Sustainability Eleonas country village.
sustainable hospitality practice.
Sustainability Eleonas country village.
Eleonas Country Village is situated in an idyllic setting that naturally lends itself to sustainable practices. Located in the village of Zaros, on the island of Crete, Greece, Eleonas Country Village is surrounded by lush olive groves, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear streams. This location is not only picturesque but also deeply rooted in the traditions and natural heritage of the area, which provides a strong foundation for sustainability.
How the Location Connects with Sustainability
Proximity to Nature:
Natural Surroundings: Being nestled in a valley surrounded by olive trees and near the Psiloritis Mountain range, Eleonas Country Village offers an environment where nature and sustainability go hand in hand. The natural surroundings encourage a lifestyle that is in harmony with the environment, minimizing the need for artificial interventions and promoting the use of natural resources.
Biodiversity: The area is rich in biodiversity, including endemic species of flora and fauna. The commitment to preserving this biodiversity is reflected in sustainable land use practices, such as organic farming and low-impact tourism.
Use of Local Resources:
Local Materials: The buildings of Eleonas Country Village are constructed using local, natural materials like stone and wood. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting materials but also helps the buildings blend seamlessly into the natural landscape.
Olive Oil Production: The village's location in a region famous for its olive groves allows for the production of high-quality, organic olive oil. This is used not only in the village’s kitchen but also marketed as a local product, supporting sustainable agriculture.
Cultural and Agricultural Heritage:
Sustainable Agriculture: The Eleonas country village embraces traditional farming practices that have been passed down through generations. These practices are inherently sustainable, focusing on crop rotation, organic farming, and minimal use of chemical inputs.
Promotion of Local Culture: Eleonas Country Village engages guests with the local culture, offering experiences such as cooking classes using locally sourced ingredients and tours of nearby farms. This connection to local culture supports sustainability by promoting the preservation of traditional knowledge and practices.
Renewable Energy
Solar Energy: The sunny climate of Crete is ideal for harnessing solar energy, which Eleonas Country Village utilizes to power parts of the property, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Sustainable Tourism:
Eco-friendly Activities: The location is ideal for eco-friendly activities such as hiking, bird watching, and nature walks. Guests are encouraged to explore the local environment in a way that leaves a minimal ecological footprint.
Sustainability at Elia restaurant .
At Elia restaurant sustainability is integrated into every aspect of our operations. We’re proud to be certified under ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 22000:2018, ensuring rigorous standards in food safety and quality management. These certifications demonstrate our commitment to high-quality and responsibly sourced ingredients, guaranteeing safe and enjoyable dining experiences for our guests.
Additionally, our breakfast buffet is certified as "Greek Breakfast," highlighting our use of local, Greek products. This not only supports local farmers and producers but also reduces our environmental footprint by minimizing transportation. By focusing on locally sourced ingredients, we bring guests closer to authentic Greek flavors while promoting sustainable agricultural practices in our community.
Together, these efforts reflect our dedication to responsible and sustainable hospitality, emphasizing food safety, quality, and local sourcing as key elements of our sustainability strategy.
Conclusion
The location of Eleonas Country Village in Zaros, Crete, is inherently linked to sustainability due to its natural environment, cultural heritage, and commitment to preserving these assets. The village leverages its setting to promote sustainable living, making it an exemplary model of how tourism can coexist with, and even enhance, the sustainability of a region.
Energy Efficiency at Eleonas Country Village
Eleonas Country Village is a model of sustainable hospitality, where energy efficiency is a key pillar of its operations. Through a combination of best practices and technologies, the hotel has significantly reduced its energy footprint, integrating sustainability into every aspect of its functioning.
1. Photovoltaic Systems for Electricity Generation
Eleonas Country Village extensively uses photovoltaic systems to generate electricity, covering approximately 99% of its energy needs during the day. By utilizing this renewable energy source, the hotel reduces its dependence on non-renewable sources, thereby lowering CO2 emissions and its overall environmental footprint.
2. Solar Systems for Water Heating
For heating water, Eleonas Country Village has installed solar thermal systems. The solar panels harness Crete’s abundant sunshine to provide hot water, meeting the hotel's needs such as guest showers and kitchen use. This practice reduces electricity consumption and the need for fossil fuels.
3. LED Lighting for Energy Saving
Throughout the hotel, from guest rooms to common areas, LED lighting is used. LED bulbs consume up to 85% less energy compared to traditional bulbs and have a much longer lifespan. This results in fewer replacements, further reducing electronic waste.
4. Recycling and Composting
Energy efficiency at Eleonas Country Village is complemented by a well-organized recycling and composting program. Materials such as paper, plastic, glass, and metal are recycled, reducing the need for new material production and saving energy that would otherwise be needed to produce them from raw materials. In addition, the hotel has adopted the use of recycled materials wherever possible, lowering the energy footprint of its construction and maintenance.
Special emphasis is also placed on composting, mainly from kitchen waste. Food scraps and other biodegradable materials are converted into compost, which is then used in the hotel’s gardens and agricultural areas, enhancing soil fertility in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. This practice helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills and closes the loop on sustainable resource management.
Conclusion
Eleonas Country Village has developed a comprehensive energy efficiency system that leverages renewable energy sources and energy-saving technologies. Through the use of photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, LED lighting, and recycling, the hotel significantly reduces its energy footprint and promotes sustainable resource management. This makes it a model for incorporating energy efficiency into a holistic sustainable hospitality practice.