Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Greece

Skinos Ilivatos Eco Villa & Estate is a beacon of sustainable hospitality, integrating a host of eco-friendly policies and practices. Harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar radiation and wind, this accommodation is 100% off-grid, operating solely on power generated from these natural elements. The building design itself is an ecological marvel, maximizing air flow and natural light to reduce dependence on artificial heating, cooling, and lighting. Furthermore, the property employs triple-glazed windows that efficiently regulate indoor temperatures.

Water conservation is robustly addressed with systems for rainwater collection, wastewater treatment, and reuse. Waste management practices include separating waste into at least three categories, providing recycling bins in guest rooms, and composting organic waste. The eco-conscious philosophy extends to aspects like non-toxic cleaning products, LED lighting, and the provision of bicycles for guest use. Remarkably, Skinos Ilivatos Eco Villa & Estate is a zero-energy building, achieving net-zero energy consumption annually through intelligent design and an automatic system that turns off lights and electrical appliances when guests leave their rooms. An additional unique feature of this eco-resort is its commitment to animal welfare, as the property doubles as an animal shelter and forbids any form of hunting or harm to animals, aligning with the hosts' vegetarian lifestyle.

Kallichoron Art Boutique Hotel in Astypalea is the only Green Key eco-labelled hotel on the island. It has adopted a Green Policy focusing on eco-awareness, minimizing environmental impact, supporting local producers, and working towards measurable results in sustainability. They use green supplies, encourage waste recycling, and utilize energy and water efficient equipment. The hotel also offers guests the ability to calculate and offset their carbon footprint.

This village is deeply committed to sustainability, implementing an Environmental Management System and utilizing bioclimatic architecture with sustainable materials. They use renewable energy for heating, eco-friendly cleaning products, and practice recycling and composting. They also focus on sustainable landscape management and offer locally sourced food.

This villa is committed to sustainability, featuring beds made from high-quality, eco-friendly COCOMAT materials and three eco-friendly energy fireplaces. Bath products are from 'Zealots of Nature', known for natural ingredients. The structure maximizes natural light and airflow to reduce energy consumption, and it is certified with the European Ecotourism Labeling Standard (EETLS) and the Greek Energy Consumption Label (Class A+).

Green Suites Boutique Hotel stands at the forefront of sustainable hospitality in Athens, with its commitment to providing the most eco-friendly accommodations. Built from the ground up with sustainability at its core, the hotel focuses on every detail to ensure that it meets high ecological standards. They firmly believe that luxury and environmental consciousness can coexist, aiming to prove that human comfort doesn't necessitate a sacrifice of the environment. With a goal of becoming Greece's first eco-friendly hotel, they offer unique accommodations that not only soothe and relax guests but also cater to their environmental concerns.

The hotel is a marvel of eco-design, built in accordance with the latest energy performance directive targeting zero-energy. It features an array of eco-features such as photovoltaic systems, solar mirrors, and energy-saving glazing. The exterior of the building is insulated for maximum energy efficiency, and the basement lighting system utilises solar tubes. Attention is paid to air quality with the inclusion of carbon dioxide sensors. LED light fixtures, independent electricity meters, and heat pumps contribute to energy efficiency, while the cooling system operates on an inverter. Even the paint used is eco-friendly, and biodegradable products are preferred. The hotel has also implemented a system for rainwater recovery and reuse and installed movement sensors, creating a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability for an unforgettable stay.

Blue Palace Elounda, a Luxury Collection Resort, Crete, stands as a beacon of eco-friendliness in the hospitality sector. This paradisiacal resort, boasting the accolades of ISO 14001 and Green Globe certifications, takes pride in its concerted efforts towards reducing its environmental impact. The resort's carbon footprint sits at 57.36 kg per room night, while its water footprint is 2600.11 liters per room night, figures that the resort continually strives to decrease through effective and innovative sustainability initiatives.

One such commendable practice adopted by Blue Palace Elounda is its in-room recycling policy. With an understanding of the critical role recycling plays in preserving the environment, the resort encourages guests to segregate their waste, facilitating its efficient disposal and recycling. This practice, combined with their certifications and continuous monitoring of their footprints, underscores the resort's dedication to promoting a sustainable future, ensuring that every stay not only satisfies but also contributes to the wellbeing of the planet.

Natura Park Village Hotel & Spa in Kos is built in a country style using environment-friendly materials. It is surrounded by well-kept green gardens. While specific detailed practices are not provided, the use of eco-friendly building materials indicates a foundational commitment to sustainability.

Sani Dunes, recognized as the World’s Leading Luxury Green Resort at the World Travel Awards for three consecutive years, is a sterling example of luxury meeting sustainability. This stunning resort, spread across 1,000 acres of nature reserve where the sea, forest, and wetlands harmoniously coexist, is deeply committed to preserving the environment and supporting local communities. The resort's rich ecosystem of wildlife is maintained with utmost care, ensuring that the natural wonders of Sani are preserved for generations to enjoy. The Sani Green programme, a testament to the resort's commitment to sustainability, drives initiatives to enhance energy efficiency, renewable energy use, water conservation, waste minimisation, and sustainable procurement, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Emphasizing carbon neutrality, Sani Dunes became the first carbon neutral resort in Greece in 2020 and has been powered by 100% renewable energy since 2019. The resort's Zero Carbon Footprint project is continually upgrading its carbon efficiency, with ongoing programmes projected until 2024. The innovative and impactful initiatives under Sani Green, reinforced by a clear set of policies and measurable targets, significantly contribute to the resort's environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. In this paradise where luxury and environmental commitment merge seamlessly, guests can experience an extraordinary holiday while also taking comfort in the resort's diligent eco-friendly practices.