonburi is around 20km south of Pattaya Central and approximately two hours drive from Bangkok.
The village of Bang Sare, built around a fishing pier and safe harbour, holds a charm that few places can match. The main population is Thai, with many going about day-to-day life as they have for generations. It has a narrow sandy beach, and the beach road is lined with restaurants and food vendors. Expats are also discovering the delights of the quaint area.
The ECOndo development comprises 64 units on eight floors. It boasts a rooftop saltwater infinity swimming pool, herbal steam room, sauna, fitness centre, communal working space, yoga pavilion, kids play area, gardens, and communal bicycles.
The developer has applied a passive environmental design to reduce or eliminate the need for additional cooling. Some of the eco-friendly features include:
- Natural ventilation systems
- Thermal efficient cladding
- Energy-efficient lighting and appliances
- Rainwater collection systems
- Recycling system
We are featuring a 28.30 sqm Promotion Studio in the ECOndo Bang Saray.
ECOresort Bang Saray
Sasarin, the developer for ECOndo (featured above), is also behind ECOresort. Sasatin won five awards at the Thailand Property Awards 2020 for sustainable development and CSR initiatives. They also received the best architectural and interior design at the Asia Pacific Property Awards for their ECO projects. This is a testament to their strong commitment to green living and delivering quality projects.
Passive environmental design and green building elements integrated into ECOresort Bang Saray include:
- Solar panels
- Optimal ventilation flow
- Energy-saving applications
- Thermal cladding
- Water saving systems
- Shading designs
- Green walls and vegetation
This hotel-style development comprises two buildings of eight floors and contains 262 apartments. A gorgeous swimming pool, sauna, gym, Wi-Fi, 24-hour security and covered parking are some of the benefits of this development.
We are featuring a 54 sqm two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with sea views with a spa bathtub and massage shower, maximising relaxation. Thoughtful finishes and attention to detail include an air purifier to clean your living room and an integrated smart system providing convenience.
Suppose you are planning on living in Thailand. This region, which is home to the rapidly developing Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), is highly prized by Bangkokians and those working in high-tech industries.
Moving to Thailand? Learn more about sustainable properties from our Lazudi team. With offices and real estate listings throughout Thailand, we are well-positioned to provide advice and guidance.
