Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in the World

ELaiolithos Luxury Retreat in Naxos island, Greece, elegantly encapsulates the essence of an eco-friendly luxury resort. As a green hotel, the cornerstone of its operations is sustainable practices and conservation. With a firm belief in low-impact travel, ELaiolithos prioritizes ecological principles, encouraging a deeper connection to the culture and landscape of the island, while ensuring that luxury remains integral to the guest experience. It has taken significant strides in recycling waste and resource conservation, giving guests a chance to immerse themselves in an eco-conscious environment without sacrificing the comforts and amenities of a luxury vacation.

Located in the heart of Naxos, ELaiolithos is surrounded by an array of ancient olive trees, a mere five-minute drive from the historic Halki village, and a 20-minute trip from Naxos town. The resort offers an exceptional blend of ethical living, ecology, and excellent room service. Built with utmost respect for the surrounding natural environment, the resort focuses on caring for nature and the environment, enhancing guest experience through this lens of sustainability. The resort is a sanctuary where style, luxury, and Naxian tradition converge, creating an authentic environment. It's a space where guests can relax on a vast terrace, admire the breathtaking landscape with a glass of local wine, and immerse themselves in the Naxian tradition of Dionysian hedonism.

In an era characterized by growing concern for the environment and dwindling natural resources, ELaiolithos leads by example, exhibiting an eco-conscious mindset that extends from its sustainable practices and green policies to its luxurious accommodations. Its commitment to reduce environmental impact is evident not just in its backstage operations, but also in its guest rooms and experiences, making it a truly green luxury retreat.

Hotel Orca Praia, a leading property in the eco-friendly hotel industry, is deeply committed to sustainable practices, adopting numerous renewable energy systems. A significant solar system provides a vast capacity of 9,000 liters for sanitary water heating. This is supplemented by a biomass boiler, certified by TUV, that efficiently recycles paper, card, wood, and other bio-substances to generate heat for sanitary water. Adding to the environmental friendliness, the swimming pool is maintained through electrolysis of salt, eliminating harmful chemicals and preventing allergies. Hotel Orca Praia has made significant strides in decarbonization by curtailing the usage of petroleum-based products and making a shift towards Green Energy. Moreover, the hotel fosters self-reliance by harnessing energy from photovoltaic panels.

The hotel prides itself on a comprehensive management system that boasts the quality and environment accreditations of ISO 9001 and ISO 14001. Additionally, a HACCP system is in place, reinforcing the hotel's commitment to safety and quality standards. It's applied to various services provided by the hotel, including accommodation, food and beverage, leisure activities, and courtesy transport to Funchal's city center. Pro-active measures, such as promoting recycling and electric vehicle use among guests, are continually implemented, with a keen focus on reducing environmental impacts and carbon footprint. The Green Key certification, among others, stands as a testament to their dedication to constant improvement. Hotel Orca Praia also gives food safety and hygiene paramount importance, ensuring quick and efficient response to any needs or issues. This commitment to continuous betterment and stakeholder satisfaction places Hotel Orca Praia at the forefront of eco-friendly hospitality.

At the WalhallaHotel Regensburg Hoeferer, sustainability is not just an afterthought, but an integral part of their operations. The hotel is proud to be certified to GSTC-Recognized Standards and carries the Ecolabel or Eco Flower (EU) and PEFC certifications. It demonstrates a solid commitment to green practices, boasting a variety of eco-friendly services and facilities. Utilizing solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass energy, the hotel powerfully integrates renewable resources to energize its premises. The building's architectural design is crafted to maximize the benefits of airflow and natural sunlight, reducing reliance on air-conditioning, artificial lighting, and heating. Notably, the facility features triple-glazed windows, providing superb insulation to regulate both heat and cold.

Besides energy conservation, the hotel implements a range of sustainable practices. Rainwater is diligently harvested and reused, and the use of non-toxic cleaning agents ensures an environment that is both safe and healthy. Committed to serving fresh, organic food at the restaurant, a considerable portion is procured from local suppliers, simultaneously bolstering local economies and reducing transportation-induced carbon emissions. LED lighting is used throughout the premises, reducing energy consumption further. A dedicated environmental manager oversees these practices, and all employees receive training to follow environmental policies. For guests keen on reducing their carbon footprint, the hotel offers bicycles for local exploration and electric car charging stations. Waste management at the hotel is also carefully considered, with waste separated into at least three categories, organic waste composted, and a policy in place to avoid disposable cups, glasses, plates, and cutlery. These initiatives, coupled with the provision of eco-labeled or non-chlorine bleached toilet paper, and toilets that flush up to 6 litres per flush, demonstrate the hotel's comprehensive approach to sustainability. The establishment further strengthens its green credentials by being a zero-energy building, with an automatic system that turns off the light and electrical appliances when guests leave their room. To ensure ongoing efficiency, an energy audit is carried out at least once every five years.

Boutique Hotel Shambala Zeitlos, certified by ISO 21401, ISO 14024, ISO 14001, and EMAS, stands as a model of sustainability in the hospitality industry. The establishment carries an extensive list of eco-friendly practices and services that have been recognized internationally. The building itself is a testament to green construction, designed with sustainable materials and a green roof. The design also maximizes natural light and airflow, thus reducing reliance on artificial lighting, heating, and air-conditioning. Complementing these measures, triple-glazed windows provide excellent insulation, minimizing heat loss and gain.

Aside from structural advantages, Shambala Zeitlos employs various practices to foster an eco-friendly environment. Rainwater collection systems and wastewater reuse after treatment contribute to water conservation, while non-toxic cleaning products maintain a safe and healthy environment. LED lighting, known for its energy efficiency, is utilized across the property, contributing to decreased energy use. Moreover, an intelligent system automatically shuts down lighting and electric devices when guests vacate their rooms, enhancing the energy-saving measures. The hotel's restaurant excels in serving organic meals, many of which are prepared from ingredients procured locally. As part of its commitment to a zero-waste approach, the hotel implements a robust waste management system that segregates waste into three or more categories. Additionally, composting is used for organic waste, further minimizing landfill contributions. Finally, an environmental manager oversees these initiatives, ensuring that employees are well-trained in implementing and maintaining the hotel's environmental policies.

Set against a stunning seascape and tucked within a traditional olive grove, AVATON demonstrates a commendable commitment to eco-friendly practices. The hotel's credibility as an eco-conscious establishment is underscored by a broad range of sustainability certifications, including LEED Platinum and Green Key Global. Among the energy conservation measures it practices, the utilization of solar radiation as a renewable energy source is noteworthy.

An environmental ethos permeates every aspect of AVATON, from construction to operation. The property was built using sustainable materials and designed to maximize natural airflow and lighting, reducing the need for artificial air conditioning and lighting. Environmental measures such as triple glazing on windows for optimal insulation, and a commitment to various green initiatives including reforestation and wildlife protection, further highlight its dedication to sustainability. The hotel implements rainwater harvesting and uses non-toxic cleaning products. Emphasizing organic and locally-sourced produce, the restaurant also provides an alternative vegetarian menu. Noteworthy practices include LED lighting, wastewater treatment and reuse, the provision of electric vehicle charging stations, and a commitment to a zero-waste policy. It is heartening to note that AVATON has appointed an environmental manager and trains its staff to adhere strictly to environmental policies. Moreover, it has systems in place for guests to minimize their energy usage, such as key cards that switch off lights and appliances when they leave the room, and automatic systems for air conditioning and heating to turn off when windows are open.