We believe in making a positive impact on our planet, and we’re committed to sustainable practices. We align our environmental goals with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, focusing on Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG 7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Climate Action (SDG 13). We believe in doing our part to preserve our environment for future generations.
Implementing and Improving
To achieve our environmental goals, we implement and continuously improve our environmental management system, adhering to the strict requirements of ISO 14001:2015 and Green Key Criteria. This ensures we operate in an environmentally responsible manner. We embrace the Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle approach in every aspect of our hotel operations. This means reducing waste generation, reusing materials, and recycling as much as possible.
Reducing Waste
We actively decrease waste by cutting down on unnecessary consumption, reducing packaging waste through bulk purchases, and encouraging our suppliers to minimize or reuse packaging. We also repurpose old fabrics and linens for cleaning tasks and prioritize products made from recycled materials such as recycled paper or toilet rolls.
Educating and Training
We are passionate about promoting environmental awareness throughout our hotel. We provide regular environmental education and training to our staff, empowering them to make sustainable choices in their daily tasks. We train them to operate equipment efficiently, minimizing energy consumption and maximizing resource utilization.
Conserving Energy and Water
We implement practical measures to conserve energy and water. We have placed signs and stickers as gentle reminders to associates to be mindful of their resource usage. We meticulously track daily energy consumption, comparing it to established benchmarks, and prioritize LED lighting throughout the hotel, replacing existing fixtures and opting for LED lamps in all new installations. We are dedicated to transitioning to 100% LED lighting, carefully selecting the lowest wattage options suitable for our needs.
Utilizing Smart Technology
We leverage smart technology to optimize energy and water consumption. We use light sensors to automatically switch off lights when rooms are unoccupied and control exterior lights and signs with timers and sensors. We’ve replaced decorative outdoor lighting with solar-powered alternatives, retaining electric lighting only for emergency purposes and health and safety measures. We also ensure that kitchen equipment, TVs, computers, and other devices are turned off when not in use.
Investing in Energy Efficiency
We invest in the latest energy-efficient technologies. We replace older equipment with the most energy-efficient models available, establishing a continuous plan to consistently pursue this approach. We also power down vacant or out-of-order guestrooms, conference rooms, and banquet rooms when they are expected to remain unoccupied for four days or more.
Maintaining Equipment
We prioritize regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and minimize resource consumption. We routinely clean and defrost fridges and freezers and inspect refrigerator and freezer door seals every six months. The building management system (BMS) helps us maintain standard cooling and heating temperatures, ensuring comfort while minimizing energy usage.
Promoting Sustainable Transportation
We encourage our guests and staff to embrace environmentally friendly transportation options. We provide safe bicycle parking, electric car charging stations, public transportation tickets, and a free shuttle bus to employee housing.
Water Conservation
We take water conservation seriously. We’ve installed aerators and flow restrictors in guest rooms and public bathrooms to reduce water flow. We diligently monitor and address any water leaks to prevent unnecessary waste. We are proud to use 100% treated municipal wastewater for irrigation purposes, minimizing our reliance on freshwater sources.
Efficient Irrigation
To ensure efficient watering of our landscaping, we utilize a centralized computerized drip irrigation system with underground water pipes and connectors. This system minimizes evaporation and delivers water directly to plant roots, maximizing water utilization.
Bed and Towel Practices
We encourage our guests to participate in environmentally friendly bed and towel practices. We provide a linen change card in every guestroom. Guests who wish to keep their linen fresh can place the card on the bed, while towels left on the floor signal a request for replacement.
Minimizing Single-Use Plastics
We are actively reducing our reliance on single-use plastics, opting for eco-friendly alternatives whenever possible. We follow the “4-Rs” principle: Reduce, Reuse, Replace, and Recycle. We eliminate unnecessary single-use items, provide reusable alternatives (e.g., reusable plastic glasses), source sustainably, and ensure proper waste disposal.
Waste Management and Minimization
We are dedicated to responsible waste management. We identify different types of hotel waste, measure quantities, and set targets to minimize our environmental footprint by decreasing, recycling, and/or reusing waste. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of hazardous substances by minimizing their use, storing them safely, and ensuring proper usage and disposal practices. We are cautious in using disinfecting substances, opting for less harmful options and using them only when absolutely necessary.
Landscaping Practices
We embrace eco-friendly practices in our landscaping. We use blend-based fertilizers from green waste, contributing to healthy plants. All pesticides and fertilizers are in line with National and European Union legislation and good practices. We prioritize supporting local biodiversity by maximizing the hotel’s green spaces, planting flowers with pollen and nectar, and choosing native and self-growing plants like pines, cypress, olive trees, and palms. We actively eradicate invasive species that threaten local biodiversity.
Sustainable Procurement
We prioritize sustainable procurement practices. We select suppliers and products that align with responsible sourcing, focusing on recyclable, sustainably produced/sourced, fair trade, organic, FSC, MSC, less packaged, energy-efficient, water-saving, and environmentally friendly options.
Animal Welfare
We are committed to respecting animal welfare through the “Five Freedoms” endorsed by the World Organization for Animal Health, which includes: 1) freedom from thirst, hunger, and malnutrition; 2) freedom from discomfort; 3) freedom from pain, injury, and disease; 4) freedom to express normal behavior; and 5) freedom from fear and distress. We refrain from selling wildlife species or articles made from wildlife materials, including food using protected animals. We do not use domesticated or wild animals in our in-house entertainment and avoid using animals for staged photos.
Wildlife Protection
We abstain from exhibiting wildlife species or supporting unacceptable conditions in zoos, aquariums, circuses, or paid animal photography. We believe in protecting and respecting all living creatures.
We are continuously striving to improve our environmental performance, working towards a more sustainable future. Our commitment to sustainability is a journey, and we welcome feedback and suggestions as we continue to improve our practices and make a positive impact on our planet. We believe that by working together, we can create a more sustainable and responsible future for all.
