Blog

As climate change continues to wreak havoc globally, conscientious individuals and organizations turn to environmental stewardship to minimize their detrimental ecological impact. The excessive use of single-use items like mini bars, bathroom amenities, and plastic water bottles in the hospitality industry is a major concern. Astir Odysseus Resort & Spa Kos has embraced sustainability and has gone above and beyond by implementing environmentally forward-thinking measures to align with best industry practices and emerging sustainability trends.

Some concrete actions implemented as early as 2022 and continued through last season and into the next include:

Environmental Conservation:

Energy efficiency: The resort aims to curtail electricity and heating/cooling consumption by integrating energy-efficient technologies and practices. For this goal, the hotel has:

• Replaced outdated incandescent and fluorescent lighting fixtures with modern, energy-efficient LED bulbs throughout the hotel premises, as well as installed sensors and timers to manage the lighting in shared spaces effectively.
• Implemented ongoing maintenance and servicing of the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to uphold their peak efficiency while ensuring that the temperature controls in guest rooms and shared areas are optimized to minimize unnecessary heating and cooling.
• Installed energy-efficient windows, adding curtains or blinds designed to diminish heat absorption during the summer months.
• Encouraged guests to conscientiously turn off lights, televisions, and appliances when not in use, thereby contributing to our collective efforts in conserving energy.
• Insulated the hot water pipes and tanks to reduce heat dissipation.
• Implemented intelligent systems that automatically adjust lighting and temperature based on room occupancy and the time of day.
• Furnished guests with relevant information and incentives to inspire energy-saving practices during their stay at the hotel.
• Educated staff members in energy conservation principles, fostering a culture of energy efficiency among the employees.

Water conservation: The hotel’s commitment to water conservation is demonstrated through water-saving fixtures, eco-friendly landscaping, and advanced wastewater treatment systems. Here are some concrete steps used to achieve this purpose:

• Encourage guests to reuse towels and linens to decrease the amount of water used for laundry.
• Utilize drip irrigation systems and smart controllers to water the landscaping effectively, adjusting schedules based on weather conditions.
• Opt for drought-resistant and native plants for landscaping to minimize the need for irrigation.
• Regularly examine and maintain plumbing systems to promptly detect and fix leaks.
• Establish a preventive maintenance program to ensure that plumbing fixtures and systems are in excellent condition.
• Train hotel staff to be mindful of water usage and involve them in water-saving initiatives.
• Incorporate water meters to monitor usage throughout the hotel and pinpoint areas of excessive consumption.
• Employ water monitoring and management software to track real-time water usage.
• Inform guests about the hotel’s water conservation efforts and motivate them to participate by reducing water usage during their stay.

Waste reduction: demonstrated through strategic measures like minimizing, recycling, and responsible disposal of waste materials.

• Perform routine waste audits to identify the kinds and quantities of waste produced within the hotel, laying the groundwork for recycling initiatives.
• Position recycling receptacles for paper, cardboard, glass, plastic, and metal in communal and staff areas, marking and color-coding them to facilitate participation.
• Educate hotel staff on properly segregating recyclables from non-recyclable waste, establishing a designated space for sorting and recycling before disposal.
• Introduce measures to reduce food waste to redirect organic waste away from landfills and consider donating surplus edible food to local charitable organizations.
• Ensure the proper disposal of outdated electronics and appliances through accredited e-waste recycling programs.
• Adhere to local regulations by safely storing, labelling, and disposing hazardous materials such as batteries, fluorescent bulbs, and cleaning products.
• Support the recycling industry by procuring items made from recycled materials, closing the recycling loop, and promoting sustainability.
• Inform guests about the hotel’s recycling program and encourage their participation while involving and inspiring employees to embrace a culture of sustainability.
• Opt for reusable or eco-friendly alternatives to minimize the consumption of single-use plastics and disposable items and explore innovative methods to repurpose hotel materials or furniture to reduce waste..

Green Building Design:

• Sustainable architecture: attained using eco-friendly building materials and designs in the construction or renovation of the hotel.
• Renewable energy: achieved by incorporating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, to ensure that the hotel operates in an environmentally friendly manner while offering guests a luxurious ambience that celebrates the marriage of the great outdoors and contemporary comfort.

The hotel boasts 337 rooms spread across 35 blocks, all enveloped by meticulously manicured gardens displaying the richness of Greek flora. Over 16,771 trees, bushes, herbs, and flowers intermingle with the exotic palm trees encircling the inviting swimming pools, creating a breathtaking natural oasis for both adventurers and Zen-seekers.

The resort has gone a few steps further, implementing community outreach programs, concisely, supporting local communities involves actively participating in community initiatives such as creating job opportunities, preserving cultural heritage, and championing philanthropy. Additionally, social responsibility encompasses advocating for fair labor practices, fostering diversity and inclusion, and prioritizing the well-being of employees.

The hotel generously donates furniture to the Greek Army stationed on the island, provides clothing and blankets to the local penitentiary institution, and contributes to charitable causes by purchasing wheelchairs for donation to the “Red Cross.”

Astir Odysseus Resort & Spa promotes local and Greek products, like the “Oil Bar”, offering Olive Oil Tasting Classes. Guests are invited to savor the rich flavours of the region through the promotion of local cuisine and culture, with themed nights organized weekly. The hotel champions Koan and Greek nutrition, offering a delectable “Greek Breakfast” buffet, an “Aegean” Corner during dinner, and a special “Greek Theme Night” once a week.

Greek and local traditional music and dancing are honored through thematic days featuring vibrant buffets. Guests are also invited to partake in a cultural experience through wine tasting during the Island Tour.

Moreover, the hotel actively engages in environmental initiatives, including beach cleaning activities in coordination with local authorities, encouraging guests to volunteer. The hotel has also symbolically “adopted” a garden at a local kindergarten and is open to welcoming school visits or Erasmus+ to instill environmental sensibility and guide children in understanding the property.

Finally, Astir Odysseus Resort & Spa facilitates the exploration of local villages and towns by promoting bus time schedules. Guests can find information to explore and support local businesses, restaurants, and activities through the hotel’s dedicated app, Exclusivi.