Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Greece

The eco-conscious Apeiros Chora is highly acclaimed for its commitment to sustainable practices, having received recognition such as TripAdvisor GreenLeaders and the Booking Sustainable Hotels certification. An impressive aspect of the hotel's eco-friendly strategy is their renewable energy source - Biomass. This, along with a conscientious selection of sustainable building materials, reinforces their commitment to environmental sustainability. Each architectural detail, from the strategic structuring to maximise airflow and natural light, to the installation of triple-glazed windows, is meticulously designed to conserve energy.

Apeiros Chora's active role in eco-friendly initiatives such as reforestation and wildlife conservation is admirable. Efficient utilization of collected rainwater, coupled with the usage of environmentally friendly cleaning products, contributes to a healthy and sustainable environment at the hotel. Moreover, the hotel restaurant offers mouth-watering meals prepared with primarily local and organic ingredients, giving guests the opportunity to engage in sustainable gastronomy. The establishment is tastefully lit with LED lighting, providing an energy-saving solution that not only reduces carbon footprint but also creates a warm and welcoming ambiance throughout the property. Furthermore, an environmental manager, assigned specifically for the task, makes certain that all employees are thoroughly trained and consistently adhere to the hotel's eco-friendly guidelines. The hotel's toilets are designed for water conservation, using no more than 6 litres per flush, and signs inform guests that towels will only be changed upon request. The initiative extends to an in-house wastewater treatment facility, an essential part of the hotel's environmental policies. In the quest to reduce waste, no disposable cups, glasses, plates, or cutlery are used, and the toilet paper is either non-chlorine bleached or awarded with an eco-label. Apeiros Chora truly exemplifies the idea of a sustainable vacation haven.

Sun-kissed and sustainable, the Belvedere Luxury Apartments & Spa is an eco-conscious haven for green travellers. Drawing its power from the sun, Belvedere Luxury Apartments & Spa exemplifies commitment to sustainable practices through its choice of eco-friendly building materials and architectural design, which harnesses natural light and air circulation, reducing dependence on air-conditioning and artificial lighting. The hotel manifests its dedication to environmental responsibility not just through the use of heat-regulating triple-glazed windows but also by choosing non-toxic cleaning products and incorporating energy-saving LED lighting throughout its premises.

At Belvedere, conservation is an essential part of everyday operations. An environmental manager oversees adherence to environmental policies, guiding the well-trained staff on eco-friendly practices. It also boasts innovative systems to minimize waste and conserve resources, from toilets that only flush up to 6 litres of water to the reuse of treated wastewater. All waste is meticulously separated into at least three categories, and the use of disposable items such as cups, glasses, plates, and cutlery is strictly avoided. Further, the hotel smartly uses automatic systems that turn off lights and electrical appliances when guests leave their room. In its restaurant, most of the ingredients are sourced locally and a vegetarian menu is always on offer, reducing food miles while offering a diverse palette of choices. Regular energy audits ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives, ensuring the Belvedere Luxury Apartments & Spa remains a shining example of eco-friendly hospitality.

Ostria Resort & Spa is a beacon of sustainable tourism, committed to leaving the smallest possible environmental footprint. The Resort makes an emphatic statement in protecting the local and global environment by minimizing its environmental impact in all its activities, products, and services. This commitment is reinforced through consistent adherence to all environmental obligations and integrating environmental management into all aspects of business operations. Waste is meticulously separated and recycled, with stringent waste management practices that involve the collection of paper, glass, iron, aluminum, batteries, light bulbs, and even used cooking oil by certified companies. The emphasis on reducing waste generation extends to the hotel's use of energy, water, materials, and other natural resources, prioritizing efficiency and long-term sustainability.

This beachfront Resort goes above and beyond to conserve natural resources, with electric vehicles for transportation within the premises, solar panels for hot water production, energy-saving bulbs, and smart window sensors that automatically stop air-conditioners when windows or balcony doors are open. In its mission to reduce water consumption, the Resort features shower cabins instead of bathtubs, a water-conscious housekeeping team, and an automatic watering system for its gardens of water-efficient plants. The resort has also implemented a "save water - go green" program for linen replacement in all rooms, encouraging guests to partake in its eco-friendly efforts. The commitment to environmental stewardship at Ostria Resort & Spa also translates into using professional eco-friendly detergents, cleaning products, sanitizers, and disinfectants, and a strong emphasis on education for staff to adopt and maintain sustainable practices.

Galini Breeze hotel stands out for its dedication to sustainable tourism, evident through its certification under the Booking.com Travel Sustainable category. The hotel makes extensive use of renewable energy, using solar radiation and a private Photo Voltaic installation, which yields 20MWh annually, in addition to a Solar Collector hot water production system. Constructed with eco-friendly materials, the structure of the building is optimized to harness natural light and facilitate air circulation, thereby diminishing energy requirements. The hotel advocates water preservation by employing a rainwater gathering system. Furthermore, the implementation of LED lighting and intelligent heating and cooling mechanisms aids in realizing the establishment's aspiration of attaining an annual net energy consumption of zero.

Waste management at Galini Breeze is taken seriously, with waste separated into several categories, organic waste composted, and the elimination of single-use plastics. Guests are subtly encouraged to play their part, with signs promoting towel reuse to reduce water usage. Employee training on environmental policies ensures all staff contribute to the hotel's sustainability efforts, which extend to involvement in initiatives such as reforestation and wildlife conservation. This commitment to sustainability shows that luxury and environmental responsibility can coexist harmoniously in the hospitality industry.

At the heart of the Palmera Beach Hotel & Spa - Adults Only lies a robust commitment to sustainability and eco-conscious practices. This dedication is evidenced by their Green Key certification, a leading standard of excellence in the field of environmental responsibility and sustainable operation within the tourism industry. Harnessing the power of the sun, the hotel uses solar radiation as a primary source of energy, complemented by LED lighting throughout the property. The hotel infrastructure, designed using sustainable resources, adeptly maximizes air flow and uses triple-glazed windows that insulate against heat and cold. This results in significant energy savings by reducing reliance on air-conditioning and heating systems, which are also designed to switch off automatically when windows are open.

Palmera Beach Hotel & Spa further manifests its eco-friendly stance through various sustainability initiatives such as reforestation and wildlife conservation. Inside the hotel, guests are gently guided to participate in these practices. Signs in rooms inform guests of a towel reuse program, and an automatic system or key card ensures lights and electrical appliances are turned off when guests leave their rooms. Waste management is a key focus, with separation into at least three categories and a ban on single-use plastics. Additionally, the hotel uses non-toxic cleaning products and eco-labeled or non-chlorine bleached toilet paper. Even in the kitchen, sustainability is a priority with most ingredients locally sourced, and a vegetarian alternative menu available at the restaurant. Through these extensive efforts, Palmera Beach Hotel & Spa successfully integrates luxury with eco-consciousness, demonstrating that responsible tourism can indeed go hand-in-hand with exceptional hospitality.

At Grecotel Pallas Athena, the protection of the environment is not an afterthought, but rather a core part of their business ethos, understanding the vital role it plays in sustaining tourism. The hotel operates under an Environmental Management System, purposefully crafted to monitor, reduce, and manage their environmental impact. The integration of these procedures helps Grecotel Pallas Athena to identify all environmental aspects tied to their operations and steer them towards continual enhancement of their environmental performance.

As part of their commitment to sustainability, the hotel diligently complies with all laws, rules, and regulations related to its activities that could impact the environment. The environmental implications of the hotel's activities are assessed regularly with the explicit aim of minimizing or completely eliminating any potential harmful effects. In addition, preventive measures are taken to avert pollution that could negatively influence the local natural residential environment and the quality of tourism services. Committed to continuous improvement, the hotel establishes new environmental goals and relentlessly seeks improved practices through research. To ensure a comprehensive approach to environmental protection, the management also actively collaborates with local government, authorities, and communities, incorporating local perspectives into their decision-making processes. In this way, Grecotel Pallas Athena is a beacon for sustainable luxury, blending comfort with a deep-seated respect for the environment.

Kókkini Porta Rossa, a distinguished boutique hotel residing in the heart of the historic Medieval Town of Rhodes, embraces the ancient wisdom of its architectural ancestors. Aesthetically, this is seen in the meticulous restoration of the once family homes it occupies. But more so, it's reflected in the hotel's commitment to minimizing its impact on the environment, preserving the local culture, and supporting the surrounding community. This timeless structure exudes an aura of autonomy and sustainability, a testament to the prudent lives of its previous inhabitants who expertly managed their resources, living with minimal waste and causing no harm.

The mission of Kókkini Porta Rossa extends beyond traditional hospitality to embody the Greek notion of 'philoxenía' – a warm, unconditional welcome to strangers. To this end, the hotel curates unique, personalized experiences for each visitor, ensuring they can uncover the unique charm of Rhodes without causing undue strain on the island's natural and cultural resources. Through mindful water and energy usage, and the conscious choice of eco-friendly materials and methods, Kókkini Porta Rossa ensures the lightest possible footprint. This ethos extends to its partnerships with local businesses and individuals, all of whom are selected for their shared dedication to people, nature, and everything Rhodes has to offer. Whether exploring the lush hotel gardens, savoring the local cuisine, or immersing in the rich culture of Rhodes, visitors are invited to 'walk lightly' and join Kókkini Porta Rossa's journey towards a 'Good For All' hospitality.

Hanim Boutique Hotel emerges as a shining example of sustainability in the hospitality industry, incorporating a wide range of eco-friendly practices. The establishment makes optimal use of solar radiation as a renewable energy source, combined with LED lighting to minimize energy consumption. With a structure that leverages sustainable building materials, the hotel design maximizes air flow and natural light, decreasing the need for air-conditioning, lighting, and heating. The presence of triple-glazed windows further aids in maintaining a stable internal temperature. An appointed environmental manager oversees these practices, ensuring adherence to environmental policies which all employees are trained to follow.

An emphasis on resource conservation can be observed throughout the hotel. Guests will notice signs in their rooms informing them that towels will only be replaced upon request, and recycling bins for guest use help manage waste effectively. The hotel's commitment to minimal waste extends to the banning of single-use cups, glasses, plates, and cutlery. Toilets are designed to consume up to 6 liters per flush, and toilet paper provided is made from non-chlorine bleached paper or is eco-labeled. The hotel’s kitchen also contributes to sustainability, sourcing most of its ingredients locally and offering a vegetarian alternative menu. The hotel's carbon footprint is regularly measured by a recognised CO2 measurement tool, and energy audits are conducted every five years. These practices affirm Hanim Boutique Hotel's commitment to creating a luxurious yet environmentally conscious hospitality experience.

Embodying a firm commitment to environmental sustainability, Kriti Beach Hotel stands proudly with certifications from Green Key and the ISO 14001 Environmental management systems, testifying its eco-friendly initiatives. The hotel harnesses solar radiation as a primary source of renewable energy, helping to reduce its carbon footprint. A written environmental policy statement anchors its eco-friendly stance, with a dedicated environmental manager overseeing its implementation. The hotel design incorporates triple-glazed windows that help maintain optimal internal temperatures, thus reducing the need for heating and cooling systems. LED lighting enhances energy efficiency throughout the premises, and the use of non-toxic cleaning products ensures a chemical-free environment.

At Kriti Beach Hotel, conservation extends beyond energy, with significant attention paid to water and waste management. The toilets are designed to use up to six litres per flush, and room signs encourage guests to reuse towels. With an effective waste separation system that categorises waste into at least three different categories, the hotel ensures responsible waste disposal. The elimination of disposable cups, glasses, plates, and cutlery further minimises unnecessary waste. An automatic system turns off lighting and electrical appliances when guests leave their rooms, and heating and air-conditioning also switch off automatically when windows are open, preventing energy wastage. As part of its sustainable dining initiatives, the hotel offers a vegetarian alternative menu in its restaurant. Lastly, the provision of electric car charging stations and regular energy audits carried out every five years, mark Kriti Beach Hotel's commendable approach towards a more sustainable future in the hospitality industry.

Koutsounari Traditional Cottages is an establishment that takes its responsibility to the environment seriously, implementing a comprehensive environmental management policy throughout the property. The management encourages all guests to be mindful of their energy usage during their stay. Before departing from their cottages, guests are requested to confirm all lights have been turned off, encompassing areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, and veranda, and this includes reading lamps and main room lights. Moreover, guests are prompted to power down air conditioning units and disconnect any device chargers or similar items to prevent wasteful energy use. Even standby devices like TVs are requested to be fully switched off, reflecting the hotel's dedication to energy conservation.

Furthering their commitment to eco-friendly practices, Koutsounari Traditional Cottages also promotes water conservation and reduction in detergent use. They have a simple system in place for towel usage – a towel on the rack signifies the guest's intention to reuse it, while a towel on the bed indicates a request for a fresh one. This initiative not only reduces water usage, but it also lessens the amount of detergent that enters our water systems, striking a blow against pollution. In these ways, Koutsounari Traditional Cottages seeks to enhance guest experiences while preserving the planet for future generations. The establishment successfully exemplifies how sustainable practices can seamlessly blend with hospitality, contributing to a healthier and more sustainable world.