Sustainable Hospitality: An Interview with the Kokotos Family
In the breathtaking landscapes of Elounda, the Kokotos family has established a remarkable legacy through their portfolio of luxury hotel properties. Embracing the ethos of sustainable hospitality, their commitment to environmental and local community engagement stands as a prime example in the tourism industry. In our exclusive interview, we delve into the core of their vision, exploring the intricate strategies and innovative practices for a sustainable future. From pioneering net zero carbon initiatives to championing zero waste policies, the Kokotos family is reshaping the narrative of luxury travel. Join us as we uncover the layers of their ambitious journey towards a greener, more responsible form of hospitality.
Q: As the owners of a portfolio of luxury hotel properties in Elounda, what are your priorities when it comes to environmental and sustainable policies?
Currently, our two main priorities are to go net zero carbon and zero waste, after having tackled energy efficiency and water efficiency over the previous decades. These two goals encompass a wide array of investments, practices, outreach and training schemes.
Q: How do you use your role as an important stakeholder to support and promote local sustainability initiatives?
Elounda Collection hotels are considered a frontrunner in sustainability by the local community and authorities, having for decades, both proved our commitments through continuous investment, as well as having trained hundreds of local staff members in sustainability practices. We make sure that we publicize these actions in local media and social media, so as to sway public opinion towards a more sustainable tourism future. We’re fully engaged with local authorities to both ensure that they do their part in enforcing environmental legislation, both vis-a-vis the tourism industry as well as local communities.
Q: Can you share details about any key infrastructure or facilities which you have in place in any of your properties which support your commitment to sustainable practices?
Regarding water efficiency, we were the first hotel in the region to become completely autonomous from the municipal supply, through seawater desalination, which also happens to cost less and be of superior quality.
Regarding energy efficiency, we have installed both renewable thermal and renewable electrical production on our rooftops, as well as efficient seawater-coolant air-conditioning and electronic energy management systems, while also extensively applying passive measures like external-envelope thermal insulation.
Q: Are there other policies across your hotels which you have introduced to minimise your environmental footprint?
As mentioned earlier, we have an extensive sustainable roadmap for net zero carbon and zero waste. for example, in our Waste Management policy, we are now separating 25 different solid and liquid waste streams, by far the most than any other hotel company, working with a variety of specialist partners to sort, transport, handle, and forward to appropriate factories.
Q: Do you engage your guests with any of your sustainable policies or procedures and how important do you consider their engagement to be in the overall success of these initiatives?
The most challenging aspect of sustainability so far has been to engage our guests in our activities, for example, by enticing them to separate their solid waste into the various recycling streams that we have set up in collaboration with third-party partners. We are continuously upgrading our Recycling points, with various different types of containers, and also directions as to how separation should be implemented. our guests come from a variety of cultures and countries, each of which has its own recycling scheme, and it becomes essentially a question of training the guests in a zero waste mentality.
Q: Are there any future plans to further enhance the sustainable credentials of your hotels, and if so, can you share your vision and any further details?
Having completed our order and energy surveys, and set out our strategy for the future, it is now a race against time to achieve these lofty goals. We are currently working on certification schemes for all these practices. Eventually, the goal should not only be achieving a sustainable practice within the confines of our business, but inspiring the whole industry to follow in our footsteps.
Q: How important is your environmental and sustainability story for your clients when they are choosing to stay at your properties and have you seen any changes in this over the course of the last few years?
We had wrongly assumed over many years that our guests are not really interested in sustainability, and that their priority is just to relax and have a good time. Having had the opportunity to discuss this with many of our guests, and to explain our strategy, our policies, and our practices, we have come to realize that the guests are very willing to both participate as well as advertise these initiatives. So this is now the next milestone, to engage the guests with sustainability as soon as they inquire about a reservation and throughout their stay with us.
For those seeking to experience this unique blend of luxury and sustainability, the path is clear. Book your next summer holiday through Powder Byrne, and let us ensure your journey to Elounda is seamlessly arranged, contributing to a positive impact on the environment and local communities. Let your travel choices reflect your commitment to a greener future. Visit our website today and plan your stay at Elounda.
