Hotels Taking Steps Towards Sustainability in Chania

The Summer Lodge, a holder of the TripAdvisor GreenLeaders and HRS Green Stay certifications, is a beacon of eco-friendly practices in the hospitality industry. The structure of the resort is purposefully designed to maximize airflow and natural light, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning, lighting, and heating. Moreover, the establishment has a written environmental policy statement, affirming their commitment to eco-friendly initiatives such as reforestation and wildlife conservation.

Committed to sustainability, Summer Lodge provides bicycles for guests to enjoy, uses non-toxic cleaning products, and features LED lighting throughout its premises. They are notable for their use of a green roof and building materials sourced from sustainable resources. The lodge collects rainwater and reuses treated wastewater, ensuring efficient water management. With separate waste bins for recycling in each guest room, composting of organic waste, and at least three categories of waste separation, the lodge's commitment to reducing waste is commendable. Furthermore, they opt for toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or awarded an eco-label and offer locally produced meals, showcasing their commitment to both local sourcing and eco-friendliness.

The sun-drenched and eco-conscious Ilianthos Village is a beacon of sustainable tourism recognized by Green Leaders, introduced by TripAdvisor. Harnessing solar radiation for its energy needs, the hotel is equipped with a structure that maximizes natural light and air flow, reducing the need for artificial lighting, heating and air-conditioning. Every element, from the triple-glazed windows that help regulate temperature, to the sustainable building materials, reflects an earnest commitment to environmental preservation. Active in eco-friendly initiatives such as reforestation and wildlife conservation, the hotel also has an environmental manager at the helm to ensure eco-policies are upheld diligently by all employees.

Inside, every room in the Ilianthos Village demonstrates a thoughtful approach to sustainable living. Signs encourage guests to participate in water conservation by changing towels only upon request. Non-toxic cleaning products, chlorine-free toilet paper and an absence of single-use cups, glasses, plates and cutlery further underscore the hotel's environmental commitment. Further to this, an automatic system ensures that electrical appliances and lights are turned off when guests leave their room, thus preventing energy waste. And when it comes to dining, most ingredients used in meals are locally produced, celebrating the richness of the region while reducing carbon emissions associated with food transportation. Regular energy audits ensure the continued efficiency of all these operations, making a stay at the Ilianthos Village an environmentally responsible choice for the discerning traveller.

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.

Georgioupolis Resort & Aqua Park embraces sustainable tourism, reducing its environmental footprint while enhancing the advancement of the local community. The resort is committed to sustainable actions including implementing an organic waste-water treatment process, using bleach-free cleaning products, applying energy consumption control procedures, and utilizing solar energy. Additionally, a recycling policy is firmly in place and initiatives such as the Clean Ocean Project are supported. Furthermore, the resort emphasizes its commitment to the local community through supporting a healthy lifestyle, purchasing locally produced goods, providing stable employment opportunities for local staff, and sharing economic benefits with the community.

Guests at Georgioupolis Resort & Aqua Park are encouraged to contribute to these sustainability efforts in their day-to-day actions. Recommendations include buying locally produced goods and handicrafts, choosing quick showers over baths, reusing towels, turning off heating or A/C and lights when leaving the room, minimizing plastic use, and using public transport, cycling or walking when possible. Each small action contributes to a significant overall impact, helping not only to preserve the environment but also to support the local community and economy. These steps towards sustainability and social responsibility create a win-win situation for both the resort and the Crete environment, as well as the local society.

Embodying the ethos of sustainable travel, Orpheas Resort Hotel (Adults Only) marries luxury with eco-consciousness in a seamless blend. A pioneer in sustainable accommodation, this resort harnesses solar radiation as a renewable energy source, helping reduce its carbon footprint. Sustainability goes beyond power generation, reaching into the very structure of the building. Constructed with materials from sustainable sources, the structure is designed to maximize natural light and minimize the need for artificial lighting and heating. The windows, too, play a vital role in this energy-efficient design, using triple-glazing to provide superior insulation against heat and cold.

Continuing its commitment to eco-friendly practices, the Orpheas Resort Hotel places significant emphasis on the thoughtful use of resources. Its lighting solution involves LEDs throughout the premises, another step towards efficient energy use. By using non-toxic cleaning products, the hotel significantly reduces its environmental impact, while not compromising on cleanliness and hygiene. To further optimize energy use, the hotel features an automatic system that switches off lights and appliances as guests leave their rooms. In addition, the air conditioning and heating systems are designed to automatically turn off when windows are detected to be open.

The resort also demonstrates a conscientious approach to water use, with toilets that use only up to 6 litres per flush and room signs indicating that towels are changed only upon request. Further, the hotel segregates waste into at least three categories and uses toilet paper made of non-chlorine bleached paper or carrying an eco-label. Finally, the hotel's restaurant prioritizes locally sourced ingredients, supporting local producers and reducing food miles. The eco-friendly initiatives extend to engagement in activities like reforestation and wildlife conservation.

Step into the eco-friendly haven that is Samonas Traditional Villas. Boasting a green roof and built using materials from sustainable resources, it embodies the epitome of environmental friendliness. Strategic architectural designs maximize natural air flow, reducing reliance on air-conditioning, and the use of triple-glazed windows works to keep the heat or cold at bay, contributing to the property's energy efficiency. A testament to the property's commitment to eco-friendly practices includes the use of non-toxic cleaning products throughout.

Illuminated by energy-efficient LED lighting, Samonas Traditional Villas continue to champion green initiatives by offering guests the use of bicycles for transportation, encouraging a carbon-free mode of transport. In the dining areas, meals are made primarily from locally sourced ingredients, reducing food miles and supporting local agriculture. The establishment also provides organic food options and a vegetarian menu, catering to diverse dietary preferences. A responsible approach to water and waste management is evident, with low-volume toilets and a comprehensive waste sorting system. There's a commitment to minimizing waste too, with a policy against disposable cutlery and cups, and signs informing guests that towels are changed only upon request. At Samonas Traditional Villas, luxury meets sustainability in the most seamless way.