The energy and climate crisis and the need for sustainable development has already begun to change the Greek physiognomy tourism. Large hotel units, as well as small tourist accommodation, are called upon to review their operating planning, reduce their environmental footprint and invest in smart technologies and energy upgrading practices.
Profit is not only the environment and energy efficiency. Reduction of operating expenses, infrastructure upgrading and attracting environmental consciousness are a new, sustainable economic model. A model that is not dependent solely on mass arrivals, but enhances the overall durability of the tourism industry, especially in times of crisis or energy turmoil.
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Building Environment Research Group have an active role in this conversion, as they carry out studies and analyzes that highlight how existing building infrastructures can be transformed into green, efficient and economical buildings.
As the NRC researcher explains, Dr. Vasilis Douros, a naturally structured environment, speaking to the Athens and Macedonian News Agency, the transition to a greener tourism is not only an obligation to the environment but also a financial opportunity. “Today, technology allows us to reduce energy consumption in a 72% hotel (below 120 kWh per square meter per year, according to the passive building standard, from the 430 which is the average now).
This is an impressive percentage that shows how much difference the targeted energy upgrade interventions can make, especially when they include improvement of the building shell, new heating/cooling, ventilation and “smart” energy management. With the nominal price of Kilovai at 0.10 euros, this means saving about 30 euros per square meter per year, which is a significant amount for large units. “
“As the latest data from scientific studies and technical agencies show, most of the carbon footprint in hotels comes from cooling and lighting, which means that the first interventions must focus there. In lighting, the solution is relatively simple and economical: replacing LED lamps, the use of motion and brightness sensors, as well as lighting planning, can produce immediate results. However, in cooling and heating – together with almost 50% of the annual energy consumption of a accommodation – more targeted and structural interventions are required. Strengthening the shell of the building, that is, proper thermal insulation and avoidance of thermal bridges, can dramatically reduce energy needs, ”says Douros.
Priority for the hotel industry the green transition
Environmental protection becomes a priority for Greek hotels, which invest in “green” solutions to reduce consumption of water and energy but also to remain competitive internationally, according to Konstantinos Marinakos Vice President of the POX (Pan -Hellenic Federation).
He notes that in 2024, total investment in the hotel industry exceeded € 1 billion, with almost 20% being directed to energy efficiency projects, such as photovoltaics, heat pumps and “smart” systems. However, only 32% of hotels systematically monitor water consumption and only 25% apply recycling. The climate crisis and limited natural resources, especially in the islands, make viability imperative. To achieve this transition more dynamically, there are European and national financial tools and other sources of funding.
According to the Hotel Chamber of Greece, an important step in this direction is a new hotel ranking system based on their environmental performance designed by the FIF (Hotel Chamber of Greece) in collaboration with the TEE (Technical Chamber of Greece) and the Ministry of Tourism.
The EKPA research team and the example of the student home
The National and Kapodistrian University of Athens is not limited to academic thinking but acts, experimented and offers solutions. An excellent example is the European project progetonewith a scientific manager for Professor Margarita Niki Asimakopoulou, who aims to radically renovate the home of the NCSR. “The fireplace, like many hotels, is a continuous operation building, with high needs in hot water, air conditioning, lighting and services. Its challenges are about the same as those of a hotel unit: high energy consumption, need for comfort and safety, and pressure to reduce the environmental footprint, “says D. Douros and explains:” With the completion of the renovation of the fireplace, energy consumption will be almost zero, Functionality, beauty and social inclusion. Through such initiatives, the NCSR provides not only education and research but leads the change, showing how existing residence spaces can become green, safe and human. “
“Upgrading our building stock is a challenge for us both in the field of research and the training of young scientists so that they can respond to one of the most important issues facing the planet, climate change,” Margarita Asimakopoulou said.
“The rational use of energy and the cultivation of environmental consciousness are two essential factors. Because, in particular, hotels are more frequently renovated and modernized while the newer units manufactured adopt good practices, according to the energy consumption regulation, such as the use of photovoltaics. However, tourism needs to be “trained” by the user himself – in this case the visitor – as he has to adjust his requirements to the carrying capacity of the destination, “said Msamakopoulou.
Climate change creates the need to adapt
Climate change is no longer a future prediction but a reality. For the tourist product of Greece, the challenge is particularly complex, as tourism depends directly on the climate, nature and quality of infrastructure.
“In many areas, rising temperatures and frequent heatwaves can make the summer times unpleasant, reducing the attractiveness of traditional destinations. However, in other areas, the extension of the warm era can expand the tourist season and create new opportunities, especially to mountain destinations.
However, in terms of the classic diploma “sun-sea”, the situation becomes even more critical, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40 ° C, marine ecosystems and beaches threatened by rising and sea temperature, and building infrastructures, Mr. Douros.
Many of these buildings are old hotels, mainly in the warmer areas of the country, with low energy efficiency (Categories C and Lower), without thermal insulation, and operate at high costs and a high environmental footprint, he notes.
The good news, as Mr Douros says, is that the change has already begun. According to the Ministry of Environment and Energy’s annual report, energy consumption in new or radically renovated temporary residence buildings has declined significantly. In the warmest areas, for example, almost 50%has fallen. In addition, solar energy already participates by 35% in the energy needs of these buildings, showing a clear tendency to adopt RES.
“This pace, however, must be accelerated. We have no room for postponements. EU goals to reduce emissions by 2030 and for climate neutrality by 2050 are scientifically documented. Every time of delay increases costs, reduces the durability of tourist areas and endangers the competitiveness of our country, he says, and adds: “In this direction, financial tools offered at regular intervals from the Tourism and Environment Ministries, the EU, etc. They aim both to expand the tourist season (especially in mountainous areas) and to reduce the energy footprint of accommodation. The challenge is great, but the solution is feasible, as long as we act now as the most famous slogan for climate action says. “