Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Crete

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.

Creta Maris Resort is ISO 14001 and Green Key certified, actively supporting UN Sustainable Development Goals. It implements comprehensive water and energy management, including photovoltaic systems, solar collectors, and 99% LED lighting. The resort participates in a 'Food for Feed' project, converting food waste into animal feed, and practices organic farming.

Daios Cove is an eco-conscious luxury resort with a philosophy centered on protecting local flora and fauna. It utilizes solar panels for a significant portion of hot water production and employs ultra-energy efficient LED lighting. The resort also has a desalination plant and uses energy-saving insulation materials.

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.

This resort is recognized for its forward-thinking sustainability, holding a Blue Flag for its beach and Travelife certification. Its environmental strategy emphasizes rational energy management, responsible water use, and reduction of waste. The hotel also focuses on the protection of biodiversity, coastal ecosystems, and the marine environment, incorporating eco-conscious landscaping and natural materials in its facilities.

3 Pines Design Living is an embodiment of ecological consciousness and innovative design, seamlessly integrating sustainable practices into its operations. The facility's green facades provide more than just a visual appeal – they contribute to the urban microclimate, offering thermal benefits and a cooling effect. Such thoughtfully designed features demonstrate the property's commitment to maintaining a minimal ecological footprint while providing a luxurious yet responsible stay.

This apart-hotel's commitment to sustainability is further reflected in its integrated eco-friendly practices. Solar panels, strategically installed on the roof, generate power for numerous services such as hot water, elevator operations, and lighting for communal areas. Smart-home applications and control systems are employed for efficient energy management, significantly reducing the facility's carbon footprint. The property's interiors boast eco-friendly materials, utilizing natural wood like oak and walnut for custom-made furniture, floors, doors, kitchen cabinets, and wardrobes. Even the furnishings echo the commitment to sustainability, featuring recycled materials such as the A.I. chair by Philippe Starck. In essence, 3 Pines Design Living truly lives up to its name, showcasing design-centric living that also prioritizes the environment.

Situated on the alluring shores of Rethymno, Nautilux by Mage Hotels embodies the perfect blend of sustainability and luxury. A strong advocate of environmental respect, Nautilux is rooted in the belief that even the smallest efforts can lead to significant environmental benefits. This belief has shaped an ethos that guides the training of the hotel staff, turning them into valuable contributors to their community's wellbeing. The hotel itself is built to Energy Class A specifications, highlighting its dedication to minimizing energy consumption. Equipped with Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) heating pumps, the hotel ensures efficient temperature management with minimal energy usage.

Continuing its green practices, Nautilux utilizes LED technology for lighting across the premises. The LED bulbs utilized in the hotel are recognized for their durability and energy-saving capabilities, and can be completely recycled, thus conforming to the hotel's environmental objectives. To enhance energy efficiency even more, the hotel capitalizes on the region's plentiful solar energy via the implementation of photovoltaic systems, consequently lessening reliance on exhaustible resources. An automatic sprinkler irrigation system nurtures the hotel's lush flora, demonstrating sustainability in the most basic aspects of hotel maintenance. Recycling forms a core policy, implemented throughout the hotel's operations. Furthermore, Nautilux pays homage to its locale by sourcing food supplies from local, seasonal produce, supporting community businesses while providing fresh, delicious fare to its guests. All these practices underline Nautilux's commitment to environmental stewardship while offering a remarkable stay experience.

Minoa Apartments epitomizes a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable practices. The resort's "Green Program" is designed to create memorable experiences for guests while minimizing its ecological footprint. The eco-initiatives at Minoa Apartments are comprehensive and encompass energy conservation, water preservation, waste reduction, and community engagement. Advanced energy-saving technologies are employed, such as LED lights and energy-efficient air conditioning that ceases functioning when doors are left open. In addition, power is supplied only to essential electrical devices in the guest rooms to further mitigate energy consumption.

Water conservation is a focal point at Minoa Apartments, with innovative initiatives like recycling water for plant irrigation and vigilant monitoring of water flow in facilities. Moreover, a significant effort is made towards reducing waste, with recycling playing a crucial role. Guests are encouraged to recycle various materials at convenient stations throughout the resort, and tap water is regularly filtered to reduce reliance on plastic bottles. Supporting local businesses forms part of their sustainability chain, with a strong preference for local products and services. Furthermore, Minoa Apartments actively contributes to the local community of Heraklion, boosting employment and making regular donations to beneficial organizations. Guests are encouraged to join the eco-effort, promoting responsible behaviors such as efficient water usage, recycling, energy conservation, and mindful towel usage.