Implementing sustainable practices in greek eco-friendly hotels

Abstract

Eco-friendly hotel managers institute programs that save energy and reduce solid waste while saving money. The present study illustrates that the Greek eco-friendly hotels have many benefits by implementing sustainable methods of operation. The benefits include a satisfactory decrease in the level of operating costs and a significant increase in the volume of reservations (up to 30%), as well as in the satisfaction rate of the guests. Moreover, green initiatives ameliorate the environment and society, as well. The study also identified various effective sustainable practices that can be considered to be a best practice model to encourage and assist more hoteliers to implement green initiatives in their lodgings. The model highlights the following best practices: the creation of a dedicated green team and affiliation with green associations; the optimum use of possibilities for financial support; the application of a green certification program; training and motivation of employees; the integration of the eco-label in the hotel marketing; the establishment of feasible and measurable targets for energy consumption and waste creation; the use of renewable energy resources; recycling; the electricity and water saving; and, finally, the offering of healthy, fresh and local food. Keywords: eco-friendly, green, sustainable, tourism, hotel.