For the environment
Climate change is already impacting the hospitality sector.
Extreme weather conditions drive up business costs and reduce the number of visitors to certain destinations, while local and national environmental policies and sanctions are being introduced in cities and countries around the world. Working to create a better future for all, we are constantly working on reducing our environmental footprint and promoting, first and foremost by example, sustainable hospitality in Santorini.
WATER MANAGEMENT
In our ongoing commitment to preserving the invaluable resource of water, we have implemented a comprehensive array of water management actions. We consistently safeguard the precious resource of water following the below water management actions:
- Reverse osmosis and filtration units.
- Automated watering of hotel green areas at night so as to avoid the morning sun, which causes about 30% water loss due to evaporation.
- Implementation of drip irrigation systems.
- The mains for each tap were adjusted to improve water flow control.
- Implementation of the ‘Wash on Demand’ policy regarding the hotel cleaning service for towels and sheets, calling on guests to contribute to reducing water consumption, through special signs.
- Checking and maintenance of the quality of water, wherever it is used (certified according to ISO: 22000).
- Manual or robotic cleaning of swimming pools to avoid frequent replacement of fresh water.
- Training of personnel in water-saving techniques.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The installation of electric vehicle charging stations has commenced at Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas since 2021. The energy efficiency is achieved through:
- Installation of new energy recovery systems from air conditioning and ventilation of internal common areas, aiming at heating or cooling water for use.
- Using liquid propane (gas) in all kitchens and main laundry facilities.
- Gradual replacement of incandescent and economy light bulbs with LED light bulbs.
- A modern Building Energy Management System (BEMS), which controls the most important operating parameters in order to optimize operations and have better control over energy consumption
- Setting of air conditioners (FCUs) to a temperature that ensures maximum comfort and optimal energy consumption.
- Magnetic cards in all rooms, ensuring that all electrical appliances (except refrigerators) are turned off when guests leave their rooms.
- Installation of energy-efficient electrical equipment in all sectors, such as A+++ air-conditioning systems, refrigerators, computers, photocopiers.
- Established procedures for the maintenance and proper cleaning of all energy installations.
WASTE MANAGEMENT
Santo Collection is constantly working towards zero waste to landfill. To achieve this goal it has implemented several measures such as composting systems, recycling and planted rooftops. The Santo Pure Oia Suites & Villas has recently launched its new initiative called “sustainable hotel farming”.
Natural composting is an inexpensive and effective way of reducing organic kitchen waste (food leftovers, paper towels, etc.) and garden waste (clippings, grass, etc.) by 70-80%. Organic kitchen waste (other than oils) are transferred to our hotels’ gardens and, together with garden waste, are composted. The compost, due to its high quality, can be used for any type of cultivation.
The replacement of plastic straws and cups with paper products, the replacement of plastic bottles at the restaurant and bar with glass or paper bottles as well as the replacement of disposable bathroom amenities with refillable containers have been implemented to reduce the use of plastic in our properties.
The reduction of paper consumption by removing most printed information from our hotels’ areas as well as the use of environmentally friendly paper (FSC) for our printouts aim to reduce the use of paper. A recycling process is also applied for paper, glass and plastics.
SUSTAINABLE HOTEL FARMING
We follow the principles of the European Green Agreement, and we aim, through the EU “from farm to fork” strategy, to contribute in a positive way to the actions for the climate change and environmental degradation, as well as to a sustainable, healthy, and environmentally friendly food system. We are trying to connect sustainable food production with gastronomy, offering healthy food options (slow food) to our guests.
Our sustainable choices include the optimal management of natural resources – water, energy, food raw materials – the promotion of soil health as well as the management of organic waste through four different application fields: vegetable gardens, herbs, edible nuts, and grasses.
At Santo Collection, working towards contributing to sustainable hospitality in Santorini, we have implemented a 360º approach incorporating 4 pillars:
- We take care of soil health by using nutritional preparations, soil conditioners and protection products, fertilizers with organic matter, and earthworm compost as well as by utilizing composting.
- We reduce water use.
- We do not use synthetic pesticides or herbicides.
- We apply non-human intervention zones allowing nature to act. Thus, we encourage the development of biodiversity zones that contribute to creating a self-controlled ecosystem.
- An organic cultivation and horticultural process takes place in our gardens, while we have been in a process of accession the European regulation EU 2018/848 for our organic agriculture.