Greece Aims to Back Hotels Converting to Renewable Energy

Aiming to reduce carbon emissions generated in the tourism sector, Greece’s energy minister, Giorgos Stathakis, tabled this week a plan for public consultation which foresees government support of hotel enterprises converting to renewable energy sources (RES).

The emission-reduction measures are part of the ministry’s National Energy and Climate Plan and include drawing up a set of standards for the installation of energy-saving systems in tourist areas as well as the use of bioclimatic materials and techniques in new constructions.

The plan notes that the constantly increasing tourist flows to Greece, are creating significantly higher and diversified energy demands, particularly in view of an extended tourist season.

In view of Greece’s strong performance in tourism, the ministry said it is crucial to support the use of RES at hotels, tourist accommodation and F&B facilities through the development and installation of relevant systems and applications.

At the same time, the ministry goes on to underline the importance of raising awareness, and said that in this direction, it aims to run targeted information and awareness programs on ways both travelers to Greece, as well as Greek tourism and catering professionals can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

The plan, which also lays out the existing energy structure, policies pursued so far, the implementation of national energy and environmental objectives by 2030, as well as the proposed policies and measures to achieve this goal, is open for the public’s input through to December 3.

Indicatively, a recent study carried out by WWF Greece found that the residents of 15 Greek islands want to revert to renewable energy sources with 41 percent saying they think RES will have a positive impact on tourism.