Phuket Old Town has set the goal toward carbon neutrality by 2030, aiming to become Thailand’s first carbon-neutral historic district. The Phuket Old Town Carbon Neutrality 2030 initiative, launched on November 24, 2024, by the Sustainable Tourism Development Foundation (STDF) in collaboration with public and private sectors—including the Big Data Institute and the local community—aims to reduce carbon emissions by 30% within three years and 50% by 2030. Endorsed by Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the project represents a major step toward making the Old Town a model for sustainable tourism.
Phuket Old Town’s Sustainability Push Towards Carbon Neutrality
To meet its carbon neutrality goal, Phuket Old Town is implementing sustainability initiatives focused on cutting emissions, improving waste management, and leveraging technology for more innovative environmental monitoring.
A key focus is electric public transportation, with a new EV bus route being developed in collaboration with Phuket Smart Bus. This initiative aims to reduce the use of traditional fuel-powered vehicles, helping to lower the district’s carbon footprint.
Waste management is also being revamped, with an emphasis on recycling, proper waste segregation, and composting. A newly installed organic waste composter near the Golden Dragon Monument is expected to significantly reduce landfill waste by processing organic materials locally. Additionally, community-wide initiatives are being launched to encourage responsible waste disposal habits.
Technology also plays a vital role in this sustainability push. AI-powered monitoring systems, including smart CCTVs installed by the Big Data Institute (BDI), track vehicle emissions and pedestrian activity in real time. This data allows for more accurate assessments of the town’s carbon footprint and helps identify areas for further improvement.
Community involvement is another key element, with residents and businesses contributing valuable energy consumption and waste production data. This collaborative approach ensures that sustainability efforts are both practical and inclusive.
With these initiatives in place, Phuket is taking a significant step toward becoming a certified sustainable tourism destination. A potential collaboration with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) is underway, with a sustainability audit expected to be completed by early 2025, which will assess the island’s current environmental impact and highlight areas for improvement. The goal is to earn internationally recognized certifications such as Green Destinations or EarthCheck, reinforcing Phuket’s commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism.
Further strengthening its position as a leader in sustainable tourism, Phuket will host the Global Sustainable Tourism Conference in April 2026, welcoming over 700 participants from 60 countries. This event will spotlight Phuket’s commitment to environmental preservation while enhancing its status as a world-class destination.
With its groundbreaking carbon neutrality goals, innovative sustainability initiatives, and commitment to global eco-tourism standards, Phuket demonstrates that preserving cultural heritage and protecting the environment can go hand in hand. As the island moves closer to achieving its sustainability targets, it is not only shaping its own future but also setting an example for sustainable travel across Thailand and beyond.
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Featured Image by Phuket Sail Tours
